I’ve written extensively, each on this weblog and on social media, about what a canard I believe the idea of “overtourism” is. Like “overpopulation,” this phrases is usually an intellectualized cowl from rank classism and racism.
That is significantly the case in Japan, the place two different points are literally those at play. First, Japanese tourism authorities relentless promote locations which might be already saturated, and fail to encourage vacationers to go to these even barely off the overwhelmed path. Secondly, Japan’s tourism infrastructure is just underdeveloped for a rustic of its dimension.
I carry this up as a result of the “o phrase” is usually invoked when individuals who name themselves journalists write in regards to the comfort retailer with view of Mt. Fuji, usually in protection of the shop’s homeowners and the ridiculous measures they’ve taken. I’m right here that can assist you get the shot you need, haters be damned.
Why the Kawaguchiko Lawson is Not All That
I first handed the Lawson close to Kawaguchiko Station many, a few years in the past. Again then, it was solely actually well-known amongst Japanese vacationers and a sure subset of vacationers from elsewhere in Asia. I clearly keep in mind seeing the shop, although I’m undecided if I photographed it. It merely didn’t appear outstanding, actually not in comparison with the whole lot else I used to be photographing in the Fuji 5 Lakes area.
There are a number of causes for this. To start with, for a lot of the yr and at most instances of the day, the complete scene is backlit (which is an issue within the Kawaguchiko-Fujiyoshida space generally). Second of all, you’ll be able to’t actually again up far sufficient from the shop’s entrance to see very a lot of Fujisan, and positively not sufficient to zoom in and get a compressed view that reveals its dimension. In some sense, I believe the shop is just well-known for being well-known.
Options to the Mt. Fuji Lawson
The “different” Mt. Fuji Lawson
It’d come as a shock to you in the event you don’t know in any other case, however the Lawson in the primary picture of this text isn’t the well-known one close to Kawaguchiko Station. Fairly, it’s about 15-20 minutes by foot from there, to the south and west of the one which’s been within the information a lot these days.
Gekkouji 7-Eleven
Trying as an alternative for a 7-Eleven with view of Mt. Fuji? Effectively, in the event you plan to go to Chureito Pagoda, then as an alternative of strolling again to Shimoyoshida Station, make your approach as an alternative to Gekkouji Station. Right here, you’ll be able to’t assist however miss one of many prettiest 7-Eleven shops in Japan.
Yamanakako 7-Eleven
One of many prettiest, however possibly not the prettiest. Frankly, in the event you ask me, the lighting situations are higher on the 7-Eleven in Yamanakako, on the japanese shore of Lake Yamanaka, one other one of many Fuji 5 Lakes. Plus, the place is a lifesaver in the event you keep in a single day right here, as there’s not a lot else open early within the morning or late at night time.
Shin-Fuji Station Lawson
Yet one more Lawson with view of Mt. Fuji is situated close to Shin-Fuji Station, which is a handy choice in the event you plan to experience the Tokaido Shinkansen (and who doesn’t), however don’t plan to go to the Fuji 5 Lakes. You’ll be able to click on this Google Maps hyperlink to make your approach from Shin-Fuji Station to the shop.
FamilyMart in Fujiyoshida
Final however not least is a FamilyMart with a Mt. Fuji view. There are a number of of those all through Japan, however my private favourite (and one of many best to entry) is that this one in Fujiyoshida. The way in which to go to this retailer with the least quantity of strolling is to experience the Fujikyu Railway to Mt. Fuji Station and stroll from there.
Different Superb Views of Mt. Fuji
As you’ll know in the event you’e explored this web site at any depth, I by no means shut up about Mt. Fuji and my love for it. My article in regards to the greatest views of Mt. Fuji, for its half, is likely one of the high articles on Google for that question. From apparent choices like Hakone and the Izu Peninsula, to obscure ones like Shin-Nase Seaside and Higashi-Taganoura Station, I may also help you are feeling like a modern-day Hokusai.
Look, I don’t wish to decrease your disappointment, in the event you’ve come right here after discovering out the exhausting approach in regards to the Kawaguchiko Lawson “display screen.” If you wish to see a comfort retailer with view of Mt. Fuji, then it’s best to be capable to see and {photograph} it. My level is that there are various different methods and lots of fascinating contexts during which to see Japan’s most well-known mountain. All hope just isn’t misplaced!
Different FAQ In regards to the Kawaguchiko Lawson
Is Mount Fuji Lawson nonetheless blocked?
As of late 2025, it’s unclear whether or not the Lawson at Kawaguchiko Station nonetheless persistently blocks views of Mt. Fuji utilizing a display screen. Numerous technical points have arisen within the months because the barrier first went up, which has resulted in it being lowered for days and even weeks at a time.
The place is the well-known Lawson in Fuji?
The “well-known” Lawson in Mt. Fuji is only a block or two west of Kawaguchiko Station, simply south of Lake Kawaguchi. Do have in mind, nevertheless, that a number of comfort shops round Mt. Fuji provide compelling views of the mountain, arguably ones higher than these on the well-known retailer.
Why is Fuji Lawson so fashionable?
The Fuji Lawson has turn out to be fashionable primarily because of social media hype and groupthink. For my part as a photographer, the view it affords just isn’t even that fascinating, because of points associated to optics and lighting. I wasn’t upset when the display screen was erected, besides after all due to the ideas at hand.
The Backside Line
The unhealthy information? Probably the most well-known comfort retailer with view of Mt. Fuji has determined it hates vacationers, and has actually put up a barrier to maintain you from getting the shot you need. The excellent news? The Mt. Fuji Lawson just isn’t the one sport on the town, not even shut. In reality, you may get pictures of all three of Japan’s main comfort shops—7-Eleven, Lawson and Household Mart—with Mt. Fuji rising behind them, so long as you comply with my directions. One of the best information of all, nevertheless, is what else I can do to your subsequent journey to Japan. Particularly, once you rent me to plan a customized Japan itinerary, as I’ve achieved for actually a whole lot of vacationers since 2013.