Enjoying Mount Fuji (The Fuji Five Lakes)
Mount Fuji, often referred to as the “highest mountain in Japan,” stands at an impressive elevation of 3,776 meters. It is not only beloved by the Japanese but also cherished worldwide. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Fuji boasts countless attractions and holds a special place in the hearts of many.
The charm of Mount Fuji is multifaceted and hard to capture fully in words. In this guide, we will focus on the “Fuji Five Lakes,” five beautiful lakes situated at the base of Mount Fuji. The term “Fuji Five Lakes” refers to the five lakes on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of Mount Fuji: Lake Motosu, Lake Shojiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Kawaguchi, and Lake Yamanaka.
Mount Fuji has been a symbol of faith and inspiration for the Japanese people for centuries, revered as a sacred mountain where gods dwell. Its registration as a UNESCO World Heritage site recognizes its significance not only as an object of faith but also as a source of artistic inspiration. The Fuji Five Lakes are included in this designation as components of the World Heritage site. Let’s explore the beauty of Mount Fuji and each of these lakes.
Accommodation Options
The Fuji Five Lakes offer a variety of accommodations, including campgrounds, cottages, and hotels. It is advisable to make reservations in advance. Some lakes even offer glamping experiences.
Transportation
Access to the Fuji Five Lakes is primarily via JR trains, highway buses, and local buses. Pay attention to bus schedules and seasonal variations when planning your trip.
Lake Motosu
Lake Motosu is known for its high water transparency and depth among the Fuji Five Lakes. It hosts the famous “Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri” (Fuji Moss Phlox Festival) in spring, which has gained international recognition. The lake is also renowned for windsurfing and fishing spots.
Lake Motosu and Mt.Fuji
| Highlights | Fuji Shiba-zakura Festival in GW is famous. Camping and BBQ can be enjoyed at Motosuko Sports Center. |
| Address |
Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0337 JAPAN
|
| Access | Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (Fuji Kyuko Bus) → Honjuku Lake (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 7:00 p.m. |
| ATM | |
| Accommodation | Available |
Lake Shojiko
Lake Shojiko is named after the practice monks performed here to purify themselves before climbing Mount Fuji. It is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes and is famous for being a great spot to view the sunrise. Visitors can enjoy hiking and camping here year-round.
Sunrise at Lake Shojin
| Highlights | Famous as a summer resort with a beautiful view 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 Sai
Lake Sai, formerly known as “Nishi-no-umi” (West Lake), is surrounded by the Aokigahara Jukai forest. Visitors can explore lava caves formed by Mount Fuji’s volcanic activity.
West Lake and Winter Mt.Fuji
| Highlights | sightseeing at the natural monuments “Fudake Wind Cave” and “Narusawa Ice Cave” in the Aokigahara Sea of Trees |
| Addess | YamanashiFujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gunNishiko |
| 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 has the longest shoreline among the Fuji Five Lakes. Throughout the year, you can enjoy nature and events while gazing at Mount Fuji. Some of the events include winter fireworks and the ice festival, cherry blossoms and shibazakura (moss phlox) festivals in spring, summer fireworks, and autumn foliage festivals.
Upside-down Fuji from Okukawaguchiko
| Highlights | wide variety of sights that can be enjoyed as a day trip from Tokyo |
| Address | YamanashiFujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gun |
| 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 |
山中湖
富士五湖の中で最大です。また富士五湖の中で富士山に最も近く、森と湖のリゾートとして有名。夏の避暑地として人気があります。湖面が凍ることもあり冬の寒さは厳しいですが、樹氷などの冬景色を楽しむことができます。
Fuji from Lake Yamanaka
| Highlights | The closest lake to Mt. Fuji, so you can enjoy the magnificent Mt.Fuji |
| Address | Yamanashi Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru-gun |
| Access | JR Shinjuku Station → Otsuki Station (Fuji Kyuko Line) → Fujiyama Station (Bus) → Nakayama Lake 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 | Hotels, guest houses, pensions, rental villas, etc. available |
