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Ultimate Chureito Pagoda Day Trip Guide for Travellers
If you’ve seen photos of Japan, you’ve probably come across the iconic Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background—it’s so stunning, it almost doesn’t look real.
When we spent 24 days in Japan during December, this place was at the top of my list. We hiked up to the pagoda for that postcard-perfect view on one of the days. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Getting there isn’t exactly a breeze. Most people do a day trip to Chureito Pagoda Day Trip: A Must-Visit Near Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Some spend a couple of nights in Fujigoko and hike to the Pagoda like we did.
Visiting this iconic Japanese landmark can definitely be a bit confusing, especially for first-timers—we went through it too!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in this blog post. I’ll share everything you need to know—how to get there, steps to climb, the best time to visit, tips to avoid crowds, and how to make the most of your trip!
Where is Chureito Pagoda located?
Chureito Pagoda sits on a hillside in Fujiyoshida City, part of the Fuji Five Lakes region. It’s also within Arakurayama Sengen Park, known for its 300 cherry trees that bloom spectacularly in spring.
Is it worth visiting?
Absolutely—Chureito Pagoda deserves all the hype! This five-storey red pagoda, nestled among trees with snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background, feels straight out of a painting.
If you’re like us and get sceptical about visiting overhyped places, don’t overthink this one. Yes, it’s social media-famous, and tourists love getting that perfect shot here.
But because the area is open and spacious, the crowd spreads out nicely. In the off-season, we only waited about 10 minutes for my photo with the pagoda.
Climb just 50 more steps into the forest, sit quietly away from tourists, and keep watching Fuji with the pagoda below.
It’s not just about getting the perfect picture—it’s the kind of place I look for when I want to zone out in nature.
Why was it built?
We initially thought Chureito Pagoda had religious importance, but it’s actually a war memorial built in the 1960s to honour lives lost in Japan’s world wars—probably one of the most stunning war memorials I’ve ever seen.
Experience & Activities
The main thing to do at Chureito Pagoda is to hike to the top for the best view.
Plus, you can spend some time wandering Fujiyoshida village as well—we loved just strolling through the village, with backyard farms connected to fresh water streams, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji.
You can also explore Arakurayama Sengen Park while you’re there.
Besides photography, there are scenic walks in Arakurayama Sengen Park, and you can visit the nearby shrines.
How much time do you need at Arakurayama Sengen Park?
You need total 3 hours. For the hike, plan for about two hours and spend at least an hour at the top. You could stay longer if you enjoy hiking or photography.
Timings & Fees
Opening hours
It’s open 24/7, so technically, you can visit Chureito Pagoda at night. But it’s not lit up, and climbing the steps in the dark can be tricky. So, it’s best not to plan a night visit.
Entrance fee for Chureito Pagoda
It’s free—when something’s free in Japan, make the most of it! Doing free activities is one of the best ways to save money in pricey Japan.
No ticket is needed for Chureito Pagoda, just bring your energy for the climb.
Best season to visit Chureito Pagoda
The beauty of Chureito Pagoda is that it’s a year-round spectacle, with each season offering a unique experience.
What to expect during winter?
We made a day trip to Chureito pagoda in December, the start of Japan’s winter. It was cold, but the clear winter skies gave us a perfect view of Mount Fuji.
The smaller crowds made the experience more peaceful. We had all the layers we needed, along with Japanese heat packs, so we were well-prepared for the cold.
You won’t see snow at the beginning of winter; it usually starts after January.
Best time of day to visit
No matter the season, the best time to visit Chureito Pagoda is early morning, just after sunrise and before 10 AM, or about an hour before sunset.
Between 10 AM and 4 PM, the sun can be harsh, making the climb a bit tougher and affecting photo quality with glare—even in winter.
We wouldn’t recommend visiting exactly at sunrise or sunset, as the pagoda faces Mount Fuji in a north-south direction, so you won’t catch the sun rising or setting behind Fuji.
And may be you get colourful sky as background at times.
While we didn’t encounter any bears, Arakurayama Sengen Park is known for bear sightings after dark, so avoid hiking when it’s dark to be safe!
For those wanting a preview of the weather and crowd, there’s a Chureito Pagoda live camera available online.
Best ways to reach the pagoda
Shimoyoshida Station is the closest station to Chureito Pagoda. Whether you’re coming from Tokyo, Hakone, or Kawaguchiko, you’ll need to catch a train or bus to Shimoyoshida.
From the station, it’s about a 20-minute uphill hike or a quick 5-minute taxi ride to the top.
We opted for the hike, and while it was a bit challenging, the views made it totally worth it.
The Japanese are pros with signboards and directions, ensuring tourists don’t get confused.
This is especially true on the hiking trail from Shimoyoshida Station to Chureito Pagoda. The signboards are in both English and Japanese, making it easy to follow.
Even before you reach the steps, the flat part of the trail has pictures of the pagoda along the pathway, with arrows pointing in the right direction. You really can’t miss it!
Taxis are also available but can be expensive.
