Chureito Pagoda

Five-story memorial pagoda built in 1963 to honor local war dead, but has become one of Japan's most iconic photo spots. Located in Arakurayama Sengen Park, the pagoda offers a quintessential Japanese view combining traditional architecture with Mt. Fuji in the background. Visitors must climb 398 steps to reach the pagoda viewpoint, which is especially stunning during cherry blossom season in mid-April or autumn foliage in November. The pagoda is illuminated during evening hours in certain seasons. The nearby Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine dates back over 1,000 years.