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The only catch is…you can only catch it twice a year!
The only sight more spectacular than Mount Fuji on a clear, cloudless day is a view of “Diamond” Mt. Fuji, preferably also on a clear, cloudless day.
What is Diamond Fuji?
This term refers to a phenomenon which occurs twice a year, when the sun is aligned with Japan’s highest mountain, resulting in a glorious moment during sunrise or sunset when dazzling rays of light seem to be erupting from the peak of Mt. Fuji, which is said to resemble a shimmering diamond propped on the tip of the revered mountain.
Diamond Fuji can either occur at sunrise or sunset, and the time and date this phenomenon occurs depends on the location and viewing angle. We will provide some info for you to make it easy.
Free observation decks
There are a number of other free observatories across Tokyo that will increase your chances of witnessing this special scene.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Observatory
One of the best places to catch this view for free is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Observatory. If you missed the earlier sighting on February 2, you can catch it from there next on November 10.
Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1, 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
South Observatory : Reopening November 8th, 2021
North Observatory : Temporarily closed due to COVID-19
Bunkyo Civic Center
Rising to 105 meters, Bunkyo Civic Center is a great choice to see a stunning view of the Tokyo skyline and the surrounding areas from 105 meters above the ground. You can see Diamond Fuji at sunset on February 1 – 2, and November 9 -10.
Address: 1-16-21 Kasuga, Bunkyo 112-0003 Tokyo Prefecture
*temporarily closed due to COVID-19
Tower Hall Funabori
Tower Hall Funabori has the best free observation deck for viewing Mount Fuji in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward. At 103 meters, it offers a satisfying view of Tokyo and surrounding areas, as well as Mount Fuji. And the best part is that the tower is hardly ever crowded!
Address: 4-1-1 Funabori, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
*temporarily closed due to renewal
Haneda Airport Passenger Terminal Observation Deck
The Haneda Airport Passenger Terminal Observation Deck is more widely known as a spot to give you an up-close view of planes during their takeoff and landing, but it’s also one of the best places in the area to get that perfect view of Mt. Fuji in all its glory.
Address: 4-3 Haneda-Kuko, 2-Chome, Ota-Ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Gate Bridge
The view of Tokyo Gate Bridge makes a perfect canvas to frame the view of Mt. Fuji right beneath its arches. This is another popular spot for people to catch a glimpse of Diamond Fuji. The best place to view this beautiful pair is Wakasu Seaside Park, a beautiful island park whose windmills and floral landscape provides a tranquil getaway from the big city.
Address: 4-3 Haneda-Kuko, 2-Chome, Ota-Ku, Tokyo
I-Link Town Observation Deck
One particularly noteworthy observatory is located just outside of Tokyo in Ichikawa, Chiba, called the I-Link Town Observation Deck. Although easily accessible, this is one of the more lesser-known free observation decks to see Diamond Fuji. It’s also open later than other entries on this list!
Address: 45F, The Towers West 1-10-1 Ichikawa Minami, Ichikawa City, Chiba
Kasai Rinkai Park
Another popular destination for catching a sight of Diamond Fuji in Tokyo is at the Kasai Rinkai Park. Spend a day at one of the premier Tokyo beaches on Tokyo Bay in this spacious park with its famous aquarium, bird sanctuary, and weather permitting, a great view of Mount Fuji.
One of its best kept secrets, this is also a popular place to catch a glimpse of Diamond Fuji. Photographers line up along Kasai Nagisa bridge in the evening with their cameras in hand to snap an elusive photo of the magnificent moment the setting sun is swallowed in the crown of the majestic volcano.
It’s a better time to visit the park than ever, thanks to the newly constructed restaurant and shopping complex called “Ff” which opened in January 2021, offering a wide range of dining and shopping choices to aid your relaxing day at the seaside park.
Address: 6-2-1 Rinkaicho, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
Catching a glimpse of Diamond Fuji is something that takes a certain amount of planning, but is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have in Japan and the memories will last a lifetime, especially if you’re lucky enough to snap that perfect photo at just the right moment.
