Traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Bullet train which connects Tokyo and Osaka, two of Japan’s largest cities) offers a unique opportunity to witness the the breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji from the comfort of your train seat. In this guide, we will explore the best ways to view Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen, including the ideal seats to book, the key viewing points, and tips for each type of train service: Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama.

The Best Shinkansen/Bullet Train Seat for Viewing Mt. Fuji

Shinkansen-Seat-E-recommendation

The Tokaido Shinkansen has five seats per row, labeled A, B, C, D, and E. If you want the best view of Mt. Fuji, choose a window seat on the mountain side, which is always seat E. This applies to both going towards Osaka from Tokyo, and the other way from Osaka to Tokyo as the seating arrangement doesn’t change between trips. Booking early is recommended to secure this seat.

When and Where You Can See Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen/Bullet Train

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●Stops all the time ○Stops approximately once per hour △Stops approximately once every two hours

The best view of Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen occurs between Atami Station and Shin-Fuji Station.

The timing of when you reach this point depends on which type of train you are riding—Nozomi, Hikari, or Kodama – as each has different speeds and stops at different stations.

When traveling from TOKYO to OSAKA

You will see Mt. Fuji on the right side of the train.

  • Riding on “Nozomi”
    You will see Mt. Fuji approximately 40-45 minutes after departing Tokyo Station.
    After departing Shin Yokohama Station, there will be no stops until Mt. Fuji comes into view, so the best way to time it is by checking your watch.
  • Riding on “Hikari”
    You will see Mt. Fuji at about the same time as on the Nozomi, approximately 40-45 minutes after leaving Tokyo Station. Since not all Hikari trains stop at Atami Station, the best way to time it is the same as on the Nozomi—by checking your watch.
  • Riding on “Kodama”
    Kodama train makes stops at every station along the route. Keep an eye out after departing Atami Station! It takes approximately 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Atami Station.
When traveling from OSAKA to TOKYO

You will see Mt. Fuji on the left side of the train.

  • Riding on “Nozomi”
    You will see Mt. Fuji approximately 95-105 minutes after departing Shin Osaka Station.
    After departing Nagoya Station, there will be no stops until Mt. Fuji comes into view, so the best way to time it is by checking your watch.
  • Riding on “Hikari”
    You will see Mt. Fuji approximately 100-110 minutes after leaving Shin Osaka Station. After passing Shizuoka Station, you will start to see Mt. Fuji, but please note that not all Hikari train makes stops at Shizuoka Station. So, the best way to time it is the same as on the Nozomi—by checking your watch.
  • Riding on “Kodama”
    Kodama train makes stops at every station along the route. Keep an eye out after departing Shizuoka Station! It takes approximately 135-150 minutes from Shin Osaka Station to Shizuoka Station.

If you are using JR (Japan Rail) Pass, you cannot ride Nozomi trains. You can, however, reserve a seat on other Shinkansen trains, like Hikari, and Kodama.

Discover Japan with Ease: The Complete JR Pass Guide
Discover Japan with Ease: The Complete JR Pass Guide
If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, the Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a must-have for stress-free travel across the country. With the JR Pass, you can hop on and off bullet trains, explore scenic routes, and travel from city to city without the stress of buying individual tickets. This guide will provide all the information you need about JR Pass to make the most of your Japanese adventure. Table of ContentsWhat is JR?What is Japan Rail…

Important Tips for Viewing Mt. Fuji

Timing is Key: Mt. Fuji is best viewed on clear days, typically early morning.

Season: Winter months (December to February) often provide clearer skies.

The opportunity to see Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen depends on favorable weather and conditions. If you don’t spot it, don’t be discouraged; instead, consider it a fortunate gift if you do.

Changing Your Shinkansen/Bullet Train Seat

If you realize after purchasing your ticket that you want to change your seat to get a better view of Mt. Fuji, you can do so before the journey starts.

Here’s how you can do it:

  • Go to the JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi) at the station where you purchased your ticket or any major JR station.
  • Look for the Ticket Vending Machines that support changes, which usually have English options.

Make sure to change your ticket before the departure time of your originally reserved train. Changes are typically not allowed once the train has departed.

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