Diamond Fuji Guide: Best Times & Locations to View 2025

Diamond Fuji is a spectacular natural phenomenon that occurs when the rising or setting sun aligns perfectly with the summit of Mt. Fuji, making the peak shine brilliantly like a diamond. This rare sight can only be witnessed when specific conditions of time, location, and alignment between the sun and Mt. Fuji are met under clear weather.

Viewing Types

There are two main types of Diamond Fuji experiences. Setting Diamond Fuji can be viewed from the eastern side of Mt. Fuji when the sun sets directly behind the summit, with Lake Yamanaka being one of the most famous locations. Rising Diamond Fuji occurs on the western side of Mt. Fuji, where the sun rises directly above the summit, with Lake Tanuki and Asagiri Plateau being popular viewing spots. A particularly stunning variation called Double Diamond Fuji captures both the phenomenon and its reflection in water, occurring around April 20 and August 20 at Lake Tanuki.

Best Viewing Locations

Lake Yamanaka is often referred to as the “sacred site of Diamond Fuji” and offers extended viewing periods from mid-October through late February, with February being the prime season during “Yamanakako Diamond Fuji Weeks”. From Tokyo, you can witness Diamond Fuji from Sunshine 60 (around January 27 and November 14), Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (around February 1 and November 9), and Mount Takao (December 16-26). The phenomenon is also visible from various locations across Ibaraki, Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa, and Shizuoka prefectures.

Timing and Seasonal Patterns

The exact dates and times for viewing Diamond Fuji vary by location throughout the year. Lake Yamanaka offers some of the longest viewing windows, with the setting sun Diamond Fuji visible from approximately October 25 to November 25 and again from January 18 to February 20. Coastal areas like Shonan briefly display Diamond Fuji from April 4-6 and September 5-8.

Planning Your Lake Yamanaka Trip for 2025

To plan a trip to Lake Yamanaka for Diamond Fuji viewing in 2025, follow these key steps:

Best Time to Visit

The prime Diamond Fuji viewing period at Lake Yamanaka is from mid-October to late February.
Peak viewing dates for 2025’s Diamond Fuji Weeks are February 1-22, with the sun aligning at sunset around 15:40 to 16:00.

Travel and Transport

From Tokyo, the easiest way is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station to Lake Yamanaka, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs around 2000-2300 yen one way.
You can also use the limited express Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, then local transport to Lake Yamanaka.
Local buses and shuttle loops help connect key viewing spots around the lake.

Prime Viewing Locations

Top spots include:

Nagaiike Water Park - North side lakefront with excellent sunset views
Yamanakako Panorama-dai Observatory - Elevated vantage point for wide-angle shots
Hirano Lakeside - Popular among photographers for lake reflections
Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenspace Park - Family-friendly with open viewing areas

All of these locations are on the north side of the lake, providing perfect positioning for sunset Diamond Fuji photography with the lake in the foreground. The north side also features swan gathering spots, adding extra charm to your photographs.

Accommodation Options

Several hotels offer Mt. Fuji views and proximity to viewing areas:

Almeria Hotel - Minutes from shuttle bus stop with convenient access
VOYAN Resort Fujiyamanakako Gekkoso - Near the Communication Plaza
Sun Plaza Hotel Fuji Lake Yamanaka - Budget-friendly option with onsen facilities
New Star Resort Fujino Hotel - Intimate boutique hotel for scenic tranquility

Important: Book early as Diamond Fuji season attracts many tourists and photographers.

Additional Activities

Besides Diamond Fuji, enjoy:

Ice Candle Festival - Winter evening illuminations
Swan Lake sightseeing boat rides - See the lake’s famous swans up close
Bicycle rentals - Explore the lake area at your own pace

Example Itinerary

Day of Diamond Fuji Viewing:

Arrive early afternoon and check into your hotel
Prepare camera gear (tripod essential for sunset shots)
Find your spot on the north side of the lake by 15:30
Enjoy the Diamond Fuji spectacle at sunset (15:40-16:00)
Relax in an onsen at your hotel in the evening

This plan ensures a well-rounded experience including epic photography opportunities, comfortable lodging, and convenient transport for a memorable Diamond Fuji trip at Lake Yamanaka.

Viewing Diamond Fuji from Tokyo

Yes, you can shoot Diamond Fuji from Tokyo, but only during specific times of the year, typically in mid-January to early February and again in mid-November when the sun aligns with Mt. Fuji’s summit at sunset. There are several popular spots for viewing and photographing Diamond Fuji in Tokyo:

Best Tokyo Viewing Spots

Observation Decks:

Sunshine 60 (Ikebukuro) - Around January 27 and November 14
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku) - Around February 1 and November 9
Bunkyo Civic Center - Mid-winter viewing window
Shibuya Sky - Modern observation deck with unobstructed views
Roppongi Hills City View - Premium viewing experience
Tokyo Tower - Iconic location for Diamond Fuji shots

Other Notable Locations:

Haneda Airport observation decks - Great for aviation photography with Diamond Fuji
Tokyo Gate Bridge area - Waterfront viewing
Kasai Rinkai Park - Open park setting
Mount Takao - Winter solstice period (December 16-26)

All these locations offer clear southwestern views suitable for capturing the phenomenon when weather conditions are favorable.

Important Considerations for Tokyo Viewing

The viewing windows in Tokyo are extremely brief - often just a few days each year. Weather conditions greatly affect visibility, so:

Plan according to exact peak dates for your chosen location
Check weather forecasts carefully in advance
Have backup dates if possible
Arrive early to secure a good spot (popular locations get crowded)

Additionally, locations like Sunshine 60, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and others have specific designated dates and times each year when Diamond Fuji is visible in Tokyo—these dates generally occur twice yearly.

Diamond Fuji from Tokyo Skytree

While not mentioned as a primary Diamond Fuji viewing spot, Tokyo Skytree’s observation decks at 350m and 450m offer exceptional southwestern views toward Mt. Fuji. During the brief windows when Diamond Fuji is visible from Tokyo, the Skytree’s height advantage provides:

Unobstructed views above surrounding buildings
Climate-controlled indoor viewing platforms
Professional photography-friendly environment
Advanced booking options to secure your spot

Tokyo Skytree is particularly advantageous for Mount Fuji viewing year-round, especially during winter months when visibility is best. For a complete guide on Mount Fuji visibility conditions and optimal viewing times from Tokyo Skytree, see our detailed Mount Fuji visibility guide.

If you’re planning to witness Diamond Fuji from Tokyo, consider booking skip-the-line tickets for Tokyo Skytree in advance, especially during peak Diamond Fuji dates in late January and mid-November.

Final Recommendations

For the ultimate Diamond Fuji experience:

Best overall location: Lake Yamanaka (February 1-22 for 2025 Diamond Fuji Weeks)
Most convenient from Tokyo: Tokyo observation decks (late January or mid-November)
Most spectacular variation: Double Diamond Fuji at Lake Tanuki (April 20 or August 20)
Photography tips: Bring a tripod, arrive 30 minutes early, check sunset times precisely

In summary, while Lake Yamanaka offers a longer season and more classic Diamond Fuji sighting opportunities with stunning reflections, you can indeed witness and photograph Diamond Fuji from several urban observation points in Tokyo during precise seasonal windows. Plan ahead, monitor weather forecasts, and have backup locations ready for this once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunity!