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Lake Kawaguchiko 1-Day Itinerary: Mt. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, and Local Gourmet Dining!

Cherry blossoms announce the arrival of spring after the cold winter in Japan. The pink flowers blooming in their full glory are spectacular, and a sight you definitely have to see if you’re taking a trip to Japan in the spring. In this article, we'll cover some of the highlights of the Lake Kawaguchiko area in Yamanashi Prefecture, just a 2-hour train trip or express bus ride from Tokyo. We’ve put together a morning-to-night sightseeing itinerary for maximum enjoyment of the Lake Kawaguchiko area, including visits to scenic spots with a view of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms, Shinto shrines with a traditional Japanese atmosphere, and restaurants where you can get a taste of local gourmet masterpieces. Some of these restaurants we will introduce can be booked through SAVOR JAPAN, a multilingual restaurant reservation site, which is a lifesaver if you’re not confident in your Japanese! We hope you'll use this article as your spring Japan travel guide.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

*This article was written in collaboration with SAVOR JAPAN.

About Multilingual Restaurant Booking Site "SAVOR JAPAN"

During the cherry blossom period in the spring and the foliage-filled autumn season, many domestic and international tourists travel to Japan's famous sightseeing destinations. The Lake Kawaguchiko area near Mt. Fuji, with its majestic natural landscapes and exquisite local cuisine, is no exception. At popular restaurants, it can be impossible to guarantee a seat, and you may have to wait a long time in line to get a table. Because of this, making a reservation beforehand is essential. You can make a reservation for both of the restaurants recommended for dinner in this article, Sumibi Yakiniku Himawaritei and Izakaya Hokkai , at  SAVOR JAPAN . 

This site provides information about restaurants in Japan in multiple languages, and is so popular it became Japan's number one tourist-orientated restaurant website as of May 2019. SAVOR JAPAN also allows you to make reservations in languages such as English and Chinese in a few simple steps. You don't want to spend a long time waiting when you're hungry, or for your trip to end without getting to try any delicious food, so use SAVOR JAPAN for a smarter and more enjoyable experience in Japan.

What Kind of Place Is Lake Kawaguchiko?

Lake Kawaguchiko is the northernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes (Lake Yamanakako, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko) located at the foot of Mt. Fuji which straddles Shizuoka Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture. Of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is situated at the lowest height above sea level and features the longest lake shoreline. This lake is famous as a perfect spot for appreciating the view of Mt. Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain.

Time, weather, and other factors can change how Mt. Fuji appears. Some particularly beautiful scenes have nicknames, like Red Fuji (when the light of dawn illuminates Mt. Fuji and makes it appear to be dyed a shade of red), Diamond Fuji (when Mt. Fuji appears to be glittering like a diamond the moment the sun rises above or sinks below the mountain's peak), and Inverse Fuji (when Mt. Fuji is reflected upside-down on the surface of water). These are all scenes you can see in the area around Mt. Fuji, particularly around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako.

▼Information for Restaurants in the Mt. Fuji Area 15 Must-Try Restaurants When Visiting Mt. Fuji 10 Restaurants to Visit After Sightseeing Around Mt. Fuji

How to Get to Lake Kawaguchiko

There are many ways to get to the Lake Kawaguchiko area from Tokyo. Here are details about three main ways to get there: bus, train, or car.

Fujikyuko Bus

The Fujikyuko Bus is the most economical means of public transport for getting to Lake Kawaguchiko. Multiple buses a day depart for Lake Kawaguchiko by way of Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Narita Airport, making it easy to choose one that best suits your accommodation location and schedule. The bus is not just an affordable way to get to Kawaguchiko Station from various parts of Tokyo, but it will also get you there in only about 2 hours! You can depart from the capital's shopping districts and arrive at your destination without ever having to leave your seat, so this is an extremely convenient method of transportation.

You can make reservations for Fujikyuko buses to Lake Kawaguchiko up to a month in advance at the website below. Just fill in the required information, check the confirmation email, and your reservation is complete. When it’s time to board, just show the driver the booking confirmation email you received.

The only train line connecting Tokyo to the Lake Kawaguchiko area is the Fujikyuko Line. The westernmost station on this line is Otsuki Station in Yamanashi Prefecture, and the easternmost station is Kawaguchiko Station. Below are a few ways to get to Lake Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku Station, a major station in Tokyo that many different train lines pass through.

Limited Express Fuji Excursion (Direct train to Kawaguchiko Station) This is a limited express train that does a round-trip from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station. This route doesn’t require any transfers, and there are four round-trips a day on weekdays and six a day on weekends. The trip takes about 1 hour 50 minutes one-way and costs 4,130 yen (basic fare ticket + limited express fare ticket). All seats on this train are reserved seats, and reservations can be made from up to 1 month prior to your trip. Tickets can be purchased from the following websites, reserved seat ticket vending machines at major stations around the country, JR ticket offices, and travel agencies. Along the way, the train also stops at places like Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Q Highland, so it’s also convenient for anyone wanting to take the chance to visit other locations in the area.

• Official Website (Japanese): https://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/fujikaiyuu/information.php
• Official Website (English): https://www.jreast.co.jp/hachioji/fuji_excursion/en/

JR Limited Express + Fujikyuko Line Another option is to take the JR Chuo Line limited express train from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (all reserved seats), then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station. A one-way ticket costs 4,130 yen. The JR Chuo Line runs every day, with trains departing every 30 minutes, so it’s easy to choose a departure time that suits your travel plan. This makes this option the most popular way to get to Lake Kawaguchiko. Limited express tickets can be purchased from the following websites, reserved seat ticket vending machines at major stations around the country, JR ticket offices, and travel agencies.

• Official Website (English): https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html/

JR Local Train + Fujikyuko Line Finally, you can choose to take the JR Chuo Line local train from Shinjuku Station (towards Takao), then transfer at Takao Station to Otsuki Station. Then, transfer to the Fujikyuko Line at Otsuki Station and ride to Kawaguchiko Station. One-way, this route takes about 3 hours, but you can save on the cost of tickets with this option. You don't need to make a reservation either, so if you're unable to get a ticket during peak travel seasons, this is the way to go.

If you’re using public transportation, you may find yourself chasing train timetables and running out of time for fun! If you take a rental car to Lake Kawaguchiko, you don’t have to worry about any of that. 

If you’re departing from Shinjuku, you should take the Metropolitan Expressway Route No. 4. There are tolls from Chuo Expressway Otsuki Junction to the Kawaguchiko Interchange. If there’s no congestion on the road, you will reach your destination in about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you don't take any toll roads, it will take about 2 hours. The type of cars and rental times available varies throughout the year, but typically you can rent a smaller kei car or a regular passenger car for 12 hours for 5,000 - 6,000 yen (excluding insurance, gas, and tolls), so this is a good choice for people with a lot of luggage or those traveling in bigger groups.

The real pleasure of traveling by car is that on the way to Lake Kawaguchiko, you can take a break at one of Japan's great rest areas for souvenirs and local foods.

How to Get Around the Lake Kawaguchiko Area

We recommend using a sightseeing bus for getting around the locations introduced in this article. This will let you tour the Fuji Five Lakes area with Lake Kawaguchiko as your arrival and departure point.

Fujikyuko Sightseeing Bus

The base fare for the sightseeing bus is 160 yen. This increases based on distance traveled. If you want to go around to a lot of tourist attractions, we recommend the Unlimited Ride Pass that allows unlimited bus trips in the area for two days from the day of purchase. This ticket costs 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children 6 - 11 years of age. The following sightseeing buses are most frequently used by sightseers.

Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Narusawa, Lake Shojiko, Lake Motosuko Area

•    Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line): Departs from Kawaguchiko Station at 15-minute intervals. This route covers sightseeing destinations such as the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, and Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center.

•    Saiko Sightseeing Bus (Green Line): Departs from Kawaguchiko Station at 30-minute intervals. This route covers sightseeing destinations such as Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, Saiko Bat Cave, Fugaku Fuketsu (Wind Cave), and Saiko Yacho-no-Mori Park.

•    Narusawa/Shojiko/Motosuko Sightseeing Bus (Blue Line):  Five connecting buses from Kawaguchiko Station to Lake Motosuko every day. This is a convenient bus for traveling to the Lake Shojiko shore and for sightseeing around Lake Motosuko.

Fujiyoshida, Oshino, Lake Yamanakako Area

•    Fujiyoshida/Oshino/Yamanakako Sightseeing Bus (F-Line):  This bus makes a round-trip around Fujiyoshida, Oshino Hakkai, and Lake Yamanakako, and departs from Kawaguchiko Station 11 times a day. This is convenient for sightseeing around the Lake Yamanakako area, including locations such as the Mt. Fuji Radar Dome, Benifuji-no-Yu Onsen, Oshino Hakkai, and Hana-no-Miyako Park.

Rental Bicycle

If you want to enjoy your day without having to keep an eye on bus timetables, why not rent a bike? There are several rental bicycle shops around Kawaguchiko Station and the Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat jetty. You can rent a bike for an hour, 3 hours, or a full day at the reasonable price of around 3,000 yen per day. You can also rent electric bikes and bicycles with child seats attached. The route around Lake Kawaguchiko is fairly level with only a few slopes, so you can visit the various attractions in the area without breaking a sweat.

Get the Most Out of the Lake Kawaguchiko Area! 1-Day Sightseeing Itinerary

There are many tourist attractions in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, so we've put together an itinerary for a 1-day trip from Tokyo to make your planning a little easier. Have your fortune told at a shrine where you can feel the history of Japan in the air, see the beautiful Mt. Fuji and cherry blossom scenery, and finish your day off with a delicious meal like wagyu beef or fresh seafood. This travel plan has it all!

Experience Cherry Blossoms and Fortune Telling at Mt. Fuji’s Oldest Shrine, Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine

First stop on the itinerary is Mt. Fuji’s oldest Shinto shrine, Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine. Take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Green Line) from Kawaguchiko Station and get off at Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine. Follow the signs to the shrine path entrance.

This shrine is near Lake Kawaguchiko and is surrounded by greenery, giving it a tranquil charm. Cherry trees grow on both sides of the approach to the shrine, and in cherry blossom season, you can see a row of 200 beautiful Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom, making this a popular spot in the spring. The deity enshrined here is called Konohana no Sakuyabime, to whom people pray for prosperous business, easy childbirth, and safe travel.

After paying homage to the shrine’s deity, try picking an omikuji (fortune slip) which will tell you your fortune. This shrine’s omikuji, called “hanasaki mikuji” or "flower-blossom fortunes", are a triangular pyramid shape. Pull the string to tear open the paper’s edge. Once opened, its shape resembles lovely flower petals. Inside is a small bell you can carry with you for protection.

Inside the shrine precinct, you'll spot statues of the guardian deity Bato (Horse Head) Kannon, and a stone folding fan decorated with a Japanese national flag pierced with an arrow. These statues are related to a traditional event held here every April called Yabusame. This is a martial art in which targets are shot with arrows from horseback.

One of the many statues, the statue called Momofuku no Ryu Houju, is a sphere of entangled dragons engraved with countless Japanese characters for "fortune". Those seeking to improve their fortune should rub the statue for good luck!

Try Local Yamanashi Dish “Hoto” at Hoto Fudo Higashi Koiji Store

Hoto is a noodle dish that was brought to Japan from China in the Nara Period (710 - 784 AD). Legend says it was invented by chance when legendary military commander Shingen Takeda was simmering ingredients together for a midday meal. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu then added miso to the mix, creating the dish people know today.

There are no exact ingredients needed to make hoto, but pumpkin is a common addition. Other than that, ingredients differ from household to household, including carrot, Chinese cabbage, spring onions, shimeji and shiitake mushrooms, taro, potatoes, and pork or chicken. The noodles and other ingredients are simmered together in a pot to allow the miso flavor to really infuse all the ingredients. If you eat this dish when it’s cold out, it will warm your body and soul.

There are many restaurants selling hoto in the Lake Kawaguchiko area. Of these, Hoto Fudo, which runs four restaurants here, is a popular group specializing in just hoto (1,100 yen). This restaurant ensures a delicious flavor year-round by sourcing their produce from different areas season to season, and their generous serving of thick, handmade noodles have the perfect bite. You won't soon forget this delicious dish!

The North Lake Kawaguchiko Head Store has a charming folk atmosphere, while the South Lake Kawaguchiko Store is designed in the style of a historical Japanese warehouse. Both have a lovely traditional Japanese feel, but we particularly recommend the Hoto Fudo Higashi Koiji Store, conveniently located near Kawaguchiko Station.

What makes this branch so unique is its unusual architecture, as seen in the picture above. The pure white dome is designed by famous Japanese architect Takeshi Hosaka, and with Mt Fuji in the background, it looks just like a piece of art. Seen from afar, the building seems to be a part of the distant white clouds surrounding Mt. Fuji. This fusion of modern architecture and local traditional cuisine has caught the attention of both Japanese and international tourists.

Designed in loose, curved lines, the restaurant is extremely spacious and can seat up to 300. In the right seat, you can appreciate the view of Mt. Fuji as you enjoy your hoto piping hot straight from the pot.

Ubuyagasaki, a Secret Spot for Inverse Fuji and Cherry Blossoms

After lunch, head to this picturesque spot for cherry blossoms and a gorgeous view of Mt. Fuji reflected in the waters of Lake Kawaguchiko. Take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) from Kawaguchiko Station to Kozantei Ubuya and you will arrive directly at Ubuyagasaki. This is a famous flower viewing spot on the north side of Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge. The name of this area translates to "delivery room cape". This unusual name came to be because in Japanese mythology, the goddess Konohana no Sakuyabime gave birth here.

The surface of Lake Kawaguchiko is fairly still, making this the best spot to see the view of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake. This has made this area a favorite spot among artists and writers since ancient times. If you have time, try climbing to the top of Ubuyagasaki, where you'll find Ubuyagasaki Shrine, a small shrine that offers an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji. The cherry blossoms in spring and the changing leaves in autumn here are also extremely beautiful. This is a great hidden spot that even most Japanese people don’t know about. Don’t forget your camera!

Get the Ultimate Shot of Cherry Blossoms and Mt. Fuji at Nagasaki Park

After Ubuyagasaki, jump back on the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) to the Sunnide Resort/Nagasaki Park Entrance stop, then walk for five minutes to Nagasaki Park. This area juts out from the north side of Lake Kawaguchiko in a way where there is nothing to obstruct your view ahead and to the sides, giving you a sweeping view of Mt. Fuji and its ridgelines.

In the spring, you can get gorgeous photos of Mt. Fuji framed by the vivid blooming cherry blossoms here. Hunt for that perfect shot!

Restaurants for Dinner in the Fuji Five Lakes Area

A delicious meal is essential to finish off your day enjoying cherry blossom viewing at Shinto shrines and other picturesque locations. We have two dinner recommendations for you: a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant near Lake Kawaguchiko, and an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) offering fresh seafood and traditional Japanese dishes near Lake Yamanakako. Both these restaurants are popular with locals and visitors alike, and we guarantee you will enjoy the warm hospitality just as much as the food.

You can make online reservations for both of these restaurants using SAVOR JAPAN, a multilingual restaurant booking site. It’s easy to use and you don’t have to worry about waiting in line on the day. It's easy to pick a restaurant that suits your plans and tastes!

* Please inform restaurants in advance in the case of cancellations. 

Satisfying Prices and Genuine Wagyu Beef: Local Favorite "Sumibi Yakiniku Himawaritei"

Sumibi Yakiniku Himawaritei is a Japanese BBQ restaurant located on a narrow residential side street off the main road. The reason so many people visit this slightly-out-of-the-way restaurant is that you can enjoy high-quality kuroge wagyu beef at very reasonable prices here. This restaurant offers popular cuts like beef tongue and skirt steak as well as some more unusual cuts, too. Whether you prefer firm red meat or tender marbled meat with juicy, melting fat, you're sure to be satisfied here.

You can order a la carte, but we recommend ordering a course menu if you're new to yakiniku and don't know where to start. Sumibi Yakiniku Himawaritei’s course menu prices start at 2,000 yen - an extremely reasonable price compared to other yakiniku restaurants in Japan.

There are courses at various price points ranging from 2,000 yen to 4,000 yen, but this time we ordered the restaurant’s recommendation, the Family Set (2,400 yen). This is a very satisfying course that includes salty beef tongue, Korean-style marinated ribs, diced skirt steak, fatty offal, pork ribs, pork jowl, chicken thigh, sausage, kimchi, salad or Korean-style choregi salad, seaweed soup, and rice. Pictured here is a two-person serve.

You also really have to try kuroge wagyu beef when you're in Japan! We added an order of kainomi (the part of the chuck short rib closest to the tenderloin, 1,490 yen) and zabuton (a part of the shoulder roast cut from the side closest to the rib bones, 1,800 yen) to our meal. (Photo shows a 1-person serving). The kainomi was juicy without being overly fatty, leaving a clean aftertaste. Zabuton is a rather rare cut, with only a few kilograms produced per head of cattle, and it was extremely tender. Both had an unforgettably delicious flavor.

In Japan, beer is an indispensable part of any yakiniku experience. Certified as a Premium Cho-Tatsujin Restaurant by Suntory, a major Japanese beer brand, Sumibi Yakiniku Himawaritei has passed rigorous inspection certifying they serve delicious, expertly-poured beer. Try a beer paired to the flavors of yakiniku here! Of course, there are plenty of soft drinks also available, as well as both tatami mat and table seating options, so this restaurant suits any number of occasions, including dining with family, friends, or even a special date.

Sumibi Yakiniku Himawaritei is visited by international tourists and locals alike, and there are tablets available for ordering in English, Chinese, and Japanese. The menu includes photos and is easy to understand, so you can order your favorite dishes with no communication issues!

Seafood, Skewers, and Cheap and Cheerful Local Foods: Spacious and Relaxing "Izakaya Hokkai"

The area around Lake Yamanakako is located around 30 minutes by bus or car from Lake Kawaguchiko. This area attracts crowds for its plethora of outdoor facilities that allow for activities like fishing, trekking, cycling, golf, and tennis. At night, the lake takes on a magical atmosphere illuminated by lanterns from restaurants along the lake shore. Out of these restaurants, Izakaya Hokkai is a perfect place for a meal after a day of sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchiko.

The number one charm of this izakaya is its vast menu that is sure to satisfy the tastes of anyone who visits. The izakaya offers so many options, just choosing from the extensive menu is fun. You'll find options like fresh sashimi, a variety of grilled skewers made with local ingredients, piping hot oden (a type of Japanese-style stew) infused with the flavor of dashi stock, and local dishes unique to the area. Choosing what you like from the fresh seafood and steaming oden pot on the counter has a charm of its own, but the grilled skewers ordered “half self-service” style are particularly popular. Choose what you like from the refrigerator and the staff will skewer and grill them for you. (600 yen for 5 skewers, 1,200 yen for 10 skewers.)

The above images show the Assorted Sashimi (2,500 yen), the Stew of Koshu Chicken Innards (500 yen), and the Oden Assortment (550 yen). Koshi chicken innard stew is a local Yamanashi "B-grade gourmet" (read: inexpensive and unpretentious) dish made with chicken liver, hearts, gizzards, and other offal simmered in a rich broth of sugar and soy sauce. The salty-sweet aroma of this dish will excite your appetite. Be sure to try this beloved regional specialty!

This restaurant also has a broad selection of choice sake from around Japan. Sake is an obvious choice for seafood dishes, but it also pairs beautifully with char-grilled skewers. If you’re not sure which to order, ask the staff to suggest the best sake to go with the food you want to order. 

There are tablets on the tables that you can use to order in English, Chinese, or Japanese. There is also counter, table, and tatami mat seating that can accommodate groups of 20, so you can relax in comfort no matter the size of your group. Recharge after a busy day of travel with some delicious food and good sake.

Visit Lake Kawaguchiko This Cherry Blossom Season!

We hope you enjoyed our itinerary for getting the most out of a spring day in the Lake Kawaguchiko area! This region not only has some of the best scenic spots for seeing both Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms, it also has plenty of delicious gourmet food to enjoy, so it’s the ideal place if you’re visiting Japan in the spring. 

This area is full of places to enjoy leisure and shopping, including Fuji-Q Highland, Gotemba Premium Outlets, art galleries, hot springs, and more. If a day isn't enough, there are plenty of places to stay in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, so why not spend a few leisurely days sightseeing around Mt. Fuji and enjoying the beautiful natural scenery?

We hope you'll use this article to enjoy a fun spring vacation at Lake Kawaguchiko in a smart way!

If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our  Facebook ,  Twitter , or  Instagram !

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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I did one day in Kawaguchiko itinerary with Mt Fuji views! 🏔 Best things to do in Kawaguchiko for Mount Fuji views near Lake Kawaguchiko 🏔 Japan travel blog

Kawaguchiko is one of the lakes that make up the Fuji Five Lakes region.

It’s also a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu national park.

If you’ll be in Japan outside of Mt Fuji climbing season , Kawaguchiko can be a good place to go to see the best Mount Fuji views as an alternative to hiking up Mount Fuji!

I basically made a visit to Kawaguchiko as a side trip from my main event of climbing Mount Fuji. (Here’s how much it can cost you to climb Mt Fuji .)

So if you’re short on time and are looking to go somewhere that will offer you scenic views of Mount Fuji, you can totally make it a day trip to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo.

Having one full day means that you can take your time more and you can make time to stop by some of the restaurants and shops too.

Of course, having more days in the Fuji Fives Lakes region would be even better!

If you have extra time, you may also consider a trip to Fujiyoshida to see  famous views of the Chureito Pagoda  with Mt Fuji in the background.

Kawaguchiko to Fujiyoshida (Shimoyoshida station) is about a 15 minute train ride.

First, the quick list of the best things to do in Kawaguchiko.

Then, a more detailed look into how you can fit these things into your one day Kawaguchiko itinerary.

Kawaguchiko as part of a trip to climb Mt Fuji

This is what my Mt Fuji climb + Kawaguchiko trip looked like:

• Bus from Tokyo to Mt Fuji 5th station
• Climb to Mt Fuji summit with overnight mountain hut stay !
• Bus from 5th station to Kawaguchiko
• Overnight stay at Kawaguchiko hostel
• Time in Kawaguchiko!

5 best things to do in Kawaguchiko

Spoiler alert: it’s all about seeing mt fuji, 1. train on the railway that gets closest to mt fuji.

• Samurai training
• Japanese calligraphy class
• Traditional tea ceremony + you get to wear a kimono!
• Ninja lesson
• Make ramen from scratch!
• Sushi making experience
• Sumo training!

2. Mount Tenjo hike

3. Eat with views of Mt Fuji

4. Mt Fuji panoramic ropeway to Mount Kachi Kachi

5. Lake Kawaguchiko boat ride with Mt Fuji views

How to put these into a one day Kawaguchiko itinerary?

Now, here are some details about this itinerary to see if it’s something you want to follow, train ride on the railway that gets closest to mount fuji, cost: 1,540 yen (us$14).

Well, this would be something you start to do before you get to Kawaguchiko. But you can also do it as you leave Kawaguchiko too.

Doing it on your way there might get you excited for your day ahead in Kawaguchiko when you see Mount Fuji for the first time on the train! 🙂

There are a few different special trains that you can take, although only one is advertised as the railway that gets closest to Mount Fuji.

These are called the Fujikyu railway trains, and the Fuji View Express train is the one to get the closest Mount Fuji views from a train.

These trains run between Kawaguchiko and Otsuki.

So if you want to start your day off by arriving to Kawaguchiko on this train, you’ll first take a train from Tokyo to Otsuki. Then once you get to Otsuki, you’ll take the Fujikyu train to Kawaguchiko.

