Lake Kawaguchiko

What to know

Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖) is the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, with direct train and bus connections from Tokyo. A hot spring resort town with numerous attractions and views of Mount Fuji lies around the lake's eastern end, while the northern and western shores remain largely undeveloped.

The finest views of Mount Fuji can be seen from the northern shores, especially breathtaking during cherry blossom season around mid-April and autumn colors in early November. One of the best spots for cherry blossoms is the lakeside promenade near the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, while photographers will love the 'Momiji Tunnel' for autumn colors, a maple-lined road section further west.

Note that even though Kawaguchiko sits at the base of Mount Fuji, the mountain is not always visible due to clouds. Visibility is usually best early in the morning (before 9 am) and late afternoon; clouds often obscure the view during the day even in fair weather, especially in the hazy summer.

Around Lake Kawaguchiko, you'll find a wide range of attractions including hot spring baths, museums, the Fuji Q Highland amusement park, boat tours, and a ropeway up a small mountain. Kawaguchiko is also a good base for climbing Mount Fuji, though most climbers now start from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station halfway up.

Below is a list of some attractions around Lake Kawaguchiko:

Kawaguchiko Station is the terminal of the Fujikyu Railway from Otsuki. The bus terminal for local and highway buses to/from Tokyo, Kofu, Gotemba, and other destinations is right in front of the station.