Lake Kawaguchi is the largest among the five major lakes near Mount Fuji. It’s a sought-after destination where numerous people gather to relish the awe-inspiring view of Mount Fuji, which unfolds in all its splendor from this location.
Welcome to my blog. I had the opportunity to visit Lake Kawaguchi in the summer, and on clear days, I was treated to breathtaking views of both Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. However, I have a strong desire to revisit this area during the fall through spring when Mount Fuji’s summit is blanketed in snow and appears even more majestic. So, I did some research and wanted to share what I found.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
I’ve come across some fascinating details, including the seasonal blooming of beautiful flowers and the abundance of nature-themed tours around Lake Kawaguchi. If these aspects pique your interest, please consider this blog as a valuable resource.
Discover the Beauty of Lake Kawaguchi
Nestled on the central north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, Oishi Park invites you to explore its natural wonders for free. [Map]
To the park’s west lies a 350-meter-long flower road, a landscape that evolves with the seasons:
- Late April: Witness the bloom of tulips, daffodils, and rapeseed flowers.
- Early May: Admire a vibrant pink carpet of moss phlox that blankets the park.
- Late June to early July: Lavender takes center stage during the Kawaguchi Herb Festival.
- Late June to early October: Marvel at the 130-meter-long, 3-meter-high floral Niagara (begonia).
- Mid to late October: Watch as the once green kochia turns a fiery red in autumn.
For a delectable experience, nearby orchards offer all-you-can-eat fruit picking. Simply inquire at Oishi Park, and they’ll arrange transportation to the orchards:
- Late June to mid-July: Savor cherry picking.
- Early July to mid-August: Delight in blueberry picking.
- Mid-August to early October: Pluck your own fruit tomatoes
Moreover, a live camera has been set up to provide real-time views of the area, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the seasonal ambiance in advance. [Live Camera]
If you’re traveling by bus, convenient stops include Kawaguchiko Nature Living Center (Red line #20) and Akebono-so Mae (P line #316 ).
Scenic Autumn Foliage Sites
In this region, the splendor of autumn foliage can be enjoyed from early to late November. Here are a few locations where you can witness trees adorned in vibrant autumn hues against the backdrop of Mount Fuji and the tranquil lake.
Maple Tunnel
Situated along the central north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, this location on Prefectural Route 21 is flanked by maple trees that blaze in brilliant red during autumn. Here, you can capture beautiful views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi framed by the fiery maple canopy. It’s a leisurely 20-minute walk from the Kawaguchiko Nature Living Center bus stop (Red line #20). [Map]
Walking Trail
Not far from Oishi Park, heading eastward about 300 meters from Kita-Hamaso-Mae bus stop (Red line #19), you’ll encounter several majestic maple trees lining the walking trail. This serene path is primarily frequented by hikers and cyclists, making it a perfect spot to capture a single photograph featuring Mount Fuji, maple trees, and Uno Island.
Rusugaiwa Rock
Nestled along the central north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, Rusugaiwa Rock stands as a prominent rocky outcrop renowned for its fishing opportunities. As you venture about 100 meters east from this point, a sprawling maple tree gracefully extends over the roadside.
It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Kawaguchiko Nature Living Center bus stop (Red line #20) to get to this spot.[Map]
Sunnide Resort Parking Lot
Conveniently located near Nagasaki Park along the central north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, the Sunnide Resort Parking Lot is adorned with several majestic maple trees. It provides an excellent setting for capturing photographs with the serene lake and the grandeur of Mount Fuji as your backdrop.
To get to this location, just take the bus from the Sunnide Resort/Nagasaki Park Ent. stop (Red line #18).[Map]
Maple Corridor
The Maple Corridor, situated on the eastern side of the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, boasts a lush growth of maple trees. During mid-November, when the foliage is at its peak, the corridor is illuminated daily from sunset until 10 PM. The area also hosts a variety of food and souvenir stalls.
While this location may not offer vistas of the lake or Mount Fuji, it enjoys widespread recognition within Japan. As it tends to get quite crowded on weekends, it is advisable to plan your visit on weekdays to savor the experience without the hustle and bustle.
To get to this location, just take the bus from the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum stop (Red Line #17).[Map]
Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater (Kawaguchiko Enkei Hall)
In the vicinity of this facility, situated on the eastern side of Lake Kawaguchi’s north shore, you’ll find a picturesque row of maple trees turning brilliant red during autumn along the lakeside walking trail. To reach this spot, simply use the Kawaguchiko Monkey Show Theater/Konohana Art Museum bus stop (Red line #16).[Map]
Komaya - A Lakeside Gem
Nestled on the eastern side of Lake Kawaguchi’s north shore, Komaya offers accommodations. Just in front of this charming retreat, you’ll discover an impressively large ginkgo tree. Here, amidst the serene beauty, you can admire the vibrant yellow leaves of this magnificent ginkgo tree alongside the majestic Mount Fuji. It’s a mere 5-minute stroll from the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum bus stop (Red line #15).[Map]
Spring's Cherry Blossom Spectacle
Close to the Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater and along the lakeside walking trail for approximately 1 km, you’ll find an abundance of Somei Yoshino cherry trees. During this season, they erupt in a dazzling display of pink blossoms all at once.
