You know, there are quite a few places in Tokyo named after Mt. Fuji. Back in the day, catching a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the west of Tokyo was a common sight. You could see a range of mountains, and behind them, the conical peak sticking out. It was a sight that could make you feel a bit awestruck, almost divine. Nowadays, it’s rare to see Mt. Fuji from the ground in Tokyo.
When I get the itch to see it, I head to a secret spot. Still, there are some places in Tokyo where you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the streets, believe it or not.
A. Start Walking from Shinjuku Station
For this stroll to enjoy Mt. Fuji in Tokyo, the first destination is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The nearest station is Tochomae Station on the Oedo (Metro) Line, but this time, let’s kick things off from JR Shinjuku Station (marked as A on the map).
First, let’s head to a spot where we can see Mt. Fuji and check out the real deal. From the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, you can get a panoramic view of not only Mt. Fuji but also the Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku Gyoen, and more. However, catching a glimpse of Mt. Fuji depends on some good luck. It seems that seeing its majestic presence requires a clear winter sky and a day without clouds.
B. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
B-1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Once you get to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (marked as B on the map), let’s stroll around its vicinity. This building, completed in 1990, is the work of the late Kenzo Tange. Despite the sea of skyscrapers surrounding it, don’t you think the Metropolitan Government Building stands out? Thanks to the contributions of Kenzo Tange, Japan’s modern construction has received incredibly high acclaim for being elevated to a world-class level. The Metropolitan Government Building stands as one of his representative.
B-2. Can you see Mt. Fuji ?
By taking the elevator to the South Observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, you step into a space surrounded by windows, offering a 360-degree panoramic view. Naturally, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji through the windows facing west. Its distinctive cone shape makes it easy to spot.
C. Fuji-Zuka at Naruko Tenjinsha；You may receive blessings from Fuji-Zuka.
In the old days, the people of Tokyo felt a divine reverence for the dignified appearance of Mt. Fuji, and it was natural for them to clasp their hands in prayer towards Mt. Fuji. However, despite being able to see Mt. Fuji, the mountain was distant, and climbing it was not an easy feat. Therefore, around 300 years ago in the Edo period, as devotion to Mt. Fuji spread, people began creating mounds resembling Mt. Fuji (Fuji-Zuka) in accessible places. It was believed that climbing these Fuji-Zuka would bring the same blessings as ascending the actual Mt. Fuji. Consequently, you can find quite a number of these Fuji-Zuka in Tokyo. The Fuji-Zuka at Naruko Tenjinsha (marked as C on the map), made from Fuji lava, is one such example. It may offer the opportunity to climb, providing a similar spiritual experience as ascending Mt. Fuji.
C-1. Naruko Tenjinsha
Naruko Tenjinsha itself is also an intriguing place, so taking a leisurely stroll around the area is highly recommended. This shrine boasts a history of over 1100 years and, despite being completely surrounded by towering skyscrapers now, it remains a mysterious space with a pure and otherworldly atmosphere. Inside the precincts, you’ll find the Seven Lucky Gods enshrined, and it’s enjoyable to explore while searching for their statues.
Seven Lucky Gods: known as Shichifukujin in Japanese, are a group of deities from Japanese mythology and folklore. They are believed to bring various blessings, including good fortune, wealth, happiness, and longevity. The Seven Lucky Gods consist of Ebisu, Daikokuten, Benzaiten, Bishamonten, Hotei, Jurojin, and Fukurokuju.
C-2. Fuji-Zuka; Believed to have strong spiritual energy here
Heading towards the main hall and taking the left path, you’ll come across Fuji-Zuka. As mentioned above, it’s crafted using lava rocks from Mt. Fuji, giving it a charming and unique appearance. In recent years, this Fuji-Zuka has gained a reputation as a special place with spiritual energy, known as a Power Spot, and you can climb it throughout the year (as of December 2023). However, due to the surrounding skyscrapers, unfortunately, you can’t directly gaze at Mt. Fuji from here. Well, it can’t be helped, so facing west where Mt. Fuji is, clasp your hands and make a wish.
D. Millstone Object; Pay attention to the unique sculpture
Since you’ve come this far, let’s take a walk to a nearby temple with some unusual objects.
Along the way, there’s a spot with a unique sculpture, so it might be a good idea to take some photos (marked as D on the map). This area used to be known for its active buckwheat milling, and you could witness the picturesque sight of watermills. The building adorned with millingstone object has a history of being involved in the milling industry since those times. Even today, it is heard to belong to a company engaged in milling. It’s quite fitting to see sculptures shaped like the millingstone decorating the building, considering its milling heritage.
E. Hosen-ji Temple; Pile of Mortars
In this region, as mentioned previous section, milling buckwheat with watermills was a thriving industry in the past. However, with the progression of time and the introduction of machinery in milling, the millstones once used in watermills were left abandoned on the roadside. Upon seeing this, the head priest of Housen-ji Temple (marked as E on the map) felt that these millstones, which had contributed to people’s food, deserved careful memorialization. Consequently, he created a stone mortar mound at the temple and performed a memorial service.
This episode can be seen as a moral message about cherishing things, but it also highlights the strong influence of animistic elements on Japanese religion.
The nearest station on the way back is Nakano-Sakaue Station (marked as F on the map). It’s conveniently located on both the Tozai (Metro) Line and Oedo (Metro) Line, making it easy to travel to various places in Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Ikebukuro. After a somewhat long stroll, how about relaxing with a drink at a casual spot?
The best time to see Mt.Fuji from Tokyo is during New Year’s. With fewer cars on the road and economic activities slowing down, the air is clearer than usual. On a sunny day with few clouds, taking the JR Saikyo Line towards Saitama Prefecture in Tokyo is ideal. The elevated tracks provide a good chance to catch a clear view of Mt. Fuji on the left side. Saitama Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, has some interesting spots too, so I’ll introduce them later.
Catch ya later!