I rode this train as I was leaving Kawaguchiko.

But I would say consider riding it as you arrive, because when I did it in 2018, the last train timing in the direction of Tokyo was early afternoon.

I think you’ll be giving yourself more time in Kawaguchiko by doing it first.

Mount Tenjo hike

Cost: free.

Most people who do the Mount Tenjo hike seem to do a shortened 10 minute version.

If you’re only interested in a 10-minute walk, you can take the Mount Kachi Kachi ropeway up, and then hike the Mount Tenjo trail for more views of Mount Fuji.

If you’re interested in a 30-40 minute nature walk, consider walking from Lake Kawaguchiko to reach the high points. You’ll come across a few different “Mount Fuji viewing areas.”

You’ll also come across views of the lake too.

And, the bonus is that there’s a good chance you will be able to enjoy these views to yourself with no one else around!

Before you head off to start the Mount Tenjo hiking trail, stop by a convenience store to pick up some snacks or a to-go meal.

Then, when you’re on the trail, you can stop and enjoy the views while you eat!

If you’re making it a day trip from Tokyo, you can walk from the bus station or train station direct to the Mount Tenjo trailhead. It’ll be about a 15 minute walk.

The buses and trains are both at the same Kawaguchiko station.

Mount Fuji panoramic ropeway to Mount Kachi Kachi

Cost: 450 yen (us$4) one way.

This is the ropeway you can take for the shortened version of the Mount Tenjo hike.

Even just taking the ropeway up, without going for the extra 10 minute walk, will afford you with some of the best views of Mount Fuji.

On the ropeway ride itself, which is a short ride up or down the mountain, you’ll get the best views of Lake Kawaguchiko.

Then once you reach the top ropeway station, you can simply head on over to the overlook area… and there’s Mount Fuji!

There’s another overlook area right around the ropeway station. Just look for the stairs.

It’s possible to buy one-way tickets for the ropeway, so you can choose to hike the longer Mount Tenjo trail one way, and take the ropeway the other way.

I did the Mount Tenjo hike from near the lake, and then took the ropeway down.

When doing the hike to go up, the trail will lead straight to the ropeway station.

Lake Kawaguchiko Ensoleille boat ride

Cost: 930 yen (us$9).

The lake is located right at the base of the ropeway station.

There are a number of different types of boat rides you can take.

I took the Ensoleille pleasure boat ride which was a 20 minute cruise around the lake.

You’ll get Mount Fuji views while out on the lake too!

HAPPY KAWAGUCHIKO ITINERARY PLANNING!

Is a jr pass worth it.

• Google maps can make it easy to figure out whether or not you should get a JR pass!
• In google maps, type in your departure and arrival city, and choose the transit icon. The route will come up, and so will the estimated cost at the bottom!
• Here is an example of a train route with cost on google maps.
• So do that for all of your long distance routes to figure out how much it might cost.
• Next, go here to see how much a JR pass costs from an official JR pass vendor (and partner of this website).
• And compare!
• Not all forms of public transportation are JR, but long distance shinkansen bullet trains are, and that's where the most cost savings will come.

Best of Kyoto (and Japan!)

• Best temples to visit in Kyoto
• Japanese gardens in Kyoto

Kawaguchiko: Full Guide, Sample Itineraries & Things to Do

Our family frequents the surrounding areas of Mt. Fuji, especially Kawaguchiko — our favorite day trip with our daughter. I just can’t get over how lucky the locals in this area are… snow-capped Fuji-san, beautiful breathtaking views, great food ( houtou noodles is our absolute favorite!), and the people are always nice.

In fact, they’re so nice, I’ve actually lost count of how often the locals have given our daughter gifts just because they find her adorable.  All of these things combine to make an ideal location, and one we hope to call home someday in the future. Because of how often we visit the areas around Mt. Fuji, we keep this as sort of a living article, which we update as we find something new and interesting in the area.

Understanding Mt. Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes

The main sightseeing attractions and in this itinerary guide are in the town of Fujikawaguchiko –the nearest town to Mt. Fuji that is easy to access on a day trip. The TOP tourist attraction here is Kawaguchiko or Lake Kawaguchi, the second-largest lake of the Fuji Five Lakes (or Fujigoko as the Japanese call it).

Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko)

The lakes of the Fuji Five Lakes are as follows:

• Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko)
• Lake Sai (Saiko)
• Lake Shoji (Shojiko)
• Lake Motosu (read our Lake Motosu camping guide ) Lake Yamanaka (read our Lake Yamanaka itinerary and things to do)

‘ko’ means lake in Japanese.

Lake Motosu and Lake Yamanaka, however, are not part of Fujikawaguchiko town. The Fuji Five Lakes were formed when Mt. Fuji erupted during the ancient times. From the (literal) ashes of such an awesome destructive force, these lakes have all become fantastic tourist attractions, an inspiration for artists , poets, and philosophers alike, and some top-notch fishing spots.

Kawaguchiko and Saiko

Of these lakes — Kawaguchi and Sai — are the most easily accessible by bus due to the bus frequency from Kawaguchiko Station.

Of the two lakes, Kawaguchiko is the most popular due to the area being better developed, as well as offering many experiences for tourists. Motosuko, Shojiko, and Yamanakako can also be accessed, but buses only run to each lake once every 1-3 hours!

Of course, there are more attractions and things to do around the area such as camping in Lake Motosu , fishing in Lake Shoji, kayaking, visiting the Shiraito Falls, Oshino Hakkai, the peaceful Kitaguchi-Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, and others.

But those merit separate posts as they are complicated to access. So in this guide, we will concentrate ONLY on the two popular and easy to access lakes– Kawaguchiko and Saiko .

Kawaguchiko or Hakone: Which is worth visiting?

Kawaguchiko is the BETTER option of the two because of the view of Mt. Fuji is EVERYWHERE in the area. And in terms of great Mt. Fuji views, Kawaguchiko is the very first place that should spring to mind, not Hakone, as the visibility of Mt. Fuji from Hakone is often poor because it’s a fog-prone area.

The food in Kawaguchiko is also much better (and cheaper), not to mention having the amazing hoto noodles ! Some of the best tempura I’ve ever had in my life is also in Kawaguchiko (more on that later), and there are many local restaurants and shops there that can only be found there.

This isn’t to say Hakone is bad, it’s actually a very nice town with many unique attractions and has many popular ryokans with private onsens. Hakone, as we’ve found, is loved by locals as an onsen getaway, but not really for sightseeing Mt. Fuji.

How to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo

The highway bus is the CHEAPEST and FASTEST option to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo. And if you have a JR Pass , the highway bus is still the cheapest and fastest option for you.

From Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station it costs around ¥2,000 per adult, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. I recommend that you take the earliest bus from Shinjuku, at 6:05 a.m., as the chances of seeing Mt. Fuji in the early morning light is highly likely.

Here are other options to get to Kawaguchiko Station from Tokyo .

Ways to get around Kawaguchiko

Biking is the best way to explore the entirety of Lake Kawaguchiko as the sightseeing buses always get caught in traffic.

In fact, biking is actually the faster approach if only have a day in Kawaguchiko, since you won’t need to wait at bus stops.

You can rent a bike for a whole day, with prices starting at ¥1,800-¥2,000, and there are many bike rental shops outside the Kawaguchiko Station.

2. By Sightseeing Bus

The Sightseeing Bus bound for Lake Kawaguchi and attractions nearby runs every 15 minutes, while the Sightseeing Bus bound for Lake Sai runs every 30 minutes.

These sightseeing buses are also known as Sightseeing Retro Buses because of their, you guessed it, retro design .

Be aware that during peak season (autumn and spring), you’ll experience MASSIVE delays in the bus schedule because of traffic, which can really SLOW DOWN your itinerary.

If you choose to do this option, I highly recommend that you make your trip overnight (2 days) and get the Unlimited 2-Day Ride Pass . You can get the Unlimited Ride Pass at the visitor’s center of Kawaguchiko Station. Check out our recommended accommodations in Kawaguchiko .

Which is better, join a day tour or on your own?

I get this question a lot from my friends who visit me in Japan and want to see Mt Fuji up-close. This is my answer to them:

Join a charter day trip tour if you want to save time and money, and aren’t looking to stay overnight.

It is also the perfect option for solo travelers, families, or large groups. Another advantage of joining a day trip tour is that you also get to visit other areas near Mt. Fuji but are outside of the Kawaguchiko and other Fuji Five Lakes.

Heck, you might not even need to read this article since you are accompanied by a professional tour guide! If you’re in a large group, say, 6-8 people, it’ll definitely be cheaper to just → book a Private Mt. Fuji tour and divide the costs among you.

Some private tour guides can also act as your personal photographer! You can also customize your tour and even go to tucked-away destinations around Mt. Fuji that are not easily accessible by public transport.

LOOKING FOR AN ORGANIZED MT.FUJI TOUR? → Click for best bus tours to Mt. Fuji → Click for private chartered tours to Mt. Fuji (recommended for groups of 6-8 people!)

What about self-driving?

If you can, driving around the areas of Mt. Fuji is the best way to explore as you can explore at your own pace. In fact, this is what we do every time we visit.

If you’re looking to rent a vehicle, then we recommend → Web-Rentacar by White Bear Family Co., Ltd . (Japan-based). We’ve used them a number of times before, and their prices are pretty hard to beat!

If you do decide to drive, we’ll have suggested itineraries for you later. It should go without saying, but there’s no need to buy the Unlimited Ride Pass with this option.

The main advantage of driving in these areas is that parking is free everywhere in the Fujikawaguchiko area, and you don’t need to worry about relying on the buses. We have prepared an itinerary for you below to make the most out of your Mt. Fuji experience!

If you plan to rent a car and you’re not comfortable driving from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko , we recommend that you take a bus and rent the car in Kawaguchiko. You have to make sure that you book in advance online. We have not experienced walking into rental car agencies in Japan, but we’ve never had any trouble reserving a car online.

Please note that unlike the American rental companies, the Japanese tend to be strict on the pick-up and drop off times, and will absolutely charge you.

Know before you go

1. Weather. Mt. Fuji is very dependent on the weather. Cloudy days, obviously, completely obscure your view. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about climbing Fuji-san , it’s that the skies always seem to be clear and beautiful…on the days you’re not climbing. So the good news is, if you visit outside of the climbing season, you should have many splendid views of the mountain. Unless you visit during the rainy season.

2. Best time to see Mt. Fuji. After years of living in Japan and living in a house that actually had a view of Mt. Fuji, we’ve found that November to February offers the best visibility of Mt. Fuji (and its famous snow cap!) You can still definitely visit year-round, it’s just that you have to time your visit on the sunniest and clearest weather forecast possible.

3. Carry cash . Unlike the cities in Tokyo, most of the small shops and restaurants you’re likely to encounter around Kawaguchiko and Saiko don’t accept credit cards. So make sure you have enough yen before you go sightseeing.

Our Suggested Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko Itineraries

So you want to do it on your own? Awesome! First off, remember to check the weather forecast for the days you’ll be visiting (if possible).

We admit that it’s a huge DOWNER when Mt. Fuji is not visible. But don’t let that discourage you from visiting! The chances it will be like that if you stay multiple days are slim. Make sure to BOOK your accommodation in Kawaguchiko well in advance.

→ Click to see our recommended accommodations in Kawaguchiko with great views of Mount Fuji .

Here are our Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko itineraries that you can copy from Tokyo:

2-Day Kawaguchiko & Saiko

Day 1: Take the early morning bus from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station . Upon arrival in Kawaguchiko Station, get the Unlimited 2-Day Ride Pass at the visitor’s center, then hop on the Red-Line (Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus).

Your first stop is the Natural Living Center . Explore the Natural Living Center, the Oishi Park is just outside and offers one of the best panoramic views of Mt. Fuji with Lake Kawaguchi.

Next, hop on the Red-Line bound for Kawaguchiko Station as your next stop will be the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum . Pay the entrance fee of ¥1,300 and explore the museum’s entirety!

Once done, why not have some lunch? Try houtou noodles , a popular delicious regional dish from Yamanashi! From Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, walk to Momiji-tei Restaurant and order their beef houtou . You’ll not be disappointed.

After the big lunch, you have the option of exploring this area. Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum and Konohana Museum are just around the corner. Just choose one or just keep exploring.

Mt. Fuji is actually very visible from this area. The best spot to take photos here is the North Coast trail , which is just behind the Konohana Museum . Admire Mt. Fuji there, and why not have a cup of coffee?

After that, go to the nearest Red-Line bus stop and, if you still have time, go to the Sightseeing Boat/Ropeway Ent. bus stop for the Kachi Kachi Ropeway and ride the cable car going up to Tenjoyama Park , which offers not just another beautiful view of Mt. Fuji, but the town and surrounding mountains as well.

Afterward, depending on where you booked your hotel (which should be just around Kawaguchiko Station), check-in.

Day 2: Eat your breakfast and check out of your hotel. Take the Green-Line Saiko Sightseeing Bus. Your first stop should be the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato .

Take your time exploring Iyashi-no-Sato, you could easily spend half the day here relaxing while viewing Mt. Fuji. They have samurai costumes to rent during your time here as well.

Next, go back to the bus stop and take the Green-Line again for Kawaguchiko Station. Your next stop is Yagisaki Park , which, depending on the time of year you visit, can be filled with flowers and herbs.

During peak season, you’ll find many food stalls here serving ice cream, dango, and other sweet Japanese street food. Small coffee shops are also scattered around the area. We personally love Milky Way and Cisco Coffee !

After relaxing, hop on the Green-Line bus and head back to Kawaguchiko Station, then back to Tokyo.

2-Day Kawaguchiko & Aokigahara

Pre-booking requirements:

• 2-hour Explore Aokigahara Forest with a Nature guide , book the earliest time if possible. ( This tour must be booked 2 days in advance!

Day 1: Do Day 1 of Itinerary #1.

Day 2: Breakfast and check out. Hop the Green-Line bus and go to Fugaku Fuketsu bus stop to meet up with your nature guide for the beautiful Aokigahara forest exploration.

Afterward, you are free to go explore the rest of your day, you can either visit the Iyashi-no-Sato healing village or head straight to Yagisaki park (see Day 2 of Itinerary #1 for ideas). Head back to Tokyo.

2-Day Kawaguchiko & Fuji-Q Highlands

Day 1: No need to buy the 2-Day Unlimited Pass! Explore Lake Kawaguchi by bike! There are many bike rental shops around Kawaguchiko Station.

Rent a bike for the whole day (usually ¥1,500-2,000 per day) and follow the Day 1 of Itinerary #1.

Don’t forget to grab a map from the shop for the dedicated bike route to the attractions mentioned on the Itinerary 1.

Day 2: From Kawaguchiko Station, take a bus to Fuji-Q Highlands and spend the day riding some of the world’s top roller coasters! There’s plenty more to see and do between rides, so be sure to explore as you go.

When you’ve gotten your fill, head back to Tokyo.

NOTE: For those of you able to spend the 3rd day here, consider relaxing in the nearby Fujiyama Onsen after your day in the Fuji-Q!

2-Day Kawaguchiko & Arakurayama Sengen Park

Day 1: Do Day 1 of Itinerary #3.

Day 2: Take the train from Kawaguchiko Station to Shimoyoshida Station and walk to Arakurayama Sengen Park .

Do some warm-up stretches as you’ll be climbing nearly 400 steps to see the beautiful Chureito Pagoda on top, which offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji and the entire town of Fujikawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida City.

When you’re ready, head back to Tokyo.

1-Day Kawaguchiko (by bike only)

Just follow the Day 1 of Itinerary #3–explore Lake Kawaguchiko by bike!

Top things to do around Mt. Fuji’s Kawaguchiko & Saiko

1. sightseeing retro bus.

If you’re doing this trip on your own, again, I highly recommend that you stay overnight, ideally near Kawaguchiko Station as the bus starts there.

The Unlimited 2-Day Ride Pass is ¥1,500 . You just have to show the pass to the bus driver when boarding and exiting the Retro Buses. There are two bus lines that take you to the tourist spots around the area.

First is the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus or the “Red-Line” which will bring you to areas around Lake Kawaguchiko. The second one is the Saiko Sightseeing Bus or the “Green-Line” which will bring you to areas around Lake Saiko.

2. Tenjō-Yama Park Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway (also known as Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway)

Probably the most popular attraction within this little town, the ropeway provides you with easy access to the top of Mt. Tenjo and gives you a great view overlooking the lake and town with the many mountains surrounding it all.

While you can take the cable car to the top, you also have the option of hiking up the mountain, although it’s a deceptively difficult trail…if you’re carrying a child on your shoulders.

The only real drawback to hiking up is finding the actual entrance to the trail is a bit of a hassle. It honestly took us about an hour to finally find it because, like many hiking trails in Japan, it’s sort of in a weird place, and makes you feel like you’re trespassing at the start.

At the top, there is a small souvenir and snack shop, along with a few trails leading to better views, and other mountains.

We suggest hiking up and riding down the ropeway cable care if you’re feeling up to it, or vice versa. Riding both ways simply robs you of some of the best views of Fuji you’re likely to find, as well as robbing you of an excuse to eat one of the tasty treats found at the top!

3. Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

The buildings inside the Music Forest Museum remind me of a European fairy tale setting, with somewhat exaggerated buildings, and lots of pink paint.

The whole “forest” itself is built to resemble a town square of sorts, with a central fountain. So if you’re expecting a walk through a nature trail, it’s not like that. There are two buildings with things to do or see inside, and all the others are some form of a souvenir store. The whole area is handicap and stroller accessible.

The only thing we don’t like about this place is the admission ticket price — ¥1,500 per person. But there are 2 ways to get some discounted tickets for the music forest for about ¥300 off:

• By printing the web coupon screen from their website or;
• By reserving in advance through their website and paying through PayPal.

4. Konohana Museum

Home of Dayan the Cat, the Konohana museum is a fantastical stylized architecture, reminiscent of the Ghibli Museum . Containing the works of Akiko Ikeda, it was built to look like the Tachiel Enit Museum in the fictional Tachiel City, and is as much a part of the artwork as the pieces it houses.

Wachifield is the fictional world created by Ikeda-san, and the love and care that went into making this museum feel as authentic as possible can be felt as you wander its halls. Pictures, sculptures, and dynamic dioramas can all be found inside.

And while the exhibit itself is rather small, that makes it easy to fit into most itineraries!

5. Kawaguchiko North Coast Walking Trail

The North Coast Walking Trail is just a 7-minute walk from the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum and located behind the Konohana Museum. This short trail offers a 180-degree view of Mt. Fuji and is a place that many tourists are unaware of.

We saw many restaurants as we walked the trail, mostly Italian restaurants (there is a strong European influence here), cafe shops, and dessert shops. But we didn’t dare to try one. They were expensive!

It seemed to me that you are mostly paying for the comfortable seats and view, rather than the quality of the food that you order. So I suggest just enjoying the view and skipping the restaurants, maybe bring a boxed lunch, or just eat at one of the much better options elsewhere.

6. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Itchiku Kubota is actually my favorite museum in Kawaguchiko. The museum lies inside a paradise-like forest with breathtaking views of the calm lake of Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji. It’s the most fascinating museum I’m ever seen.

It’s because the building is made up of Okinawan corals and limestones, and the foundation of the main gallery building is made from Hiba trees that are more than 1,000 years old. With an entrance fee of ¥1,300 , we were able to learn about the life of Itchiku Kubota and his fascinating artwork “ Tsujigahana. ”

Tsujigahana is a technique of dying kimonos which was prevalent around the period of the 13th to 15th century, or Muromachi Period, and became mostly extinct during the 16th to 17th centuries.

Kubota was 14 when he became a kimono artist. However, when he saw a 350-year old silk fragment, which was a remnant of Tsujigahana in Tokyo National Museum, he became fascinated and devoted his life to reviving it.

Several years after, Kubota was captured by the Soviets and was imprisoned in Siberia during World War II. When he was released, he studied the tsujigahana technique. But, because no instructions survived explaining how to reproduce it, Kubota was forced to experiment on his own for decades. Eventually, Kubota was not only able to reproduce it,­ but also modernized it.

He had his first exhibition in 1977 at the age of 60, and his works quickly went abroad and received various awards due to their uniqueness and superb quality. I would really recommend visiting this museum when you travel to Kawaguchiko and allow yourself to be inspired by Itchiku Kubota.

When you really want something to happen, the whole world conspires to help you achieve it. ― Paolo Coelho

Seeing his art really left me in awe, and I’m sure it’ll have a similar effect on you.

7. Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center and Oishi Park

Located on the opposite side of the lake from Yagisaki Park, Oishi Park also takes part in the annual herb festival, and the Natural Living Center acts as a sort of a gift shop for buying herbs and blueberries.

Oishi park is also famous for its Kochia plants, which bloom in early autumn. You really can’t go wrong with either park, so why not just spend some time in both?

8. Yagisaki Park

Located along the southern coast of Kawaguchiko, Yagisaki park offers both an incredibly peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, as well as an absolutely gorgeous view of Fuji-san and the surrounding mountains.

I suggest planning your visit to the park between June and July, as the park holds the annual Lake Kawaguchi Herb Festival during that time. The plants will be in full bloom and the entire area will be filled with vendors selling delicious treats and souvenirs.

There is also a popular art museum called Muse-kan (Muse Museum) in the park, which displays the work of Yuki Atae, a famous doll-maker in Japan. There are approximately 90 dolls on display within the museum and are rotated twice a year. There’s also a cafe and gift shop within as well.

9. Saiko Iyashi-No-Sato Nenba (Healing Village)

Located near Saiko, Iyashi No Sato Nenba is an open-air museum that features thatched roofed houses that are similar to the historic village of Shirakawa-Go in Gifu Prefecture. These thatch-roof houses were originally built by farmers for raising silkworms back in Showa Period (1926-1989).

A typhoon in 1966 actually destroyed the village, but now, reconstructed 40 years later, there are over 20 thatched houses that were converted into shops offering souvenirs, workshops, or hands-on activities like paper mache, Hina doll making, or weaving.

Each thatched house has its own specialty, including souvenir shops, tea houses, handicraft workshops, and art galleries. This place is beautiful and relaxing and made more beautiful by the surrounding foliage.

This is also one of the best views of Fuji to be found in the five-lakes area. There are also stores near the parking lot with local fruits and vegetables, honey products, and other Japanese street food. In fact, my husband didn’t want to leave because a man was selling huge jars of honey for ¥2,000, which is unthinkably cheap in Japan!

10. Aokigahara Forest (Suicide Forest)

After reading many of the urban legends about this enigmatic forest online, I tended to think it was enough to discourage people from trying to enter this forest.

Exploring the infamous Aokigahara Forest was something I thought would be impossible given the stories surrounding it. But apparently, it’s not. The forest is open to the public and is actually a major attraction for the area.

Upon reaching the entrance to the forest, however, it becomes clear that not all the stories are myths. There are warning signs in Japanese telling you to stay on the hiking trail and avoid going too far from the entrance, as it was believed that people get lost because the GPS doesn’t work in some areas of the forest.

The entrance also has a sign in Japanese talking about suicidal thoughts, as well as listing various help hotlines. It reads:

Life is an important thing we receive from our parents. Think once more about your parents, your siblings, your children. Don’t suffer alone. Please talk to someone.

Aokigahara is both beautiful and creepy , and if you’re interested in seeing it for yourself, you should definitely join a guided nature tour .

Oh, and don’t be a Logan Paul…

11. Arakurayama Sengen Park

Home to the Chureito Pagoda, this park offers yet another incredible view of Mt. Fuji, while also overlooking Fujiyoshida City. It’s over almost 400 steps to the park, but the way is lined with cherry blossoms, which should take your attention away from your burning thighs.