The cherry blossom season around Lake Kawaguchi lags behind Tokyo by about a month, making it a perfect destination for those who missed the cherry blossoms in the capital.
Moreover, the cherry blossoms are beautifully illuminated from sunset until 9 PM.
Hydrangea Haven in Early Summer
Nestled on the mountainside of Tenjo-yama, you’ll uncover a mesmerizing habitat of hydrangeas, showcasing an astonishing array of approximately 100,000 blooming hydrangea flowers. These vibrant blossoms grace the slopes from mid-July through early August.
The most convenient approach to reach this enchanting location is by taking the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, seamlessly connecting the lakeside of Lake Kawaguchi to the summit of Tenjo-yama. Once you’ve ascended, embark on an exploration by descending along the hiking trail from the mountaintop station. As it’s a mountainous path, be sure to don comfortable hiking shoes.
The operating hours for the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway are from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and extend to 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays. The round-trip fare for adults is 900 yen.
If you intend to arrive by bus, you can utilize the Pleasure Cruiser/Ropeway Ent bus stop (Red line #9).
Festivals and Fireworks
Yabusame Festival at Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine in April
In this region, we celebrate the Yabusame festival, a tradition spanning over 900 years. This event, showcasing the art of horseback archery known as Yabusame, occurs on April 29th, a national holiday, at Shikkogo Park. [Map]
Yabusame is a traditional Japanese martial art where skilled archers gallop on horseback and aim at targets. This practice has been passed down from the Heian period to the present day.
Kawaguchiko Lake Festival (Early August)
Every year, Kawaguchiko hosts a festival on August 4th and 5th. On the 4th, there are evening Bon dances, handheld fireworks, and a grand fireworks display. The fireworks continue on the 5th. Interestingly, this festival serves as the grand finale of the Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks Festival, which spans several days.
From August 1st to 4th, fireworks illuminate different lakes:
- August 1st: Lake Yamanaka
- August 2nd: Lake Sai
- August 3rd: Lake Motosu
- August 4th: Lake Shojiko
- August 5th: Lake Kawaguchiko
Winter Fireworks - Dance on the Lake (Mid-January)*
Winter in Lake Kawaguchiko is characterized by cold weather and occasional snowfall, resulting in fewer tourists. However, this season offers the clearest air and the best views of Mount Fuji, making it an ideal time to visit and enjoy the breathtaking sight of the mountain. Accommodation reservations are also relatively easy to secure.
Fireworks light up the sky every Saturday and Sunday from mid-January to mid-February, making weekends the recommended time to experience this dazzling display.
Museums
Oishi Tsumugi Traditional Crafts Museum
This establishment serves as a showcase and retailer of Oishi Tsumugi, a traditional craft with roots dating back to the Edo period. Oishi Tsumugi is crafted using two different types of cocoons, one for the vertical threads and two for the horizontal threads. This unique process results in a fabric that is both durable and lightweight, while also maintaining a soft texture with the characteristic smoothness of silk. You can find the Oishi Tsumugi Traditional Crafts Museum near the entrance of Oishi Park.
Website: [Link]
Kawaguchiko Museum of Art
Situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art is a recommendation for those interested in Mount Fuji, paintings, and photography. The museum boasts permanent exhibitions featuring paintings, prints, and photographs that prominently feature Mount Fuji. It observes closure on Tuesdays and operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission for adults is 800 yen, with additional fees for special exhibitions. If you plan to arrive by bus, the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art bus stop is at your service.
Website: [Link]
Kubota Itchiku Art Museum
Found just a short walk from the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum showcases the works of Kubota Itchiku, with Mount Fuji as a central theme. The collection includes his most iconic pieces. Please note that the museum closes on Tuesdays and, depending on the season, may also have Wednesday closures. Operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the admission fee for adults is 1300 yen. For bus travelers, you can access the museum via the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum bus stop (Red line #17).
Website: [Link]
NiiKurayama Sengen Park and Chureito
Located a short distance from Lake Kawaguchi in the neighboring town, NiiKurayama Sengen shrine offers a unique view of a five-story pagoda and Mount Fuji together. It’s renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring and has garnered significant attention on international websites. For further details, please refer to this article [here].
Tours and Activities
Forest and Cave Exploration
Situated between Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji lies the Aokigahara Forest, often referred to as the “Sea of Trees.” Several tour companies offer guided treks and cave exploration adventures here. This is a highly recommended experience for those who have an interest in trekking. Please keep in mind that wandering off the paths in the forest can be risky, so it’s strongly advisable to join one of the guided tours.