Reaching Chureito Pagoda by Train
Using Fujikyu Railway is the best way to reach Chureito Pagoda by train. It is like a lifeline connecting much of the Fuji area, including Shimo Yoshida station, with the rest of Japan.
It covers about 26 km, with Mount Fuji in view almost the entire way. The line starts from Otsuki Station and runs all the way to Kawaguchiko Station.
Keep in mind, the JR Pass isn’t valid on this route.
Fujikyu trains run as early as 5:30 AM until 10 PM, with one every 30 minutes between Kawaguchiko and Otsuki.
The railway isn’t just about the amazing view of Fuji; the trains themselves are an experience.
They have themed trains, like the luxurious Fuji View Express—the most expensive option—and the colourful Thomas & Friends train, which we took.
It’s best to use the Japan Transit Planner app on your phone to check the best train options from Kawaguchiko to Shimoyoshida.
We relied on this app throughout my entire trip in Japan to figure out public transport, and it worked like a charm every time.
To use the app smoothly, make sure you have a good network with data. So, don’t forget to grab a local SIM card when you arrive in Japan—it’s definitely a lifesaver!
It’s best to use the Japan Transit Planner app on your phone to check the best train options from Kawaguchiko to Shimoyoshida.
How to Chureito Pagoda from Kawaguchiko
From Kawaguchiko Station, the best way to reach Shimoyoshida Station is by taking the Fujikyu Railway Line towards Otsuki.
No prior booking is needed for the Fujikyu Railway. Just head to the ticket kiosk at Kawaguchiko Station about 15 minutes before your train departure and grab a round-trip ticket—it’s cheaper that way.
When you buy a round-trip ticket, it’s valid for the same type of train both ways.
So, if you’re travelling to Chureito Pagoda on the Thomas Land train, your return ticket will also be for the same train, not the Fuji View Express or a local train.
The best part is that your ticket is valid for the whole day, allowing you to travel at your own pace.
Alternatively, you can hop on the Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus, which runs every 90 minutes, and get off at the Chureito Iriguchi bus stop. Both the station and bus stop are just a short walk from the shrine and pagoda.
Tokyo to Chureito Pagoda
Tokyo to Chureito Pagoda is a popular day trip. The entire journey takes under three hours.
Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Shimoyoshida.
Chureito Pagoda Day trip Tours
If you’re not staying in the Fuji Five Lakes area and want to make a quick trip from Tokyo, you can book a Chureito Pagoda tour, which usually includes nearby attractions like views of Mount Fuji, plus the Kawaguchiko lake areas.
However, we highly recommend spending at least one night in Fujigoko and dedicating two full days to the area for a much better experience.
After spending 2 days there, we can say that was just enough time to fully explore beautiful spots around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko.
The other three lakes are spread out, and you’ll need more time to cover them properly.
Route options from Hakone
From Hakone, take the train via Odawara or Gotemba and connect to the Fujikyu Line. It’s a bit of work, but the scenic ride makes up for it.
Can you drive up? Where to park nearby?
Yes, you can drive most of the way, but the main car park is at the base of Arakurayama Sengen Park. From there, you’ll need to either hike or take a taxi partway up.
Accessibility & Facilities
Is Chureito Pagoda wheelchair accessible?
Sadly, it’s not fully accessible. With 400 steps to the top, the climb is tough for those with mobility issues. However, the taxi option can make it easier for those who want to skip some of the hike.
But still, the last few metres where you must walk aren’t wheelchair accessible.
What facilities are available?
There are toilets and vending machines at the base, but not many options at the top. Make sure to grab drinks and snacks beforehand.
Throughout my Japan trip, I always had some wagashi in my daypack—those cute, traditional rice flour sweets. They were my go-to snack.
So carry something that is light to eat before you start the hike to Chureito Pagoda.
And let’s talk about vending machines—Japan really takes them to the next level.
Even at Shimoyoshida Station, there were two vending machines where we grabbed a hot coffee and tried some funky-flavoured drinks you won’t find anywhere else.
Nearby Amenities & Accommodation
Where to stay near Chureito Pagoda?
Fujiyoshida village has a few charming guesthouses and hostels that are perfect for travellers such as
If you’re like us and rely on public transportation to explore Fujigoko and visit Chureito Pagoda, staying in Kawaguchiko is your best bet.
Kawaguchiko is the most developed of the five, offering everything a first-timer to the Fujigoko area might need.
When I say “most developed,” Kawaguchiko is still a small town that turns quiet once the sun goes down. You’ll find good food joints in and around, yet it holds on to that rural Japan charm.
Where to eat around the pagoda?
Most of the restaurants near Chureito Pagoda are around Shimoyoshida Station. The standout is Fuji Sengenya, 500m from Shimoyoshida station – famous for its Udon noodles.
Despite being close to such a popular tourist spot, the prices are surprisingly affordable. My husband, a meat lover, enjoyed a chicken udon for just 500 yen.
As a vegetarian, I found the usual limited options, but after hiking Chureito Pagoda, a fresh orange juice and some hot, vegetarian-friendly udon hit the spot!
Found our Chureito Pagoda day trip guide useful for planning your visit? Let us know in the comments below.
