Pagoda Chureito

**Cherry blossom timing:** The bloom window is narrow (5–7 days in early April) and draws massive crowds. Arrive before 6:00am during peak bloom for photography without tour groups. The sunrise light (6:30–7:30) provides the clearest Fuji visibility and side-lighting on the pagoda. **Fuji visibility strategy:** Fuji is cloud-free approximately 30% of days annually, with highest visibility November–February (winter high pressure) and lowest June–August (summer humidity). Check live webcams (Fujigoko.ne.jp) before traveling. Morning hours (6:00–9:00) offer 3x better visibility than afternoon. **Composition tips:** The classic shot is from the upper viewing platform at the 398th step. A secondary angle from the 300th step includes more cherry trees in the foreground. Use a 24–70mm lens for flexibility. Avoid midday (harsh overhead light); golden hour (16:00–17:00 in spring) creates warm tones. **Crowd avoidance:** Outside cherry season, the site receives moderate traffic. Weekday mornings are quiet. During peak bloom, the platform fills completely by 8:00am — tripod space becomes impossible. Consider visiting one day before or after peak bloom for 80% of the beauty with 20% of the crowds.