Lake Activities
Exploration on Wheels
Fujikyu Highland
At Fujikyu Highland: [Website], thrill-seekers can enjoy roller coasters and a plethora of other attractions. This theme park boasts some of the world’s most thrilling rides, providing a day filled with excitement.
Local Cuisine Experience
One of the region’s traditional dishes is “houtou,” featuring flat wheat noodles cooked in a hearty miso-based broth with various ingredients. You can participate in cooking classes to learn how to make this local delicacy, making it an ideal activity for those interested in culinary arts. Additionally, some classes offer instructions in both English and Chinese. These local cuisine experiences typically last between 90 to 120 minutes and are priced at under 5,000 yen.
- Houtou Taiken Kyoushitsu – Fujie: [Website]
Hot Springs
The availability of hot springs in this region is a recent development. While accommodations with hot springs are becoming more common, there are also facilities where day visitors can enjoy hot spring baths.
- Fujiyama Onsen: [Website]
Culture, History, and Traditions
Mount Fuji is an active volcano with a history of significant eruptions. It has long been regarded as a sacred mountain believed to be the dwelling place of deities, inspiring pilgrims and seekers of spiritual enlightenment to embark on journeys to its summit. As time passed, this tradition evolved, and climbing Mount Fuji became a popular practice among ascetics and travelers.
The breathtaking sight of Mount Fuji blanketed in snow from autumn through spring has had a profound impact on art, particularly during the Edo period when numerous ukiyo-e woodblock prints showcased this iconic scene.
In recognition of its rich cultural and natural heritage, Mount Fuji was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
The Mount Fuji region is equally celebrated for its remarkable natural beauty. The lava flows from Mount Fuji’s eruptions gave rise to the “Fuji Five Lakes,” which include Lake Kawaguchi. Over the years, lush forests have flourished, and the Aokigahara Jukai forest has expanded, further enhancing the area’s natural allure.
Accommodation
In the Lake Kawaguchi area, you’ll find around 70 lodging options to choose from. Prices span from 6,000 yen to 100,000 yen, offering a variety of accommodations to match your preferences. It’s important to mention that there are approximately 20 places with hot springs, and given the popularity of this tourist destination, we advise booking your stay well ahead of time.
Transportation
If you’re traveling to Lake Kawaguchi from distant locations, you have several transportation options.
From the Tokyo Area
You can reach Lake Kawaguchi by either taking a train or a highway bus:
By train
If you choose to take the train, it’s common to use JR East Japan services and transfer to the Fuji Kyuko Line at JR Otsuki Station. However, I recommend taking advantage of the limited express trains that run directly several times a day. Please keep in mind that these trains have limited availability, so advance reservations are necessary. Additionally, if you’re using a JR PASS, be aware that there’s an additional fee from Otsuki Station to the final destination, Kawaguchiko Station.
By bus
Alternatively, you can opt for a highway bus departing from the bus terminal at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.
From the Nagano Area
If you’re traveling from the Nagano area, your journey to Lake Kawaguchi will likely involve a combination of trains and buses.
If you’re departing from JR Nagano Station or Matsumoto Station, you can take the JR East Japan Chuo Line limited express train to JR Otsuki Station. However, if you plan to visit the hot spring where Japanese macaques bathe during the cold winter months, it’s advisable to take a bus to JR Nagano Station and then proceed with your train journey. From JR Otsuki Station, you’ll board the Fuji Kyuko Line to reach Kawaguchiko Station.
From the Osaka and Nagoya Areas (Via Nagano Prefecture)
If you’re traveling from the Osaka or Nagoya areas, there’s a route to Lake Kawaguchi that involves using trains and passing through Nagano and Gifu Prefectures.
Here’s the route:
- Start by taking a train from Nagoya Station to Nagano Prefecture via the Chuo Line’s limited express train. At Nagoya Station, you’ll disembark from the Shinkansen (bullet train) and transfer to the Chuo Line’s limited express train heading towards Nagano.
- While on this route, be sure to alight at Shiojiri Station, one of the intermediate stops on the Chuo Main Line. You’ll remain on the same Chuo Main Line but switch to a limited express train bound for Tokyo.
- Continue on this route, and at JR Otsuki Station, disembark and transfer to the Fuji Kyuko Line, which will take you directly to Kawaguchiko Station.
While this route may take a bit more time, it’s recommended for travelers interested in exploring the naturally rich areas with historical townscapes, such as Matsumoto Castle, Tsumago-juku, Magome-juku, and Narai-juku. These areas are known for their well-preserved old towns and are well worth the visit.
