Lake Motosu (Koan camp shore)
Darkest of the five lakes. The Milky Way arcs over the summit cone from April through September.
After dark
Stars over Mount Fuji.
When the air is dry and the moon is below the horizon, the west side of Mount Fuji becomes one of the best stargazing spots within reach of Tokyo. The Milky Way core rises above the summit from late spring to early autumn.
Where to look
Best dark sky spots
Asagiri Highlands
Wide-open plateau on the south-west side with very little light pollution. Easy roadside pull-offs.
Lake Tanuki
Reflective water with Fuji rising directly behind. Stable still surfaces around 3 to 5 AM.
Fumotoppara campsite
Famous photographer's campground with unobstructed Fuji and a black eastern sky after midnight.
Timing
When to go
The Milky Way galactic core is visible above the southern horizon from late April to early September, best between 11 PM and 4 AM. Plan around the new moon (check our forecast page for current visibility). Winter offers clearer air and Orion over the summit, but you trade galaxy season for cold.
Plan