It’s a hike to the top but you’ll be rewarded by the panoramic views of Mt. Fuji along with the Pagoda, made famous by Japan postcards.

12. Fuji-Q Highland

Probably the main attraction for Japanese locals around Mt. Fuji, not named Mt. Fuji, is this amusement park known for its roller coasters and thrill rides. For those less enthusiastic about that sort of thing, the park also offers 3 other areas to explore that don’t focus on rides.

Made up of four separate areas/parks, there is the main park, Fuji-Q, which is where the major rides and attractions are. Thomas Land, based on Thomas the Train, for the kids. La Ville de Gaspard et Lisa, based on the French picture book characters “Risa and Gaspearl.”

As I said before, the area around Fuji has a strong European influence). And it’s the newest area, Fuji Leaf Village, based on the popular manga anime Naruto and Boruto.

I’ve been to the park about 3 or 4 times, but I’ve honestly only been to the main park. Thomas Land was the only other area at that point (and we didn’t have a child at that point), and I haven’t returned since the other areas were built.

This is definitely on our to-do list, and we’ll be sure to get back to you with our thoughts as soon as we do. As for the main park, the roller coasters are incredible and are definitely the main attraction.

Each also affords a great view of Mt. Fuji (except Dododonpa, you’re going too fast), right before you take your first drop. I highly recommend stopping here during your trip if you’re looking for something different than the normal trip to Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan .

After all, you can get those in America as well. But there’s only one Fuji-Q.

Want to See More?

Our 53 Best Places & Things to do around Fuji Five Lakes There are so many things to do around Fuji Five Lakes! Even when you can’t see Mount Fuji, you can still enjoy all the attractions and off-the-beaten spots around the Fuji Five Lakes area.

Read our 53 Best Things to Do in Fuji Five Lakes

Top seasonal attractions in Kawaguchiko

1. Kawaguchiko Herb Festival in summer . Mainly lavender fields in Yagisaki Park and Oishi Park. Lots of Japanese street food, so make sure you try some. Event dates here .

2. Momiji Corridor Festival (Maple Corridor Festival) in autumn. Lots of fiery maple trees lined up with many street foods and souvenir stalls down the road. This is a very popular event in the autumn and is jam-packed with “Leaf-Peepers” (for my Mainers out there). Event dates here .

3. Oishi Park’s Red Kochia in autumn. A great alternative to Hitachi Seaside in Ibaraki, Oishi Park has plenty of Kochia plants that turn a deep red during mid-October . And the best part is it has Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.

4. Oike Park in autumn. Oike Park, a park in front of Kawaguchi Herb Hall, is lined with poplar trees which turn a beautiful yellow in late October to early November . Mt. Fuji isn’t so visible here because it’s partly a residential area, but it’s worth visiting only during autumn.

5. Arakurayama Sengen Park. Although still, very nice year-round, Arakurayama Sengen park is EXCEPTIONALLY beautiful when visited during cherry blossom and autumn season.

Where to Eat in Kawaguchiko

Food is our favorite part of every journey, and Kawaguchiko is perhaps one of our favorite places in Japan as it has really superb food. The Yamanashi area as a whole is most well known for its famous Hoto Noodles, and Kawaguchi has many restaurants specializing in it.

We tend to favor and remember restaurants which offer both great food AND kind staff, so here’s our list:

1. Momijitei restaurant

Momjitei is just a 7-minutes walk from the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. And it is famous for making the best Houtou noodles in Kawaguchiko, and the best restaurant to go for your lunch.

Just make sure to get there early as it fills up fast! Their homemade miso sauce is aged for two years and is what sets them apart from other houtou noodle restaurants.

We had beef houtou during our visit and it was one of the best meals we’ve ever had! The staff instructed us by pointing to the condiment tray on our table that we could also add some Nanban (miso topping) for an added oomph to the soup flavor.

2. Houtou Fudou restaurant

Houtou Fudou has several branches in Kawaguchiko, and we ate at their main branch near the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. All their branches are always extremely busy!

That’s how popular they are. There’s one just in front of Kawaguchiko Station, and of course, due to its location, it’s always jam packed!

Now if you were to ask us which Hoto noodle shop is best, we would personally choose Momijitei Restaurant because the food is great, it comes in a large portion, and the staff was very friendly.

3. Tempura Restaurant Ninja

This restaurant is only a 4 minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. Now, I don’t usually like tempura because it’s generally greasy, but this is different and has become the only tempura I really like!

Our picky daughter surprisingly ate their tempura as well, which is always a plus. Something about their tempura is unique, I think it might be air fried, but who knows. The staff here are very nice too, and, as usual, our daughter received treats from them.

4. Cisco Coffee

This cozy coffee shop is located near Yagisaki Park is a San Francisco style coffee shop in a relaxing shop to sit and relax with a good book. The menu is pretty simplistic, but the coffee is top notch and really helps warm you up on a chilly morning by the lake.

5. Milky Way

This is a traditional shop that is also located near Yagisaki Park. They have an incredibly cozy atmosphere inside.

Now, I won’t lie, I’m a sucker for Mom & Pop type places, and this shop is clearly a passion project between the joint owners who run it. The desserts here are absolutely incredible, and the owners were super patient with our daughter, who was being rather moody this day.

There are plenty of toys to entertain most kids, but apparently, not enough for ours. I can’t recommend this place highly enough!

6. Troisieme marche

We love this coffee & bakery shop, and we wanted to enjoy it more, but our daughter just wouldn’t sit still. This is located near Kawaguchiko Forest Museum, and is famous for their cake desserts, which were amazing.

And that’s it! Please know that the itineraries presented above are based on our experience, so it’s tried and tested .

If you have any question, please leave you comment below!

11 thoughts on “Kawaguchiko: Full Guide, Sample Itineraries & Things to Do”

Hoping to see your 1 night itinerary for kawaguichiko we are coming from Narita. thank you!

I will be self driving from Narita Airport to Lake Kawa on March 11 . Hopefully we can reach before noon to Lake Kalwant. We will be staying in kawaguchiko Hotel. Can you assist to plan the route for us around the area for the places of interest? We will depart on the 13th. I would also like to know, since we self drive, there is no need for us to buy the bus pass right? Then where do we get the ticket for the cable car and the ferry? Is it still better to get the pass for the Ropeway? Want idea on the cost of the Ropeway and ferry ? Thanks in advance

Hi Ada, I will be travelling from Osaka to Kawaguchiko with my family of 3 by JR pass from 24-25 Apr. We will take the earliest train and hopefully to arrive Kawaguchiko before noon on the 24th of April.

We will be staying in the Hotel New Century. We are planning to rent 2 ordinary bikes & 1 E-bike to cycle around Kawaguchiko & Saiko.

Can you please advise to me where to rent a bike, and should I rent it for 2 days?

Can you also advise to me how to plan my cycling trip to cover all the places below? 1. Natural Living Center. 2. Oishi Park 3. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. 4. Try houtou noodles 5. Momiji-tei Restaurant and order their beef houtou 6. Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum 7. Konohana Museum 8. North Coast trail 9. Maples Corridor 10. Nagasaki Park 11. Oishi Park 12. Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center 13. Momiji Tunnel 14. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba 15. Saiko Yacho-no-Mori Park 16. Fugaku Fuketsu (Wind Cave） 17. Narusawa Hyoketsu（Ice cave） 18. Ryugu Doketsu（Lava cave） 19. Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine 20. Yagisaki Park 21. Kawaguchi Asama shrine 22. Mt. Tenjō Ropeway 23. Arakurayama Sengen Park 24. Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Thank you for visiting!

First of all, WOW, you’ve got a ton of places on your wishlist!

Kawaguchiko and Saiko are two separate areas. And most attractions you listed are seasonal and are closed.

For example, you won’t see any red foliage in Maples Corridor in April.

And if you are going to the museums, you can easily spend 2-3 hrs inside.

I recommend that you pick 3 places per day.

For example: April 24: Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, & Natural Living Center or Music Forest Museum. April 25: One or two museums.

Hi Ada, I will be coming from Tokyo, and either take the Shinkansen or a bus to Kawaguchiko. Where can I rent a car in Kawaguchiko near the Shikansen Station of bus station?

Hi Louie, you should take the bus as the Shinkansen Station is far from Kawaguchiko. The car rental is just a few minutes’ walk from Kawaguchiko Station, here it is: https://goo.gl/maps/hJdrHkwQ1bbm4hNB9

Hi Ada, I can’t seem to find the “Day 1 Typical Tourist itinerary”. How do i go about it?

Hi Ada, I find your information very useful and interesting. Based on what you have written, I bet 2 nights stay is not enough to see all those attractions. Should I book to stay for 3 nights or it is too long? We( my family- 3 adults) are planning to travel from Kyoto to Kawaguchi in May by bus and will arrive early at 7.30am. I wonder what activities are available at night as I read from other blogs that said Kawaguchi is a very rural town. Is there any travel agent in Kawaguchi that organize short trips around here like fruit picking etc. so that we can join them without having to plan on our own?

Since you are arriving early, 2 nights is enough, but 3 nights would be great too. You’re right Kawaguchiko is a rural town. It’s also hard to tell you some suggestions without knowing where you’re staying, so where are you staying?

“follow the Day 1 Typical Tourist itinerary” < I can't find the Typical Tourist itinerary…

Hi Nat, thanks for pointing that out. I forgot to edit the itinerary when I renamed them. I fix it now for you!

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Truly Tokyo

A Tokyo Travel Guide

A Day Trip to the Mt. Fuji Area: Lake Kawaguchiko

There are a number of places to enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji, and one of the most accessible from Tokyo is Lake Kawaguchiko. Make the most of a day trip out to the area with this one-day itinerary.

There are many places to enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji, but few are as picturesque an area as Lake Kawaguchiko. Not only is it remarkably beautiful, there’s plenty to do in the area too. Active folks will want to cycle, hike, or go fishing; while those who prefer more leisurely activities might like to explore the many museums surrounding the lake.

Our itinerary takes you on a leisurely exploration of some great sights in the Lake Kawaguchiko area - with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji.

Notes Before You Go

• One of the most economical ways to travel to and from the Mt Fuji area is by highway bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station. A single journey is JPY1750 and takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from the Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Return or one-way tickets can be booked online on the Highway Buses Japan site. You can also buy your ticket back to Shinjuku at Kawaguchiko Station once you’re there, though you may have fewer options on the day itself.
• We suggest taking an early morning bus - departing around 7:30am or so - to arrive at around 9:30am. This will give you a full day in the area.
• Bear in mind that the bus journey returning to Tokyo in the evening can coincide with rush hour, depending on your timing. Traffic conditions can slow down the journey considerably and take up to 3 hours. If you’d rather get back to Tokyo faster and don’t mind paying a little extra, consider taking the train.

• For getting around the Lake Kawaguchiko Area, we recommend purchasing a bus pass that gives you unlimited rides on the “Retro Bus” sightseeing bus lines. (A PDF version of the bus map can be found here and saved to your phone for easy access.) The stop numbers in this itinerary refer to the map of the Red Line in this PDF. Buses along the line operate at 15-minute intervals, so you’re never left waiting long before the next one comes along.
• The pass costs just JPY1500 and is valid for two days. It’s fantastic value even if you’re not staying overnight in the area. A one-way ride from the first stop to the last stop on the Red Line, for instance, costs JPY480. On a day trip, it’s entirely possible to recoup the cost if you use it frequently enough. Just show this pass to your driver every time you alight.

• An alternative if you’d rather have a more active day is to rent bicycles from the shop near Kawaguchiko Station. A non-electric bicycle costs JPY1500 to rent for the day, and you could easily do this itinerary on a bike rather than taking the bus. On a clear, cool day, this might be a good choice for the more athletic traveler. There aren’t dedicated cycle paths, however, so you’ll either be on normal roads or the pavements.
• Itinerary timings are approximate. Adjust them to suit your schedule. Add or subtract places from this itinerary as you prefer, but it’s generally better to enjoy a few places properly than to sprint through many places. The most important thing is to ensure that you’re back at Kawaguchiko Station in good time to catch your bus back to Shinjuku.

7:45am Shinjuku Bus Terminal

The easiest way is to find the Shinjuku Bus Terminal is to take the South Exit 南口 from JR Shinjuku Station. Once you’re outside the ticket gates, walk outside to street level.

You’ll see a building opposite the South Exit that looks like this. Cross the road and take the elevator up to the 4th floor as indicated in the photo (or the escalators).

Once you emerge from the escalator, there’ll be a map a little to your left showing you where the various bus stops are. Buses to the Mt. Fuji area typically depart from stops B5 or B6.

Sometimes it won’t be entirely clear which bus stop it is, but just bring your ticket to the bus station attendant and check with them. For this reason, it’s best to arrive at least half an hour before your bus is due to leave to give yourself extra time for the last minute things - like an extra cup of coffee from Family Mart.

9:30am Arrive Kawaguchiko Station

Once you alight at Kawaguchiko Station, the first thing you should do is to pick up a bus pass. You’ll want the 2-day sightseeing pass that’s valid across all lines - whether it’s the red, green, or blue lines.

While optional, you could pick up a copy of this tourist booklet. There are short guides to sights and restaurants in the area, and an overall map of the area at the back of the booklet. You’ll find this at the tourist information counter.

10:00am Mt. Kachikachi Ropeway to Tenjoyama Park

The cable car up to Tenjoyama Park, from where you’ll see a super view of Mt. Fuji, is actually about a 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. Since it’s the 11th stop on the line, riding the bus will take you on a more circuitous route. Both the bus ride and the walk are about 15 minutes. Alight at Stop 11.

On busier days, there might be a long queue snaking up the staircase. Have someone else in your group wait in line while you head upstairs to buy cable car tickets at the machine - it’s a JPY800 return journey. Cable cars run every 5-10 minutes, so you shouldn’t have to wait too long. It’s a 3-minute ride to the top of Mt. Tenjoyama.

On a clear day, the view from the observatory deck is pretty impressive - even if the top of Mt. Fuji happens to be obscured by a passing cloud.

Take a few minutes to poke around the kitschy rabbit and tanuki-themed shrines and souvenir shop before heading back down. For the energetic, there’s a gentle 40-minute hiking trail leading down from the top of the mountain, which is particularly pleasant in cooler weather.

11:30am Lunch at Hōtō Fudō

Once you’re done with the pretty views, take the cable car back down and return to Stop 11. Take the bus to Stop 17, which is outside the Music Forest Museum.

Cross the road and head towards the nearest intersection as pictured above. Cross the road and take the small path running parallel to the main road. You’ll pass through some fields and a few standalone houses. Hōtō Fudō is the large restaurant across the road at the end of the path.

You’ll be eating Hōtō noodles here. There's almost nothing else on the menu, save for some decent simmered intestines, inarizushi (rice in tofu pockets), and Japanese pickles. These noodles are a local Yamanashi specialty, consisting of thick, chewy wheat noodles (texturally rather like rustic dumplings, or knife-cut Chinese noodles) and simmered seasonal vegetables in a rich miso-based broth. Don’t forget to stir in some shichimi chili powder.

Diners have the option of tatami mat or table seating. We suggest asking for seats by the window - the cool breeze blowing in makes the hot noodles go down a treat.

If you’re not keen on wheat noodles for lunch, skip this and head straight to the next stop. There’s a cafe at the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center with curry rice options.

12:45pm Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center

Walk back to Stop 17. It’s a short 10-minute ride to the end of the line - the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center.

Skip the souvenir shop and walk around the flower gardens - you’ll see all kinds of blooms across the seasons, from lavender and hydrangeas to bellflowers and roses.

It’s a heavily manicured garden, with plants in overly-neat, fussy rows. Still, it’s quite picturesque if you enjoy this style of garden. Plus, there's a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji with the lake in the foreground. Have an ice cream. Take some time to enjoy the surroundings.

During the summer, you can also sign up for a fruit picking session. This will vary with the weeks, but options might include cherries, blueberries, and cherry tomatoes. While the fruit farms aren’t located on the grounds of the center, the staff provide free transport to and from the farms after you sign up for a session (approximately 40 minutes of picking and eating). If you decide to include this in your itinerary, budget around an hour to an hour and a half spent at the center.

2:15pm Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Hop back on the bus, this time heading back towards Kawaguchiko Station. Alight at Stop 19 for the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum.

Even if you’re not a huge fan of art museums, this one is worth visiting for the natural space it's in. The doorway to the museum looks like the entrance to hidden ancient ruins of some kind. Walk through and you'll find a gorgeous little waterfall with benches at the side. It's a wonderful place to lie down on a bench and nap - or stare at the shifting sunlight in the maple boughs above.

Entrance to the museum proper is JPY1,300 per person. The buildings are made of Okinawan corals and limestones, and they're almost more interesting than the objects they house - an eclectic collection of primitive art and Itchiku Kubota's beautiful tie-dyed painted silk kimono. With one exception, photography inside the museum is not allowed.

The tea room on the second floor of the main museum building is worth spending some time in. This looks out into a small waterfall and pond in an overgrown grove. The view is even prettier in the autumn when the fall colours are out. It's a lovely place to enjoy a cup of tea and some sweets; and photography is allowed here. When there are few visitors around, the staff won't mind if you take a seat to enjoy the view.

Don’t forget to explore the north side of the main building. Turn right as you exit and follow the path up into the forest. It’ll lead you to a mildly eerie, dimly-lit cave with a few statues inside - the source of the ice cold water streaming down the mountainside.

3:15pm Maple Corridor

After you’re finished with the museum, walk back to the main road, and through the Maple Corridor. It’s a short path flanked by maple trees on either side. It's best visited in autumn for the fall foliage.

3:30pm Ubuyagasaki Cape and Crossing Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge

Make your way back out to the main road and back to the same bus stop from before (Stop 19). Alight at Stop 15. Cross the road, heading to the lakeside walking path. The views of the lake and Mt. Fuji are fabulous.

Follow the path, all the while skirting the edges of the lake. Turn into the canopied walking path.

Further along, you’ll encounter a set of stone steps. Climb up.

You're now on Ubuyagasaki Cape, where you’ll see another view of Mt. Fuji.

Go back down and find your way onto the bridge. Walk across to the other side of the lake. It's a leisurely stroll that shouldn't take more than 15 - 20 minutes. If it's hot and sunny, we recommend parasols and plenty of water.

We recommend walking down to the lake shore after you reach the other side. Spend some time enjoying the waters - and the fabulous views.

4:15pm Tea time

It's time for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Find your way back to the main road from the lake shore. Turn left and walk up the road. The nearest stop is Stop 8, further up the road opposite the Yamanashi Gem Museum.

Ride the bus to Stop 10. Directly outside this bus stop opposite the road is a charming cafe with a frontal view of the lake - coffee and sweets.

Alternatively, ride the bus to Stop 11. Walk back the direction the bus came in until you see Cheesecake Garden on your left across the road. As the name suggests, it’s all about the cheesecake. There are around a dozen different kinds of cheesecake available, and every slice comes with a free cup of coffee.

5:30pm Kawaguchiko Station

Head back to Kawaguchiko Station in time for your bus back to Shinjuku Station. Generally it's best to time your arrival a little earlier than your intended departure time. Things can get a little chaotic around the bus stops, since traffic along the highway can cause bus delays. If that happens, it's best to show the bus attendants your ticket every time a bus to Shinjuku appears.

Mt. Fuji Area - Lake Kawaguchiko Day Trip Map

View the full size version of our Lake Kawaguchiko map which has each of the places discussed above marked on it.

Climbing or Visiting Mount Fuji from Tokyo

For more information about climbing Mount Fuji or other ways to enjoy the area, read our Climbing Or Visiting Mount Fuji guide here.

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Tokyo to Kawaguchiko: Take a Day Trip to Fuji's Nearest Neighbor

Kawaguchiko has some of the best views of Mount Fuji in Japan — reflected across a lake, or foregrounded by fields of lavender — and there’s no shortage of things to do there, either. Here are a few tips for a day trip from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko.

The second biggest and most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, Kawaguchiko has a wealth of natural resources, with stunning autumn leaves, cherry blossoms, and flower festivals galore. With direct transport — a two-hour bus or train — from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, it’s an unsurprisingly popular spot, and well worth a day trip.

The need to escape city streets can be strong, and there is nowhere better to get in touch with nature, as well as tick off the biggest sight in Japan. If you are planning to size up the beast before you climb , there are buses to Fuji’s 5th station available from Kawaguchiko too. With onsen , art museums, and seasonal delights, there are plenty of things to do throughout the year, so add Kawaguchiko to your bucket list!

Getting from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

We’ve given a quick overview below but for more information, please see our Tokyo to Mount Fuji transport guide .

Private Driver

If you’re happy to pay a bit more for convenience and flexibility, then this very reasonably priced private driver service costs ¥ 66,000 for 4-7 people and is the smoothest way to enjoy the Mount Fuji area. Having a private driver pick you up from your hotel and not having to figure out schedules/queues for buses makes for a nice hassle-free day!

From JR Shinjuku Station, you have three options. The fastest is the direct Limited Express Fuji Excursion service, which takes 1.5 hours and costs ¥ 4,130 . For a middle option on price and time, you can take a Limited Express Kaiji to Ōtsuki and then hop on the Fujikyū railway to Kawaguchiko — this takes just over two hours and costs ¥ 3,530 . If you want to save your cash, you can catch a local train (possibly changing at Takao, depending on the times) to Ōtsuki instead, which brings your travel time up to about 2.5 hours but costs ¥ 2,510 .

To avoid the inevitable line at Kawaguchiko Station, you could catch a highway bus from stations across Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo. Tickets start around ¥ 2,000 and the ride takes about two hours, stopping at Fuji Q Highland on the way. You can book the return trip here .

Tours from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

If you can’t be bothered to delve into the intricacies of public transport, then it’s worth hopping on a day tour from Tokyo. This highly rated day trip on Viator which includes the famous Chureito Pagoda Mount Fuji view, Kawaguchiko, and a visit to a traditional thatched roof village . Also worth mentioning is this tour where you ride the bus to Mount Fuji 5th Station, then to Hakone and transfer to take the bullet train back to Tokyo (NB there’s no stop at Kawaguchiko). If you need any more ideas, there’s a wide range of Mount Fuji excursions here on Viator .

Getting around Kawaguchiko

The easiest option to access most sights around Kawaguchiko is to make use of the sightseeing buses. There are three main bus lines: Red, Green, and Blue, all departing from Kawaguchiko Station. You can purchase a two-day ticket for ¥ 1,700 . There are also passes that include the ropeway and sightseeing boat for ¥ 2,800 . IC cards also work on trains and local buses. Another option is to rent a bicycle — there are a few stores dotted around the area.

Top things to do in Kawaguchiko

Since everything in Kawaguchiko comes with the bonus of Japan’s most famous mountain in the background, you can’t really go wrong, no matter what you decide to explore. If you decide there’s too much to cram into a single day, then check out the options for spending a night in the shadow of Mount Fuji . There’s plenty to see in the area, but here is a selection of some of the top spots.

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Sightseeing Boat/Ropeway Entrance Stop (No. 9) via the Red Line Bus

The ropeway gives fantastic views of both Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko, reaching an altitude of 1075 meters (3527 ft) at its highest point. It runs up to Fujimidai Station on top of Mt. Tenjō within three minutes. The observatory has grown in recent years and has plenty of photo spots and even some games to try out. The ropeway is the setting for a story written by one of Japan’s literary masters, Osamu Dazai, which describes raccoons and rabbits being placed on gondolas and around the observatory to welcome guests.

