Kukiyama 九鬼山

It's an easy hike, trailhead is not that hard to reach and there are some (though not from many spots) stunning views on Fujisan and the valley. Also cause it's only 950m of elevation on the peak it's a good spot for winter view clear air.

Even on a not so perfect Saturday in May, where you probably could't see Fujisan from many otherwise good spots, Kukiyama is close enough go get a view and at the same point much easier to reach that other mountainspots down the valley. The beauty of this spot is actually not Fujisan (sorry) but the lush green rocks seemingly fallen in front of view right in the valley or put the other way around: the valley that strechtes and seemingly flows like a river along the rocks towards Fujisan.

Location: Serveral options here. Easiest is take a train from Tokyo/ Shinjuku to Otsuki, change to Fujikyu railway for three stops to Kasei station. Then follow the signs. It's about 1h up to Kukiyama. Don't miss the lookout the the way up 30min before reaching the top. Its views are actually way (!) better than from the top. Then go choose one of serveral options to go down. Either same way (boring) or two ways to tanokura station (via 池の山 there is another splendid spot view a view) or the second longer route. Or from the top go the long way all the way to Otsuki.