For many photographers in Japan, Mt. Fuji is one of the most iconic subjects to photograph.
This image was captured at Lake Tanuki, a popular location known for its beautiful reflections of the mountain. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Lake Tanuki is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Tokyo via the expressway.
To photograph this scene, I left Tokyo around midnight and arrived at the lake at approximately 3:00 a.m., including a short break along the way.
Although Lake Tanuki is an artificial lake, it has become one of the most popular locations for photographing Mt. Fuji because of its stunning reflections and peaceful atmosphere.
After driving through the darkness of the night, I arrived at the lake and could barely see anything. As my eyes gradually adjusted, I realized that many photographers had already secured their positions and were quietly waiting behind their cameras.
I remember feeling slightly guilty about arriving by car, imagining that my headlights might have disturbed photographers who were already working in the darkness.
As dawn approached and the sky slowly brightened, the silhouette of Mt. Fuji emerged before us. Soon, the mountain was illuminated by the beautiful colors of sunrise, and its reflection appeared on the calm surface of the lake.
That was the moment we had all been waiting for.
I adjusted my camera settings several times and captured frame after frame, while the photographers around me were equally focused on making the most of this brief opportunity.
Working in complete darkness can be challenging. Whether checking camera settings or searching for equipment inside a bag, it is often difficult to see anything at all. Smartphones can be useful as a light source, but I recommend bringing a flashlight with a red or dimmed light mode to avoid disturbing other photographers.
Photographing Mt. Fuji is always a special experience. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting Lake Tanuki and witnessing the beauty of Japan’s most famous mountain for yourself.