From the Osaka and Nagoya Areas (Via the Western Side of Mount Fuji)
There’s a picturesque route that will take you through the western flank of Mount Fuji, allowing you to explore attractions like Shiraito Falls, Lake Motosu, Lake Shojiko, Lake Saiko, and the Panorama Viewing Platform.
To reach Lake Kawaguchi through this route from the Osaka or Nagoya regions, you’ll need to change trains at Nagoya Station. Among the Shinkansen (bullet train) options, only the “Kodama” type makes a stop at Shin-Fuji Station, which is where you’ll disembark. From Shin-Fuji Station, you can catch the Fuji Kyuko Bus to Kawaguchiko Station, with departures approximately every two hours.
The journey from Shin-Fuji Station to Kawaguchiko Station typically takes about 2 hours and costs around 2,500 yen. If you plan to make stops and explore the attractions along the way, it’s worth considering the 2-day pass for adults, priced at 2,500 yen, which allows you to hop on and off at various points of interest. You can find more details here.
From the Osaka and Nagoya Areas (Via the Eastern Side of Mount Fuji)
There’s an alternative route that takes you through the eastern side of Mount Fuji, passing by attractions like Oshino Hakkai Springs, Lake Yamanaka, the Fuji Sengen Shrine, and Fujikyu Highland, among others.
To reach Lake Kawaguchi via this route from the Osaka or Nagoya areas, you’ll still need to change trains at Nagoya Station. The “Kodama” type Shinkansen is the one that stops at Mishima Station, where you’ll disembark to catch a bus. You can take the Fuji Kyuko City Bus, specifically the “Mishima-Kawaguchiko Liner Bus,” which will get you there in approximately 1.5 hours for around 2,200 yen.
Since this bus has limited seating, it’s recommended to make an online reservation in advance. If you wish to make stops at other attractions along the way, you can use local buses. In this case, when you arrive at Mishima Station, board a bus bound for Gotemba Station. Upon reaching Gotemba Station, transfer to a bus heading to Kawaguchiko.
Getting Around Lake Kawaguchi
When it comes to navigating the area around Lake Kawaguchi and the other Fuji Five Lakes, taking the bus is a cost-effective transportation choice. Many of the locations I’ve mentioned, including the central, eastern, and southern shores of Lake Kawaguchi, are accessible via the Fuji Kyuko Bus’s RED Line. I recommend the 2-day unlimited pass for adults, priced at 1,700 yen.
Getting to Nearby Areas
Reaching Chureito at Niikura Fuji Sengen Shrine is a convenient 30-minute train ride on the Fuji Kyuko Line, with a fare of approximately 700 yen for adults. Trains from Kawaguchiko Station depart every 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Shimo-Yoshida Station, it’s about a 25-minute walk to the shrine.
To visit Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai, you can utilize the Fuji Kyuko Bus GREEN Line. Similar to the RED Line, I recommend the 2-day unlimited pass for adults, priced at 1,700 yen.
For a journey to Hakone, start by taking a bus to Gotemba, passing through Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai, and then transfer to a bus bound for Hakone. Fuji Kyuko Bus offers buses from Kawaguchiko Station to Gotemba at approximately 30-minute intervals. The trip from Kawaguchiko to Gotemba takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon arriving in Gotemba, transfer to a bus heading to Hakone. Odakyu Highway Bus operates buses from Gotemba Station to Sengokuwara in Hakone, with departures approximately every 30 minutes in the early morning, hourly during the day, and every 2 hours in the evening. The journey from Gotemba Station to Sengokuwara in Hakone takes about 30 minutes.
Highland, among others.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Explore the Majestic Fuji Five Lakes with a 2-Day Free Ride Pass!
When you visit the Fuji Five Lakes area, situated northeast to northwest of Mount Fuji, you can enjoy the convenience of a 2-day free ride pass. This pass covers regular buses, sightseeing buses, and Fuji Kyuko buses.
There are two ticket options available: 4,700 yen and 3,300 yen (both for adults).
Weather Guide
Spring: During spring, the average temperature around Lake Kawaguchi is approximately 5°C cooler than Tokyo. You’ll want to have a down coat on hand until early April. By mid-April, cherry blossoms start to bloom, and the weather becomes similar to Tokyo in late March. Nevertheless, mornings and evenings can still be quite chilly, so having a thick coat is advisable.
Summer: In early summer, occasional rain can bring a sense of coolness, so it’s a good idea to carry a light jacket or hoodie.
Autumn: Towards late September, you may experience cooler days, potentially requiring long sleeves. Be prepared to adjust your clothing as needed. As November approaches, the cold becomes more pronounced, and you should have heavier clothing ready.
Winter: Winter brings frozen ground and increased snowfall. There are many sunny days, providing clear views of Mount Fuji. However, the cold becomes even more intense. It’s essential to have a heavy coat or down jacket and wear shoes with good traction since the ground can be slippery.
