Hidden Fuji: Where to See Japan’s Sacred Peak in Peace

Mt. Fuji’s beauty is undeniable, yet when you’re elbowing through crowds and competing for camera angles, it’s easy to feel more like a tourist than a traveler. But it doesn’t have to be that way. While places like Lake Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station are popular for a reason, there are lesser-known spots that offer just as much (if not more) charm, without the rush. So if you’re looking to experience Fuji in peace, here are some off-the-beaten-path places that deserve your attention.

Nihondaira Plateau (Shizuoka)

A local favorite, the Nihondaira Plateau is a hilltop area that offers panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and the Izu Peninsula all in one glance. It’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season or on crisp winter mornings. The area also connects to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a peaceful and historical spot with a long staircase and deep forested paths. There’s even a ropeway that takes you from the shrine to the plateau. It’s not only fun but also offers some great aerial shots of the mountain!

Address: Nihondaira
Website: https://nihondairakankou.jp/

Murakami Tea Garden (Shizuoka)

This might just be one of the most underrated Fuji-viewing spots out there. At Murakami Tea Garden, you can sip freshly brewed green tea while staring at Mt. Fuji in the distance; it’s truly magical. The field is perched high enough that you get a wide, unobstructed view of Fuji, framed by vibrant rows of tea bushes.

What’s even better is the vibe. It’s peaceful, calm, and full of local hospitality. You can have an outdoor tea experience, learn about traditional Shizuoka tea-making, and relax in a way you just can’t at the tourist hotspots. Bring a camera, the symmetry of the tea rows with Mt. Fuji in the background is breathtaking.

Address: マルジョウむらかみ園
Website: https://www.murakamien.online/

Suruga Bay Area (Shizuoka)

Suruga Bay offers a different kind of Fuji view, one that comes with a side of ocean breeze. Whether you’re walking along the port, enjoying seafood in Yaizu, or taking a boat cruise, you’ll spot Mt. Fuji rising behind the waves.

This area is especially great if you want to combine sightseeing with food. Try local specialties like sakura shrimp or grilled eel, and stop by Mochimune fishing port for a laid-back atmosphere. This coastal area doesn’t get the same volume of tourists as Fuji Five Lakes, but the views, well, they are just as breathtaking.

It’s a slower, more local way to enjoy Japan’s most iconic mountain, one that blends ocean, mountains, and real community life in a way you rarely get in the more crowded spots.

Address: Suruga Bay
Website: https://www.visit-suruga.com/en/area/bay-area/3

Lake Tanuki (Fujinomiya, Shizuoka)

Compared to Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Tanuki is way less busy but just as scenic. It’s a small artificial lake popular with campers and early risers who want to catch Fuji reflected perfectly in the still water. Come in the spring or autumn for the best colors, or in late April and mid-August during the “Diamond Fuji,” when the sun rises directly behind the peak.

This is the kind of place you go to with snacks, a blanket, and no plans. Just sit, chill, and watch the clouds drift around the summit. It’s one of the best places for photographers, too.

Address: Lake Tanuki

Obuchi Sasaba Tea Fields

Similar to Murakami Tea Garden, Obuchi Sasaba is a dreamy, wide-open tea field with Fuji standing proud in the background. The lines of neatly planted green tea bushes draw your eye straight to the mountain, and it’s especially stunning in late spring when the fields are bright and lush.

There are no huge signs or big tours here; it’s mostly locals and the occasional in-the-know traveler with a camera. If you want the kind of photo that feels like it belongs in a travel magazine but without any other tourists in the frame, this is your spot.

Address: Obuchi Sasaba
Website: https://www.city.fuji.shizuoka.jp/1015059042/p001240.html

Your Peaceful Fuji Awaits

Mt. Fuji will always be popular, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow the crowds to enjoy it. These lesser-known spots in Shizuoka and Fujinomiya offer some of the most peaceful, photogenic, and culturally rich ways to experience Japan’s most iconic mountain. Whether you’re sipping tea, strolling along the bay, or just lying back by a quiet lake, there’s a Fuji view waiting for you, minus the crowds. So next time you’re planning a trip to see Mt. Fuji, skip the obvious and head to these hidden gems instead. Your camera (and your peace of mind) will thank you.

Featured Photo Credit: Allan Tee

Suruga truly is a hidden gem, and there are so many undiscovered places for you to explore. Our Tailored Travel team loves showing guests off-the-beaten-path locations that are beloved by locals, so let us craft you a trip to Japan you’ll never forget!