If you’re looking for more views of Fuji, we have some great alternative hikes with stunning vistas to consider!

Oishi Park and Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center

Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center Stop (No. 20) via the Red Line Bus

To view Mt. Fuji from fields of lavender and blueberries is a pretty awesome experience and one you can get at the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center and nearby Oishi Park. The lavender is in peak bloom in mid-June, which is also when the nearby herb festivals take place. From July to mid-August, you can pick your own blueberries and other fruit at nearby farms. This can be organized by the center. But no matter when you go, the view will still be spectacular.

Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and The Maple Corridor

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum Stop (No. 17) via the Red Line Bus

The museum has numerous examples of work by Itchiku Kubota, a world-renowned specialist in the ancient art of fabric dyeing. This includes beautiful kimono, as well as a tearoom with stunning views across the lake of Mt. Fuji. There are gardens surrounding the museum, with mini waterfalls and forests. The museum is also close to the Maple Corridor , one of the best spots in the whole area for autumn leaves — it even has its own festival . The Momiji Tunnel is a little closer to the lake.

If you fancy more day trips for autumn leaves, see our guide to fall day trips from Tokyo for ideas.

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Fuji-Q Highland Amuseument Park

Fuji-Q Highland Stop (No. 105) via the local route bus (included in bus pass) or train to Fujikyu Highland Station

A theme park so dedicated to breaking world records it builds a new rollercoaster every five years just to do so, Fuji-Q Highland is a great place if you want to be scared out of your wits. There are multiple ways to achieve this, of course, from the terrifying drops and knee-buckling speeds of the rides to the horrifying haunted house. With views of Fuji-san as you rocket at speeds of up to 172km/hr, this is a different way to enjoy the greatest sight of Japan. A direct bus from Tokyo is also available.

Pro tip: If you’re keen on Fuji-Q, it’s worth considering a Mt. Fuji Pass — this covers your entrance, plus a bunch of other attractions and transport.

Fuji Q Highland

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum Stop (No. 15) via the Red Line Bus.

A slightly strange attraction but popular nonetheless, the Music Forest Museum is dedicated to a mostly European collection of automatic musical instruments. The biggest attraction is the French fairground organ from 1905 which plays every 30 minutes. There are European-style gardens with views of Mt. Fuji, as well as shops, a chapel, rose garden, and restaurant. The stylized design of the museum and gardens creates quite a surreal setting and it’s very pretty — reminiscent of a fairytale cottage.

Eat hōtō noodles: the local specialty

Various spots on the Red Line Bus route, including at Kawaguchiko Station

While you’re in Yamanashi Prefecture, you’ll want to try the local noodles to complete your experience. These unusually flat noodles are cooked in a miso soup with vegetables to create a nourishing bowl of hearty goodness, similar to a stew. Despite looking like udon (albeit flatter), the noodles are prepared similarly to dumplings. There are plenty of places to try the dish — just keep your eyes peeled as you pass restaurants. If you want to plan ahead, the restaurant chain Hōtō Fudō has restaurants around the lake and a great reputation for high-quality noodles.

Hōtō Fudō Kawaguchiko Station

Soak in the sights at a hot spring

There are two primary onsen towns on the Red Line Bus route: Funatsu-Hama and Azagawa, each with plenty of hotels and public onsen which welcome day guests into their relaxing baths. Hotel Mifujien has good views of Mt. Fuji, although it is not the fanciest of onsen. Entry costs ¥ 1,200 . Yurari has great views from the second-floor baths, with a range of bath types and entry from ¥ 1,200 to ¥ 1,700 depending on day and time — they also have private onsen bookable from ¥ 2,500 for one hour, with views of that mountain we keep mentioning. You can also try Yamanakoka Hot Spa-Beni Fuji no Yu , which has good views and a nearby morning market to boot.

Pro tip: You can combine your hot spring experience with shopping and a stop-off at Mt. Fuji's 5th station, on an [affiliate id="viator" text="all-in-one tour from Tokyo" link="https://www.viator.com/Tokyo/d334-ttd/p-2142TYO_BUSS10"].-->

Things to do around Kawaguchiko

Chūreitō pagoda.

Train from Kawaguchiko Station to Shimoyoshida Station

No doubt you’ve seen this photo a thousand times in research for your Japan trip. It’s a photo that can’t be shared widely with fears that people will accuse you of mishandling Photoshop. But you deserve to take it — I mean you did have to climb 400 steps to get there. This spot is so popular that they have recently built a large platform — no more elbowing people out the way — and there’s free Wi-Fi.

Tip: If you board a limited express train to Shimoyoshida, it costs ¥ 400 extra on top of your regular ticket. Alternatively, if coming from Tokyo, you can hop off the train early and put your luggage in the station’s lockers.

Ice and Wind Cave

Narusawa Hyōketsu Ice Cave Stop (No. 80) via the Blue Line Bus Fugaku Fūketsu Wind Cave Stop (No. 51) via the Green Line and Blue Line Bus.

For an interesting geo-thermal phenomenon check out the Narusawa Hyōketsu Ice Cave and Fugaku Fūketsu Wind Cave. It takes around 30 minutes from Kawaguchiko Station to reach the caves, and they are both within a 10-minute walk away from each other. The ice cave is the more interesting of the two and is cold all year round with icicles sprouting from the ceiling. You’ll need to wear a helmet in both. They are also right next to Aokigahara Forest; you’ll get a glimpse when you walk from one cave to the other.

Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba Healing Village

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba Stop (No. 48) via the Green Line Bus

Visit the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba Healing Village with thatched buildings, each containing a local craft demonstration. You can wear samurai armor, dress as a geisha, buy some wind chimes, and chow down on local delicacies (wasabi ice-cream, anyone?).

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba (Healing Village)

Fuji Moss Phlox Festival

40-minute shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station

Carpets of over 800,000 shibazakura cover the ground before Mount Fuji from mid-April to late May, creating stunning views with contrasting colors from flower to mountain to sky. There are good-value, all-in-one tour packages available during the festival period, but if you’re not keen on those you can easily access the site by shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station (approximately 40 minutes).

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Oshino Hakkai

30-minute local bus from Kawaguchiko Station

Oshino Hakkai is known for its magical eight ponds, quaint windmills, and stunning views of Mount Fuji. In the past, devout individuals would cleanse themselves in these ponds before making their way up Mount Fuji. Nowadays only the Waku Pond holds great significance, with visitors encouraged to bottle up the water and drink.

While it can get quite busy during tourist season, heading there will treat you with a breathtaking vista, especially during the Diamond Fuji phenomenon .

Bonus sights

In case that wasn’t enough for you, there is plenty more to see dotted along the lake shore and in the main town of Kawaguchiko.

• The area is known for its museums, so if you fancy it, visit the Yamanashi Gem Museum , Kawaguchiko Museum of Art , and Kawaguchiko Konohana Museum .
• Head indoors and escape the heat or cold at Fuji-san World Heritage Center .
• For shrines, you could visit the Fuji Omuro Sengen Jinja Shrine on the east side of the lake, a few stops down from the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum listed above.
• And for atmospheric fire-pit cooking ( robotayaki ), we recommend the restaurant Sanrokuen — only a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

Where to stay in Kawaguchiko

If you’ve just realized that 24 hours isn’t enough time to see everything in and around Kawaguchiko, then there are many fabulous places to stay over at — and some come with unforgettable views of Mount Fuji. One such hotel is the Fuji View Hotel , but we have plenty more in our dedicated article.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in April 2017 and last updated in January 2024.

• Fuji five lakes
• Kawaguchiko
• Theme parks
• Weekend-getaway

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Lake Kawaguchiko Guide: best things to do in 1 or 2 days

Lake Kawaguchiko is my favorite place to see Mount Fuji from. Not only it offers the most amazing angles of Fujisan, but also plenty other things to do and amazing hotels to stay. It’s the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes and a place I absolutely recommend adding to your travel itinerary in Japan, even if you can only visit as a day trip from Tokyo like we did. If you dream of seeing Mount Fuji you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find the ultimate Lake Kawaguchiko guide , featuring curated lists of best things to do and places to stay. Start by exploring the summary below for a quick glance at the article:

Who is it for? Perfect for couples, families, and even groups of friends. You can either have a tranquil time by the lake or plan for hikes and sporty activities.

How many days? Although possible to visit Fujikawaguchiko as a daytrip from Tokyo, I recommend staying for at least 1 night and 2 days.

Best time to visit: Fujikawaguchiko is an all-year-round destination. While spring and fall are especially attractive seasons with sakura blooming and fall foliage, the truth is there’s no bad time to visit.

Currency: Japanese Yen, JP¥

How to pay: You’ll need an international card. We recommend Wise Card to avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency. Have some yens in hand, but note cash is not king in Japan!

Visa: There are visa restrictions. Check which nationalities need to apply for a visa to Japan.

Getting around: There are three lines of Omni buses connecting the train station to main points of interests in Fujikawaguchiko and surrounding lakes. The red line focuses on local attractions.

• How to get to Fujikawaguchiko: It’s possible to reach Fujikawaguchiko by train or bus coming from Tokyo and the journey takes around 2,5 hours. Here are the most convenient routes to get to Fujikawaguchiko from Tokyo.

Due to the high altitude, Mount Koya boasts temperatures 5 to 8°C lower than other cities in Japan. So make sure to bring a warm jacket, even during summer. These are optimal traveling jackets!

Top 5 of Lake Kawaguchiko

Lakeshore picnic

Lay down a blanket and have one of the most idyllic picnics of your life. It was so relaxing and inspiring, definitely a top memory from Japan!

Chureito Pagoda

Perhaps the most iconic temple in Japan. A five storied pagoda overlooking Mount Fuji, especially attractive during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.

A perfectly groomed garden by the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko with beautiful views to Mount Fuji and romantic atmosphere.

Kawaguchiko Promenade

There’s just so much to see and do on and around the promenade, from museums to parks. Take a relaxed walk and enjoy beautiful views of Mount Fuji!

Fujikyu Train

Take the Fujikyu train from Chureito Pagoda to Fujikawaguchiko. It’s not included in the JR Pass, but the views make up for the cost!

Insurance: Not mandatory, however, we recommend always traveling insured to avoid extra costs and headache. Heymondo offers great service and you can get 5% off using this link!

Best things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko

There’s plenty to see and do in Lake Kawaguchiko, actually more than what you can experience in a day trip from Tokyo. That’s why I recommend staying 1 night and 2 days to make the most of this iconic destination in Japan. Here’s a curated list of best things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko to inspire your travel planning and perhaps convince you to book an overnight stay. They’re not necessarily in rank order!

1) Admire Mount Fuji

It goes without saying that admiring Mount Fuji is the top thing to do in Fujikawaguchiko. Some of my favorite angles were from Oishi Park, which boasts beautiful gardens throughout the year and direct access to the lake’s shores. I was also quite impressed with the views from Nagasaki Park and Kogamasao Memorial Park, which are down the promenade towards the city’s center. In clear days, it’s possible to see the majestic mountain reflected on the lake, creating a true sight to behold.

2) Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The panoramic ropeway is Fujikawaguchiko’s most popular tourist attraction. From atop the hill, it’s possible to admire panoramic views over Mount Fuji, the lake and surrounding towns. For a small fee, visitors can even capture a picture-perfect moment on a swing with the majestic mountain as a backdrop. However, if you’re keen on visiting, get ready for a sweeping amount of people and long queues to get up and down. These were the reasons we opted out, and in retrospect, I feel we didn’t miss out. While the views are undoubtedly stunning from up there, I must say we found equally captivating perspectives from the tranquil promenade and the iconic Chureito Pagoda. So, if you’re visiting for just one day, I’d suggest skipping this attraction and focusing on a slight of the beaten path spots to admire Mount Fuj i.

3) Visit Chureito Pagoda

A visit to Chureito Pagoda is an absolute must when exploring the Lake Kawaguchiko area. From its elevated position, the panoramic views on clear days are simply breathtaking, with the iconic Mount Fuji majestically framed by the temple’s five tiers. We were lucky to visit during Sakura bloom and it was definitely one of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever seen. Yet, even on overcast days or outside of peak seasons, the pagoda remains a must-visit spot. The temple itself holds a captivating charm, while the surrounding Arakurayama Sengen Park offers a grounding experience. Get there early, as this is one of the most popular locations in Japan!

4) Shimoyoshida Honcho Street

Not so far from Chureito Pagoda lies the iconic Shimoyoshida Honcho Street. A street you probably seen many times on social media, characterized by traditional Japanese buildings, energy cables and Mount Fuji rising in the background. You can visit in combination with the pagoda, but if you want to snap some pictures of yourself, arrive before 7.30 am. The place has become so popular there are now gards controlling the movement of tourists.

5) Take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko

Another super popular attraction is to embark on a boat ride across Lake Kawaguchiko The Sightseeing Boat ‘Appare’ is inspired on Japan’s historical naval ships from the Warring States era. It takes visitors for a scenic 20-minute ride in the serene waters of the lake and is a great thing to do around sunset time, when the skies are painted in different shades with Mount Fuji in the background. In days of clear skies, it’s even possible to admire the reverse Fuji reflection in the water. We wanted to have this experience, but the lines were too long, so we decided to enjoy our time walking down the promenade!

For a more authentic water experience in Lake Kawaguchiko, book a guided canoeing tour.

6) Visit museums

For a small town, Fujikawaguchiko has a surprising concentration of interesting museums. Kubota Itchiku Museum is one of the most popular of them, focused on the life of Kubota Itchiku and the art of creating kimonos and dying silk. By the lake you’ll find Kawaguchiko Music Forest with exhibitions spread out in a beautiful garden, and Kawaguchiko Museum of Art where exhibitions of Japanese and foreign modern artists are held. Those

7) Visit Oshino Hakkai

I came across the picturesque village of Oshino Hakkai while researching about unique things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko. Nestled at the base of majestic Mount Fuji, this historic village is home to eight crystalline spring water ponds which are filled with snow melted from Fujisan. It’s an idyllic place to visit, boasting houses built in traditional style and the interesting open-air museum Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan. Only 30 minutes away from Fujikawaguchiko , this is a must visit place if you’re spending a couple of days in the area. We unfortunately didn’t have time to visit, but that’s a place I’d absolutely prioritize if I return to Japan!

8) Relax at an onsen

If you’re planning to spend a night in Lake Kawaguchiko, I strongly recommend booking a hotel or ryokan with private onsen. This way you can relax in the hot waters of the traditional Japanese hot springs during your stay, and perhaps even admire views of Mount Fuji from the comfort of the springs. But if that’s above your budget, don’t worry, as you can book a day-use onsen and have a fantastic experience. Here are the best onsens with day-use entrance in Lake Kawaguchiko!

9) Visit Tenku no Torii

This iconic torii has become a popular spot to visit in Fujikawaguchiko. And no wonder, since it’s a perfect photo spot, with a remarkable frame of Mount Fuji in the background. You can reach this place, which is part of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, by bus + 30 minutes hike. Alternatively, you can take a taxi all the way up and walk the way back down. It’s definitely a beautiful place, but a bit staged for pictures. You could potentially squeeze it in a day trip depending on your pace.

10) Climb Mount Fuji

Did you know it’s possible to climb Mount Fuji in a day? If you’re visiting Japan during the official climbing season which goes from early July to mid-September, it’s possible to live this experience. There are few different routes to choose from, however due to the spiking crowds, there will be some limitations in 2024. A daily limit of 4000 hikers and a ¥2000 entry fee will be introduced along the most popular Yoshida Trail. Please make sure to get updated on details!

11) Fuji-Q Highland

There’s more to Lake Kawaguchiko than zen and relaxing things to do. Nestled near the foothills of Mount Fuji, lies Fuji-Q Highland, a thrilling amusement park. Boasting an impressive array of over 40 rides and attractions, this iconic park is a great thing to do for families or lovers of adrenaline of all ages. From heart-pounding roller coasters to whimsical merry-go-rounds and immersive manga-themed adventures, there’s something to delight every traveler’s inner child. The park is accessible via the convenient Fujikyuko railway line and you can buy tickets in advance here!

How many days to stay Fujikawaguchiko

While it’s possible to visit Lake Kawaguchiko as a day trip from Tokyo, I’d recommend staying for at least a night to make the most of the destination and its attractions. We visited for just a day and could enjoy the highlights of the lake. But if I could go back in time, I’d definitely plan to stay for a couple of days to visit museums and Oshino Hakkai village. Also to spend a night at a hotel boasting a private onsen with Mount Fuji views, such as Hotel Asafuji  or  Onsen Konanso for example. But don’t stress if you can’t dedicate 2 days of your itinerary to Mount Fuji, as it’s possible to enjoy a lot in a day!

Is planning an independent day trip is too much of a hurdle for you? Join an organized day trip from Tokyo  and let someone else guide you!

Lake Kawaguchiko 1 day itinerary

If you’re planning to visit Lake Kawaguchiko as a day trip from Tokyo, I recommend following a slightly off the beaten path itinerary. You’ll find our detailed suggestion on how to spend a day in Fujikawaguchiko on this post . It allowed us to spend fantastic day exploring the shores of the lake while avoiding attractions with long queues, such as Mount Fuji ropeway. Here’s a summarized version of the itinerary:

• Morning: Visit Chureito Pagoda on your way to Fujikawaguchiko. The earlier you can get there, the better, as this is one of the most popular spots in Japan!
• Lunch time: Picnic at Lake Kawaguchiko’s shore. Grab some lunch and/or snacks at the 7-Eleven store close to the main station and head to Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center for a picnic.
• Afternoon: After spending some relaxing hours by the lake, head to the promenade. There’s just so much to see and do on and around the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. Some points of interest are Nagasaki Park, Kogamasao Memorial Park, and Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum.
• Evening: Around sunset time, embark on a 20-minute boat ride and upon arrival head to a restaurant. There are a few great options to try before heading back to Tokyo. If you’re craving ramen, head to  Ramen Kaneyuki . For an Izakaya meal,  Izakaya High Spirits may be the best option. Both restaurants are fairly close to the train station, which allow for a swift return to Tokyo.

Lake Kawaguchiko 2 days itinerary

If you plan to spend a night in Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll be able to en

• 1st day: Start your day at Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Then explore Lake Kawaguchiko promenade and the museums. Maybe even do a picnic at Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center. Take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko and head to your hotel onsen for a relaxing time.
• 2nd day: Visit Chureito Pagoda and Shimoyoshida Honcho Street early in the morning. Then, head to Oshino Hakkai, which is about 30 minutes away from Fujikawaguchiko. In the late afternoon, you can visit Tenku no Torii for more beautiful Fuji views!

If you have more days, you can consider climbing Mount Fuji and/or visiting Fuji-Q Highland. Another great idea is to extend your stay and explore the other 5 lakes around Mount Fuji. They all offer majestic views of the mountain and a myriad of interesting places to visit, as you can see on this post from Saltinourhair.

Best Lake Kawaguchiko hotels

Lake Kawagychiko is known for amazing accommodation standards. From simple guest houses to jaw-dropping 5-star hotels with exclusive Mount Fuji views, there are options for all types of travelers and budget. If you’re considering spending a night, I recommend picking a hotel with Mount Fuji views and private onsen. Although not the cheapest option, I consider it a worthy investment. After all, you’ve come all the way to Japan and you want to make sure to experience the best the country has to offer. Right?

Here are some of our top picks. For a complete overview of best places to stay in Lake Kawaguchiko, check our curated and complete guide here.

• Fufu Kawaguchiko
• Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso
• HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort
• Hotel Asafuji
• Mizno Hotel

Here are some mid-range and budget hotel options in Lake Kawaguchiko:

• Private Hotel Rei
• Ururun Kawaguchiko
• Kawaguchiko Cottage Minami

Best time to visit Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is an all-year-round destination. While spring and fall stand out as particularly appealing seasons, not just in Fujikawaguchiko but across Japan, each season offers its own unique charm and perspective of the area. Here’s what you should bear in mind:

• Sakura full bloom in Lake Kawaguchiko tend to happen in mid-April. We visited in the beginning of April and there were so trees already in bloom, but not on the same level as when they peak. Check the cherry blossom dates her e !
• Lake Kawaguchiko gets especially beautiful during fall foliage days. Mid-October to mid-November is the most optimal time to visit, but first week of November is usually considered the best.
• Summer brings quite a lot of rain to Japan, which makes it harder to see Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko. However, that’s when the hiking trains on Mount Fuji are open, so it’s a good time to visit if you’re interested in sports.
• There’s a lavender bloom at Oishi Park between June and July
• Between April and May you can visit the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, where fields of shibazakura pink moss adorn the horizons.

How to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo

It’s possible to reach Lake Kawaguchiko in about 2,5 hours departing from Tokyo. There are buses and trains connecting the two cities and these are the best options:

Buses from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

Regular buses depart from Tokyo and Shibuya stations and reach Kawaguchiko in 2 hours. One-way tickets cost ¥2100 (equivalent to €13 or $15) and you should purchase in advance here , especially if you’re traveling in high season.

Trains to Kawaguchiko

From Shinjuku Station you can embark on the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki. This ride will last around an hour and is included in the JR Pass. From Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyu Railaway line and stop at either Shimoyoshida Station (to visit Chureito Pagoda) or in Kawaguchiko. This train ride lasts an hour and must be paid separately. Price is ¥ 1000, equivalent to €6,5 or $8.

There’s a new JR line connecting Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, called Fuji Excursion Express Train . It’s quicker than the alternative above but it’s not as frequent as the Chuo line and requires a supplementary ticket between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko at the price of ¥ 1140. That’s for JR Rail Pass holders, otherwise the trip bought individually will cost you ¥ 4000. Reservations are mandatory for all.

Tours to Kawaguchiko

If embarking on a self-guided excursion to Kawaguchiko seem too dauting for you, I recommend joining an organized tour instead. You’ll not have to worry about train/bus schedules or plan for what to do, as the whole experience will be planned for you in advance. This classic group tour has more than 1700 great reviews and your best. However, if you’re traveling as a couple or family, it may be worth booking a private tour instead . This way you’ll have a personalized experience in Mount Fuji!

Drive to Kawaguchiko

Although renting a car to explore Japan hasn’t been a common practice in the past years, it has become a popular option in 2024. That’s because the JR Pass has increased their fares significantly, and families and groups are looking for more affordable alternatives for traveling around the country. Since it’s safe and convenient to drive around Japan, especially around the Fuji Five Lakes region, renting a car can be a great alternative.

I recommend booking a rental car through Discover Cars. We have booked with them multiple times and never had a problem. Plus, they always have the best rates in the market!

How to get to Kawaguchiko from other cities in Japan

Although Japan’s rail system is extremely efficient, getting to Kawaguchiko from other major cities is not so straightforward. You’ll spend at least 5 hours in transit if you’re coming from Osaka, Kyoto or Kanazawa and will have to change trains at least once.

How to move around Fujikawaguchiko

It’s fairly easy to explore Lake Kawaguchiko and surrounding lakes. A convenient network of buses connects Kawaguchiko’s train station to most popular destinations in the region, including surrounding lakes. They are called Omni Buses or even “Lake Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus”, given the wide coverage of their lines. The red line runs every 15 minutes and covers the eastern and northern shores of the lake. It’s the only bus line you’ll use to explore Fujikawaguchiko, especially if you’re visiting for just a day.

The green Saiko Line runs along the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko and goes all the way to Lake Sai ko . The blue Narusawa Shojiko Motosuko Line connects Kawaguchiko to Lake Shojiko  and  Lake Motosuko . Depending on how long you plan to stay, it may be worth purchasing the 2-days pass which incluides unlimited use of all three lines and costs 1700 yen. You can buy it at Kawaguchiko Station or online, but for that you’ll need to download an app. Alternatively, you can pay for individual rides using credit card or any of the widely accepted payment cards in Japan.

