Mt. Fuji Best Views on Odakyu Line

With its inverted cone-shaped glass structure, the Enoshima Sea Candle is an observation lighthouse that boasts a height of 119.6 m above sea level. From the observatory deck, you can see Mt. Fuji and Mt. Oyama in the west over Sagami Bay. Put together, a magnificent 360-degree panorama of Oshima Island in the far south and the Izu Peninsula lays before your eyes. Being one of the privately managed observation lighthouses with the furthest light reach distance of 46 km in Japan and having its shining figure emitting light at night, the Enoshima Sea Candle draws a fantastic figure that is truly the candle of Enoshima as well as its symbol without a doubt.

Built directly below the observation lighthouse, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden is a Japanese-Western fusion botanical garden with a tropical feel. Active in Japan from 1869 until 1914, an English merchant named Samuel Cocking constructed a vacation home and a garden on Enoshima, leading to the remaining garden being named after him. Featuring different flowers and plants you can view in all four seasons, the garden has a café, a gallery, and a specialty store. There are illumination events you can enjoy such as “Enoshima Lanterns” in summer, “Shonan Candle” in fall, and one of the three largest wintertime illuminations in the Kanto Region “The Jewel of Shonan” etc.

The next Mt. Fuji view spot has been chosen as one of the “Kanto Fujimi 100 Views”. Looking out from SHONAN COAST PARK, the ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, showing Enoshima with its characteristic lighthouse on the left-hand side and the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji on the right. Although the clouds concentrated over the sea level often hide away Mt. Fuji in summer, its gorgeous shape rising above the sea of Sagami Bay can be seen in other seasons. This view of the ocean and Mt. Fuji together is beautiful enough to make you forget about the time.

SHONAN COAST PARK stretches about 2 km along the Kugenuma and Katase Coasts, hosting the Enoshima Aquarium, Nagisa’s Learning Center, and an Italian restaurant inside. Plus, there are other facilities such as a grass area, a playground, the Water Square, the Boardwalk, and the Surf Village. As Enoshima Island is within walking distance, taking a seaside stroll by the beach is recommended. You will find many spots to take photos along the way.

Koboyama Park encompasses Mt. Asama, Mt. Gongen, and Mt. Kobo. From the observation deck at the top of Mt. Gongen, you can take in a 360-degree panorama. Here, you will be taking in a dynamic view of majestic Mt. Fuji, Hadano Basin, Tanzawa Mountains, Sagami Bay, and more. You can even see the Miura Peninsula in the distance. Also, another panorama of Mt. Fuji appears around the point where the road from Hadano Clean Center merges with the outer road, offering one of the best Mt. Fuji viewpoints in Hadano City.

Koboyama Park is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, being selected as one of the “Kanagawa’s 100 Flower Viewing Spots” with its more than 1400 cherry blossom trees blooming in spring. Hadano Sakura Festival is held every year during the cherry blossom season. Even if you miss out on the cherry blossoms, you can enjoy different flowers and foliage in every season, with hydrangeas and mountain lilies in summer, autumn colors in fall, etc., making the park perfect for hiking or strolling. We recommend enjoying a soak in the hot springs after a Mt. Fuji and flower viewing session since Hadano City hosts many hot spring hotels.

Nishihirabatake Park is located halfway up Mt. Matsuda and overlooks Matsuda Town, and Odawara on the Ashigara Plain. Its great location offers a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji, Sagami Bay, and the Hakone mountain range. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Izu Islands. From this park, you can admire the magnificence of Mt. Fuji's figure, its beauty, solemnity, and mysterious power. By doing so, you will come to understand why Mt. Fuji is said to be a sacred mountain and is revered by mountain worshipers.

Flowers adorn the park in all four seasons such as cherry blossoms, lavenders, canola flowers, and more. At certain times of the year, you can take in a combined view of flowers and Mt. Fuji. Within the park, there is an area where canola flowers cover the base of the cherry blossoms. The yellow of the canola flowers makes the pink of the cherry blossoms stand out even more, making the area a popular viewing spot you shouldn't miss. Also, don't miss out on the beautiful night view that has been ranked number one in the Kanagawa/Yokohama night view rankings. There are also “Herb Garden'', “Children's Pavilion'', “Nature Pavilions'', etc. scattered throughout the park with various events being held there, making it a great place for people of all ages to enjoy.

Enjoying a nice Mt. Fuji view within the city may sound difficult but we have the perfect recommendation: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory. You can enter the observatory on the 45th floor free of charge. Towering 202 m above the street level, the observatory offers a Tokyo panorama and a beautiful Mt. Fuji in the west on winter days with clear weather. This combination of the view of the city view and Mt. Fuji in the distance is a must-see. The night view is particularly beautiful despite not being able to see Mt. Fuji, as the night view of the city of Tokyo with twinkling neon lights is like a dream.

The observatory opens early in the morning on New Year's Day every year and is popular as a spot for spectacular views of the first sunrise. Inside the observatory, there is a shop selling snacks and souvenirs where you can pick-up Tokyo-exclusive souvenirs. Tokyo tourist information is on the first floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building No. 1. Inside the information center, there is a gift shop where you can find products that introduce traditional crafts and culture in Tokyo, Japanese food, and more. Also, Shinjuku Central Park happens to be situated in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which is perfect for a stroll or a small break.

On the Odakyu Romancecar, you can enjoy the train track view from the large windows. Once outside the city boundary, you will start seeing the beauty of the rural area. Once you leave the city center and enter the suburbs, you can see beautiful rural scenery. The climax point of the panorama outside is the majestic view of Mt. Fuji between the Shin-Matsuda and Kayama Stations. Right outside, you can take in a picturesque scenery of Mt. Fuji standing above the outer Hakone mountain range followed by a scenery of the sky and the fields, of the mountain range and Mt. Fuji.

The view of Mt. Fuji is on the right side as you head towards Hakone, visible from the C and D row seats.
There are many other beautiful sceneries along the line:
・Tama River between Izumi Tama River and Noborito
・Rural scenery between Aiko Ishida and Hadano
・Tanigawa between Shibuya and Shin-Matsuda
You can take in a satisfying view of Mt. Tanzawa around the Odawara Station

Limited Express Romancecar