The Joy of Photographing Mount Fuji Through the Seasons | Focus #410

There are numerous photography points for Mount Fuji, but here are some particularly recommended locations.

First, Tanuki Lake in Shizuoka Prefecture offers a beautiful view of the inverted reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake surface, and in April and August, you can capture the rare 'Diamond Fuji' where the sun aligns with the summit. During sunrise and sunset, you can also capture the fantastically red-dyed Mount Fuji.

Additionally, Arakura Sengen Shrine in Yamanashi Prefecture is popular for capturing both the five-storied pagoda and Mount Fuji together. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, allowing you to capture a quintessentially Japanese landscape, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad.

Furthermore, at Shoji Lake, you can enjoy a unique composition known as 'Ko-daki Fuji'. On calm mornings, you can see a clear inverted reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake surface, creating a mystical atmosphere. If you want to capture Mount Fuji with a vast grassland, Asagiri Plateau in Shizuoka Prefecture is also recommended. In winter, the snow-covered Mount Fuji combined with fog creates a fantastic landscape.

As such, Mount Fuji has different charms depending on the location and angle of photography, and the atmosphere of the photos can change significantly based on where you shoot from.

To photograph Mount Fuji more beautifully, it's important to be mindful of how you use light. Especially during sunrise and sunset, the color of the sky changes moment by moment, offering a chance to capture dramatic photos. Among these, 'Red Fuji', illuminated by the morning sun and turning red, is a precious sight that can only be seen for a moment. When photographing, prepare before sunrise to ensure you don't miss the shutter chance.

Moreover, by adjusting your camera settings, you can capture clearer photos. If you want to capture the details of Mount Fuji clearly, set the aperture to around F8 to F16. When aiming for the inverted reflection of Mount Fuji, set a faster shutter speed to suppress the lake surface's ripples for clearer reflections.

Mount Fuji shows different expressions in each season. In spring, the collaboration with cherry blossoms is beautiful, especially at Lake Kawaguchi and Arakura Sengen Shrine, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of cherry blossoms in full bloom with Mount Fuji. In summer, there are many clear days, and the contrast with the blue sky is beautiful. At Asagiri Plateau, you can capture the vast grassland and the refreshing summer Mount Fuji, resulting in photos with a sense of openness.

In autumn, capturing Mount Fuji with autumn leaves allows you to express a more colorful Mount Fuji. At Shoji Lake and Lake Motosu, the contrast between the autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface and Mount Fuji is beautiful, creating a painting-like photo.

And in winter, it's the season to enjoy the most majestic Mount Fuji. The snow-covered mountain surface stands out clearly, and you can take clear photos in the crisp air. Especially in the early morning or evening, the cold enhances the sky's gradient, spreading a fantastic scene.

Mount Fuji is a beautiful subject no matter where you shoot from, but that's why photos tend to look similar to others. Therefore, it's important to have your own perspective. By being creative with compositions and visiting multiple times at different seasons and times of day, you can find a shot that no one else has taken. You can feel this from the works of Makoto Hashimuki, whom we previously interviewed.

Even at the same location, Mount Fuji's appearance changes greatly depending on the weather and time. The moment dyed in the morning glow, the sight of clouds trailing, the silent Mount Fuji reflected on the lake surface. By capturing the beauty that can only be seen in each moment, you can express your own Mount Fuji through photography.

Why not take your camera and go photograph this special mountain, inspired by Mount Fuji Day?