Chureito Pagoda, Yamanashi, Japan
I couldn’t remember where I first saw the photo of the pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background, but I knew I had to visit. I chose it as my sunset spot.
There were two train options—a regular one and a pricier reserved one. Since both take about 21 minutes, I went with the cheaper train.
It’s a short walk from Shimoyoshida Station to Atago Shrine at the base, but to reach the pagoda you need to climb 398 steps. I was not looking forward to it as my knee was acting up from the hike I had done earlier, so I took it slow while local school kids ran up and down for training.
At the top there’s a nice seating area. I took countless photos—the view was stunning. The sun didn’t set directly behind Mt. Fuji, but the orange glow was still mesmerizing.
I headed back down, stopped at a café for a drink, and made it to the train just in time.
Route Detail
Distance: 2.02km out & back from Shimoyoshida Station
Total elevation gain: 102m
Time:0h 38m (total time with breaks 0h 51m)
Difficulty: Easy
Transportation & Miscellaneous
Train from Kawaguchiko Station to Shimoyoshida Station ¥310
Food ¥329