Wrap up Lake Kawaguchiko guide

The allure of Mount Fuji is better experienced from Lake Kawaguchiko. It’s a destination I’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone wishes to see the majestic Fujisan, even if you can pnly visit for a day. You can easily follow this itinerary independently but keep in mind there are great group day trips to join if you can’t handle the commute hassle. If you’re a family, it may be worth investing on a private day tour from Tokyo instead. I hope you enjoyed our guide to planning a perfect day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Make sure to check more of this trip on our Instagram highlights and to explore our curated travel guides about Japan. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment box below and hope you’ll have a fantastic time in Japan!

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Mount Fuji Day Trip: Perfect 1-Day Itinerary for Lake Kawaguchiko

Recognized as Japan’s tallest and most revered mountain, Mt. Fuji has long been a prominent subject depicted in ancient artwork, cultural artifacts, and imagery. Its magnificence draws numerous visitors from across the globe, making it a significant destination.

The popularity of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding areas continues to soar, with a steady rise in tourist numbers, reaching a staggering 4.5 million visitors in 2017 alone! Amidst this influx, first-time visitors may find it challenging to determine the best places to explore and the must-see sights. To assist in making these decisions, we have crafted the following itinerary, ensuring that day-trippers from Tokyo can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of the Lake Kawaguchiko region!

Overview of the Mt. Fuji Area

The Mt. Fuji Area: A Symbol of Japan’s Beauty Throughout history, Mt. Fuji has stood as an iconic symbol of Japan, captivating the hearts of both the Japanese people and the world. Katsushika Hokusai’s renowned series, “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji,” not only influenced Japanese art but also introduced the legendary mountain to a global audience.

Rising as the tallest peak in Japan, Mt. Fuji attracts a substantial number of climbers annually. Its summit offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Southern Alps, Izu Peninsula, and the shimmering lakes, including the captivating Lake Kawaguchiko. Undoubtedly, it presents the most awe-inspiring views in all of Japan, making it an unparalleled destination for experiencing nature’s beauty.

The Enchanting Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji Nestled at the foot of Mt. Fuji are the five lakes that were formed during its last eruption: Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, Lake Saiko, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Lake Yamanaka. Together, they are referred to as the Five Lakes of Mt. Fuji and were officially recognized as part of the Mt. Fuji Cultural World Heritage site in 2013.

Among these five lakes, Lake Kawaguchi has been renowned for its breathtaking scenic beauty since ancient times. In the vicinity of Lake Kawaguchi, visitors can explore various attractions, including Oishi Park, which offers a stunning view of both the lake and Mt. Fuji. The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum showcases a splendid collection of music boxes within its medieval European-inspired decor. Additionally, hot spring resorts provide an ideal opportunity to unwind and immerse in the captivating scenery of Mt. Fuji.

The Journey to World Heritage Status Before embarking on your Mt. Fuji adventur…

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Mt. Fuji + Kawaguchiko Day Trip Itinerary

At the base of Mt. Fuji is the Fuji Five Lakes, named such for the five lakes in the area surrounding Mt. Fuji. They’re a great place to visit if you are looking to enjoy the great mountain without actually climbing Mt. Fuji . The most famous and easily accessible of the lakes is Lake Kawaguchiko. The many things to do there plus the great views of Mt. Fuji makes it a great day trip from Tokyo. Check out this comprehensive Lake Kawaguchiko day trip itinerary for all the great things to do there!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links. Find more information about affiliate links on  our policy page .

Guided Kawaguchiko Day Trips

Chureito-pagoda, music forest, stroll around the lake, taking the train, taking a highway bus.

Probably the easiest way to enjoy Kawaguchiko is through a guided tour. Many of the guided tours arrange most, if not all, of the transportation (some have hotel pickup, others have a meetup location in Tokyo), plus any admission fees that may be involved. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of creating an itinerary and have a knowledgeable tour guide on hand for any questions you might have along the way.

• Mt.Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Scenic Spots Day Tour from Tokyo
• Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai, and Gotemba Premium Outlets Day Trip from Tokyo
• 10-hour Fuji Area Private Car Charter from Tokyo
• Mt. Fuji 5th Station, All-You-Can-Eat Fruits & Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway Day Tour from Tokyo
• Fujiten Snow Resort and Lake Kawaguchi Day Trip from Tokyo
• Private Half-Day Mt. Fuji and Surrounding Area Tour

Self-Guided Kawaguchiko Itinerary

I personally have always preferred self-guided trips over guided trips. It requires a little bit more work on my part to build an itinerary and arrange transportation, but to me the freedom to spend as little or as much time at a particular attraction as I want is worth the additional hassle.

We started off at Chureito-pagoda, which is an extremely famous place for taking photos of Mt. Fuji . We had to climb 400 steps to get there, but it was really cool being able to look out over the city and see Mt. Fuji in the background. All the houses looked like ants next to the gigantic mountain. I’d been through different mountainous areas in Japan, but seeing the size of Mt. Fuji was absolutely amazing.

After that we went to Music Forest, which is a European garden near the lake. The outside has a rose garden, and inside were many more flowers and some European style buildings. There was a high point in the garden where you could look out over the flowers and buildings and see Mt. Fuji towering over it all. It was refreshing to visit a European style garden instead of the traditional Japanese gardens I’ve been visiting.

They also had a sand art performance, where they had a projector with sand that somebody drew in while music played in the background. If you’ve never seen a sand art performance, I highly recommend watching the video below. I’d never seen it before, but apparently it’s pretty popular in Japan and other countries. It’s a continuous drawing on the same screen and it tells a story. For this performance, they did the story of Cinderella. It’s amazing to me how talented the artists are. When I draw something, I always need an eraser, but in this performance, all of the lines seemed so perfect. It’s such a unique art style, and I’m glad I got the experience to see it done live.

Lastly we decided to simply walk around the lake. It was nice to just take a stroll and hang out, although a lot of it consisted of making jokes and fooling around. It was a super enjoyable experience being able to be in such a beautiful place and just have fun with some of the people I love the most. Plus the pictures we got of the mountain and the lake were pretty cool too. We also tried to do a jumping picture, but it proved to be quite the challenge.

Getting from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

If you decide to do a self-guided tour (or choose a guided tour that for some reason doesn’t include transportation), you’ll find that you have a couple of different options for getting to Kawaguchiko.

Option 1: JR Narita Express (N’EX)

By far, the fastest train between Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko station is the JR Narita Express (N’EX) train, taking only 2 hours. Unfortunately though, this train only stops at Kawaguchiko Station during peak travel season and on specific days, so it’s sort of hit or miss as to whether or not you can catch this train. One-way tickets cost ¥4,560, but you can ride for free if you purchased the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass).

If this train is running when you take your day trip to Kawaguchiko, Just keep in mind that seats on this train are 100% reserved, so you’ll need to buy tickets in advance either at Narita Airport or at one of the JR Ticket Offices (usually located with JR Stations such as Shinjuku Station)

Option 2: JR Chuo Line Limited Express & Fujikyuko Line

This option takes closer to 3 hours, but is available year round.

If you plan to take a Highway Bus to the Mt. Fuji area during the weekend, I recommend booking your bus tickets in advance. When I was planning a trip to Mt. Fuji, I had originally planned to take a highway bus, but was disappointed to find that they were all sold out.

One-way highway bus tickets from Shinjuku station to Kawaguchiko Station are ¥1750. One-way tickets from Shibuya Station to Kawaguchuko Station are ¥1800.

Reserving Highway Bus Tickets

You can reserve tickets in advance through the Keio Dentetsu Bus Company . In the departing from section, select “Tokyo.” You’ll have the option to specify whether you want to depart from Shinjuku or Shibuya later. In the arrival section, select “Yamanashi,” the prefecture in which Mt. Fuji is located.

Once you click “search”, you’ll see several different route options, showing the departing location and the final destination. If you are departing from Shinjuku, you’ll want to select the “Shinjuku – Fujigoko・Mt. Fuji 5th Station Line.” If departing from Shibuya, you’ll want the “Shibuya – Kawaguchiko Line.”

On the next page, you’ll have to enter the specifics of where you are departing from (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal or Shibuya Station/Shibuya Mark City) and where your final destination will be (Kawaguchiko Station). You’ll also have to input the date of your trip and the number of passengers.

The rest of the reservation process will step you through specifying the type of seat you would like, gathering basic personal information such as name and phone number, and collecting payment information.

More information about reservations, cancelations, and refunds can be found on their FAQ page .

Highway Bus From Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station

To catch the Highway bus from Shinjuku, head over to the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal located just outside the South Exit of Shinjuku Station.

I highly recommend giving yourself some extra time to get lost. Despite having been to Shinjuku Station a significant number of times, it always took me forever to figure out where I was and which was I was supposed to be going. You can find a map with directions to the bus terminal here .

If you chose not to get your bus tickets in advance, you’ll find the ticket counter and ticket machines on the fourth floor, just before the bus stops.

Highway Bus From Shibuya Station to Kawaguchiko Station

To catch the Highway bus from Shibuya, head over to the Shibuya Expressway Bus Terminal location on the 5th floor of Shibuya Mark City (its connected to Shibuya Station).

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Home » Asia » Japan » INSIDER Lake Kawaguchiko Itinerary (2024)

INSIDER Lake Kawaguchiko Itinerary (2024)

Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re going to talk about a truly amazing and peaceful place in Japan – Lake Kawaguchiko , where you can enjoy a stunning view of the famous Mount Fuji.

After spending some time in the bustling city of Tokyo, which has a whopping 37.5 million people, I needed a break. So, I decided to head over to Lake Kawaguchiko, and let me tell you, the moment I got off the bus and took in the fresh air and the cool breeze from the lake, I knew I had made the right choice.

During my time here, I had a blast biking around the lake while listening to some tunes and trying not to crash my bike while dancing. I spent days trying to find the absolute BEST view of Mount Fuji and exploring the old traditional towns near the lake.

I can honestly say that my days in Kawaguchiko were incredibly peaceful and some of my favourite whilst backpacking Japan.

There is so much more things to do near Mount Fuji than meets the eye, and I’ve come up with the perfect Lake Kawaguchiko itinerary to guide you upon your visit! 

Insights into our Lake Kawaguchiko Itinerary

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During your backpacking Japan adventure, you’ll find numerous places where you can truly connect with Japanese history and culture. Kawaguchiko was one of my absolute favourites.

Sometimes, you may stumble upon exciting discoveries without even realizing it! Back in the 12th century, Mount Fuji was a hub for Buddhism and Shintoism, meaning there were plenty of temples and shrines around Lake Kawaguchiko. There’s an unmistakable sense of the sacred drifting through the air.

When you gaze at Mount Fuji, it’s hard not to be moved, inspired, and enveloped in tranquility. The mountain stands there so grandly, that it’s impossible not to be impressed. It truly is one of the most beautiful places in Japan .

While there are plenty of incredible spots around Lake Kawaguchiko, there are also hidden gems that let you soak in the town’s energy and Japan’s rich history.

In this article, I’ve put together an EPIC KAWAGUCHIKO DAY TRIP ITINERARY, but think of it as a starting point. Feel free to add your own favorite spots, mix things up, or skip some places if you’re just taking a day trip from Tokyo. There’s a little something in this article for everyone.

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Many people head to Kawaguchiko as a day trip while backpacking in Tokyo , it is a very common route and relatively easy. But it does involve at least 4 hours of travel in a single day.

You can take a bus from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station. Reservations can be made online at WILLER or Japan Bus Online. This takes about 2-2.5 hours and costs about $13,30 one way.

You can reach Lake Kawaguchiko from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station by taking the JR Chuo Line. There are two main options:

• Direct Limited Express Train : This is the fastest option. The direct limited express train takes approximately 70 minutes to reach Otsuki Station and costs $15.61 for a one-way ticket.
• Local Trains with One Transfer : If you choose local trains, it will take longer, around 100 minutes, and involve one transfer along the way. The cost for this route is approximately $8.86 for a one-way ticket.

Once you arrive at Otsuki Station, you’ll transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line, which will take you to Kawaguchiko Station. This leg of the journey takes approximately 55 minutes and costs $7.74 for a one-way ticket.

This trip can be done as a day trip from Tokyo, but if you don’t want the extra stress of traveling, stay a night or two and take it easy!

When thinking of where to stay on Mt. Fuji, you’ve got some cool areas to choose from. First up, there’s the Kawaguchiko Onsen area , where you can kick back in traditional Japanese inns, Ryokans, with hot springs (onsens) to soak in while gazing at Mount Fuji – ultimate zen vibes. Japanese Ryokans are always a good bet when you’re thinking of where to stay in Japan.

Then, there’s the Kawaguchiko Station area , perfect if you want to be in the thick of things with easy access to transportation, food spots, and shops.

If you’re more into peaceful lakeside moments, check out Oishi Park up north; people flock here for stunning lake views, chill vibes, and the best ice cream shops in town.

And if you’re the outdoorsy type, Saiko’s got your back, a bit further away, but with campgrounds and guesthouses nestled in nature (I heard great things about Cyokiya Lake Saiko ).

So, whatever your jam, there’s a spot in Lake Kawaguchiko that’ll suit your style. Check out these accommodations and find your next sweet spot!

Best Hotel – Kawaguchiko Hotel

This accommodation is in an ideal location, right next to Lake Kawaguchiko, with modern accommodations in a historic building.

They have free onsens, which are so relaxing after a long day of walking or biking around the lake! You can also choose between Japanese or Western-style rooms!

Best Glamping – Fuji Farm Glamping

This is a luxurious glamping option if you want to feel the natural vibe while still enjoying the comforts of a normal hotel.

They have mountain-view terraces, free WiFi, and bikes.

Best Guesthouse – Cyokiya Lake Saiko Guesthouse

This is a traditional Japanese-style home, where you can have an authentic experience at a good price.

It’s close to the healing village as well as Lake Saiko and Lake Kawaguchiko.

Friendly hosts who make breakfast for you in the morning and help you understand the surrounding areas.

Best Hostel – K’s House Fuji view

This is one of many K’s House hostels around Japan. It’s an ideal place for solo travelers and backpackers as it has a very friendly and social vibe.

They offer bike rentals by the day and have great hangout spaces.

When it comes to getting around Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ve got a bunch of options to explore this peaceful paradise, and they won’t break the bank.

Renting regular bikes typically costs around 6,61 to $9,92 per day, while electric bikes might set you back around 9,92 to $16,53 per day. It totally depends on the type and duration of rental. Biking around the lake takes about 3 hours, more or less.

K’s House Hostel rented me a bike for $7,94 per day, and I could use it overnight as well. A midnight bike ride under the full moonlight was simply magical. It’s a fantastic way to soak in the sights at your own pace without emptying your wallet.

If you prefer a more laid-back approach, hop on the sightseeing bus, usually priced at around 6,61 to 9,92 USD for a day pass.

This convenient option takes you to all the hotspots, including those Insta-worthy Fuji views. The downside of this, though is that you don’t have as much freedom to get lost on a bike on the town’s many backroads and forest paths.

And for those seeking a deeper immersion in the serene beauty of this place, you always have the option to explore on foot. The most budget-friendly way to go, of course!

If you want to do the loop around the entire lake, this is doable on foot, but it’s about 19 km, so pace yourself accordingly!

Start Off the Day on the Panoramic Ropeway

Kick off your Kawaguchiko day trip by by taking a cable car ride to the summit of a 1075-meter-high mountain .

The journey to the mountain’s peak lasts about 3 minutes, but the view from the observation deck is freakin’ amazing.

From up here, you can not only gaze upon the serene beauty of Lake Kawaguchi but also savor incredible vistas of Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps.

Adding to the feeling of being a kid again, this cable car ride also has a touch of literary charm. It was the setting for the Japanese writer Dazai Osamu’s masterpiece, “Kachi Kachi Mountain”.

Decorating the cable cars, you’ll encounter cute (cute = Kawa-ii in Japanese, you’ll hear this a lot!) raccoon, dog, and rabbit decorations. Felt a little like Japanese Disneyland.

Insider Tip: Make sure you go early, as a line forms down the road to get onto the cable car. You don’t want to get stuck waiting in this line, especially in the summer heat or winter cold.

• Cost – $3,31
• How long should you stay – about 30 minutes

Head to the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Welcome to the Music Box Forest, a very random gem nestled on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi with the magical Mount Fuji standing proud in the distance.

This place is a cultural fusion! It’s like being in medieval Europe, but with a Japanese tranquility that will make you scratch your head in delightful confusion.

Within the park, you can stroll through a beautiful rose garden, and there’s an opportunity to create your own music box in an on-site workshop!

The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum is more than just a museum. It’s a journey through time and sound, a place where music and nature come together to transport you to another world.

Oh, and did I mention the grape juice? Seriously, it’s like nectar from the heavens.

Picture yourself sipping away while the saxophone serenades you and Mount Fuji stands tall in the background. It’s the kind of moment that makes you appreciate the sheer randomness and beauty of travel.

Don’t miss this enchanting and slightly surreal musical escape.

• Cost: $11.92 for adults and $8.61 for students
• How long should you stay – 60-90min

Grab Some Food and Some Photos at Oishi Park

Located on Lake Kawaguchiko’s north side, Oishi Park has some pretty jaw-dropping views of Mount Fuji – it’s like the mountain’s personal portrait studio.

Depending on when you visit, you’ll either catch cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, or a snowy wonderland in winter.

You can take a nice walk along the pathways, chill on benches with perfect views, and witness a massive flower garden in full bloom.

If you’re feeling hungry (which I definitely was after all that bike riding), you can find cute cafes and restaurants with local treats and cool views.

There are also some ice cream shops with local- flavors. Fuji-apple ice cream anyone?

Personally, I grabbed one of the locally grown peaches and some grapes, sat on a bench, and watched some pretty comical influencer photoshoots. So, whether you’re here for a peaceful escape, some killer photos, or just want to hang out with Fuji-san, Oishi Park is where it’s at.

• Cost – It’s Free eee!
• How long should you stay – 1-2 hrs or grab a book and stay the day!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Explore the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum

The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is a tribute to the artistry of Kimono master Itchiku Kubota (1917-2003). This museum showcases Kubota’s creations, where kimonos transcend clothing to become mesmerizing works of art.

His signature “ Itchiku Tsujigahana ” dyeing technique blends tie-dye and ink drawing to craft intricate designs, often inspired by nature and Mount Fuji.

I personally grew up loving to tie-dye, and watching his techniques simply blew me away, and gave me some inspiration to pick up the T-shirts again!

Upon entering, you’ll be taken to a room where you’ll watch a video about his life, his experiences as a war prisoner, and the stories behind his pieces. Make sure you watch the video, as it adds a new layer of depth to the already jaw-dropping pieces.

Besides the stunning kimonos, the museum is an architectural wonder, designed to flow with the earth. You really can’t tell where the garden and forest end and the museum begin.

There is also a gift shop where you can buy handmade silk scarves, glass beads, paintings, and artistry of all sorts. If you’re feeling thirsty, grab a cup of tea in the traditional Japanese tea house.

• Cost – $8.61 for adults and $5.96 for students.
• How long should you stay – 1-2 hrs

Take some photos at the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine

You need a good travel camera for this one. TRUST ME!

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a beautiful place to see Mt. Fuji, but it also has a wonderful history.

Across Japan, you’ll find around 1,300 shrines with the name “Asama,” meaning they’re dedicated to the worship of volcanoes.

These shrines pay homage to the Shinto goddess who oversees volcanoes, and Mount Fuji herself. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is one of these.

Dating all the way back to 865, when it was built to calm the fiery temper of Mount Fuji, this was the year Fuji erupted and created the Five Fuji Lakes.

Now, this shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure you learn more about Shintoism before you head out on your adventure!

Near the main shrine, you’ll spot seven ancient Japanese cedars, each with a unique name and an insane lifespan of over 1,200 years. I enjoyed meditating here, as you could really feel the energy of this ancient place.

Two of these trees, standing side by side, are famous for being matchmakers. You can grab some good luck charms representing these trees and give them to your friend who’s always swipin’ left & right 😉

You can then hike from the shrine to the Torii gate on top of the mountain (about 20 minutes walking) to take an amazing photo and grab some souvenirs. I loved this photo spot because you had a great view of Fuji without the crowds of other more touristy spots.

There is also a waterfall in the area that you can trek to and take a dip in on a hot summer day.

• Cost – $0.66 to take a photo at the gate

Rent a Lake Kawaguchiko Sunset Swan Paddle Boat

Renting a swan paddle boat is a must-do experience in Kawaguchiko !

Grab a couple of friends from the hostel and challenge them to a paddle across the lake… I promise you’ll have an amazing time. Prices start at around $9.98 for half an hour, making it super affordable.

There are many places offering swan boat rentals along the lake’s coast. The best time to do this is to paddle out at sunset and take in the view as the sky turns vibrant colors and Mt. Fuji turns a beautiful dusk-orange.

If you’re here at the right time, the seasons change the game, from cherry blossoms in spring to fiery foliage in fall. 30 minutes on the boat is more than enough time, as your legs get tired, and you may get a little wet!

• Cost – $9.98 for 30 mins
• How long should you stay – 0.5-1 hrs

Grab some of the famous Hoko Noodles

Hoto noodles are a famous dish from this region of Japan. These flat wheat noodles are combined with a thick and flavorful miso-based soup, making it the ultimate comfort food.

What sets hoto noodles apart is their unique shape and texture. Unlike traditional round noodles, hoto noodles are wide and flat, resembling thick strips or dumpling wrappers.

This wide surface area allows them to soak up the rich broth, creating a chewy texture.

When I spoke with the local chef, she said the miso-based broth is the heart and soul of hoto noodles.

It’s typically made with a combination of local miso paste, dashi (fish stock), and seasonal vegetables.

Common ingredients found in this dish include pumpkin, carrots, mushrooms, and some greens. You can choose which meat to add, duck, beef, pork, and sometimes also horse meat.

• Cost – $7.95 on average
• How long should you stay – 1 hr – check out the gift shop!

Spend a Day at One of Japan’s Oldest Villages: Iyashi No Sato

Nestled near Lake Saiko, Iyashi no Sato (which translates to “the healing village”) is literally a trip back in time.

After coming from bustling Tokyo, I desperately wanted to experience traditional Japan and get a taste of what it used to be like. This was the place!

Some of the houses are turned into museums and others offer classes like pottery workshops, making handmade paper, and seeing how they make hand-woven cloth. For an artsy craft lover like me, this was heaven.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of wearing a kimono, you can rent them for $3.31 per day.

When hunger calls, there are three charming local restaurants that serve up authentic dishes like soba noodles, udon, or dumplings.

The backdrop of the surrounding mountains adds an extra layer of serenity to the experience.

• Cost – $2.32 but extra cost varies depending on what you decide to do
• How long should you stay – 2-4 hours

Hike Mt. Fuji

Tackling Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic volcano, is on every Japanese backpacker’s bucket list. It’s also home to one of Japan’s wonderful national parks . It is no small feat, but with the right planning and a sprinkle of determination, it can be an AMAZING adventure.

First things first, pick the right season. The official climbing season is from July to September when the snow has melted and the trails are accessible.

Start your trek during the afternoon or early evening to time your summit for sunrise. Most hikers take the Yoshida Trail from the 5th Station, which is the most accessible starting point.

As you ascend, be prepared for a variety of terrain – gravel, rocky paths, and even wooden boardwalks in some sections.

