Visiting the iconic Chureito Pagoda, with its famed views of Mount Fuji, has long been on my Japan bucket list. During a month-long trip to Japan, I finally saw it for myself during a trip to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Whilst a popular day trip from Tokyo, I highly recommend spending a few days exploring this incredible area if time allows.
In this guide, I’ll step you through all your options for how to get to the Chureito Pagoda from Tokyo, plus essential visitor tips and things to know when visiting this popular tourist attraction.
Where Is It?
Chureito Pagoda and the Arakura Sengen Shrine are located in the Arakurayama Sengen Park, near Kawaguchiko – one of the major towns in the Fuji Five Lakes area.
It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Chureito Pagoda from Tokyo, so it is possible to visit on a day trip from Tokyo.
However, after spending three days in Kawaguchiko, I recommend spending at least a couple of nights in the area if time permits to explore the unique attractions in the area. This also gives you some flexibility and the best chance of seeing Mt Fuji from Chureito Pagoda without clouds covering it.
We had planned to visit the Chureito Pagoda on our second day in Kawaguchiko, but woke up and couldn’t see Mt Fuji due to thick fog and clouds. Luckily, we could rearrange our planned itinerary to the next day instead, which had much better conditions.
Read my Kawaguchiko travel guide here for an easy-to-follow itinerary for exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region.
Chureito Pagoda Location
Despite being one of the most popular attractions in Kawaguchiko, the five-storied Chureito Pagoda is located on the eastern edge of Lake Kawaguchiko, away from the other main attractions.
If you choose to catch public transport, be prepared to spend a bit of time walking from the bus or train station to reach the pagoda.
Due to the 398 steps leading to the Chureito Pagoda once you’ve reached the entrance of the park, it will be a big step day regardless!
How to Get to Chureito Pagoda from Tokyo
My preferred option for getting to Kawaguchiko or the Chureito Pagoda is to get the highway bus as it’s cheap and convenient, however you can also catch the train.
If you are visiting the Chureito Pagoda on a day trip, joining an organised tour will be the most convenient option, and will allow you to explore more of the Fuji Five Lakes attractions in one day.
Option 1: Train
You can catch the train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Shimoyoshida Station, the closest station to the Chureito Pagoda. It is a 20-minute walk to reach the pagoda from Shimoyoshida Station.
Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station, and transfer at Otsuji Station to the Fujikyu train.
Not all JR Chuo Lines run straight to Otsuji Station, a transfer to Takao Station may be required. This option takes slightly longer but is also ¥1,000 cheaper as you don’t need to buy a Ltd Express supplementary ticket.
Several departures run directly from Shinjuku Station to Shimoyoshida Station, on the Fuji Excursion Ltd Express.
Tip: You can use your Suica to pay for the base fare for the journey. If catching a Limited Express train, you will need to buy a supplementary ticket from the ticket machines on top of your base fare.
Luckily, all train lines and timetables are synced in GoogleMaps in Japan, making it quite easy to understand the best option for you and how many transfers will be required.
This is just one of the many reasons I recommend getting an eSim or pocket Wifi when in Japan.
If you are using a JR Pass, the base fare from Shinjuku to Otsuji Station will be covered, but the train from Otsuji Station to Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line will not.
Any Ltd Express train supplements are also not covered by the JR Pass.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient
- Scenic views on the journey
- Many options for different schedules
Cons:
- Transfer/s may be required
- Additional supplement for Ltd Express trains
- Can be crowded
Option 2: Bus
The most direct option to Chureito Pagoda by bus leaves from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. Tickets can be booked online here (advance reservations recommended).
Get off at your destination, the Chudo Shimoyoshida Bus Stop and walk 15 minutes to Chureito Pagoda (cost: ¥2,150). The bus journey should take around 90 minutes.
I caught the highway bus from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station as I was spending a few nights in Kawaguchiko (cost: ¥2,060).
From Kawaguchiko Station, catch the local train to Shimoyoshida Station (longer, but cheaper) or get a taxi (quickest option, more expensive).
Pros:
- Cheapest and quickest option
- No transfers are required (if getting the bus from Shinjuku to Shimoyoshida)
- Reserved seating
Cons:
- Traffic can cause delays, especially on weekends or public holidays
- Need to book in advance
Option 3: Tour
The easiest and most convenient way to see Chureito Pagoda on a day trip from Tokyo is to join an organised day tour.
- Mt Fuji Full-Day Sightseeing Trip: This day tour takes you to the best viewpoints around Kawaguchuiko.
Departing Tokyo by bus, your first stop is Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko with views of Mount Fuji. You’ll then head to Arakura Sengen Park, to admire the iconic views of the Chureito Pagoda, before stopping at the Mount Fuji 5th Station halfway point.
