Complete Guide to the Red Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park) Access!

2026-03-12

Arakurayama Sengen Park is a stunning spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the red five-storied pagoda (Chureito Pagoda) and the cityscape with Mt.Fuji in the background.

It is a very popular photo spot for foreign tourists, especially in spring with cherry blossoms, in autumn with autumn leaves, and in winter with snow-covered Mount Fuji.

In this article, we’ll clearly explain how to get to Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park from Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko.

What Is Arakurayama Sengen Park?

The red pagoda is the five-story pagoda of Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, located within Arakurayama Sengen Park.
Arakurayama Sengen Park is a scenic park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
The combination of the Chureito Pagoda and Mt.Fuji is known worldwide as one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes.

Mount Fuji × Five-Storied Pagoda × Cherry Blossoms
Mount Fuji × Five-Storied Pagoda × Autumn Leaves
Mount Fuji × Five-Storied Pagoda × Cityscape

You can enjoy picturesque scenery no matter what season you visit.

[From Shinjuku] Access to Arakurayama Sengen Park

1. [Recommended] How to get there by express bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (easy and safe)

The most recommended option for first-timers and foreign tourists is the express bus.

Route

Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal → Express bus (bound for Lake Kawaguchi) to
Chuo-do Shimoyoshida bus stop
About 15-20 minutes on foot from the bus stop
Arrive at Arakurayama Sengen Park

Points

Easy with no transfers
Peace of mind even with large luggage
Guaranteed seating with reservation
Reservations can be made at Highwaybus.com

👉 If you are going to Mount Fuji or Lake Kawaguchi from Shinjuku, the express bus is the easiest way to get around.

Highway bus reservations are available at highwaybus.com

Walking Route: Chuodo Shimo Yoshida bus stop (Outbound) → Arakurayama

When the bus announcement says “Next stop: Chuo Shimo Yoshida,” press the “STOP” button overhead.
The bus will stop at Chuodo Shimo Yoshida Bus Stop.

Google Map (Walking Route | 850m)

Google Maps Street View

From the expressway bus stop, exit to the local road side.
After getting off the bus at Chuodo Shimo Yoshida Bus Stop, turn left (toward the rear of the bus). There will be a staircase on your right leading down to the local road. Go down the stairs.
After descending the stairs, head right (with Mt. Fuji on your left and the expressway on your right).
From here you’ll pass through farmland and residential areas. Think of it as “walking along the expressway with Mt. Fuji on your left.”
Follow the signs for “Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park).”
As you approach the park entrance, you’ll notice more tourists.
When you see the park entrance, you’ve arrived.
There are approximately 400 steps from the entrance up to the Chureito Pagoda (observation deck).
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Google Map (Walking Route | 850m)

Highway bus reservations are available at highwaybus.com

2. How to get there from Shinjuku Station by train (with transfers)

Route

Shinjuku Station → JR Chuo Line (bound for Otsuki)
Otsuki Station → Fujikyuko Line
Shimoyoshida Station
About 20 minutes on foot

Points to note

Many transfers
Easily crowded during peak season
Difficult with large luggage

Shimoyoshida Station → Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda) Walking Route

Google Map (Walking Route | 400m)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4j9S3H1pBAAyRuAB6

Google Map Street View
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DrX9FxTBwnAjTGYw6

After exiting Shimoyoshida Station, turn right and continue along the railway tracks.
Cross the railway tracks at the level crossing.
After crossing the tracks, turn left.
At the end of the road, turn left, then continue a short distance and pass under the expressway on your right.
Arakurayama Sengen Park is right in front of you.
From the entrance area, you can see both a slope and a staircase.
Stairs to Chureito Pagoda (Observation Deck) (approx. 400 steps)
When you climb all the stairs, you can take the classic shot of the five-storied pagoda and Mount Fuji.

[From Kawaguchiko Station] Access to Arakurayama Sengen Park

Take the Fujikyuko Line to Shimoyoshida Station

Route

Kawaguchiko Station → Fujikyuko Line (approx. 10 minutes)
Shimoyoshida Station
About 20 minutes on foot

Recommended if you are visiting in conjunction with sightseeing in Kawaguchiko.

Arakurayama Sengen Park → Chuo-do Shimoyoshida Bus Stop (upbound)

Walking time: about 15 minutes

Google Maps (Walking Route | Upbound)
*This is the walking route to Shinjuku (upbound).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SnF7Ao3toeqTaS6QA

Google Map Street View
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qC1WYSsTgfh1K8Wh9

Exit Arakurayama Sengen Park, cross the small bridge over the river, then turn left. Walk along the river.
Video
Do not go under the expressway. Keep to the left.
Video
Walk for about 10 minutes with the expressway on your left.
On your right, you will see the entrance staircase for the highway bus stop “Chudo Shimo Yoshida (bound for Shinjuku).”
Video
Climb the stairs to reach the bus stop on the expressway. When your reserved bus arrives, show your ticket to the driver and take your seat.

1. Exit Arakurayama Sengen Park, cross the small bridge over the river, then turn left. Walk along the river.