Enjoy Nature in All Seasons! Top 17 Popular Tourist Spots Around Lake Kawaguchiko

Enjoy Nature in All Seasons! Top 17 Popular Tourist Spots Around Lake Kawaguchiko

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

Lake Kawaguchiko, where you can see the “upside-down Fuji,” one of Japan's most scenic views, is easily accessible from the city center and is a popular tourist destination for enjoying the natural scenery throughout the seasons.
There are accommodations where you can soak in open-air hot springs with views of Mt. Fuji and dining options where you can savor Yamanashi's gourmet cuisine, offering a variety of enjoyable experiences.
We introduce carefully selected tourist spots, gourmet options, and accommodations to enjoy Lake Kawaguchiko, a favorite among tourists.

Table of Contents

What is Lake Kawaguchiko like?

Lake Kawaguchiko, located in Yamanashi Prefecture on the north side of Mt. Fuji, is one of the five "Fuji Five Lakes" formed by volcanic eruptions from Mt. Fuji.
It is part of the World Heritage Mt. Fuji Heritage Assets, and the view of Mt. Fuji reflected upside down in the lake, known as the "upside-down Fuji," is a celebrated scenic beauty of Japan.
The area is not only famous for spots offering views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko but also for its scenic beauty, showcasing diverse natural surroundings throughout the seasons.
Lake Kawaguchiko has the longest shoreline among the Fuji Five Lakes and is a popular tourist destination with a concentration of cultural facilities like museums and art galleries, as well as accommodations and dining establishments.
It is also conveniently accessible from central Tokyo, making it a great addition to any Tokyo tour.

Lake Kawaguchiko is where you can see the “upside-down Fuji,” one of Japan's most iconic scenic views.
Lake Kawaguchiko is where you can see the “upside-down Fuji,” one of Japan's most iconic scenic views.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Kawaguchiko?

Mt. Fuji, known for its beautiful natural scenery throughout the seasons, can be enjoyed any time of the year, but spring and autumn are particularly recommended.
In spring, you can see the stunning combination of cherry blossoms with Mt. Fuji, and in autumn, the beautiful blend of autumn leaves with Mt. Fuji.

Lake Kawaguchiko Recommended Wear by the Season

  • Spring (March - May): Light jacket or thin sweater
  • Summer (June - August): Thin fabrics, short sleeves
  • Autumn (September - November): Light jacket, coat
  • Winter (December - February): Coat, wool suit, warm sweater, and jacket

How to Get to Lake Kawaguchiko?

From Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, it takes about 2 hours by highway bus or the express train "Fuji Excursion."
From Osaka or Nagoya, it takes about 3 to 4 hours, so it's a good idea to extend your trip to Tokyo and visit the area as well.

Main Means of Transportation for Sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchiko

Due to the limited number of train stations in the area, traveling by car is the primary means of transportation.
It's recommended to use route buses, taxis, and walking to visit the various tourist spots.
Using chartered taxis or a sightseeing bus that offers tours of the attractions around Lake Kawaguchiko is also advisable.

Enjoy the Charm of Lake Kawaguchiko! Top 10 Popular Tourist Spots Around Lake Kawaguchiko

We introduce selected tourist spots where you can enjoy the changing natural scenery of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko through the seasons as well as the shrines and cultural facilities scattered around Lake Kawaguchiko.
By visiting these tourist spots, you should be able to enjoy the charm of Lake Kawaguchiko.

1. Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway is popular among tourists for climbing Tenjoyama by the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko.
From the gondola, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Kawaguchiko below.
You can also take in the magnificent panorama of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding area. Additionally, there are popular spots such as the Tenjo Bell, Usagi Jinja (Rabbit Shrine), and Kawara Throwing, allowing tourists to fully enjoy their sightseeing experience.

Ropeway to Tenjyoyama, where you can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
Ropeway to Tenjyoyama, where you can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

2. Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"

"Appare" tours around Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, in about 20 minutes.
Departing from the Appare Pier on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, the boat passes under Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge, makes a U-turn near Unoshima, the only island in the Fuji Five Lakes, and returns along the same route. This tour offers a unique opportunity to view the spectacular scenery of Mt. Fuji, which can only be experienced here.

Views of Mt. Fuji while cruising Lake Kawaguchiko from this fully Japanese-style designed sightseeing boat.
Views of Mt. Fuji while cruising Lake Kawaguchiko from this fully Japanese-style designed sightseeing boat.

3. Fugaku Fuketsu Wind Cave

Surrounded by lush greenery, Fugaku Fuketsu Wind Cave is one of the largest natural lava caves located in the Aokigahara Jukai (sea of trees).
The cave extends horizontally for a total length of 201 meters and has a height of 8.7 meters, which can be walked through in about 15 minutes.
Inside the cave, it remains cool even in summer, with an average temperature of 3 degrees Celsius.