The final stop on this day tour is Oshino Hakkai, where you can explore a traditional village with clear ponds fed by water from the snow of Mt Fuji.
- Private Day Trip to Mount Fuji: If you have a larger group, this private tour in a luxury van is worth considering, as it will allow you to customise your itinerary and avoid the large tour groups.
This is the best option for families and involves the least walking.
Pros:
- Most convenient transport option for a day trip
- Explore more of the Fuji Five Lakes area
Cons:
- More expensive
- No flexibility in the time you visit the pagoda (unless you book a private tour)
Option 4: Car
If you’re comfortable with driving in the city, you can hire a car and drive directly to the Chureito Pagoda.
We hired a car in Kawaguchiko for the duration of our three-day visit and found driving around the Fuji Five Lakes area to be fairly easy in a small car.
There is free parking near the foot of Arakurayama Sengen Park (except in peak cherry blossom season).
Tip: I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car and driving from Narita Airport, as it is on the opposite side of the city and you have to drive through the centre of Tokyo.
Pros:
- Most flexible and convenient
- Explore more of the Fuji Five Lakes area
Cons:
- More expensive
- Traffic congestion and driving in Tokyo may be challenging
- Parking is limited near Chureito Pagoda
Essential Visitor Tips for Visitors
Here are some essential visitor tips and information for visiting the Chureito Pagoda.
Best Time to Visit Chureito Pagoda
The Chureito Pagoda is a very popular attraction these days (for good reason!)
I recommend visiting on a weekday, and the earlier the better. The lighting is also better for photos earlier in the day as the sun is behind you.
The best time to visit for clear views of Mount Fuji is between November to April. The snow cap is also usually seen during this time but disappears over the summer from June to October.
All Chureito Pagoda photos in this article were taken in mid-April, around 8 – 9 am.
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee for visiting the Chureito Pagoda and Arakurayama Sengen Park.
Chureito Pagoda Parking
There is a small parking lot at the base of the Arakurayama Sengen Park. Click here for the exact location.
Parking is free, except during cherry blossom season.
Wear Comfortable Shoes & Be Prepared for Stairs
To reach the shrine and Chureito Pagoda, a steep climb of 398 stairs is required which will take between 10 – 20 minutes to climb.
There is an alternative flat path to the right of the shrine that zig-zags up the hillside if stairs are an issue.
It’s worth the steep climb for the view that awaits!
Explore the Rest of the Park
Most visitors simply head to the Chureito Pagoda and observation deck, take a photo and leave.
On the way to the pagoda, you’ll pass the interesting Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine at the base of the steps, with its ornate, detailed dragon statues.
After visiting the observation deck, we headed a further 10 minutes up the hill and came across another stunning viewpoint of Mt Fuji with no other tourists in sight.
Whilst there was no view of the pagoda, we had a magnificent and unobstructed view of Mt Fuji which ended up being one of my favourite Mt Fuji view points in Fuji Five Lakes.
There are further walking trails even higher up in the park if you wish to explore further!
Facilities
There are several public bathrooms, near the pagoda and the entrance at the base of the hill. See the map below.
Food
After our early visit to the Arakura Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda, a food truck was setting up near the entrance as we left around 9 am.
Cherry Blossom Season
During cherry blossom season, the park becomes extremely popular and there is crowd control management in place.
There may be time limits enforced for visitors, and queues to enter the observation platform.
Fees apply for the parking lot at the entrance.
Arakurayama Sengen Park and Chureito Pagoda Map
Final Thoughts – Chureito Pagoda Mt Fuji
The view of Mt Fuji from the Chureito Pagoda is spectacular, and one that will leave you with lasting memories of your adventures in Japan. With these 4 easy options of how to get there from Tokyo, it’s a fun day trip or even better if you can spend a few nights exploring the region.
For more ideas and help in planning your Japan adventures, check out my other travel guides below and let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.
Plan your Japan adventures:
- 10 Most Mesmerising Views of Mt Fuji from Kawaguchiko
- Exploring Fuji Five Lakes: 3 Days in Kawaguchiko Guide
- An Exciting 4 Days in Osaka Itinerary for First-Timers
- A Fun 7 Day Tokyo Itinerary: Complete 1 Week in Tokyo Guide
- 10 Best Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots for Incredible Photos
- Takayama Itinerary: 2 Days Discovering Traditional Japan
- A Perfect 4 Weeks in Japan Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide
- Unmissable Experiences for your Japan Bucket List
- Is Japan Expensive? My EXACT Japan Trip Cost Breakdown Revealed