Panoramic Mt. Fuji Views Above the Aokigahara Forest
Koyodai Photo Guide
The journey to Koyodai follows a rugged, unpaved road, and the scenery changes as you go, revealing Mt. Fuji, the vast Aokigahara Forest, and beautiful views of the surrounding lakes.
Why Visit Koyodai?
Koyodai offers a completely different side of the Mt. Fuji area, with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji, the vast Aokigahara Forest, and the surrounding lakes. Lush green scenery fills the landscape in summer, while autumn brings beautiful fall colors, making the journey itself part of the experience.
Basic Information
Best Conditions
Clear days are ideal for enjoying wide views of Mt. Fuji, the Aokigahara Forest, and the surrounding lakes.
Best Seasons
Autumn is especially beautiful, when Koyodai is surrounded by vibrant fall colors. Summer is also a great time to enjoy the lush green landscape around Mt. Fuji.
Access
The road up to Koyodai is unpaved and bumpy, making the drive itself feel like a small adventure.
Atmosphere
Wild, scenic, and peaceful, with a sense of being surrounded by the natural landscape of Mt. Fuji.
Scenery You’ll See at Koyodai
Discover wide-open views of Mt. Fuji, the vast Aokigahara Forest, and the surrounding lakes, with the scenery changing as you explore Koyodai.
- Panoramic Mt. Fuji Views
- The Vast Aokigahara Forest
- Views of the Surrounding Lakes
Nature & Experiences at Koyodai
Spectacular Autumn Colors
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit Koyodai, when the surrounding forest turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.
Wildlife of Aokigahara
The nearby Aokigahara Forest is home to wildlife such as deer, foxes, wild boar, hares, weasels, and squirrels, as well as many species of birds.
Explore the Tokai Nature Trail
A 15–20 minute hike from Koyodai leads to Sankodai. Continue along the Tokai Nature Trail toward Mt. Ashiwada, also known as Gokodai, for a longer mountain walk.
A Forest Born from Mt. Fuji
Aokigahara Forest grew on lava from Mt. Fuji’s Jogan eruption in 864, shaping the vast forest landscape seen today.
Photography Tips for Koyodai
Use the elevated viewpoints, changing seasons, and vast natural landscape to capture the scale and beauty of Koyodai.
Layer Mt. Fuji with the Forest
Include the Aokigahara Forest in the foreground to create depth and show the scale of Mt. Fuji beyond it.
Capture the Autumn Colors
Use the red, orange, and golden leaves to frame Mt. Fuji and add strong seasonal color to your photos.
Show the Scale of the Landscape
Wide compositions work especially well here, capturing Mt. Fuji, the forest, mountains, and lakes in a single scene.
Hike to Sankodai for a New View
A short hike from Koyodai to Sankodai reveals a different perspective, with wider views across Mt. Fuji, the forest, and the surrounding lakes.
Ryo
photographer
Born and raised near Mt. Fuji.
Local photographer & guide.
A Few Words from a Local Photographer
Koyodai is one of those places where the journey is part of the experience. The bumpy unpaved road, the vast forest, and the changing mountain scenery make it feel completely different from the busier sightseeing spots around Mt. Fuji. On clear days, you can enjoy wide views of Mt. Fuji, Aokigahara Forest, and the surrounding lakes. Autumn is especially beautiful, but the deep green landscape in the warmer months is also impressive. If you have a little more time, walking toward Sankodai is also worth it. The view gradually opens up as you hike, giving you another perspective of the natural landscape around Mt. Fuji.
