Kenji Suzuki 
The peak of Mt Fuji was clearly visible from Tohachi-dori Avenue in Mitaka City, Tokyo on February 11. (©Sankei by Kenji Suzuki)
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The air was crisp and clear on February 11 in Tokyo — perfect for capturing Mount Fuji. Without delay, I set out on a tour of some of Tokyo's best viewpoints, aiming my telephoto lens at Japan's tallest peak.
Winter offers excellent visibility, making distant landscapes appear vividly through the camera's viewfinder. The sight of Mt Fuji's snow-capped peak in the clear winter air is truly special.
As someone who grew up in Shizuoka Prefecture, I took views of Mt Fuji for granted, its presence a constant backdrop in my daily life. However, after moving to Tokyo, I began to appreciate even partial glimpses of this sacred mountain from afar.
1. Tohachi-dori Avenue, Mitaka
While running errands on weekends, I sometimes drive along Tohachi-dori Avenue in Mitaka's Mure area, where glimpses of Mt Fuji occasionally appear. The mountain comes into view at certain points, disappears, and then reappears further down the road. However, aligning the perfect vantage point with the ideal road position is not as easy as it seems.
As a major thoroughfare with heavy traffic, visibility is often obstructed by traffic lights and power lines. But on this particular day, the details of Mt Fuji's peak stood out clearly.
2. Jindaiji Area, Chofu
From a pedestrian overpass spanning the Chuo Expressway in Chofu, I spotted Mt Fuji in the distance. At one point, an airplane landing at Chofu Airport crossed in front of the mountain, creating an opportunity for a beautifully surreal shot.
By early afternoon, the once-brilliant blue sky began to fade—perhaps due to the arrival of spring haze.
3. Around Sengawa Station, Chofu
I found another clear view of Mt Fuji from the rooftop of a commercial complex near the Keio Line's Sengawa Station. Though the base of the mountain was obscured by the Tanzawa mountain range, this vantage point offered an unobstructed sightline to the peak, free from power lines and utility poles.
As the afternoon progressed, the sky took on a hazy whiteness. I couldn't help but wish for just a little more blue to enhance the view.
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Author: Kenji Suzuki, The Sankei Shimbun
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