It is a cave also being valuable from the historical perspective and was used as a natural refrigerator.
It is a cave also being valuable from the historical perspective and was used as a natural refrigerator.

4. Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave

Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave is located at the eastern entrance of the Aokigahara forest(sea of trees), which spreads at the foot of Mt. Fuji. It is one of the tourist spots among the Fuji Goko/Five Lakes and attracts visitors throughout the year.
The cave was formed after the eruption of Mt. Fuji's side volcano, Mt. Nagao, in 864(the 6th year of the Jogan era), which resulted in flowing lava. This lava cave extends for a total length of 153 meters.

Cool even in summer! A cave where you can see icicles.
Cool even in summer! A cave where you can see icicles.

5. Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai refers to a collective of Mt. Fuji’s 8 natural ponds, Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike and Shobu-ike. These were once part of a lake that dried up, resulting in the formation of these 8 spring-sourced ponds.
The water in these ponds is exceptionally clear because it is meltwater from Mt. Fuji that has been filtered through underground lava over a period of about 20 years.

Sacred Ponds Borne from Mt. Fuji’s Melted Snow
Sacred Ponds Borne from Mt. Fuji’s Melted Snow

6. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine

Sengen-jinja Shrine is one of the cultural assets of the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Site, with a history spanning over 1900 years. It is said to have originated when legendary prince Yamato Takeru designated it as a place for distant worship of Mt. Fuji. It also serves as the starting point for the Yoshida trail for climbing Mt. Fuji. Walking along the solemn approach lined with cedar trees and stone lanterns, you will reach the Fuji-san Otorii, one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan.

At the Base of Mount Fuji, a Historical Shrine Serving as a Hiking Trailhead.
At the Base of Mount Fuji, a Historical Shrine Serving as a Hiking Trailhead.

7. Lake Shoji(Shoji-ko)

Lake Shoji is a dammed lake formed by the volcanic activity of Mt. Fuji and is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes.
In spring, you can see cherry blossoms; in autumn, the colorful fall foliage; and in winter, the mystical frozen lake surface. It offers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of each season.

A globally famous spot where the most beautiful scenery of Mt.Fuji can be seen.
A globally famous spot where the most beautiful scenery of Mt.Fuji can be seen.

8. Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

This music-themed museum is located by the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. The grounds feature a beautiful European-like landscape while uniquely offering views of Mt. Fuji in the background.
The museum showcases a variety of rare automatic musical instruments, ranging from those intended for the Titanic to large music boxes. Additionally, visitors can enjoy impressive performances from one of the world's largest dance organs.

Get lost in the atmosphere of Europe. The Lake Kawaguchi museum for music that spans the ages.
Get lost in the atmosphere of Europe. The Lake Kawaguchi museum for music that spans the ages.

9. Arakurayama Sengen Park

Arakurayama Sengen Park is famous for its magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and the beautiful Chureito Pagoda (Five-story Pagoda). The park is home to about 650 cherry trees, and in the spring, you can see a quintessentially Japanese view featuring Mt. Fuji, the Chureito Pagoda, and cherry blossoms. This view has become a popular spot and frequently appears in various guidebooks introducing Japan.

A Popular Spot for Sakura Cherry Blossoms, a Pagoda and Mount Fuji
A Popular Spot for Sakura Cherry Blossoms, a Pagoda and Mount Fuji

10. Kawaguchi-ko Momiji Corridor

Located at an elevation of 830 meters along the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, this popular spot features approximately 1.5 kilometers of maple trees. As the name "corridor" suggests, the overlapping branches of the maple trees, enhanced by the colorful fallen leaves on the ground, create a beautiful scene often referred to as a tunnel of autumn foliage.

Located in Lake Kawaguchi of Fuji, the maple corridor offers a view of Mount Fuji.
Located in Lake Kawaguchi of Fuji, the maple corridor offers a view of Mount Fuji.

11. Oishi Park

Located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi in the Oishi district of Yamanashi Prefecture, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji across the lake. The park, with its photogenic landscapes, attracts many tourists.

Known for its summer lavender fields, this spot offers breathtaking views of both Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji at once.
Known for its summer lavender fields, this spot offers breathtaking views of both Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji at once.

Experience Unique Yamanashi Cuisine! Top 3 Popular Restaurants Around Lake Kawaguchiko

When it comes to local cuisine in Yamanashi, near Lake Kawaguchiko, 'Hoto' is a must-try.
The region is also famous as a grape-producing area, and you can enjoy gourmet dishes featuring wine and grapes.
To fully enjoy Yamanashi's gourmet cuisine, let's introduce some popular restaurants you should visit.