There are ten mountain huts along the way where you can rest, refuel, and even catch some z’s if needed. These huts provide simple meals, hot drinks, and a place to rest, but don’t expect luxury accommodations – it’s all part of the experience.

You can book your Mt. Fuji accommodation and find out more practical info on climbing Fuji-san.

As you inch closer to the summit, the air gets thinner, and you might start feeling the effects of altitude. Take it slow and steady, and don’t be afraid to take breaks. The sight of a breathtaking sunrise from the summit makes every step worth it.

Once you’ve savored the view and snapped a few pictures, it’s time to head back down. Be cautious during the descent, as it can be just as challenging as the ascent. Take your time, especially on the loose scree. Watch your knees and bring a hiking stick if possible!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Fuji-Q Highlands

One of the best things to do near Mount Fuji is to visit Fuji-Q Highland. It’s a renowned amusement park located at the base of Mount Fuji. It is known for its thrilling rides and stunning views of the iconic Mount Fuji.

The park is home to some of the most famous and intense roller coasters in Japan. It features “ Eejanaika ,” a 4D roller coaster that flips riders head over heels, and “ Fujiyama ,” once the tallest and fastest coaster in the world.

In addition to the rides, there are also more family-friendly attractions such as carousels, Ferris wheels, and water rides. It also has dining options, souvenir shops, and entertainment shows.

The best time to visit Lake Kawaguchiko in Japan largely depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience.

Each time of year has its unique appeal , so choose the one that aligns with your interests and expectations for your visit to Lake Kawaguchiko. Just make sure you pack accordingly for each season. Check out our What to Pack for Japan guide for more tips!

• Spring , from late April to early June, is a fantastic time for cherry blossoms in the area, creating a beautiful scene. The weather is generally mild and pleasant during this season.
• Summer , from June to August, is great for hiking and outdoor activities, with warmer temperatures and lush green surroundings.
• If you want to capture the iconic reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake, early morning and late autumn , from September to November, are your best bets. The crisp autumn air and fewer crowds make it an ideal time for peaceful contemplation.
• Winter , from December to February, offers a unique charm with snowy landscapes and even opportunities for ice skating, but keep in mind that some attractions may be closed during this season.

Coming prepared is one of the most important parts of traveling, no matter where you want to go.

• Bringing good hiking boots is always a must for Kawaguchiko and anywhere in Japan, for that matter, as you’ll be walking A LOT.
• Layer up! It can be scorching in the day and chilly and breezy in the evenings, so make sure you layer up and pack smart.
• Stay safe and sound . Japan is known to be an extremely safe country. However, it’s a good idea to follow some tried-and-true safety tips. As you are likely traveling in a foreign country, ensure you have access to emergency numbers in case of an accident or problem. It’s also always a good idea to have travel insurance in the event of a problem.

To enjoy your Kawaguchiko itinerary to the fullest, keep these Japan travel tips in mind and enjoy safe travels!

Is one day enough at Lake Kawaguchiko?

One day in Kawaguchiko is enough to explore its main attractions and catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji.

Is Hakone or Lake Kawaguchiko better?

Kawaguchiko hands down, has the BEST Mount Fuji views. On the other hand, Hakone is more convenient to get to Tokyo in regard to transportation.

Can you swim in Lake Kawaguchiko?

No.   It’s prohibited to swim in Fuji’s five lakes due to safety . 

How long does it take to walk around Kawaguchiko?

It takes around 4 hours and 12 min  to walk around the entire lake path.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Japan is a safe country to visit. But, besides, you can’t plan for everything. Believe me, if things don’t go according to the plan, solid Japan insurance is invaluable.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Chances are, when you think of Japan, Mount Fuji pops into your mind – the majestic, snow-capped, and iconic symbol of the land of the rising sun.

Lake Kawaguchiko is a hidden gem in Japan that offers a serene and refreshing escape from the bustling city life of Tokyo. It has the MOST stunning views of Mount Fuji in all of Japan.

You truly can never get bored here, biking, exploring traditional towns, eating apple ice cream, and wandering through intriguing museums.

My time at Lake Kawaguchiko was filled with peace and unforgettable moments, making it one of my favorite experiences during my backpacking journey through Japan.

So, if you’re looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature, don’t miss out on the beauty and serenity that this magical place has to offer.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Lake Kawaguchiko Guide: 15 BEST Things To Do In Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the most popular destinations in Japan for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Tokyo.

There are many awesome things to do in Kawaguchiko with something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque lakeside region.

The view of Mount Fuji across the lake is undoubtedly the main attraction, however, there are many other things to do near Mount Fuji that you should add to your list.

Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to the attractions in Lake Kawaguchiko and everything else you should know!

Table of Contents

QUICK ANSWERS: LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO JAPAN

To give you a bit of an overview of Kawaguchiko town, the lake, and the surrounding region, here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

WHERE IS LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO?

Located near the foothills of Mount Fuji in Japan, Lake Kawaguchiko is a beautiful small town about 100km west of Tokyo, located in the southeastern Yamanashi province.

Kawaguchiko is also 100km north of Shizuoka City, about a 1.5-hour drive.

There are 5 Fuji Lakes where you can stay to see the views, and Kawaguchiko is the second-largest.

Click here or on the image below for an interactive map of Kawaguchiko Lake.

IS LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely! Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the most beautiful and captivating places in Japan, with incredible views over Mount Fuji.

Of course, the town is known for the impressive views of Fuji-san, but there are also many other awesome things to do in Kawaguchiko during your visit.

Wander around the different parks, sit down and chill at some cafes, take in the Japanese culture, and visit the museums in town.

Despite being a small town, you’ll love spending a couple of days here.

Have you got travel insurance for your trip?!

We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.

Heymondo offers low-cost Travel Insurance to keep you covered on all your adventures.

HOW TO GET TO LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO FROM TOKYO?

From Tokyo to Kawaguchiko town, you can use public transportation or rent a car. The former is cheaper but takes longer, and the latter is more convenient.

OPTION 1: PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Head to Shinjuku Station and take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station. You can use the JR Pass up until here.

Once you’re at Otsuki Station, change to Fuji Kyuko Line bound for Kawaguchiko Station. The cost is 1,170 Yen per adult and the journey time is 55 minutes.

OPTION 2: RENT A CAR

The second option is to rent a car in Tokyo and head out to Kawaguchiko Lake at your own pace. The distance is 115km and approximately a 1.5-hour drive.

Renting a car gives you more freedom and flexibility to move around, however, train travel in Japan is the most convenient and affordable when using the JR Pass .

READ MORE: JR Pass Japan

Travel japan with the jr pass.

Get a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day JR Pass for your trip to Japan and enjoy unlimited travel on trains and buses!

The JR Pass is valid on the Shinkansen (bullet train), Limited Express, Local Trains, Monorail, and JR Buses.

HOW TO GET AROUND LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO?

Kawaguchiko is relatively walkable and you can easily stroll around town and along the lake while taking in the views of Mount Fuji.

Alternatively, if you want to go further and discover all the hidden corners, you can rent a bicycle and bike around Lake Kawaguchiko.

Some hotels offer free bike rental, otherwise, the best place to rent a bike is from NaturaBase and the cost is 1500 Yen per day.

You can also book a taxi to get you around the things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko, which is pricier yet practical.

THINGS TO DO IN LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO

If there’s a popular spot in Japan, it’s definitely Mount Fuji, and Kawaguchiko is by far the best place to take photos.

But there’s so much more to do here, so let’s go through the best things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko.

ENJOY THE VIEWS AT CHUREITO PAGODA

Let’s kick off this list of things to do in Kawaguchiko with the world-famous Chureito Pagoda, a five-story pagoda located just outside the town.

Surrounded by the majestic Mt. Fuji and the traditional buildings, standing at the Chureito Pagoda very well could be the highlight of your trip to Japan.

The Chureito Pagoda is inside the Arakura Sengen Shrine and you’ll have to hike 400 steps up to get there.

Note that you can’t walk from Kawaguchiko to Chureito Pagoda as it’s 7km away, but you can call a taxi or take a train to Shimoyoshida Station from Kawaguchiko Station, which takes about 13 minutes.

RELATED GUIDE: 7-Day Japan Itinerary

MT. FUJI PANORAMIC ROPEWAY

The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is a cable car that takes you 1000 meters above sea level.

From here, you can see Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji, and the views are simply spectacular.

Once you get here, you’ll be greeted with a long walkway where you can take photos, as well as a vast terrace where you can enjoy the views from.

Most visitors go up and down the mountain on the ropeway, but there is also a hiking trail that goes from the observation deck down the mountain. It takes about 30 minutes to walk down this trail.

The cable car starts working at 9:30 am and there are departures every 5 to 10 minutes, which is pretty convenient.

Note that it can get pretty crowded, and you may have to wait up to 30 to 45 minutes to get in.

The admission will set you back 900 Yen ($6.60) for a roundtrip or 500 Yen ($3.70) for a one-way ticket.

VISIT AOKIGAHARA FOREST

One of the most intriguing and free things to do near Mount Fuji is an excursion through the Aokigahara Forest.

Nicknamed “the Sea of Trees,” this lush forest covers 14 square miles at the northern base of Mt. Fuji.

An excellent destination for hikers and nature lovers alike, visitors are enthralled by its silence.

It’s one of the quietest places in Japan with enigmatic caves, massive trees, and diverse wildlife.

With established trails and fascinating legends, this is your chance to explore the Japanese countryside far from the crowds.

HAVE FUN AT FUJI-Q HIGHLAND AMUSEMENT PARK

The area near Mount Fuji is known for its lakes and beautiful shrines.

But if you’re looking for a unique way to experience Japanese culture while having fun, then Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park is your place.

Located in Yamanashi, this amusement park is home to some of the most thrilling roller coasters in the country.

Other than the amazing rides, there are several restaurants around as well as street food, which I recommend!

As you can expect, many tourists are here too, and entering each ride might take up to 30 minutes.

I recommend spending at least half a day here to enjoy the roller coasters, the food, the walk around, and everything else!

I recommend booking your ticket in advance , especially when visiting around the cherry blossom or during the summer. Get it here below:

BOOK HERE: Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park

SPEND SOME TIME AT OISHI PARK

Oishi Park is another awesome spot in town that I recommend visiting, and I guarantee you’ll fall in love as soon as you arrive.

The park offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji, which are comparable to those you get at Chureito Pagoda, but you can enjoy the reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake and the lavender flowers too.

Other than taking photos and roaming around, there are two ice cream stores inside the park where you can buy a small snack.

Unlike other places and parks near Mount Fuji, Oishi Park isn’t as crowded and, when it gets busy, there’s enough space around for everyone to enjoy. So make sure to come over and relax!

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TAKE A STROLL AT MOMIJI CORRIDOR LAKE KAWAGUCHI

Taking a stroll at Lake Kawaguchi is sure to make for a memorable experience near Mount Fuji. It reminded me of the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto , and I’m sure it won’t disappoint!

The lake is lined with over 1,000 maple trees forming a colorful path – locally known as Momiji Corridor – making it an enchanting natural scenery you can’t find anywhere else.

If you’re staying for the night, I suggest you come in the evening and take a photo of all the illuminated trees and paths!

With its blooming seasonal colors and incredible mountain views of Mount Fuji, walking along Momiji Corridor is one of the must-see attractions in Lake Kaqaguchiko region.

TAKE PHOTOS AT SHIMOYOSHIDA HONCHO STREET

Located in Fujiyoshida town, just 5 minutes walk from Fujiyoshida station, is this idyllic shopping street with an incredible view of Mount Fuji looming in the background.

If you’re an avid photographer and want to capture a unique photo of Fuji-san, then head on over to Shimoyoshida Honcho Street and put your composition skills to the test!

Related Article: Best Affordable Camera For Landscape Photography

RELAX AT OSHINO HAKKAI SPRINGS

Another impressive place you can’t miss out on is the Oshino Hakkai Springs, nestled between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako.

The springs consist of eight interconnected ponds set among green surroundings and a peaceful environment.

The eight ponds are fed by snow melt from Mount Fuji. The snow melts and then filters down the mountain through porous layers of lava.

Note that the springs have become pretty popular with tourists and, therefore, don’t expect raw, untouched nature as you’d get at Aokigahara Forest.

Nonetheless, it’s an incredible spot that you can’t skip while being near Mount Fuji.

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KUBOTA ITCHIKU MUSEUM

Kubota Itchiku was a local artist that revived the art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing, which is nowadays used to decorate kimonos in the Muromachi Period (1333-1573).

Itchiku loved the textile displayed at the National Museum in Tokyo and devoted his life to it, hence this museum.

Here, you can learn about the silk history in the region, roam around the beautiful garden at the entrance, and see some of the best kimonos he created back in the day.

The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and the entrance fee costs 1300 Yen ($9.50).

HAVE LUNCH AT MIYAKI UDON

For a quick break in a traditional, delicious restaurant, Miyaki Udon has got you covered.

This unassuming restaurant is renowned for its traditional udon dishes, all made using handcrafted noodles. On top of that, you should know that the place is famous for horsemeat.

The place is mostly for locals, so they don’t have a menu in English, but a little translation from Google Translate will do.

For just 350 Yen ($2.50), you’ll get a delicious bowl of noodles and that’s really all you need after a day exploring around!

SEE THE YAMANASHI GEM MUSEUM

The Yamanashi Gem Museum, located just a short walk from Lake Kawaguchiko, showcases an array of precious gems and stones from all over the world.

Here, you can see the various types of gems on display, like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

The museum also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about the history and science behind these beautiful stones.

It’s not an activity for everyone but it’s definitely a nice thing to do near Mount Fuji if you’re interested in gems.

The museum opens at 9:00 am and closes at 5:30 pm, and the admission will set you back 600 Yen ($4.50).

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ONSEN AT HOTEL MIFUJIEN

There are different onsens in town, but a hotel that opens to non-staying guests is Hotel Mifujien.

Here, the hot springs are on the top floor and you can see Mount Fuji while relaxing in the tub. Note that the onsen has 2 pools, one indoor and one outdoor, which are separated for men and women.

Apart from that, they also have towels so you don’t need to bring your own, which is super convenient.

All in all, out of all the activities near Mount Fuji, this is one of the coolest, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.

DRINK SAKE AT IDE SHUZO BREWERY

Experience the unique taste of sake at Ide Shuzo Brewery, a family-owned brewery that will keep you entertained when visiting.

Located just a short walk from Kawaguchiko Station, Ide Shuzo offers 2-hour sake-tasting sessions for only 500 Yen ($3.70)!

And if you want to include the brewery tour, that will cost you 1500 Yen ($10). What is so unique about this brewery is that they make the sake with water sourced directly from Mount Fuji.

For this reason, you can’t find the same taste anywhere else in the world!

The brewery is open daily from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. What to say, it’s just one of the coolest things to do near Mount Fuji!

HAVE A BREAK AT LAKE SIDE CAFÉ KU

Tired of walking around and want a quick break? Lake Side Café Ku is a fantastic option – It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’s photogenic.

They have chairs near the window where you can sit and take in all the views over the mountains. Plus, the food they offer is as tasty as it gets.

And if you’re in the mood for it, make sure to try their matcha tea, it’s to die for!

SIGHTSEEING BOAT TOUR ON KAWAGUCHIKO LAKE

Last but not least on this list of things to do in Kawaguchiko is a sightseeing boat tour on the lake.

It’s a short 20-minute boat ride that departs from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi and will take you across the lake for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscapes.

Operating hours are Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The cost is 1000 Yen per adult and 500 Yen per child.

BEST TOURS IN LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO

Other than joining a tour to Lake Kawaguchiko, I also recommend taking a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone , which is also worth it.

These are the best tours you can join to Kawaguchiko!

WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO

There are dozens of hotels in Kawaguchiko, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

Luxury: La Vista Fujikawaguchiko

Mid-Range: Mount Fuji Panorama Glamping

Budget: Haleluya Guest House

OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO

Didn’t find the perfect accommodation above to suit your needs.

Use the interactive map below to search all the available hotels in Lake Kawaguchiko. Simply enter your dates of stay and hit the search button!

WHAT TO PACK FOR JAPAN

When visiting Japan, here are some items I highly recommend taking with you:

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More Japan Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Japan!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope you enjoyed reading this article about things to do in Kawaguchiko and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

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THANKS FOR READING

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Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko (�͌���) is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes with train and direct bus connections to Tokyo . A hot spring resort town with various tourist attractions and views of Mount Fuji is located around the lake's eastern end, while the northern and western shores are mostly undeveloped.

The best views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the lake's northern shores and are particularly breathtaking during the cherry blossom season around mid April and the autumn colors around the first half of November. One of the nicest spots for cherry blossoms is the seaside promenade near the Kawaguchiko Music Forest , while photographers will enjoy the "Momiji Tunnel" for autumn colors, a maple tree-covered road section further west.

Be warned that even though Kawaguchiko is located right at the base of Mount Fuji , the mountain is not always visible because of clouds. Visibility tends to be best in the early mornings (usually before 9am) and in the late afternoons, while clouds often obstruct the view during daytime even on days with fair weather, and especially during the hazy summer.

Among the wide range of tourist attractions available around Lake Kawaguchiko are hot spring baths , museums , the Fuji Q amusement park , boat tours and a ropeway leading up a small mountain. Kawaguchiko is also a good base for climbing Mount Fuji , although most people start their ascent from Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station halfway up the mountain these days.

Below is a list of some of the tourist attractions around Lake Kawaguchiko:

Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Kubota Itchiku Museum

Kawaguchiko Museum of Art

Kawaguchiko Music Forest

Yamanashi Gem Museum

Hot spring baths

Hotel Mifujien

Kaiun no Yu

Getting there and around.

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

From Kawaguchiko Station, the Omni Bus lines provide tourists with local transportation around Lake Kawaguchiko and neighboring Lake Saiko : the Red Line (or Kawaguchiko Line) operates along Lake Kawaguchi's eastern and northern shores, while the Green Line (or Saiko Line) operates along Lake Kawaguchiko's southern shore before continuing to Lake Saiko .

How to get to and around the Fuji Five Lakes

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Kawaguchiko herb hall, hotels around fuji five lakes.

Experiences around Fuji Five Lakes

TRUEMAN TRAVELS

Travel | food | camping.

• Mar 18, 2023

How To Spend One Day In Fujikawaguchiko: Japan Travel Itinerary

Updated: Mar 31, 2023

Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest peak and is one of the top attractions for visitors on their first trip to the country. Many people go to Hakone, but another great option is staying in the charming lakeside town of Fujikawaguchiko in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Booking 1-2 nights here is plenty of time to see the town and get a view of the mountain. Here's what we did and how I recommend spending your one full day in Fujikawaguchiko.

How To Get To Fujikawaguchiko From Tokyo

Getting to Fujikawaguchiko from Tokyo is easy but takes a bit of time. There are multiple route options to choose from depending on whether you prefer to travel by JR train or bus. The journey takes approximately 2-2.5 hours and costs on average 2000 Japanese Yen per person for the bus. Travelling by JR train requires a connection and costs close to double the price.

From Tokyo Station: Fujikyu and JR Kanto Bus (to Kawaguchiko Station)

From Shibuya Station: Fujikyu Bus (to Kawaguchiko Station)

From Shinjuku Station: JR Chuo Line (Train) to Otsuki Station, then Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station

From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take a taxi to your hotel or, if you're staying near the station in one of the hostels, you can simply walk.

Where To Stay Near Fujikawaguchiko

Fujikawaguchiko is a charming town that is known for its views of Mount Fuji and incredible onsens. Onsens are Japanese hot springs. Public onsens are communal spaces where everyone baths together naked (separated into male and female baths) and there are also private options you can book for yourself or as a couple. If it's within your budget, I really recommend splurging on accommodation with an onsen while in Fujikawaguchiko. Nothing beats soaking in the hot water with a view of Mount Fuji.

La Vista Fujikawaguchiko

We chose to stay at an upscale hotel in Fujikawaguchiko and this was our only accommodation of this calibre during the trip (I literally slept on the floor for a night in Tokyo - worth it for this hotel). It's worth doing this in Fujikawaguchiko because the town is small and quiet so you'll be glad to stay somewhere that you don't mind spending time in during the evenings. La Vista Fujikawaguchiko is gorgeous and has a buffet breakfast included in the price, free Ramen noodles at night, and access to private onsen facilities. There was also an onsen on the balcony with a view of Mount Fuji which was a dream come true.

Backpackers Hostel K's House Fuji View

For a budget option in Fujikawaguchiko, I think K's House is a great hostel to stay at. I've never been, but we almost booked this place before deciding to go all out and stay at La Vista Fujikawaguchiko so I did my research on it. It's very reasonably priced compared to other accommodations in the area, is centrally located, has amenities, offers views of Mount Fuji, and is very well-reviewed. If I ever go back to Fujikawaguchiko, this is where I would stay.

The Perfect Day Near Mount Fuji

With only one full day in Fujikawaguchiko, it's possible to hit all the highlights of this town and still have time to soak in the onsen at your hotel. Here's how!

Breakfast At Your Hotel

Booking accommodation with a complimentary breakfast is a great idea in Fujikawaguchiko because it's a small town so depending on how early you want to start your day, your options may be limited. We indulged in the all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast at our hotel which fueled us until well into the afternoon. If you're on a shoestring budget, get a FamilyMart breakfast to-go in town.

Hike Up To Chureito Pagoda

The Chureito Pagoda is one of the most iconic sites to visit in Fujikawaguchiko. This pagoda is where everyone goes to take a photo of Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, it's hard to predict cloud cover so Fuji was hiding when we went up but the view is still incredible. There are 400 stairs to the top so be sure to wear sensible and comfortable shoes.

Ride The Scenic Ropeway

The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway offers you a chance to ride in a cable car and get a beautiful view of Mount Fuji without having to do any hiking. The ascension is 400 meters from the Eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi to the observation deck.

Rent a Pedal Boat or Bicycle in Town

After taking in the views of Mount Fuji, take some time to enjoy Lake Kawaguchi itself. Rent a pedal boat and get out on the water or rent a bicycle in town and ride around the lake to appreciate the scenery. Stop for some ice cream in the summer to cool off or a coffee in the spring or fall to warm up.

Have Tempura For Lunch

Fujikawaguchiko has plenty of delicious tempura restaurants so take advantage of the selection by dining at one for lunch. Fuji Tempura Idaten is a highly rated spot to visit in the town. They have a similar menu to the place I tried while in Fujikawaguchiko (in 2019), which has since closed.

Relax In Your Hotel Onsen

After a day of exploring the area around Lake Kawaguchi, it's time to retire to your hotel or hostel for the evening to take advantage of their onsen. Some hotels require you to book your spot in the private onsen at check-in to ensure you get a time slot since spaces are limited. If your hotel or hostel doesn't have an onsen, you can visit a public bath house like Fuji Yurari Onsen .

For more information about visiting Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, check out my YouTube video about our time at Mount Fuji.

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Kawaguchiko Itinerary: Complete 2-Day Itinerary and Must-See Places

快速導覽

Arrange a Kawaguchiko 2-day 1-night itinerary to visit Mount Fuji

I believe that for many people who come to Tokyo to travel, as long as time permits, they will definitely arrange a trip to visit Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji. It may be a trip back and forth to Kawaguchiko Station on the same day, or arrange a two-day one-night itinerary, spend one night staying at the accommodation in Kawaguchiko, so that you have the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise of Mount Fuji and the reflection of Mount Fuji in Kawaguchiko.

