Which side of the Shinkansen is Mount Fuji on?

If you want to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji while riding the Shinkansen, the key is to book an E seat—the window seat on the right side of the train when heading from Tokyo to Osaka (downward direction on the Tokaido Shinkansen). The train seats are arranged in a 3-seat side (A, B, C) and 2-seat side (D, E) layout, with A and E being window seats. Since Mount Fuji appears on the right side in the direction from Tokyo to Osaka, reserving an E seat ensures you get the best view.

Interestingly, whether you’re traveling toward Tokyo or Osaka, the train car seats actually rotate to always face forward, so the E seat remains the window seat on the Mount Fuji side. This means you don’t have to worry about the train reversing direction or changing your seat number depending on the route—you just stick to E seat.

Since window seats are popular, especially for the Fuji view, they tend to get reserved quickly. I recommend booking your tickets as early as possible, especially if you want a guaranteed spot to admire Mount Fuji. It doesn’t matter which car you choose; the important part is the seat letter.

What if I can’t get an E seat? Are there any other options to see Mount Fuji on the Shinkansen?

If you miss out on an E seat, don’t lose hope entirely. Sometimes people in D seats (the aisle seat next to E) might be willing to switch if you ask politely, especially if you’re traveling with companions. Another option is to ride the Shinkansen during the winter months when the air is crisp and clear—sometimes Mount Fuji is visible even from further away or different angles, so keep your camera handy.

Alternatively, if the Shinkansen view doesn’t work out, there are many great spots near Tokyo or Osaka where you can get iconic views of Mount Fuji up close, such as Lake Kawaguchi or the Fuji Five Lakes region. But for a quick glimpse during your journey, the E seat on the Shinkansen is still your best bet.

How early should I book Shinkansen tickets to get an E seat for Mount Fuji viewing?

In my experience, booking your Shinkansen tickets at least a month in advance is a good idea if you want an E seat. The Japan Rail Pass holders need to book seat reservations early too, as the window seats fill up fast especially during travel seasons like Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), or New Year holidays.

You can reserve seats online via JR East or JR Central websites, or at ticket counters in Japan. If you’re already in Japan and it’s last minute, check for cancellations or try off-peak times when fewer tourists travel.

Does the time of day affect how well I can see Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen?

Yes, light and weather conditions matter a lot. Morning rides often provide better views because the sun is behind you when traveling westward (Tokyo to Osaka), illuminating Mount Fuji nicely. Afternoons can have glare or haze, so I usually aim for a morning or early afternoon trip.

Also, try to travel on clear days—Mount Fuji hides behind clouds quite often, especially in summer. Winter months are usually clearer but colder. Checking weather forecasts in advance can increase your chances of spotting the mountain.

Can I see Mount Fuji from any Shinkansen line other than the Tokaido Shinkansen?

The best and most reliable views of Mount Fuji are along the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Osaka, as the route passes relatively close to the mountain. Other Shinkansen lines, like the Tohoku or Hokuriku Shinkansen, don’t offer Mount Fuji views.

So if seeing Mount Fuji from the train is a must on your trip, plan to take the Tokaido Shinkansen and get that E seat.

What Japanese people actually do

When locals take the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka, many don’t bother with window seats, especially if it’s just a quick business trip or casual travel. But if someone knows the route well and wants to catch that iconic Fuji view, reserving the E seat is a small but satisfying treat. It’s a bit like a secret perk among train enthusiasts or frequent travelers who know the layout.

Also, many Japanese people don’t just admire Mount Fuji from the train—they plan weekend trips to the Fuji Five Lakes or Hakone areas to experience the mountain up close, including hiking or soaking in hot springs with a view. The train glimpse is more of a brief “hello” to the mountain rather than the full Fuji experience.

Practical tips

• Seat layout on Tokaido Shinkansen is 3 seats (A, B, C) on one side and 2 seats (D, E) on the other.
• E seat is always the right-side window seat for Mount Fuji viewing on both directions because seats rotate.
• Booking early is essential; prices start from about ¥14,000 (~$100 USD) one way for unreserved seats, with reserved seats slightly higher.
• Check weather forecasts and aim for clear mornings.
• Don’t rely solely on the train view if Mount Fuji is a trip highlight—consider dedicated visits to nearby areas.

Getting that perfect Fuji shot from the Shinkansen can be a small but memorable highlight of your Japan trip, and knowing the seat number is a neat insider tip to make it happen!