Enjoying Mount Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes)
Mount Fuji, often referred to as “Japan’s highest mountain,” stands at an elevation of 3,776 meters and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a highly captivating mountain, cherished not only by the Japanese but also by people worldwide.
The allure of Mount Fuji is multifaceted and cannot be easily summarized. In this article, we will focus on the five lakes located at the foot of Mount Fuji known as the “Fuji Five Lakes”: Lake Motosu, Lake Shojiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Lake Yamanakako.
Mount Fuji has long been a subject of faith and art for the Japanese people, and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its significance as a “cultural site” and “source of artistic inspiration.” Additionally, the Fuji Five Lakes are included as a component of this World Heritage Site. Let’s explore the charm of Mount Fuji and each of these lakes.
Accommodation Information
The Fuji Five Lakes region offers various accommodation options, including campgrounds, cottages, and hotels. We recommend making reservations in advance, and some lakes even offer glamping experiences.
Transportation Options
Access to the Fuji Five Lakes is primarily via JR trains, express buses, and local buses. Be sure to check bus schedules and consider seasonal variations in service.
Lake Motosu
Among the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Motosu is known for its high water transparency and depth. The “Fuji Shibazakura Festival” held here in spring has garnered attention from international media. It is also famous for windsurfing and fishing spots.
Motosu Lake and Mt.Fuji
| Highlights | Fuji Shibazakura Festival in GW is famous. Camping and BBQ can be enjoyed at Motosuko Sports Center. |
| Address |
Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0337
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| Access | From Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (by Fujikyu Bus) to Lake Motosu (seasonal operation) *There are other routes available as well. |
| Reference Website | http://motosuko.com/ |
| Nearby Sightseeing Spots | Lake Motosu sightseeing boat, Roadside Station Shimobe, |
| Internet Environment | |
| Convenience Store | may close at 19:00 |
| ATM | |
| Accommodation | Available |
Lake Shojiko
Lake Shojiko is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes and is famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji. Its name is said to originate from the practice of ascetic monks purifying themselves in the lake before climbing Mount Fuji. You can enjoy hiking and camping here throughout the year.
Sunrise at Lake Shojin
| Highlights | Famous as a summer resort with beautiful views of Mt.Fuji |
| Address |
YamanashiFujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gunShojin |
| Access | Take a bus bound for Motosuko from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line) and get off at Shojinko |
| Reference Website | https://shojiko-kanko.com/ |
| Nearby Sightseeing Spots | Fujikyurand, Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center, Fujiten Snow Resort |
| Internet Environment | |
| Convenience Store | Yamazaki Y Shop Shojinko: open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| ATM | |
| Accommodation | Available |
Lake Saiko
Lake Sai, also known as Lake Nishiko, is surrounded by the Aokigahara Jukai Forest and offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji. You can explore lava caves created by Mount Fuji’s volcanic activity.
Saiko Lake and winter Mt.Fuji
| Highlights | Sightseeing at the natural monuments “Fudake Wind Cave” and “Narusawa Ice Cave” in Aokigahara Sea of Trees |
| Address | Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, Japan |
| Access | Basta Shinjuku (highway bus) → transfer to local bus at Kawaguchiko Station |
| Reference Website | http://www.saiko-kankou.jp/ |
| Nearby Sightseeing Spots | Nishiko Wild Bird Forest Park, Roadside Station Narusawa, Kawaguchiko Automobile Museum |
| Internet Environment | |
| Convenience Store | Available |
| ATM | |
| Accommodation | Available |
Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi boasts the longest shoreline among the Fuji Five Lakes. It offers natural beauty and events throughout the year, including winter fireworks, ice formations, cherry blossoms, moss phlox festivals in spring, summer fireworks, and autumn foliage festivals.
Upside-down Fuji from Okukawaguchiko
| Highlights | A wide variety of sights that can be enjoyed as a day trip from Tokyo |
| Address | Kawaguchiko, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, Japan |
| Access | Basta Shinjuku (highway bus) → transfer to local bus at Kawaguchiko Station *Other routes are available.→https://www.fujiyama-navi.jp/ |
| Reference Website | https://fujisan.ne.jp/ |
| Nearby Sightseeing Spots | Kawaguchiko Music Box Forest, Yamanashi Gem Museum, Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway |
| Internet Environment | |
| Convenience Store | Available |
| ATM | |
| Accommodation | Hotels, campgrounds, cottages, auto campgrounds, etc. available |
Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and the closest to Mount Fuji. It’s known as a resort area with beautiful views of Mount Fuji. It’s a popular destination for summer vacations and offers the opportunity to enjoy winter landscapes, including icicles.
山中湖からの富士山
| Highlights | The closest lake to Mt. Fuji, so you can enjoy the magnificent Mt.Fuji |
| Address | Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, Japan |
| Access | JR Shinjuku Station→Otsuki Station (Fujikyu Line) →Fujiyama Station (bus) →Nakayamako Station *Other routes are available.→https://www.fujiyama-navi.jp/ |
| Reference Website | https://lake-yamanakako.com/ |
| Nearby Sightseeing Spots | Lake Yamanakako Shinsui Park, The British Museum of Dollhouses |
| Internet Environment | |
| Convenience Store | Available |
| ATM | |
| Accommodation | Various options including hotels, inns, pensions, and rental cottages are available. |