However, because there are so many places to visit in the entire Kawaguchiko and Mt. If you plan to arrange a one-day trip to Lake Kawaguchi, or if you want to visit Lake Kawaguchi in depth, and plan to arrange a three-day and two-night itinerary, in Lake Kawaguchi Tourist Information Classification More articles can be found there.

How to arrange the itinerary for Lake Kawaguchi for two days and one night?

If you are starting from Tokyo, Kawaguchiko's itinerary for two days and one night can be very simple. Basically, you only need to buy a round trip to Kawaguchiko Station in Tokyo Fuji tour Tickets, as well as Kawaguchiko tour bus tickets, can solve the transportation budget for the entire Kawaguchiko itinerary.

However, if you plan to combine Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji, and Hakone into a three-day, two-night itinerary, you may need to purchase the Fuji-Hakone 3-Day Transportation Package , so that you can save more transportation costs in Kawaguchiko and Hakone areas.

Enjoy the entire Mt. Fuji & Hakone with one set ticket! [Best Offer] Mt. Fuji – Hakone Area 3-Day Tour Pass The best choice to save transportation expenses!

Kawaguchiko two-day one-night itinerary planning from Tokyo

How to store suitcases before departure.

I believe that for many people, one of the most difficult things to deal with in the Kawaguchiko two-day, one-night itinerary is the need to find a place to store suitcases at Kawaguchiko Station and buy time to visit different scenic spots in the Kawaguchiko area.

However, in fact, this problem can also be easily solved. The method is as long as you stay in the same hotel before departure to Kawaguchiko and after returning to Tokyo. In fact, most hotels in Tokyo will provide free luggage storage services. such as Tokyu Stay Shinjuku , APA Hotels in Shinjuku Etc. In this way, it is very easy to start sightseeing in Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji area, saving extra time and money for handling suitcases.

Itinerary for the first morning

Access to lake kawaguchi.

After you finish checking out of your Tokyo hotel in the morning, you can go to Shinjuku Station and take the limited express train "Fuji Tour", which takes about 2 hours to reach Kawaguchiko Station.

The advantage of choosing to take the Fuji Excursion Limited Express is that you don’t have to worry about traffic jams during the holidays like taking the express bus, which seriously affects the itinerary planning for the whole day in Kawaguchiko. And when you take the limited express train of Fuji Tour, you will have many opportunities to take pictures with Mount Fuji.

Basically, in addition to being a means of transportation connecting Shinjuku Station in Tokyo - Kawaguchiko Station, the limited express train of Fuji Tour is actually one of the attractions of the entire Kawaguchiko itinerary.

However, there are some points that need to be paid attention to when taking the limited express train of Fuji Tour. For example, there are not too many trains departing from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station in the morning. On average, there are only 3 sets of trains departing every day. The departure time is about 07:30-09:30, and the journey time also takes 2 hours. If you depart from Shinjuku, Tokyo too late, you may not have enough time to go sightseeing in Lake Kawaguchi.

In addition, the Fuji Excursion Express train is a very popular means of transportation, so if you plan to take the Fuji Excursion Express train to Kawaguchiko Station, you must buy a ticket one day in advance. if you purchased JR Tokyo Wide Area Pass If so, it is also highly recommended to redeem the ticket one day in advance, and buy a ticket for a designated seat if necessary, so as to ensure a smooth departure to Kawaguchiko Station for a two-day, one-night trip.

Since it takes 2 hours from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station, if you depart from Tokyo Shinjuku Station at 07:30, you can arrive at Kawaguchiko Station at about 09:30. If you depart from Tokyo Shinjuku Station at 09:30 , you need to arrive at Kawaguchiko Station at 11:30.

The cheapest way to go sightseeing by Shinkansen? [Best Offer] JR Pass Tokyo Wide Area Pass Unlimited rides on the Shinkansen for 3 days!

Lunch Options in Kawaguchiko

When you arrive at Kawaguchiko Station, you can go to the Fudo Tea House in front of Kawaguchiko Station to have lunch, buy a one-day pass for the Kawaguchiko Tour Bus, and then officially start the two-day, one-night trip to Kawaguchiko.

Itinerary for the afternoon of the first day

When you come to Lake Kawaguchi for a two-day, one-night itinerary, of course you can’t miss the view of Mount Fuji next to Lake Kawaguchi Hot spring hotel , so after lunch, until a few hours before you can check in to the room at the hot spring hotel, you can go to Oishi Park, and Tenjō-Yama Park These two are the most suitable places to take pictures with Mount Fuji.

In addition to setting off to Tianshangshan Park, you can also consider taking Kawaguchiko Excursion Boat Tenharu , starting from Kawaguchiko, passing the Kawaguchiko Bridge, and taking pictures with the reflection of Mount Fuji on the water.

Itinerary for the first night

It is also because one of the key points of the trip to Kawaguchiko is to experience the hot spring hotel next to Kawaguchiko. So at around 16:00 in the afternoon, I left the scenic spot of Kawaguchiko and went to the reserved hot spring hotel room. Get the chance to enjoy hot springs and view Mt. Fuji from your room.

For example, near Lake Kawaguchi Hotel Kaze no Terrace KUKUNA , is a very popular hotel choice that can also enjoy Mount Fuji from the room. Although many people say that the price of this hotel is not cheap, but for some itineraries to celebrate important festivals, being able to face the scenery of Mount Fuji all day is actually the best festival gift .

Itinerary for the next morning

If you plan to enjoy the reflection of Mount Fuji on Lake Kawaguchi, you must grasp the sunrise time of the day. Because only at the moment of sunrise, the reflection of Mount Fuji on Lake Kawaguchi will be the most complete. Generally speaking, the sunrise time of Lake Kawaguchi starts from 04:30 to 06:30, depending on whether you go to Lake Kawaguchi in summer or in winter.

Of course, it will be difficult for many people to get up at 04:30 in the morning, but you can also arrange breakfast at 07:30 in the morning to gain a little more sleep before enjoying breakfast after enjoying the reflection of Mount Fuji.

Around 08:30 in the morning, I believe you have finished the breakfast provided by the hot spring hotel. At this time, you can fight for the last chance to enjoy the hot spring and appreciate Mount Fuji. Then around 10:00 in the morning, it was time to check out.

In the entire Lake Kawaguchi itinerary, being able to slowly appreciate the scenery of Mount Fuji from different angles and at different times is the focus of this two-day, one-night itinerary. So after completing the check-out procedures, you can take pictures with Mount Fuji again before setting off to other Kawaguchiko attractions.

After leaving the hot spring hotel in Kawaguchiko around 11:00 in the morning, you can consider going to Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum , a scenic spot with a collection of music box exhibitions and Western-style gardens, is also a very suitable place to take pictures and then share them on social media.

However, if you want to go to Mount Fuji for sightseeing, you can return to Kawaguchiko Station first, and then take the bus to the fifth station of Mount Fuji. In this way, you can experience the high-altitude environment at 2400 meters, as well as enjoy the scenery of the entire Kawaguchiko area.

Another option is to visit Fuyue Wind Cave, which is far away from Kawaguchiko Station, but you need to pay attention to the bus schedule connecting Kawaguchiko Station and the opening hours of Fuyue Wind Cave, and try not to leave too late.

Itinerary for the afternoon of the second day

If you choose to go to the Kawaguchiko Music Box Forest Art Museum, you can visit the entire Kawaguchiko Music Box Forest Art Museum in about 2 hours, and then return to Kawaguchiko Station. If you will consider going to Oike Park, Kawaguchiko Herb Museum Over there, you can take pictures with Mt. Fuji again, buy some special products near Kawaguchiko Station, and then take the limited express train Fuji Return to Tokyo.

However, if you choose to visit scenic spots such as Mount Fuji Wumuhe and Fuyue Fengxue, you must pay attention to the timetable of the return bus and calculate when you will return to Tokyo.

Don’t forget that the Fuji Excursion Express train also has a designated departure time, and it takes 2 hours to return to Tokyo by taking the Fuji Excursion Express train from Kawaguchiko. If you return to Kawaguchiko Station too late, you may miss the Fuji Excursion Express train, and You need to take a bus to return to Tokyo, which will also affect your itinerary in Tokyo at night.

Simultaneous departure to Lake Kawaguchi in Hakone two-day one-night itinerary planning

Under normal circumstances, Kawaguchiko's two-day and one-night itinerary will start at Tokyo Shinjuku Station and end at Tokyo Shinjuku Station. However, if you purchase Fuji-Hakone 3-Day Transportation Package If so, this three-day, two-night itinerary can be divided into a two-day, one-night Kawaguchiko itinerary, and a two-day, one-night Hakone itinerary, and experience different hot spring hotels within a few days, as well as from long-distance and close-distance. Enjoy the view of Mount Fuji from different angles.

while using Fuji-Hakone 3-Day Transportation Package The feature is that this package allows you to take unlimited rides on the designated transportation in Kawaguchiko and Hakone, and you can freely choose whether to go to Hakone first or go to Kawaguchiko for sightseeing first, without any restrictions.

To put it simply, you can arrange departure from Shinjuku Station, sightseeing in the Hakone area on the first day, and staying in a hotel in the Hakone area Spa Hotel . Then leave Hakone in the morning and noon of the next day, set off to Kawaguchiko Station and start the trip of Kawaguchiko for two days and one night.

while for the first use Fuji-Hakone 3-Day Transportation Package If you are traveling to Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, or the Hakone area, you need to pay attention to the fact that it will take a lot of time to travel between Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi. Therefore, when planning the itinerary for the next day, try to avoid arranging to visit too many scenic spots, so that it is easier to manage the schedule of the entire itinerary.

If you are visiting Lake Kawaguchi for the first time, maybe you can consider arranging a trip to visit Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone at the same time. Because compared to simply going to one of Kawaguchiko and Hakone, the itinerary to go to Kawaguchiko and Hakone at the same time can get a better experience in all aspects, and it can also make you remember it many years later. A trip to Mount Fuji and hot springs.

In addition, we are Fuji Hakone Tourist Information Category Here, I have prepared a lot of scenic spot itineraries, accommodation discounts, and ticket discounts for you in Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and Hakone. If you are planning to travel to these areas, maybe these articles can help you find some unique experiences. !

More Mt. Fuji and Hakone travel information

Mount Fuji area

Mount Fuji hot spring hotel recommendation: Hotel Room with Hot Spring, Private Bath and Exclusive View on Mount Fuji! Bus Route Guide to Mount Fuji Kawaguchiko Station! JR train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station? The first choice for railway fans Fuji-Hakone Pass purchase discounts, itinerary planning sharing How to plan the itinerary of Lake Kawaguchi? Attractions, Transportation, Food and Overview The Flower Sea in front of Mt. Fuji Lake Kawaguchi》Annual Lavender Festival ⋯⋯ and MORE

Hakone area

Recommended Hakone Onsen Hotels》A list of high-end hot spring hotels with private baths! How to plan your trip to Hakone? Hakone Attraction Transportation Itinerary Sharing! Fuji-Hakone Pass purchase discounts, itinerary planning sharing Hakone Yumoto Attractions, hot spring hotel selection near the station ⋯⋯ and MORE

More Japan Travel Information: Tokyo | Kyoto | Hokkaido | Climbing Mt.Fuji | Hakone | Lake Kawaguchi Tips for Traveling in Japan | Japan Hotel Deals | Klook Latest Promo Code

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Hakone Yumoto Station: Onsen, Shopping Street and Things to Do

Hakone kamakura pass: latest discount and reservation guide, more different travel information, tokyo to kawaguchiko station: complete guide for fuji bus, trains and buying tickets, 10 best ryokan in kawaguchiko with private onsen, kawaguchiko fugaku wind cave & narusawa ice cave" a unique experience of seeing icicles in hot summer, mount kachikachi ropeway in kawaguchiko: best cable car to enjoy mt. fuji, oshino hakkai: reviews, opening hours, transport from kawaguchiko to oshino hakkai, lake kawaguchiko sightseeing boat "appare", kawaguchiko music forest museum: opening hours, review, houtou fudou japanese noodles near kawaguchiko station, kawaguchiko herb festival: enjoy lavender & view of mt. fuji in summer, kawaguchiko herb hall & oike park.

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Welcome to the Auditing Foodie! We're a team of food-lovers that can't wait to share our passion for food with you. ☺

Kawaguchiko: Day trip out from Tokyo to one of the most beautiful towns near Mount Fuji

• 16 January 2023

With the reopening of Japan’s borders back in October 2022, many are planning a trip to beautiful Japan, and Tokyo is naturally one of the most popular destinations for tourists. With its centralised location in Japan, why not take a day trip out to Kawaguchiko, a small town located near Mount Fuji! Not only will you get to try your luck at seeing the elusive mountain, you will also be able to see Lake Kawaguchiko, which is the most visited lake of the Fuji Five Lakes. Read on to find out more about the beautiful town, as well as the relevant transportation instructions and costs involved.

Getting to and around

Get to Kawaguchiko station by taking a direct bus on the Keio Dentetsu Bus from Shinjuku or Shibuya station for ¥2,000 per pax. This bus is an express bus that travels on the highway, and takes approximately 2 hours. The bus is like a chartered coach, with plenty of legroom, and you can even lean your seat back to take a rest enroute. passengers would be able to put the chair down with plenty of legroom. The bus operates in 30-minute intervals, and I would minimally suggest visitors to take the 0815 bus latest so as to buffer for sufficient time in Kawaguchiko, and also to return to Tokyo for a late dinner. Do reserve the tickets online so as to secure your tickets beforehand.

After arriving at Kawaguchiko station, make sure to purchase the unlimited ride pass from the ticket counter within the station, which covers blue, green, and red sightseeing buses. The pass costs ¥1,500 and is valid for two days. You can also choose to pay via regular Suica card, but I personally recommend getting the unlimited ride pass for extra convenience and flexibility. Furthermore, it’s more economical to purchase the pass, since each bus ride costs approximately ¥160, and if you end up visiting more than 5 places as I did, the round way tickets would already cost more than ¥1,500.

The return trip back to Tokyo was a similar one as the departing trip, whereby I reserved the return ticket online for the same ¥2,000. Do note that traffic gets considerably congested on the way back, and the bus ride back took about 30-minutes more.

This map of the sightseeing buses in Kawaguchiko was my holy grail of the day. I wanted to maximise my limited 8 hours time, and hence I decided to only explore the town via the red bus route. Lake Kawaguchiko is along this route as well. However, if you’re looking to stay overnight, you can also choose to explore the blue and green sightseeing bus routes, where the Fuji-Q Highland theme park as well as the Gotemba Premium Outlets are.

Itinerary overview

Kawaguchiko station.

The express bus drops you off at Kawaguchiko station.  This is the main station that connects Kawaguchiko to other parts of Japan, with numerous bus connections. You can also purchase the tickets to the sightseeing buses of Kawaguchiko here.

The Kawaguchiko station is located in such a way that visitors will get to see Mount Fuji as a beautiful backdrop.

Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Start off at the 9 th stop on the red bus route: sightseeing boat and ropeway station.

As you might have guessed, the ropeway station is located on a steep slope, which gives visitors access to an observation deck near the Mount Tenjo summit. The tickets for the ropeway can be bought at the ropeway station itself, and cost ¥900 (roundtrip) or ¥500 (one-way). Visitors opting for the one-way ticket can choose to hike down the mountain trail which would take approximately 30 minutes. One thing to note is that the ropeway operates from 0930 – 1700 daily.

The beautiful ropeway is decorated in wooden tones, and ascends to a height of 1000m above sea level.

The observation deck has gorgeous panoramic views of both Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. I could also see the famous theme-park Fuji-Q Highlands below, which is known for its record breaking roller coaster rides. Unfortunately, at the point of my arrival, Mount Fuji was covered up by the clouds.

There is also a swing which costs ¥500 per pax, for that Instagram worthy shot of you swinging into Mount Fuji. However, the swing had stopped operating for the day even though I was there at 1200, which was puzzling as I could see no reason why they would stop operating midday.

Tip: Walk along a 10-min trail beyond the swing, which takes you to a secluded small observation tower with a higher vantage point of Mount Fuji as well as Lake Kawaguchiko.

Cheesecake Garden

After taking the ropeway, head to the Kawaguchiko Cheesecake Garden for a tea break. They are one of the most famous cheesecake shops in Kawaguchiko, and are known for using locally sourced fresh milk from cows in Asagiri park in their cakes. The shop is just a short 5 minutes unsheltered walk from the ropeway station, and operates daily from 0900 – 1700.

The alfresco dining is all the more beautiful given the fall foliage.

Try both their basque cheesecake (¥500) as well as the Fuji ripe cheesecake (¥500). Personally, I prefer the Fuji ripe cheesecake for its creaminess, and it is no wonder that it is the most popular item in the store!

Sightseeing boat

After the tea break, head to the Lake Kawaguchiko sightseeing boa t, which is directly opposite the Cheesecake Garden. The sightseeing boat sails around Lake Kawaguchiko in a loop. Tickets for the boat can be purchased near the pier, and cost ¥1,000 for each adult. Each boat runs for a duration of 20 minutes, and the operating frequency is every 30 minutes. Below are the opening hours depending on the season (accurate as of January 2023):

There are two types of sightseeing boats: Appare and Moguran. I took the former which resembles a traditional boat, whereby the latter spots a bright yellow submarine design.

I was speechless when I saw Mount Fuji grace itself. The view of the mountain from the lake was breathtakingly magnificent. This picture alone is already worth the price of the boat ticket, and I would highly recommend everyone to take the sightseeing boat on a good day.

Houtou Fudou

Next up, head to Houtou Fudou for lunch. Houtou is a vegetarian noodle soup dish that originated from Yamanashi prefecture, and is made from cooking udon noodles and vegetables together in a miso soup. To get to the restaurant, take the same red bus route and alight at the 15 th stop , Kawaguchiko music forest museum. From there, a 5 minutes’ walk will bring you to the restaurant.

The restaurant is located in a farm shed building and is an isolated building on its own, much like many of the other houses in the town. It also only offers one main dish, with some other side dishes for sharing. Naturally, I had to order everything.

The inari sushi was sizable, and the tofu skin was extremely sweet. I have come to realise that the inari sushi in Singapore will never reach the standards of Japan as the difference in taste is just too wide. Not only is the tofu skin sweeter, the sushi rice is also more flavourful than the Singapore versions.

The miso roast pork fillet is a limited quantity item on their menu,which is a real pity because the pork was cooked beautifully. It was extremely juicy and flavourful, with the miso giving the pork some umami flavour.

This was my first-time eating horse sashimi, and surprisingly, the taste is reminiscent of tuna. Not only is the colour similar, the flavour of the horse sashimi was also slightly salty and clean on the palate. For those open to trying it at least once, I do recommend ordering it at the restaurant. Unfortunately, eating horse meat is still a stigma that requires some getting used to, as horses are usually kept as pets or working livestock.

The main star of the meal was the houtou noodles. It was served in a giant serving bowl, and I was given a wooden ladle to use as a spoon. As an avid fan of meat, I would never have thought that I could enjoy a main dish that is vegetarian. The noodles had a springy texture to it as they were freshly cut, and each bowl had a piece of that sweet tofu skin in it.

Despite all those wonderful components, the key element has got to be the miso soup, which was imbued with the nuttiness from the pumpkin. By stewing all the sweet and fresh vegetables together, it releases all the sweetness of the ingredients into the soup, which is the backbone behind all the flavours in the bowl. I thoroughly enjoyed this vegetarian noodle soup.

The last stop of the day will be the 20 th stop at Oishi park. The park offers fantastic panoramic views of both Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji together, and in my opinion is one of the best spots in Kawaguchiko.

There was a souvenir shop as well as a small café selling some snacks such as dango and soft serve ice-cream. I came here in the evening, and there was a beautiful sunset glow cast upon the plants. Visitors can choose to walk along the 350m trail, with various seasonal flowers along the roadside. This is a walking trail that will calm your mind as you walk along and appreciate the beauty of the flowers with Mount Fuji in the background. I can’t emphasise enough on how tranquil it is and how happy it makes an urban dweller like me feel.

This view was absolutely stunning. The kochia flowers, also known as summer cypress, started turning red as it was transitioning to the fall season. However, the best part of it all was how I got to see that unblocked view of Mount Fuji, beyond the beautiful summer cypress. After being in Japan more than five times in my life, this was my first time seeing the unblocked Mount Fuji in all its glory, and it was so beautiful.

By now it should be around 5pm, and we recommend heading back to the Kawaguchiko station, 1st stop on the red bus sightseeing route to make it for the 1800 bus back to Tokyo. It was actually much more crowded as the sun was setting and visitors were looking to end their day, and the bus back to the station took approximately 45 mins.

This is personally my first trip to Kawaguchiko, wherein in the past I would visit Hakone for a trip near Mount Fuji. The difference between Kawaguchiko and Hakone is that the former is more urbanised. There were more shops, more cars on the roads, and even more places to visit. In contrast, while Hakone is more rural, the feeling of tranquility and peacefulness is unmatched. In general, I would recommend Kawaguchiko for the general visitors looking to take a day trip or two out, as there are plenty of scenic spots to visit, and Hakone for those that are looking for a slower paced, relaxing getaway. Check out this link for the top 4 places to visit in Hakone!

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Hi may I ask for the Sightseeing Bus Guide Map shown above, does Fuji Hakone Pass cover the route as well or I will still need to buy the unlimited ride pass from the counter station?

Hi, sorry for the late reply, but based on the japan guide website’s description of the Fuji Hakone Pass , seems like it will cover the route so there is no need to further purchase the unlimited ride pass. Do check with the ticket counter when you are purchasing the Fuji Hakone Pass though!

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เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น (Japan)

เที่ยวโตเกียว (tokyo), เที่ยวฮอกไกโด (hokkaido).

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• ของฝากจากญี่ปุ่น
• ท่องเที่ยวญี่ปุ่น
• อาหารญี่ปุ่น
• ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น
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• ประชาสัมพันธ์

เที่ยวคาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchiko) 1 วัน! วางแผนเดินทางไปชมภูเขาไฟฟูจิแบบชิลๆ

เราจะพาเพื่อนๆ เดินทางไปชมภูเขาไฟฟูจิที่ “คาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchiko)” ใน จังหวัดยามานาชิ (Yamanshi) กันนะคะ แหล่งท่องเที่ยวยอดฮิตไม่ไกลจาก โตเกียว (Tokyo) เป็นที่เที่ยวที่เหล่าแอดมินของเราชอบมากและชาวไทยอีกหลายๆ คนด้วย จนอาจจะเรียกที่ว่าเป็นจังหวัดที่ 78 ของไทยเลยก็ว่าได้!

