🗻 Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic mountain, stretches across both Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures.
The surrounding areas are full of scenic spots where you can enjoy breathtaking seasonal landscapes—and in spring, Ryuganbuchi in Fuji City is one of the best places to visit.
📍 Located along the calm Uruigawa River, Ryuganbuchi is known as one of the most popular photo spots for capturing Mt. Fuji with cherry blossoms and vibrant rapeseed flowers.
It’s a postcard-perfect view that attracts photographers and nature lovers alike.
🚃 The best part? You can get there easily by local train, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore Japan at a relaxed pace.
On this blog, I share scenic spots and travel tips around Mt. Fuji, from must-see views to recommended places to stay.
📷 Let me show you why Ryuganbuchi is such a beautiful and unforgettable spring destination.
What Is Ryuganbuchi?
Ryuganbuchi is a riverside spot located along the Urui River in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
In spring, the area transforms into a breathtaking scene where cherry blossoms and yellow rapeseed flowers bloom at the same time, with Mt. Fuji rising majestically in the background.
The vibrant contrast of pink sakura, golden rapeseed blossoms, and the snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji creates a picture-perfect view that looks like a painting.
Every year, the spot attracts families, couples, and photographers from near and far.
How to Get to Ryuganbuchi by Train (JR Access Guide)
①Take the JR Tokaido Line to Fuji Station
🗾 From Tokyo or eastbound:
Take the Shinkansen to Mishima Station, then transfer to a local JR train on the Tokaido Line heading toward Shizuoka/Nagoya. Ride 6 stops to Fuji Station.
🗾 From Osaka, Nagoya, or westbound:
Take the Shinkansen to Shizuoka Station, then transfer to a local JR train on the Tokaido Line toward Mishima/Tokyo. Ride 9 stops to Fuji Station.
It’s much more convenient to transfer at Shizuoka or Mishima, so we recommend avoiding Shin-Fuji if possible.
②Transfer to the Local Minobu Line at Fuji Station
Once you arrive at Fuji Station, stay inside the ticket gates and transfer to the Minobu Line, a local JR line serving small towns and rural areas.
Look for signs that guide you to the Minobu Line platform inside the station🔽
③Get off at Iriyamase Station and Walk 10 Minutes
🚶♂️ Ride a few stops and get off at Iriyamase Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Ryuganbuchi.
There are no restaurants or cafes along the way, so we recommend stopping by the 7-Eleven near the station to grab snacks, drinks, or use the restroom before heading to the viewpoint.
🚗 A Note for Drivers
Parking near Ryuganbuchi is limited, especially during cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
🌸 On weekends and holidays, it can be difficult to find an open spot.
If you’re driving, one option is to park at a paid parking area near JR Fuji Station and take the local train from there to avoid traffic and parking stress.
Taking a Taxi to Ryuganbuchi
If you prefer to skip train transfers or avoid walking, taking a taxi is also an option.
From Shin-Fuji Station (Shinkansen), it’s about 6 km, and from Fuji Station (local JR), it’s roughly 5 km—a 15〜20 minute ride by car.
While you can easily catch a taxi from the station on your way there, it may be difficult to find one for the return trip as taxis rarely pass by the area.
✅Recommended Taxi App in Japan: GO
If you plan to take a taxi in Japan, we highly recommend downloading the “GO” app, Japan’s most popular taxi-hailing service.
In Japan, the most widely used taxi app is GO, which has quickly become the top ride-hailing service in the country.
GO lets you:
Call a taxi directly from your smartphone
Track the driver’s location in real time
Pay cashless (credit card or app wallet)
Choose pick-up points easily, even in busy areas
The app is available in English and can be downloaded from both the App Store and Google Play.
✅Bonus for first-time users:
New users often receive discount coupons that can be used right away.
(Check the app for current promotions, as they may change without notice.)
Best Time to Visit Ryuganbuchi
Cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers at Ryuganbuchi usually reach full bloom between late March and early April.
📷 The photo in this article was taken in early April 2023. Due to a mild winter, the cherry blossoms bloomed a little earlier than usual and had just started to fall.
Even so, the scene was breathtaking—with petals fluttering in the air and the rapeseed flowers in full bloom.
🌸 Sakura petals typically begin to fall about one week after reaching full bloom.
The combination of falling cherry blossoms and vibrant yellow flowers makes for a truly unforgettable spring experience.
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Final Thoughts
🗻🌸 With Mount Fuji rising in the background, framed by vivid pink cherry blossoms and bright yellow rapeseed flowers, Ryuganbuchi offers one of the most picturesque springtime views in Japan.
It feels like stepping into a real-life painting.
🚃 Because parking is very limited around Ryuganbuchi, especially during the sakura season, we recommend taking the local JR Minobu Line from Fuji Station. It’s not only convenient but also a great way to enjoy a bit of local train travel in Japan.
📍 Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or simply looking for a once-in-a-lifetime view, Ryuganbuchi is absolutely worth the visit.