The cape where the mountain is mirrored, the sandy shore, the boardwalk and the woods. How we catch the reflection, the lake through the seasons, and silhouettes at dusk.
Lake Yamanaka looks straight at Mt. Fuji across the water, which makes it the ideal setting for a photoshoot with the mountain behind you. The Mt. Fuji tour visits the lakeshore and the nearby Hana no Miyako Park in a single day. This guide covers the photo spots around the lake, how we capture the mountain's reflection, and how the lake changes through the year.
About the lake
Lake Yamanaka is in Yamanakako village, Yamanashi. It is the highest of the Fuji Five Lakes, at about 1,000 m, so it is cooler than the city, and it faces Mt. Fuji head-on across the water.
Around the shore are several very different settings: a cape where the water turns into a mirror, a shallow sandy beach you can walk right down to, a boardwalk reaching out over the lake, and a line of trees along the bank. Move a few hundred metres and the picture changes completely.
Photo spots around the lake
The cape
In calm, windless hours the surface of the lake becomes a mirror and Mt. Fuji appears upside down in the water. Standing at the tip of the shallow cape, the two of you and the mountain are reflected together, a composition unique to Lake Yamanaka.
The sandy shore
A shallow beach you can walk down to the water's edge. With nothing in the way, this is the place to spread a long veil or the hem of a dress. On a clear day the white of a dress sings against the blue of lake and sky. A piggyback at the water's edge makes a lively shot too.
The boardwalk
A narrow wooden walkway reaches out over the lake. The straight line is perfect for photographing you walking towards the camera hand in hand, with the mountain and the lake opening up beyond for a sense of depth.
The woods along the shore
In the line of trees along the bank, the branches become a natural frame with the mountain and the lake beyond. Even in the strongest sun the shade stays cool, and the soft light is kind to skin. Quieter shots, such as sitting on the boardwalk, are taken here.
| Spot | What you get | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| The cape | The inverted Fuji, the two of you mirrored in the water | Calm, windless hours |
| The sandy shore | Veil and hem spread wide, lively shots | Clear skies |
| The boardwalk | Walking towards the camera, depth | Any season |
| The woods | Dappled light, branches framing the mountain, silhouettes | Strong sun, or late afternoon |
Catching the reflection
The inverted Fuji appears only when the surface of the lake is still. Early morning and late afternoon, when the wind is usually lightest, are the best bets, but on the day the wind and weather decide whether the water is calm enough. It helps to know in advance that the compositions we can take depend on the state of the lake.
On a windy day we turn the wind to our advantage: on the open shore a long veil flies beautifully and the photos fill with movement.
The lake through the seasons
In summer the blue sky, towering white clouds, the blue of the lake and the green of the trees give bright, fresh photos. From autumn to spring there are long periods with snow on the mountain, and in late spring you can have lingering snow and fresh green at the same time. Summer is covered in Summer at Mt. Fuji, and the snow-and-green season in Spring at Mt. Fuji.
Because of the altitude the lakeshore can feel cool depending on the season; see the cold-weather guide. The seasons are compared in When to take Mt. Fuji pre-wedding photos.
Silhouettes in the late afternoon
Late in the day, shooting into the light from the shade of the trees turns the two of you into silhouettes with the mountain and the lake glowing behind. Hands exchanging rings, a profile: without showing your faces, these become some of the most memorable photos of the day.
The day and the shooting time
You get dressed at our Yokohama or Nagoya studio before departure; there is no changing at the lake. A sample day from Yokohama:
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | Hair, makeup and dressing at the Yokohama studio |
| 13:30 | Depart; about 2 hours to the locations |
| 15:30 | Spot 1, Lake Yamanaka (about 45 minutes) |
| 16:20 | Drive to the park (about 10 minutes) |
| 16:30 | Spot 2, Hana no Miyako Park (about 45 minutes) |
| 19:15 | Back at the studio |
The lake session is about 45 minutes. From Nagoya the drive is about an hour longer each way. More in Your Mt. Fuji photoshoot day.
Clothing and footing
At the lake you walk on sand, along the boardwalk and on paths by the shore. On the beach the hem of a dress can pick up sand; if that concerns you, mention it at the fitting. The shore is breezy and at about 1,000 m it can feel cool, so bring a layer for the drive and the breaks.
Other visitors
The lakeshore is a public place and is not closed for our shoots, but it is spacious enough that we can always find positions and angles that keep other visitors out of the frame.
Rain, and days when Fuji is hidden
If it rains on your day, you can reschedule free of charge by contacting us before noon the day before. If the mountain is behind cloud, the Mt. Fuji Special Retouch restores it to your favourite 10 photos at no charge. See What if Mt. Fuji is hidden by clouds?
Questions about the lake
Is the reflection guaranteed?
No. The inverted Fuji appears only when the water is still, so on some days it cannot be photographed. On a windy day we take veil shots and other photos that suit the conditions.
Can we shoot both the lake and the park in one day?
Yes. The Mt. Fuji Two-Location Tour visits both in a single day.
Can we change at the lake?
No. All changing is done at the departure studio in Yokohama or Nagoya.
Can we shoot in winter?
Yes. The tour runs from December to February, when the air is clearest and the mountain is snow-capped. See the cold-weather guide.
Can we join from Nagoya?
Yes. Departures from the Nagoya studio carry a surcharge; see Prices and how to choose a plan.
The flower-park half of the day is described in Hana no Miyako Flower Park, and all seven spots with photos on the locations 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.
