Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda, A Five Storey Memorial Pagoda On A Hillside Above Fujiyoshida In Arakurayama Sengen Park, The Classic View Of The Pagoda With Mount Fuji Behind, Best In Spring Cherry Blossom And Autumn Colour. A Famous Photo Stop, With Steps. · Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi
Chureito Pagoda is a five-storey red pagoda on a hillside above Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi, inside Arakurayama Sengen Park. It is a memorial for the war dead, built in 1963 - confirm - and it forms part of the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine complex. From Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyuko Line, about 30 minutes from Otsuki - confirm - a climb of about 400 steps leads up to it. People come for one picture: the pagoda in the foreground and Mount Fuji behind, best in cherry blossom in mid April, in autumn leaves in early to mid November, and in clear winter air at dawn - confirm all dates. Be plain about it: the pagoda is small and is not a major temple. The view is the reason. It suits photographers and anyone based near Lake Kawaguchiko with a free morning. It is worth the detour on a clear day, and not worth the climb when cloud hides Fuji. Blossom weekends are crowded, so respect local residents.
Arakurayama Sengen Park, Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, reached by a stair of about 400 steps from Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyuko Line, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan
The park is open all day with no gate and no ticket office, but the steps and viewing areas are unlit, so plan to be down before dusk, and sunrise visits need a torch. Nothing closes on a weekday. Take the Fujikyuko Line from Otsuki to Shimoyoshida, about 30 minutes - confirm - then walk through the quiet streets to the foot of the steps. A shorter route starts from a car park near the top - confirm. IC cards work on the train, but a few small shops and the shrine donation box need coins. Nothing needs booking, but blossom and autumn weekends fill the steps from early morning.