I’ve written extensively, both on this blog and on social media, about what a canard I think the concept of “overtourism” is. Like “overpopulation,” this terms is often an intellectualized cover from rank classism and racism.
This is particularly the case in Japan, where two other issues are actually the ones at play. First, Japanese tourism authorities relentless promote destinations that are already saturated, and fail to inspire tourists to visit those even slightly off the beaten path. Secondly, Japan’s tourism infrastructure is simply underdeveloped for a country of its size.
I bring this up because the “o word” is often invoked when people who call themselves journalists write about the convenience store with view of Mt. Fuji, often in defense of the store’s owners and the ridiculous measures they’ve taken. I’m here to help you get the shot you want, haters be damned.
Why the Kawaguchiko Lawson is Not All That
I first passed the Lawson near Kawaguchiko Station many, many years ago. Back then, it was only really famous among Japanese travelers and a certain subset of tourists from elsewhere in Asia. I obviously remember seeing the store, though I’m not sure if I photographed it. It simply didn’t seem remarkable, certainly not compared to everything else I was photographing in the Fuji Five Lakes region.
There are a few reasons for this. First of all, for most of the year and at most times of the day, the entire scene is backlit (which is a problem in the Kawaguchiko-Fujiyoshida area in general). Second of all, you can’t really back up far enough from the store’s entrance to see very much of Fujisan, and certainly not enough to zoom in and get a compressed view that reveals its size. In some sense, I think the store is simply famous for being famous.
Alternatives to the Mt. Fuji Lawson
The “other” Mt. Fuji Lawson
It might come as a shock to you if you don’t know otherwise, but the Lawson in the main image of this article isn’t the famous one near Kawaguchiko Station. Rather, it’s about 15-20 minutes by foot from there, to the south and west of the one that’s been in the news so much lately.
Gekkouji 7-Eleven
Looking instead for a 7-Eleven with view of Mt. Fuji? Well, if you plan to visit Chureito Pagoda, then instead of walking back to Shimoyoshida Station, make your way instead to Gekkouji Station. Here, you can’t help but miss one of the prettiest 7-Eleven stores in Japan.
Yamanakako 7-Eleven
One of the prettiest, but maybe not the prettiest. Frankly, if you ask me, the lighting conditions are better at the 7-Eleven in Yamanakako, on the eastern shore of Lake Yamanaka, another one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Plus, the place is a lifesaver if you stay overnight here, as there’s not much else open early in the morning or late at night.
Shin-Fuji Station Lawson
Yet another Lawson with view of Mt. Fuji is located near Shin-Fuji Station, which is a convenient option if you plan to ride the Tokaido Shinkansen (and who doesn’t), but don’t plan to visit the Fuji Five Lakes. You can click this Google Maps link to make your way from Shin-Fuji Station to the store.
FamilyMart in Fujiyoshida
Last but not least is a FamilyMart with a Mt. Fuji view. There are a few of these throughout Japan, but my personal favorite (and one of the easiest to access) is this one in Fujiyoshida. The way to visit this store with the least amount of walking is to ride the Fujikyu Railway to Mt. Fuji Station and walk from there.
Other Amazing Views of Mt. Fuji
As you’ll know if you’e explored this website at any depth, I never shut up about Mt. Fuji and my love for it. My article about the best views of Mt. Fuji, for its part, is one of the top articles on Google for that query. From obvious options like Hakone and the Izu Peninsula, to obscure ones like Shin-Nase Beach and Higashi-Taganoura Station, I can help you feel like a modern-day Hokusai.
Look, I don’t want to minimize your disappointment, if you’ve come here after finding out the hard way about the Kawaguchiko Lawson “screen.” If you want to see a convenience store with view of Mt. Fuji, then you should be able to see and photograph it. My point is that there are many other ways and many interesting contexts in which to see Japan’s most famous mountain. All hope is not lost!
Other FAQ About the Kawaguchiko Lawson
Is Mount Fuji Lawson still blocked?
As of late 2025, it’s unclear whether the Lawson at Kawaguchiko Station still consistently blocks views of Mt. Fuji using a screen. Various technical issues have arisen in the months since the barrier first went up, which has resulted in it being lowered for days or even weeks at a time.
Where is the famous Lawson in Fuji?
The “famous” Lawson in Mt. Fuji is just a block or two west of Kawaguchiko Station, just south of Lake Kawaguchi. Do keep in mind, however, that several convenience stores around Mt. Fuji offer compelling views of the mountain, arguably ones better than those at the famous store.
Why is Fuji Lawson so popular?
The Fuji Lawson has become popular primarily as a result of social media hype and groupthink. In my opinion as a photographer, the view it offers is not even that interesting, as a result of issues related to optics and lighting. I wasn’t upset when the screen was erected, except of course because of the principles at hand.
The Bottom Line
The bad news? The most famous convenience store with view of Mt. Fuji has decided it hates tourists, and has literally put up a barrier to keep you from getting the shot you want. The good news? The Mt. Fuji Lawson is not the only game in town, not even close. In fact, you can get photos of all three of Japan’s major convenience stores—7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart—with Mt. Fuji rising behind them, as long as you follow my instructions. The best news of all, however, is what else I can do for your next trip to Japan. Specifically, when you hire me to plan a custom Japan itinerary, as I’ve done for literally hundreds of travelers since 2013.
