What Is Sakasa Fuji? Conditions for Seeing It and 6 Great View Spots

Lake Shoji, located in Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes.
Formed by Mount Fuji’s volcanic activity and eruptions, it is surrounded by rich green forest.
Because the surrounding area has not been heavily developed, it is known for allowing visitors to enjoy nature in every season.
Since it sits at an elevation of Approx. 900 m, winters are especially cold, and the clearer air often creates mirror-like water, making crisp Sakasa Fuji easier to see.
The contrast with the untouched forest along the shore is striking, creating a dreamlike landscape where deep woods and snow-covered Mount Fuji come together.
Tategohama, where you can also see “Kodaki Fuji,” is especially popular as an excellent photography spot.
Another famous view spot with beautiful scenery is in front of Shoji Lake Hotel.

Lake Motosu, which spans Fujikawaguchiko in Minamitsuru District and Minobu in Minamikoma District, Yamanashi Prefecture, is the westernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes.
With a circumference of 12.6 km and a maximum depth of Approx. 122 m, it is the deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes and boasts some of the clearest water on Japan’s main island. Its quiet setting, with much untouched nature still preserved, is one of its defining features.
The appeal of Sakasa Fuji at Lake Motosu lies in its vivid lapis-blue water, made possible by the lake’s depth and clarity, along with its distinctive composition.
In particular, the lake viewed from the Nakanokura Pass Observatory on the western shore shines a brilliant blue in sunny weather, and the sight of Sakasa Fuji floating above it is breathtakingly beautiful.
This spot is also famous as the model for the Sakasa Fuji depicted on the back of Japan’s old 1,000-yen and 5,000-yen banknotes.
The seasonal scenery created by cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall is another view unique to Lake Motosu.

Lake Tanuki, located in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a man-made lake spread across the Asagiri Highlands at the western foot of Mount Fuji.
Though compact with a circumference of Approx. 3.3 km, it offers well-equipped facilities such as a campground, accommodations, and a rest house, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including seasonal nature walks, birdwatching, and firefly viewing.
Because Lake Tanuki is artificial, waves are less likely to form, and since it opens to the west across the lake surface, Mount Fuji and its reflection often appear clearly like a mirror, especially in the early morning and at dawn.
In particular, the observation deck in front of Kyukamura Fuji and the end of the walking path extending from the north parking lot offer beautiful Sakasa Fuji views framed naturally by small islets on both sides, creating a well-balanced composition.
Lake Tanuki is also famous for “Double Diamond Fuji,” a phenomenon seen only twice a year in Shizuoka Prefecture, in April and August.

Lake Yamanaka, located in Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and the one closest to Mount Fuji.
At an elevation of Approx. 1,000 m, it offers cool and comfortable weather even in summer. Marine activities such as canoeing and sightseeing boat rides are also popular.
With seasonal highlights such as tulips and nemophila in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and the magical sight of the lake freezing in winter, it attracts visitors throughout the year.
The Sakasa Fuji seen at Lake Yamanaka is known for its dynamic appearance reflected across the vast lake surface, creating a beautiful symmetrical shape.
Especially at sunrise, when soft orange and pink hues color the water, the scene becomes a stunning gradation-filled panorama.
Another highlight is the scattered view spots, including Nagaike Water Park and Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park, where you can enjoy Sakasa Fuji from different angles.

Lake Kawaguchi, located in Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, is the northernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes and has the longest shoreline.
It has long been loved as a scenic spot with magnificent views of Mount Fuji and is considered one of Japan’s leading beauty spots.
The surrounding area is dotted with attractions such as museums, hot springs, and amusement parks, giving visitors plenty to see and do.
At Lake Kawaguchi as well, you can enjoy Sakasa Fuji on calm early mornings or windless days, when the majestic form of Mount Fuji is clearly reflected on the water.
There are multiple viewpoints around the lake in every direction, but Oishi Park, Ubuyagasaki, and Lake Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge are especially recommended.
From June to July, you can also see Sakasa Fuji with lavender in the foreground from Oishi Park.