1. Seafood Houto Specialty Restaurant Houto Labo

Houto is a traditional dish of Yamanashi Prefecture. It is made by kneading wheat flour into thick flat noodles and simmering them in a miso-based broth along with pumpkin, mushrooms, and other ingredients. The noodles are cooked immediately after being made, which gives the soup a characteristic thickness.

Evolutionary Houto-Noodle based on extensive research.
Evolutionary Houto-Noodle based on extensive research.

2. Hoto Fudo, Kawaguchiko Kita

Located near Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Hoto Fudo offers Yamanashi's famous dish, Hoto. The Hoto at this restaurant is carefully hand-prepared from scratch and combined with a miso-flavored broth rich with the sweetness of vegetables like pumpkin and mushrooms, creating an exceptional dish.

Try Yamanashi’s local dishes amid the spectacular nature at Lake Kawaguchi
Try Yamanashi’s local dishes amid the spectacular nature at Lake Kawaguchi

3. Budoya kofu Hanaterrace café

Established in 2012 in Asahi, Kofu City, Budoya kofu is a specialty shop focused on processed grape products. Here, they started making specialties such as raisin sandwiches using semi-dry, additive-free raisins, as well as 100% wine grapes, and additive-free, unsweetened grape juice.

Famous for its raisin sandwiches, parfaits and plates loaded up with plenty of season fruits, this shop is located inside Fuji Oishi Hanaterrace, directly connected to Oishi Park on the banks of Lake Kawaguchiko.
Famous for its raisin sandwiches, parfaits and plates loaded up with plenty of season fruits, this shop is located inside Fuji Oishi Hanaterrace, directly connected to Oishi Park on the banks of Lake Kawaguchiko.

Top 3 Popular Accommodations with Stunning Views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko

We have carefully selected accommodations where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and natural beauty of Lake Kawaguchiko.
It’s also recommended to enjoy an open-air bath with a view of Mt. Fuji at a luxurious hot spring inn, typical of Yamanashi’s famous hot springs.

1. Kawaguchiko Hotel

A classic hotel located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, with a history of over 90 years. It is a prestigious hotel that has even hosted members of the royal family in the past. The hotel offers cottages with kitchens, making it recommended for those who wish to enjoy some private time.
One of the hotel's attractions is its large public bath with a view. From the men's bath, you can enjoy views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji.

A prestigious classic hotel that will stimulate the mature senses of refined adults.
A prestigious classic hotel that will stimulate the mature senses of refined adults.

2. Cottage Harvest tree

Cottage Harvest Tree is a rental villa located just an 8-minute walk from Lake Kawaguchiko. It offers athletic activities, BBQ, and bonfire options, all set in the midst of nature.
Since you can rent the entire building, it’s fully equipped for infectious disease prevention. Conveniently, there is a convenience store next door for easy shopping.
The villa includes a living room of approximately 15 tatami mats and a loft of 7 tatami mats, accommodating up to eight people. It is equipped with cooking appliances such as an IH stove and a microwave oven, as well as dishes and utensils. The approximately 17 tatami mats wooden deck is covered, allowing you to enjoy BBQs even in the rain.

This new rental villa is an 8 minute walk from Lake Kawaguchi and features an outdoor children's playground, with BBQ and bonfire facilities.
This new rental villa is an 8 minute walk from Lake Kawaguchi and features an outdoor children's playground, with BBQ and bonfire facilities.

3. Shuhoukaku Kogetsu

Shuhoukaku Kogetsu is located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Five Great Lakes, at the foot of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO site. It is a hot spring inn where all guest rooms and the open-air baths offer a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko.
Guests can choose between traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats and verandas, offering a taste of Japanese culture, or rooms that combine Japanese and Western styles with beds, according to their preferences.

Hot spring hotel with a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
Hot spring hotel with a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Kawaguchiko

Q

I want to enjoy gourmet food while touring Lake Kawaguchiko. What should I eat?

A

We recommend "Hoto," a specialty of Yamanashi Prefecture.

Q

I'd like to stay overnight around Lake Kawaguchiko. Are there any accommodations?

A

As it's a popular tourist destination, there are many accommodation facilities. We suggest staying at accommodations where you can view Lake Kawaguchiko from your room or an open-air bath.

Q

What are the recommended spots for viewing the stunning scenery of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko?

A

Tenjoyama is recommended for a frontal view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Taking the Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway to Tenjoyama offers you an aerial view of the scenic landscape, much like a sky walk.

Summary

We have carefully selected spots that allow you to fully enjoy the attractions of Lake Kawaguchiko, popular eateries where you can taste the gourmet delights of Yamanashi, and accommodations with scenic views of Lake Kawaguchiko.
With this guide, you are sure to make the most of your visit to Lake Kawaguchiko.
There are many more attractive spots in Yamanashi, where Lake Kawaguchiko is located.
Extend your visit beyond the Lake Kawaguchiko area by referring to this article that summarizes the attractive spots in Yamanashi.