Discovering Beautiful Views of Mt. Fuji With the Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera α7III and Lenses

Introducing the α7III Camera and Lens

We photographed Mt. Fuji using the Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera α7III. This model features a newly developed 35 mm full-size back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a new generation image processor, granting beautiful image quality with high sensitivity and low noise. With faithful color reproduction and excellent texture depiction, it boasts realistic image creation, perfect for landscape photography.

For our pictures we tried the ILCE-7M3K standard kit lens along with a telephoto and wide angle lens. We used the high resolution telephoto zoom lens SEL70300G and wide angle zoom lens SEL1635Z. The telephoto can zoom up to 300m while the wide angle lens is small and lightweight with high performance. It also supports 35mm full size. We changed between these three lenses on our journey through the photogenic views of Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji Viewing Spot no. 1: Arakurayama Sengen Park

The stunning contrast of the lush nature of Mt. Fuji with the vermillion five-storied pagoda is the main draw of this famous location. Arakurayama Sengen is a park where you can enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji while overlooking the city. In the cherry blossom season, tourists are flocking here to shoot from this angle. The observation deck is on the side of Mt. Arakura. We recommend shooting in the morning when there are relatively less clouds around Mt. Fuji.

Switching lenses for different compositions!

Recommended cherry blossom spot!

• Arakurayama Sengen Park
• Address: 3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Official website (Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival):

Mt. Fuji Viewing Spot no. 2: Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a group of 8 ponds that were created through years of snow thawing from Mt. Fuji. The ponds are a registered World Cultural Heritage together with Mt. Fuji. One of the highlights here is the crystal clear spring water pumped up from 35 m below ground, that you can drink on the spot.

Switching lenses for different compositions!

Recommended cherry blossom spot!

• Oshino Hakkai
• Address: Shibokusa, Oshinomura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Official Website (Oshino Village Sightseeing Association):

Mt. Fuji Viewing Spot no. 3: Lake Kawaguchi

The popular spot for shooting Mt. Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi is around Ubuyagasaki at the base of the Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge. If the wind is not too strong, you can see Mt. Fuji reflected on the water surface and take a picture of the "reverse Mt. Fuji". There are many other great shooting locations along the road surrounding the lake, so we recommend to take the time to walk around with your camera.

Switching lenses for different compositions!

Recommended cherry blossom spot!

• Lake Kawaguchi
• Address: Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Official Website (Fuji Kawaguchiko Tourist Information):

Mt. Fuji Viewing Spot no. 4: Lake Motosu

Lake Motosu is perfect for dynamic panoramas of Mt. Fuji and the water. It is said that of all the lakes surrounding the mountain, this is the most rich in nature. Mt. Fuji often appears in paintings and pictures, and it's even printed on the back of Japanese 1,000 yen bills. That image is Mt. Fuji seen from Lake Motosu.

Switching lenses for different compositions!

Recommended shibazakura spot!

• Lake Motosu
• Address: Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Official Website (Lake Motosu):http://motosuko.com/

• Fuji Sibazakura (Moss phlox) Festival
• Address: 212 Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Official Website (Fuji Sibazakura Festival):http://www.shibazakura.jp/eng/
• *This event is normally held from mid April until late May. Please check the official website for more detailed information such as holding period and access to the venue.

Differences Between Our Three Lenses

One of the fun things about interchangeable lens cameras is being able to switch between lenses obtaining different kind of pictures. Here are the distinctive features of each lens that we used.

There are many other lenses that you can use to achieve the kind of image you want. Have fun taking pictures with different feels and compositions!