Flower fields from mid-July, sunflowers in late August, deep green shade and big summer skies. What to expect in summer, including the clouds on the mountain.
Thinking of a Mt. Fuji photoshoot in summer? The foot of the mountain is at its greenest, and at Hana no Miyako Park the zinnias and sunflowers come into bloom. Under blue skies and towering summer clouds you get bright, fresh photos full of colour. Summer is also the season when the mountain is most often hidden by cloud, so this guide covers both what you can photograph and how we prepare for a cloudy day.
What you can photograph in summer
Zinnia and sunflower fields
At Hana no Miyako Park the zinnias start blooming in mid-July and the sunflowers peak in mid to late August. The zinnias, in red, pink, orange and yellow, grow to about waist height, so standing among them fills the whole frame with colour, with Mt. Fuji rising beyond the field. It is a composition you get only here in summer.
In mid to late August you can also shoot in a full field of sunflowers. On a day when the mountain shows above the yellow blooms, it is summer in a single photo.
Blue sky and summer clouds over the lake
On a clear day Lake Yamanaka gives you the blue of the water, the blue of the sky and white towering clouds all at once. On the shallow sandy shore we can spread a long veil or the hem of a dress for an open, airy shot.
Green shade and dappled light
Summer is when the trees are at their deepest green. The willow path at Hana no Miyako Park becomes a green tunnel and the woods by the lake are dappled with light. On a hot, bright day the shade makes the shoot comfortable. On the open lawn we can also take photos with movement, running together under the summer sky.
Flowers in bloom around summer
The main flowers at Hana no Miyako Park before and after summer, from the park's own calendar. Dates shift each year with the weather.
| Approximate peak | Flower |
|---|---|
| Mid to late June | Mustard flowers (a yellow relative of rapeseed) |
| Late June to mid-July | Poppies, cornflowers, baby's breath |
| Mid-July to mid-August | Annabelle hydrangeas (white), in the Seiryu no Sato area |
| Mid-July to early October | Zinnias |
| Mid to late August | Sunflowers |
| Late August to mid-October | Yellow cosmos |
In the park's paid Seiryu no Sato area, white Annabelle hydrangeas peak from mid-July to mid-August. The tour includes shooting there.
The full flower calendar and every spot are in Hana no Miyako Flower Park.
Summer clouds on Mt. Fuji
Fuji City's long-term 8 a.m. record shows summer as the season when the whole mountain is visible least often.
| Month | Days with the whole mountain visible (8 a.m.) |
|---|---|
| June | about 12% |
| July | about 10% |
| August | about 15% |
| (December, for comparison) | about 62% |
Moist air from the sea meets the mountain and builds cloud. On a summer shoot we often work with the gaps between clouds.
If Mt. Fuji does not appear: the Mt. Fuji Special Retouch, included in the tour, restores the mountain to your favourite 10 photos free of charge. A summer photo can even be given a snow-capped Fuji. Ask us if you would like more than 10. Details in What if Mt. Fuji is hidden by clouds?
What to plan for in summer
Sun and heat
At about 1,000 m, Lake Yamanaka is roughly 5–6°C cooler than Tokyo, and mornings and evenings can feel cool even in summer. On a clear day, though, the sun is strong at this altitude. Rest in the shade between shots and drink plenty of water.
- Sunscreen
- Something to drink
- A light layer for cool mornings and evenings and for air conditioning in the car
- Comfortable shoes for walking
Choosing an outfit
A white wedding dress stands out beautifully among summer flowers and greenery. For a coloured dress, a shade in the same family as the flowers looks soft, while a contrasting colour makes the outfit stand out. See the Dress & Kimono page.
Rain and the rainy season
June to mid-July is the rainy season. If it rains on your day, you can reschedule free of charge, as many times as needed, by contacting us before noon the day before.
Questions about summer shoots
Will Mt. Fuji be in our summer photos?
Summer is the cloudiest season on the mountain. If it is hidden, the Mt. Fuji Special Retouch brings it back into your favourite 10 photos at no charge.
When can we shoot with sunflowers?
The sunflowers at Hana no Miyako Park usually peak in mid to late August. Dates shift a little each year.
How long do the zinnias last?
From mid-July to early October, so they carry on into early autumn.
Is the heat a problem?
The lake is cooler than the city, but the sun is strong on a clear day. Bring sunscreen and something to drink, and we rest in the shade between shots.
What if it rains?
Reschedule free of charge by contacting us before noon the day before, as many times as needed.
Bright, fresh photos among the greenery and flowers of a Mt. Fuji summer. For the other seasons see When to take Mt. Fuji pre-wedding photos and Winter at Mt. Fuji. The plan and schedule are on the tour page.
Ask us about your Mt. Fuji photoshoot
Send your travel dates and the look you have in mind. We reply in English by email, with no obligation.