Lake Saiko, located in Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a dammed lake formed by Mount Fuji’s volcanic activity.
Known as a habitat of the Fuji Marimo, a natural monument designated by Yamanashi Prefecture, the area is surrounded by rich natural scenery. It is also a great spot for activities such as canoeing and fishing.
With a maximum depth of 71.7 m, it is the second deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes, and its high water clarity means conditions are often favorable for reflecting Sakasa Fuji.
Another feature is that it is less affected by wind, so once the water becomes calm, the mirror-like surface tends to remain for a longer time.
Nenbahama on the northwestern shore is especially known as a view spot where you can see Mount Fuji beyond the Aokigahara Forest, and Sakasa Fuji appears beautifully there.
Together with the surrounding mountains, it creates a mysterious landscape woven by nature and Mount Fuji.

“Kodaki Fuji” is the name for the view of Mount Fuji seen from the shore of Lake Shoji.
It gets its name because Omuroyama, standing in front of Mount Fuji, looks like a child being held in Mount Fuji’s arms.
The contrast in height between Mount Fuji (3,776 m) and Omuroyama (580 m) creates an adorable silhouette like that of a parent and child, and the overlapping shape of the two mountains is truly impressive.
You can also enjoy the inverted Kodaki Fuji clearly reflected on the calm, gentle waters of Lake Shoji.
Another part of its appeal is its rarity, as it can basically only be seen from Tategohama at Lake Shoji.

“Diamond Fuji” is a mysterious phenomenon in which the sun aligns with the summit of Mount Fuji, making it shine like a jewel.
When the sun rises, rays of light spread from the summit like a crown, and when it sets, the brilliance at the peak stands out even more against the sunset sky.
This phenomenon can only be seen when the right place, season, and conditions all come together, which is why it captivates so many people as a miraculous scenic wonder created by nature.
It is also said that setting a photo of Diamond Fuji as your smartphone wallpaper can improve your financial luck.
“Double Diamond Fuji,” in which the shining image is also reflected on the lake surface, is popular as well.
Well-known view spots include Lake Yamanaka and Lake Tanuki, as well as Shimizu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture and Mount Takao in Tokyo.

“Red Fuji” is a phenomenon in which the slopes of Mount Fuji appear red in the early morning sun from late summer to early fall.
It is a rare sight that appears only on clear days with few clouds or mist and crisp air, and it has long been considered auspicious.
Red is seen as a color of protection from evil and good fortune, and is said to be especially effective for business success and wishes coming true.
Its greatest appeal is the powerful, vivid beauty of Mount Fuji, usually seen as blue, turning a brilliant red in the morning glow.
It was also depicted in Katsushika Hokusai’s ukiyo-e print “Fine Wind, Clear Morning,” and had a major influence on Japanese aesthetics.
Representative view spots are centered around the Fuji Five Lakes and the northern foothills of Mount Fuji, including Oishi Park at Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Village in Yamanashi Prefecture.
If you are lucky, from elevated spots around Lake Yamanaka you may be able to enjoy Red Fuji, Sakasa Fuji of Red Fuji, and a sea of clouds at the same time.

“Pearl Fuji” is a phenomenon in which the full moon aligns with the summit of Mount Fuji.
At the moment when the moon appears to rise up to or sink down onto the summit, a soft, pearl-like glow appears at the peak.
Unlike the powerful light of the sun, the moon’s silvery-white glow gently brings out the silhouette of Mount Fuji.
Sakasa Fuji seeming to melt into the night sky, along with the sight of a sky full of stars, is another highlight.
Representative view spots include Lake Yamanaka and Lake Motosu, as well as Miho no Matsubara and Shiraito Falls in Shizuoka Prefecture.
However, because the visible period varies depending on the moon’s path and weather conditions, Pearl Fuji is even harder to observe than Diamond Fuji.