Better Than Lawson: 5 Secret Mt. Fuji Photo Spots Only Locals Know

If you’ve browsed Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve seen it: the famous Lawson convenience store in Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji looming over the roof. It’s become the "must-have" shot for every traveler.

The Reality Check: Because of its viral fame, the Lawson spot is now heavily crowded, often blocked by safety barriers, and—let's be honest—it’s a parking lot.

At Kawaguchiko Tours, we believe your journey to Japan’s sacred mountain should be more than just a photo in front of a convenience store. If you want the "real" Fuji experience without the 200-person queue, here are the 5 local spots that our private guides recommend instead.

1. The "Floating" Torii Gate (Tenku no Torii)

Located high above the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, this is the "Torii in the Sky." While the Lawson view is urban and noisy, this spot is spiritual and silent.

• The View: A traditional red torii gate perfectly frames the mountain, overlooking the entire Kawaguchiko valley.

• Why it’s better: It captures the soul of Japan.

• Insider Tip: Access is limited, and it requires a short drive up the mountain—something most big tour buses can’t do, but our private car charters handle with ease.

2. Nagasaki Park (The Mirror Reflection)

Most tourists stop at Oishi Park and never go further. Just a few minutes down the northern shore is Nagasaki Park.

• The View: This is the premier spot for "Sakasa Fuji" (Upside-down Fuji). On a calm morning, the mountain reflects perfectly in the lake water.

• Why it’s better: No gift shops, no bus crowds—just you, the cherry blossoms (in spring), and the mountain.

  
  

3. The Shimoyoshida "Honcho Street" (The Real Urban Shot)

If you want that "Fuji at the end of the street" look that Lawson offers, Honcho Street in nearby Fujiyoshida is the authentic version.

• The View: A long, nostalgic shopping street lined with retro signs and lanterns, with a massive Mt. Fuji appearing to sit right at the end of the road.

• Why it’s better: It’s a real piece of Japanese history, not a modern parking lot.

  
  

4. Lake Shoji (The "Child-Embracing" Fuji)

Lake Shoji is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes and is often completely ignored by the "Klook" and "Viator" bus crowds.

• The View: From the northern shore, the smaller Mt. Omuro sits directly in front of Fuji. Locals call this Kodaki Fuji because it looks like the big mountain is "cradling" a child.

• Why it’s better: It offers a rugged, wild perspective of the mountain that feels like a discovery.

  
  

5. Yagizaki Park (The Hidden Garden)

While the "Red Line" bus takes everyone to the crowded north shore, we often take our guests to the south shore's Yagizaki Park.

• The View: Wide-open vistas of Fuji framed by purple lavender (in summer) or vibrant maples (in autumn).

• Why it’s better: It’s one of the few places where you can get a wide-angle shot of the mountain without a single power line or tourist in your frame.

  
  

Why Choose a Private Tour Over a DIY Bus?

The secret to finding these spots isn't just knowing where they are—it's having the flexibility to get there.

• The Problem with DIY: The public "Red Line" bus only goes to the most crowded tourist stops.

• The Problem with Big Bus Tours: You are on a fixed schedule. If the clouds cover the mountain, you can't wait for them to clear; the bus has to leave for the next gift shop.

The Kawaguchiko Tours Difference: When you book a Private Car Charter with us, we monitor the weather in real-time. If Fuji is hiding, we change the itinerary. If a spot is too crowded, we take you to a "secret" alternative only a local driver knows.

About Kawaguchiko Tours

We aren't just a booking platform—we are your local neighbors at the base of Mt. Fuji. Based right here in the Fuji Five Lakes region, Kawaguchiko Tours was founded to help travelers move beyond the crowded tourist buses and discover the quiet, majestic beauty of our home.

Whether you are looking for a private car charter to avoid the Shinjuku crowds, a customized photography tour, or a deep dive into the hidden shrines of Yamanashi, our mission is to provide a seamless, stress-free, and respectful way to experience Japan’s most iconic peak.

Why travelers trust us:

• Local Expertise: We know which roads are blocked and where the best local hidden gems are.

• Door-to-Door Service: No navigating confusing train transfers with heavy luggage.

• English-Speaking Support: Clear communication from booking to drop-off.

[Contact our local team today] and let’s start planning your perfect Mt. Fuji itinerary.