About
13-meter observation deck overlooking Mount Fuji at Herb Garden Tabinikki Fuji-Kawaguchiko
The Fuji-san Deck, opened in November 2018, represents a luxurious and purpose-built observation facility designed exclusively for Mount Fuji viewing. This 13-meter elevated platform sits atop a hill within the Herb Garden Tabinikki Fuji-Kawaguchiko complex, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji's base without obstruction from tall buildings or other structures. The facility combines modern comfort with traditional Japanese appreciation for natural beauty, featuring both outdoor viewing areas with comfortable sofas and an indoor cafe where visitors can enjoy refreshments while maintaining views of the iconic mountain. 🔗
Cultural & Religious Significance
The surrounding herb garden enhances the experience with seasonal flowers, including lavender displays and autumn foliage that create a picturesque foreground for Mount Fuji photography. What distinguishes this location is its integration of multiple sensory experiences - visitors can touch and smell various herbs while enjoying visual beauty, creating a more immersive connection with the natural environment. The facility represents contemporary Japanese tourism design that prioritizes visitor comfort while maintaining respect for the cultural significance of Mount Fuji viewing. 🔗
Visiting Information
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (Herb Garden: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, last admission 5:30 PM) Admission: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for children (Herb Garden entry is free) Access: From Kawaguchiko Station: Take Green Line bus (every 30 minutes) - more seats available than crowded Red Line; 12-minute walk from bus stop to garden entrance. From Tokyo: JR Fuji Excursion (Shinjuku to Otsuki) + Fujikyu Railway (Otsuki to Kawaguchiko) - approximately 2-3 hours; Highway bus: Direct buses from Shinjuku/Shibuya to Kawaguchiko - 2.5-3 hours Current Status: Open year-round with seasonal garden variations 🔗
The Experience
The primary experience centers on the 13-meter observation deck accessed by escalator, providing elevated views of Mount Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi visible in the foreground. The deck features spacious outdoor sofas for comfortable viewing and photography, with designated camera/phone posts for stable shots. The central cafe offers fruit parfaits, pancakes, pizza, coffee, and herbal teas, allowing visitors to extend their stay while maintaining mountain views. The surrounding herb garden provides seasonal interest with over 200 varieties of herbs and flowers, including spring tulips and nemophila, summer blue salvia, early autumn cleome, and late autumn foliage displays. A greenhouse facility houses year-round flower displays, while the herb garden shop offers natural rose geranium cosmetics, herbal goods, and herbal tea tastings. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Photography Strategy: Arrive as close to 10 AM opening as possible for best morning light conditions; bring telephoto lens for detailed Mount Fuji shots and wide-angle for garden compositions; utilize garden's designated camera posts for stable shots and unique angles; combine autumn foliage foreground with Mount Fuji background for seasonal compositions Cultural Etiquette: Maintain quiet, respectful behavior appropriate for contemplative viewing; share viewing areas courteously with other visitors; respect photography guidelines and avoid disturbing other guests' experiences; appreciate the facility's integration of modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetic values Practical Optimization: Check Mount Fuji visibility forecasts before visiting - clear, sunny days (especially after rain) offer best chances; consider spending 2+ hours to maximize viewing opportunities across different lighting conditions; combine visit with nearby Kawaguchiko attractions for full-day cultural experience; purchase herbal souvenirs and enjoy tea tastings as part of the complete sensory experience Viewing Conditions: Mount Fuji visibility cannot be guaranteed and depends heavily on weather conditions. October offers statistically favorable viewing chances, but visitors should maintain flexible expectations and potentially plan multiple viewing attempts 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/fujikawaguchiko/fuji-deck.md