What to know
Lake Saiko (西湖) is smaller and much less developed than neighboring Lake Kawaguchiko. The views of Mount Fuji from Lake Saiko's shores are blocked by other mountains, except at the lake's western end from where there are beautiful, full views of the volcano.
Lake Saiko is surrounded by wooded mountains and a few camp sites, and is a popular destination for those interested in camping, boating, fishing and other outdoor activities. A network of hiking trails covers the mountains surrounding the lake and Aokigahara Jukai, an expansive forest south of the lake, infamous as a suicide spot and for people getting lost.
Several caves, formed during past eruptions of Mount Fuji, can be found around Aokigahara Jukai in the vicinity of Lake Saiko. Three of them, the Ice Cave, Wind Cave and Bat Cave, have been developed to be easily accessible to tourists. The area is also known for its autumn colors which are usually at their best around the first half of November.
The Omni Bus Green Line (or Saiko Line) connects Kawaguchiko Station with Lake Saiko, circles the lake in a clockwise direction and stops at Iyashi no Sato, at the trailhead to Koyodai and near the three caves.
Apart from the omni buses, there are a few regular buses that operate between Kawaguchiko Station and Lake Saiko. Buses bound for Shin-Fuji and Lake Motosuko stop near Yurari Onsen and the ice and wind caves. There is one bus every 1-2 hours, and the bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station takes around 20-30 minutes and costs around 600-700 yen.
How to get to and around the Fuji Five Lakes
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:30 to 17:00
- Closed
- When there is a lot of snow
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92)
- English name
- Original name
- Lake Saiko
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.