February 23rd is Mount Fuji Day, established by Shizuoka Prefecture to encourage learning about Mount Fuji and passing its legacy to future generations. Viewing Mount Fuji at any time is a special experience, allowing you to admire its beauty. However, witnessing Diamond Fuji is an exceptional event that many travelers hope to experience. This guide will help you discover the best spots and times to see this breathtaking phenomenon while in Japan.
If you’re interested in exploring more about activities in Japan at this time of season, please take a look at below.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: What is Diamond Fuji?
Diamond Fuji is a phenomenon where the sun sets or rises directly behind the peak of Mount Fuji, making it shine like a jewel. This breathtaking sight lasts only for a short moment, attracting many visitors who want to witness and photograph it.
Diamond Fuji at Night
Yamanakako, located northeast of Mount Fuji, offers several viewing spots along the lakeshore where Diamond Fuji can be seen from mid-October to late February.
Diamond Fuji in the Morning
To see Diamond Fuji at sunrise, you need to position yourself on the western side of Mount Fuji before dawn.
2: Where and When to See Diamond Fuji
Diamond Fuji cannot be seen from just anywhere. It can only be viewed from locations where Mount Fuji is visible to the east or west, and only under favorable weather conditions. This rare phenomenon occurs twice a year.
Although it is only a prediction, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has listed the following spots around Yamanakako where Diamond Fuji is expected to be visible from February 2025 onward.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
#Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Dai
Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Dai (山中湖明神山パノラマ台 ) is a popular viewpoint located along the prefectural road leading from Yamanakako to Mikuni Pass. On clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view extending as far as the Southern Alps.
Diamond Fuji Viewing Dates:
- February 22–23 (Sunset)
- October 18–19 (Sunset)
Further Details: View Website
Address: Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: Turn towards Oyama Town at the Hirano intersection and drive about 15 minutes along Prefectural Route 730 (Yamakita-Yamanakako Line).
*The site is in Japanese only, so please use your browser’s translation feature.
Source: Yamanakako tourist association
#Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park
Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park (旭日丘湖畔緑地公園) is a quiet lakeside park known for its beautiful scenery. With hundreds of Fuji cherry blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage, it is a popular spot for cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
Diamond Fuji Viewing Dates:
- February 23–24 (Sunset)
- October 18–19 (Sunset)
Further Details: View Website
Address: Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 506-296
- Access: About 4.8 km from Higashi-Fujigoko Road Yamanakako IC to 旭日丘湖畔緑地公園
*The site is in Japanese only, so please use your browser’s translation feature.
Source: Yamanakako tourist association
#Hirano Chibikko Hiroba
Hirano Chibikko Hiroba (平野チビッコ広場) offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji over Yamanakako, making it a popular spot for photography.
Diamond Fuji Viewing Dates:
- February 18–19 (Sunset)
- October 23–24 (Sunset)
- Address: Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 2432-3
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
#Yamanakako Koryu Plaza Kirara
Yamanakako Koryu Plaza Kirara (山中湖交流プラザきらら) offers a beautiful location with views of Mount Fuji and Yamanakako. It features a soccer field with artificial turf and playground equipment for children, making it a great spot for families to enjoy.
Diamond Fuji Viewing Dates:
- February 14–15 (Sunset)
- October 26–27 (Sunset)
- Further Details: View Website
- Address: Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 479-2
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
#Yamanakako Shinsui Park
Yamanakako Shinsui Park (山中湖親水公園) is an excellent viewpoint near Mount Fuji. In mid-November or early February, you can witness the rare “Double Diamond Fuji,” where the sun sets behind Mount Fuji, creating a reflection of the “reverse Fuji” on the lakeshore.
Diamond Fuji Viewing Dates:
- February 7–8 (Sunset)
- November 3–4 (Sunset)
- Further Details: View Website
- Address: Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 3222
- Access: 30 minutes by Gurlin bus from Fujiyoshida Station on the Fujikyu Railway, and just a short walk from Nagaiike Shinsui Park-mae bus stop
Source: Yamanakako tourist association
