Surrounded by mountains and sea, and home to a number of temples and shrines only a stone’s throw away from one another, Kamakura is a treasure trove of spectacular views. Recently, spots to enjoy Mt. Fuji in all its glory are becoming must-visit destinations for visitors. The majestic mountain can be viewed in many different contexts, whether situated behind the ocean or Kamakura’s townscapes or silhouetted against the setting sun.
This page provides information on six recommended spots that offer breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.
Along the coast, the mountain’s ridgeline can often be seen floating faintly in the distance, lending a dreamlike air of mystique to the landscape.
● Mt. Fuji and the Sanmon Gate: A wide panorama from the peak behind Komyoji Temple
From JR Kamakura Station, take the bus bound for JR Zushi Station for about 10 minutes and get off at the Komyoji stop.
Komyoji Temple is known for the Sanmon Gate, one of the largest gates in Kamakura, along with its elegant dry landscape rock garden. There is also a great spot behind the temple where you can take in both the cape at Inamuragasaki and Mt. Fuji.
After passing through the Sanmon Gate, take the path between the kindergarten and the side of the Enmei Jizoson statue on the right toward the Daiden (main hall). A viewing platform is located up the path ascending Mt. Tensho, where the founder of Komyoji Temple is enshrined. From here, you can spy Mt. Fuji over the roof of the Sanmon Gate. The merit of this spot is that it offers a superb view of the Sanmon Gate and the ocean with Mt. Fuji in the background. The expansive vista will lift your spirits in a heartbeat.
● Mt. Fuji and seaside townscapes: Mt. Fuji viewed from secluded areas of Ankokuronji Temple
Ankokuronji Temple can be found at the sacred site of Matsubagayatsu in Omachi, where the sea breeze drifts through the air. The temple is famed for being the place where Nichiren Shonin (1222–1282), the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, is said to have written one of his most famous works, Rissho Ankoku-ron, but legend also has it that he chanted the Lotus Sutra daily while facing Mt. Fuji from the Fujimidai, an observation deck for viewing Mt. Fuji on the mountain behind the temple. Climb the steep hill starting from the path next to the Kumaoden hall in the temple precincts, and a vista will unfold featuring Kamakura’s seaside townscapes and the cape of Inamuragasaki as well as Mt. Fuji.
From the Fujimidai, follow the pilgrimage route (mountain path) and you will reach the Bell of Peace (Rissho Ankoku temple bell), which was cast by Living National Treasure Katori Masahiko (1899–1988). You won’t want to miss checking out the bronze bell, created to pray for world peace, along with its bell tower.
● Mt. Fuji and the ocean: Mt. Fuji seen across a spectacular sea
The beautiful coastline of Shichirigahama was selected by the celebrated artists Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) and Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) as a subject for their woodblock prints. The beach can be admired alongside Enoshima Island and Mt. Fuji from Inamuragasaki.
Inamuragasaki is about five minutes on foot from Inamuragasaki Station on the Enoden Line. From the station, make your way along the path through the residential area toward the sea. Atop a hill across Route 134, the viewpoint, Inamuragasaki Park, will come into view.
Shichirigahama’s beach is also a popular place for water sports, and if you time your visit right, you might get to see people having fun in the ocean with Enoshima Island and Mt. Fuji in the background.
● Mt. Fuji and Koshigoe: A spectacular view of Shonan from Myodenji Temple
This spot is located three minutes on foot from Koshigoe Station on the Enoden Line. The Nichiren Buddhist temple of Ryukozan Myodenji, a branch temple of Hikigayatsu Myohonji Temple in Kamakura, is one of the eight temples that took turns attending to Ryukoji Temple.
The rear of the Honden (main hall) at Myodenji Temple forms a valley, but if you climb up the hill at Kamakura Fujimi Cemetery, you’ll be met with an expansive panoramic view of the townscape of Koshigoe and Enoshima Island. It’s also a little-known spot for viewing Mt. Fuji; in good weather, the mountain is clearly visible.
The spot also offers beautiful views at dusk, along with a variety of different vistas across the four seasons.
*The “eight temples that took turns attending to Ryukoji Temple” are so named because they took turns looking after the nearby Ryukoji Temple (built in Katase, Fujisawa City; the site of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution of Nichiren Shonin in 1271) until 1886, as the temple did not have a chief priest.
● Mt. Fuji and Kita-Kamakura: Stunning landscapes unfold after a roughly 30-minute hike from Kenchoji Temple
Close to the peak of a mountain that can be ascended from Kenchoji Temple in Kita-Kamakura is the Shojoken observation deck, which offers sweeping views from Sagami Bay to Mt. Fuji. You can reach the observation deck by passing through Hansobo Shrine, an inner shrine located deep within the Kenchoji Temple precincts.
After climbing a roughly 250-step, long staircase, you will arrive at the Fujimidai, which is so high that even the tengu, supernatural bird-like creatures, are supposedly able to look down upon the mortal realm from the top. If you go a little further, the Shojoken observation deck awaits at the top of the final stair.
From the starting point at Kenchoji Temple’s Somon (main gate), the entire route takes about 30 minutes even for experienced walkers, involving a gruelingly long and steep hike up stone steps. Make sure you’re physically and mentally up for the challenge before striking out.
● Mt. Fuji and the monorail: Say “good night” to Mt. Fuji from this spot
The magic hour is the stretch of time between sunset and nightfall. There is a perfect spot to catch Mt. Fuji as it appears beautifully silhouetted against the setting sun: Shonan-Fukasawa Station on the Shonan Monorail linking Ofuna and Shonan-Enoshima stations.
The elevated monorail is suspended from tracks above the monorail cars, and passengers can enjoy fantastic views from both the station and car windows since it travels high off the ground. There are also many places where you can see Mt. Fuji, which is especially splendid when silhouetted at dusk.
Even when viewed from the same vantage point, Mt. Fuji changes across spring, summer, fall, and winter as well as morning, noon, and night. Even if you wake up to gloomy weather on the day of your trip, the sight of the mountain shimmering hazily beyond the sea under a misty sky is also very impressive. Seeing Mt. Fuji in Kamakura will surely be one of the highlights of your trip.
Make sure to also enjoy the journey on top of the destination, since many of the spots above are close to beaches, temples, and other tourist attractions.
