Continuing on our quest to experience Mt. Fuji through different foregrounds, we endured another half hour drive from the last destination to our final one for the day.

Seated within the picturesque town of Fujiyoshida, Arakurayama Sengen Park is a vividly hued oasis that offers an unbeatable view of majestic Mount Fuji. Maybe the best one yet.

Arakurayama Sengen Park was established in October 1959. It covers approximately 4.3 hectares on the hillside of Mount Arakura. The park’s name derives from the nearby Arakura Sengen Shrine, which has deep historical and cultural significance.

The iconic five-storied Chureito pagoda stands proudly at the heart of the park. Its vermilion hue contrasts beautifully against the lush greenery and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. The pagoda was built as a peace memorial in 1963 nearly 400 steps up the mountain from the shrine’s main buildings. We were told to be at the top of the mountain during sunset. It is a beast to climb but if you can manage, the reward is worth the effort.

The park’s elevated location provides an unrivaled panorama of Mount Fuji. Whether it’s bathed in sunlight or shrouded in mist, the sight of Japan’s highest peak is awe-inspiring.

Arakurayama Sengen Park is more than just a scenic spot, it’s a place where nature, history, and beauty converge. Embrace the serenity and watch the pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background weave its magic.