ที่นี่มีทั้งทะเลสาบสวยๆ และยังมองเห็นวิวฟูจิได้ ใครเคยไปมาแล้วคงบอกเป็นเสียงเดียวกันว่ามันสุดยอดมาก และมีคนอีกมากมายที่อยากไป วันนี้เราจึงอยากมาแนะนำข้อมูลการวางแผนท่องเที่ยวและแชร์ประสบการณ์การเดินทางไปเที่ยวคาวากุจิโกะแบบที่ไม่เหมือนใคร ฟินมากนะคะ ขอบอกกก

ข้อมูลวางแผนเที่ยวคาวากุจิโกะ

เมื่อประมาณต้นเดือนตุลาคม แอดมินมีโอกาสเดินทางไปญี่ปุ่นเป็นช่วงสั้นๆ นับว่าเป็นช่วงที่การท่องเที่ยวธรรมชาติยังไม่บูมมาก ใบไม้ยังไม่ร่วง ดอกไม้ยังไม่บาน แต่ด้วยความอยากลองและความบ้าของเรารวมๆ กันแล้ว ทำให้ตัดสินใจเดินทางเที่ยวในช่วงที่เขาไม่เที่ยวกันนี่แหละค่ะ! และเหตุผลที่เลือกมาเที่ยวที่ คาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchiko) ก็เพราะไม่ไกลจากโตเกียวมาก ใช้เวลาประมาณะ 2-3 ชั่วโมง และสามารถเดินทางได้แบบไม่ต้องซื้อ Pass รถไฟ หรือนั่งชินคันเซ็นให้เปลืองทรัพย์สินจนสิ้นชีพ อิอิ

ที่นี่มีทั้ง วิวภูเขาไฟฟูจิ (Mount Fuji) สวยๆ แต่ต้องลุ้นกันหน่อยว่าฟูจิจะขี้อายมั้ย และ ทะเลสาบคาวากุจิโกะ (Lake Kawaguchiko) ซึ่งเป็นหนึ่งใน ทะเลสาบทั้งห้าที่รายล้อมภูเขาฟูจิ (Fuji Five Lakes) ที่สำคัญเราสามารถการวางแผนเที่ยวแบบเร่งด่วนภายใน 1 วันได้! (ใครไม่กลัวหลง ก็ทำตามได้นะคะ) และเราก็ยังสามารถเดินทางมาเที่ยวได้ใน 1 วันแบบไปเช้า-เย็นกลับ หรือจะเพิ่มความฟินด้วยการค้างที่โรงแรมที่นี่ซักหนึ่งคืนแล้วตื่นเช้าขึ้นมาสบตากับฟูจิก็ได้ค่ะ

การเดินทางมาคาวากุจิโกะ

เราโน้ตไว้แค่ชื่อสายรถไฟกับชื่อสถานี Kawaguchiko ไม่มีการซื้อพาสใดๆ สำหรับการเดินทางจากสถานี Shinjuku ในโตเกียว เราตอกตั๋วโดยใช้บัตรเติมเงิน Suica Card ซึ่งเป็นบัตรเติมเงิน IC Card และเดินทางมาด้วยรถไฟธรรมดาแบบบชิลๆ ค่ะ ส่วนคนไม่อยากจะซื้อพาสและต้องการราคาประหยัดแถมรวดเร็วก็แนะเป็นรถบัสค่ะ (ขออธิบายเพิ่มในหัวข้อถัดไป)

แต่สำหรับคนที่อยากใช้พาสเหมาจ่ายก็แนะนำ JR TOKYO Wide Pass (ผู้ใหญ่ราคา 10,180 เยน, เด็กราคา 5,090 เยน) ซึ่งสามารถใช้เดินทางได้จากโตเกียวจนมาถึงคาวากุจิโกะด้วยรถไฟด่วนได้โดยไม่ต้องจ่ายเงินเพิ่มค่ะ

 ⇒ เวลาเที่ยวจริง: ดูชื่อสายรถไฟ/รถบัส + ดูสถานี/ป้ายที่ลง + ถามกับเจ้าหน้าที่สถานี (ถ้าจำเป็น)

การเดินทางรอบทะเลสาบ

ที่สถานี Kawaguchiko มีรถบัสไปยังสถานที่ต่างๆ คิดว่าไม่น่าหลง เพราะมีแค่ 3 สาย ได้แก่

• Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red-Line): วิ่งรอบทะเลสาบคาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchiko)
• Saiko Sightseeing Bus (Green-Line): วิ่งไปทะเลสาบไซโกะ (Saiko)
• Narusawa/Shojiko/Motosuko Sightseeing Bus (Blue-Line) : วิ่งไปปทะเลสาบโมโตสุโกะ (Motosuko)

สำหรับการท่องเที่ยวรอบๆ ทะเลสาบคาวากุจิโกะ ก็จะใช้สายสีแดง “Red-Line” เป็นหลักค่ะ ซึ่งสามารถใช้ IC Card จ่ายค่าโดยสารได้ ส่วนคนที่จะขึ้นรถบัสหลายๆ รอบก็มีพาส Sightseeing Bus Pass ให้ใช้เที่ยวทุกเส้นทางใน 2 วันแบบไม่จำกัดเที่ยวค่ะ (ราคา ณ ปี 2023 ผู้ใหญ่ 1,700 เยน, เด็ก 850 เยน) สามารถซื้อได้ที่เคาน์เตอร์รถบัสในสถานี Kawaguchiko

⇒ เวลาเที่ยวจริง : ดูชื่อสถาที่ท่องเที่ยวเทียบกับแผนที่ป้ายรถบัส [ดาวน์โหลดแผนที่ ตารางเวลา และค่าโดยสารรถบัสได้ที่ » FUJIKYUKO BUS ]

สถานที่ท่องเที่ยวในคาวากุจิโกะ

ตอนที่วางแผนท่องเที่ยว เรารู้แค่ว่าแถวนี้สามารถชมฟูจิได้และมีทะเลสาบ! (เอิ๊ก) ซึ่งสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวอื่นๆ เราไปดูเอาหน้างานเลยค่ะ

⇒ เวลาเที่ยวจริง : ดูข้อมูลจากสถานี + ดูแผนที่ป้ายรถบัส (มีค่อนข้างครบ อันไหนคิดว่าน่าสนใจก็ลงที่นั่นค่ะ นอกจากว่าใครจะมีเป้าหมายพิเศษ ก็เตรียมกันหน่อย)

แค่นี้จริงๆนะ! นอกเหนือจากนี้สามารถหาได้รอบตัวเราเลย ที่สำคัญจะทำให้เพื่อนๆ เพิ่มทักษะการเอาตัวรอด การสังเกต และการใช้ชีวิตได้อีกมากโขค่ะ หรือถ้าไม่รู้ว่าจะไปไหนดีเราก็มีลิสรายชื่อสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวมาแนะนำซึ่งสามารถเที่ยวได้ใน 1 วันดังนี้ค่ะ

ตอนนี้เรามีรีวิวเที่ยวคาวากุจิโกะเยอะมาก เพื่อนๆ สามารถศึกษาข้อมูลสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวเพิ่มเติมได้จากลิงก์ท้ายบทความนี้เลยนะคะ

โรงแรมและที่พักในคาวากุจิโกะ

ที่พักที่นี่มีให้เลือกเยอะมากค่ะ หลากหลายราคาตามความหรูหรา ทั้งโรงแรม รีสอร์ท เกสเฮาส์ และโฮสเทล ซึ่งบางแห่งสามารถเห็นฟูจิได้จากห้องพักเลยค่ะ [ ค้นหาโรงแรมและเช็คราคาห้องพักได้ที่นี่ ] ถ้าใครไม่ค้างก็สามารถเที่ยวแบบ 1 วัน ไปเช้า-เย็นกลับได้ค่ะ

⇒ เวลาเที่ยวจริง : จองโรงแรมล่วงหน้า (เช็ครีวิวก่อนจอง) + ดูการเดินทาง (ถ้าไม่อยากนั่งรถบัสหรือเดิน สามารถเรียกแท็กซี่บริเวณหน้าสถานีได้)

อย่างไรก็ตามการเตรียมข้อมูลข้างต้นนั้นสามารถทำให้เราเตรียมแผนการเที่ยวได้ภายในเวลาเพียง 1 วัน (จริงๆ ใช้เวลาแค่ไม่กี่ชั่วโมง) เหมาะกับคนที่อยากเที่ยวแต่ไม่มีเวลาศึกษาข้อมูลมากนัก และอีกอย่างคือ ไม่ได้กำจัดเวลาเที่ยว เน้นพักผ่อน ฉะนั้นเที่ยวสบายๆ จ้าาา (แต่ว่าอย่างน้อยต้องมีข้อมูลสำรองในกรณีหลงนะคะ)

มีอุปกรณ์ติดตัวมาเท่านี้ แผนเที่ยวอยู่ในสมุดบันทึกสารรูปเกินบรรยายนั่นเลยจ้า

วิธีการเดินทางมาคาวากุจิโกะ

วางแผนเที่ยวเสร็จแล้วก็แนะนำกันเรื่องการเดินทางซะหน่อย จากโตเกียวมาคาวากุจิโกะ นั้นมีหลายวิธี ขึ้นอยู่กับว่าเราสะดวกเดินทางแบบไหน มีเวลาเท่าไหร่ค่ะ

การเดินทางจากโตเกียว

สามารถเลือกวิธีการเดินทางจากโตเกียวมายังคาวากุจิโกะได้ 5 วิธี ได้แก่

1. นั่งรถไฟขบวน FUJI EXCURSION (1 ชั่วโมง 55 นาที / 4,130 เยน)

เป็นรถไฟด่วนขบวนใหม่แบบ Limited Express ที่จะวิ่งตรงจากสถานี Shinjuku ไปยังสถานี Kawaguchiko โดยไม่ต้องเปลี่ยนขบวนรถ มีให้บริการทุกวัน ใช้เวลาเดินทางไม่ถึง 2 ชั่วโมง ค่าโดยสาร 4,130 เยน

Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko

Kawaguchiko → shinjuku.

• JR TOKYO Wide Pass สามารถใช้นั่งรถไฟพร้อมจองที่นั่งได้ฟรีตลอดเส้นทางตั้งแต่ Shinjuku – Kawaguchiko
• JR PASS (All area) และ JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area หรือ Nagano, Niigata area) สามารถใช้นั่งรถไฟได้ฟรีตั้งแต่ Shinjuku – Otsuki แต่ต้องเสียเงินเพิ่มตั้งแต่สถานี Otsuki – Kawaguchiko (1,770 เยน)

ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม: jreast.co.jp (ภาษาอังกฤษ)

2. นั่งรถไฟด่วน JR + Fujikyu Railway (2 ชั่วโมง 25 นาที / 3,530 เยน)

นั่งรถไฟด่วน Limited Express โดยขบวน AZUZA หรือ KAIJI ของบริษัท JR จากสถานี Shinjuku มาลงที่สถานี Otsuki (ค่าโดยสาร 2,360 เยน รวมจองที่นั่ง) จากนั้นต้องต่อรถไฟของ Fujikyu Railway มาลงสถานี Kawaguchiko (ค่าโดยสาร 1,170 เยน ※ หากเป็นรถด่วนหรือมีการจองที่นั่งจะมีค่าใช้จ่ายเพิ่มเติม) รวมค่าโดยสารทั้งสิ้น 3,530 เยน ข้อดีคือมีรถไฟให้เลือกหลายรอบ

• JR PASS (All area) และ JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area หรือ Nagano, Niigata area) สามารถใช้นั่งรถไฟ JR พร้อมจองที่นั่งได้ฟรีตั้งแต่ Shinjuku – Otsuki แต่ต้องเสียเงินเพิ่มในส่วนของ Fujikyu Railway ตั้งแต่สถานี Otsuki – Kawaguchiko

ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม: วิธีการเดินทางด้วยรถไฟไปคาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchiko) จากสถานี Shinjuku (โตเกียว)

3. นั่งรถไฟธรรมดา + Fujikyu Railway (2 ชั่วโมง 37 นาที / 2,510 เยน)

วิธีการนี้ประหยัด แต่ต้องนั่งรถไฟประมาณ 3 ต่อเป็นอย่างน้อย จากสถานี Shinjuku – Tokao – Otsuki มีให้เลือกทั้งบริษัท JR และ Keio ขึ้นอยู่กับช่วงเวลาที่เดินทาง) (ค่าโดยสารสำหรับรถไฟ JR ประมาณ 1,340 เยน ถ้าขึ้นสาย Keio ก็จะเหลือ 960 เยน) และต่อรถไฟของ Fujikyu Railway จากสถานี Otsuki – Kawaguchiko (ค่าโดยสาร 1,170 เยน) เหมาะสำหรับคนที่ไม่ได้ซื้อพาสอะไรเลยและอยากนั่งรถไฟแบบใจเย็นๆ

4. นั่งรถบัส Shinjuku – Kawaguchiko (1 ชั่วโมง 45 นาที / 2,200 เยน)

นั่งรถบัสด่วน Highway Bus จากท่ารถ Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal มาลงที่หน้าสถานี Kawaguchiko ใช้เวลาประมาณ 1 ชั่วโมง 45 นาที (ขึ้นอยู่กับสภาพการจราจร) ค่าโดยสารสำหรับผู้ใหญ่ 2,000 เยน / เด็ก 1,100 เยน หลายคนนิยมวิธีนี้เพราะประหยัดสุดและไม่ต้องต่อรถ (สามารถจองตั๋วล่วงหน้าทางออนไลน์ได้ 1 เดือน)

ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม: วิธีการจองรถบัส (Highway Bus) ไป Kawaguchiko จาก Shinjuku (โตเกียว)

5. นั่งรถบัส Shibuya – Kawaguchiko (1 ชั่วโมง 30 นาที / 2,100 เยน)

นั่งรถบัสด่วน Highway Bus จากท่ารถ Shibuya Mark City Highway Bus Terminal มาลงที่หน้าสถานี Kawaguchiko ใช้เวลาประมาณ 1 ชั่วโมง 30 นาที (ขึ้นอยู่กับสภาพการจราจร) ค่าโดยสารสำหรับผู้ใหญ่ 2,100 เยน / เด็ก 1,050 เยน (สามารถจองตั๋วล่วงหน้าทางออนไลน์ได้ 1 เดือน)

ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม: highway-buses.jp (ภาษาไทย)

6. นั่งรถบัส Tokyo Station – Kawaguchiko (2 ชั่วโมง 5 นาที / 2,060 เยน)

นั่งรถบัสด่วน Highway Bus จากท่ารถ Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit มาลงที่หน้าสถานี Kawaguchiko ใช้เวลาประมาณ 2 ชั่วโมง 5 นาที (ขึ้นอยู่กับสภาพการจราจร) ค่าโดยสารสำหรับผู้ใหญ่ 2,060 เยน / เด็ก 1,030 เยน (สามารถจองตั๋วล่วงหน้าทางออนไลน์ได้ 1 เดือน)

ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม: japanbusonline.com

การเดินทางจากสนามบินนาริตะ

สามารถเลือกวิธีการเดินทางจากสนาบินนาริตะมายังคาวากุจิโกะได้ 2 วิธี ได้แก่

1. นั่งรถไฟหรือรถบัสเข้าเมืองแล้วต่อรถที่ Shinjuku

จะเลือกนั่งรถไฟอะไรก็ได้ไมว่าจะเป็นบริษัท JR หรือ Keisei หรือรถบัสจากสนามบินนาริตะเข้าเมืองโตเกียว แล้วมาตั้งต้นที่สถานี Shinjuku เพื่อต่อรถไปยัง Kawaguchiko ตามวิธีที่แนะนำไปด้านบนที่เดินทางจากโตเกียว

ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม: สนามบินนาริตะ (Narita Airport) และวิธีการเดินทางเข้าเมืองโตเกียว

2. นั่งรถบัส Express Bus ※จะเปิดให้บริการตั้งแต่ 1 สิงหาคม 2023

นั่งรถบัสจากสนามบินนาริตะวิ่งตรงไปสถานี Kawaguchiko ได้หยุดให้บริการไปตั้งแต่ช่วงโควิด และจะกลับมาเปิดให้จะเปิดให้บริการอีกครั้งตั้งแต่ 1 สิงหาคม 2023 โดยมีรถให้บริการเพียงรอบเดียวต่อวันเท่านั้น ใช้เวลาเดินทางเกือบ 4 ชั่วโมง ค่าโดยสารราคาปกติ 5,000 เยน

Narita Airport → Kawaguchiko

Kawaguchiko → narita airport, การเดินทางจากสนามบินฮาเนดะ.

สามารถเลือกวิธีการเดินทางจากสนามบินฮาเนดะมายังคาวากุจิโกะได้ 2 วิธี ได้แก่

1. นั่งรถไฟหรือรถบัสเข้าเมืองแล้วต่อรถที่ Hamamatsucho หรือ Shinagawa

จะเลือกนั่งรถไฟอะไรก็ได้หรือรถบัสจากสนามบินฮาเนดะเข้าโตเกียวที่สถานี Hamamatsucho หรือ Shinagawa เพื่อต่อรถไฟของ JR มาตั้งต้นที่สถานี Shinjuku เพื่อต่อรถไปยัง Kawaguchiko ตามวิธีที่แนะนำไปด้านบนที่เดินทางจากโตเกียว

ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม: สนามบินฮาเนดะ (Haneda Airport) และวิธีการเดินทางเข้าเมืองโตเกียว

2. นั่งรถบัส Express Bus

นั่งรถบัสจากสนามจากสนามบินฮาเนดะ วิ่งตรงไปสถานี Kawaguchiko ใช้เวลาเดินทางเกือบ 3 ชั่วโมง เดิมมีบริการ 6 เที่ยวต่อวัน และได้หยุดให้บริการชั่วคราวไปในช่วงการแพร่ระบาดของไวรัส ปัจจุบันได้กลับมาเปิดวิ่ง 1 เที่ยว รอบ 14:40 น. ค่าโดยสารอยู่ที่ 2,520 เยน (สามารถจองตั๋วล่วงหน้าทางออนไลน์ได้ 1 เดือน)

Haneda Airport → Kawaguchiko

Kawaguchiko → haneda airport, รีวิวการเดินทางมาคาวากุจิโกะแบบชิลๆ.

ส่วนตัวเราเลือกนั่งรถไฟธรรมดาจ้า เพราะไม่อยากนั่งกร่อยบนบัส นั่งรถไฟอิสระกว่าด้วย รถไฟจะมีหลายสายให้เลือกใช้ ถึงจะนั่งหลายต่อหน่อยแต่ราคาถูกสุดในบรรดารถไฟธรรมดาแล้ว เราเลือกใช้ Keio Line (ถูกกว่า JR) แต่วิธีนี้เหมาะสำหรับคนที่มีเวลาเที่ยวชิลๆ และต้องการความแปลกใหม่นะคะ ถ้าต้องการความรวดเร็วและไม่อยากต่อรถ แนะนำให้ขึ้นรถไฟด่วนอย่าง FUJI EXCURSION หรือรถบัสไปเลยดีกว่าเพราะต่อเดียวถึงค่ะ

การเดินทางของเราก็มีดังนี้ค่ะ

• จากสถานี Shinjuku นั่งรถไฟ Keio Line Special Exp. มาลงที่สถานี Kitano แล้วต่อสาย Keio Takao Line มาลงที่สถานี Takao ค่าโดยสาร 360 เยน (ปัจจุบันปรับขึ้นเป็น 370 เยน)
• จากสถานี Takao นั่งรถไฟ JR Chuo Main Line มาลงที่สถานี Otsuki ค่าโดยสาร 580 เยน (ปัจจุบันปรับขึ้นเป็น 590 เยน)
• จากสถานี Otsuki นั่งรถไฟ Fujikyu Railway มาลงสถานี Kawaguchiko ค่าโดยสาร 1,140 เยน (ปัจจุบันปรับขึ้นเป็น 1,170 เยน)

รวมค่าโดยสารทั้งสิ้น 2,080 เยน (ปัจจุบันปรับขึ้นเป็น 2,130 เยน)

• เวลาซื้อตั๋ว สามารถซื้อตั๋วระยะทาง Shinjuku – Takao ไม่ต้องซื้อตั๋ว 2 ต่อ ตั๋วรถมันฉลาด
• ใครที่ไม่อยากชิลแบบเราหรือมีพาสอยู่แล้ว ก็แนะนำให้ขึ้นรถด่วนต่อเดียวจาก Shinjuku เลยค่ะ

การเดินจาก Shinjuku – Otsuki

เริ่มต้นด้วยการขึ้นรถไฟสาย Keio รถไฟออกจากสถานี Shinjuku ในโตเกียวเวลาประมาณ 9:40 น. ถึงคาวากุจิโกะ ประมาณ 12:23 น. ใช้เวลาเกือบ 3 ชั่วโมง แต่ว่าการเดินทางก็ไม่ได้น่าเบื่อนัก

ระหว่างทางจะเห็นคนญี่ปุ่นขนของไปปีนเขากันเยอะเลย รอบๆ ตัวไม่มีคนต่างชาติ เรียกว่าเป็นบรรยากาศที่แปลกไปอีกแบบค่ะ ชมวิว ป่าเขา เจอนักเรียนญี่ปุ่นบ้าง พวกเด็กมหาลัยขนของไปตั้งแคมป์บ้าง โมเมนต์ส่องเด็กก็ถือว่าเป็นอาหารตาฆ่าเวลา อิอิ ในส่วนของการนั่งรถก็ไม่ลำบากเพราะว่าในขบวนมีประกาศภาษาอังกฤษตลอดค่ะ

ในส่วนของการต่อรถจากสถานี Kitano เนื่องจากสถานีนี้เป็นสถานีสุดท้ายแต่เราไม่รู้เพราะเสียงประกาศมันเบา และบางสถานีมันจอดรอนานมากกก เลยคิดว่ามันจะวิ่งต่อแต่นานมากคนก็หายไปกันหมด จนต้องลงรถมาดู จะถามคนแถวนั้นก็มีเราคนเดียว 555 ก็ถามคนขับซะเลย เขาก็น่ารักมาก บอกภาษาอังกฤษเป็นคำๆ ว่าถึง “ที่นี่คิตะโนะครับ” แล้วเราก็ได้ต่อสาย Chuo Line ด้วยประการละฉะนี้ นั่งครองรถไฟอยู่ตั้งนาน (ฮา) ต่อจากนั้นก็นั่งสาย Chuo Line ไปลงสถานี Otsuki อย่างปลอดภัย

การต่อรถไฟสาย Fujikyu Railway

จากสถานี Otsuki ต้องต่อรถไฟสาย Fujikyu Railway จนถึงสถานี Kawaguchiko โดยก่อนถึงสถานี Kawaguchiko รถไฟจะจอดที่สถานี Mt.Fuji แล้วรถจะวิ่งย้อนกลับ ไม่ต้องตกใจนะ นั่นเป็นสัญญาณว่า เราใกล้ถึงแล้วจ้า

สุดท้ายขออำลาด้วยภาพแรกขณะลงจากชานชาลาค่ะ ซึ๋งก็คือรถไฟสาย Fuji Tozan นั่นเอง (เมื่อตอนที่เราไปเมื่อปี 2015 ยังไม่มีหลังคาตรงชานชาลาเลย) ตอนหน้าเราจะเริ่มผจญภัยในโลกกว้างที่คาวากุจิโกะแล้ว รอติดตามชมต่อต่อไปนะคะ

อ่านตอนต่อไป » [รีวิว] ไปชิลๆ ที่คาวากุจิโกะกันเถอะ! แวะช้อปที่ Kawaguchiko Herb Hall

เทียบราคาโรงแรมที่พักในคาวากุจิโกะ

บทความเที่ยวคาวากุจิโกะ (kawaguchiko), › การเดินทาง.

• เที่ยวคาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchiko) 1 วัน! วางแผนเดินทางไปชิลๆ กันเถอะ!
• วิธีการจองรถบัส (Highway Bus) ไป Kawaguchiko จาก Shinjuku (โตเกียว)
• วิธีการเดินทางด้วยรถไฟไปคาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchiko) จากสถานี Shinjuku (โตเกียว)

สถานที่ท่องเที่ยว

› บริเวณรอบทะเลสาบ.

• [รีวิว] สถานีคาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchiko Station) แนะนำร้านค้าและโรงแรมรอบๆ สถานี
• [รีวิว] Kawaguchiko Herb Hall แวะช้อปที่พิพิธภัณฑ์สมุนไพร
• [รีวิว] ไปชิลๆ ที่คาวากุจิโกะกันเถอะ! ชมวิวทะเลสาบคาวากุจิโกะและภูเขาไฟฟูจิ
• [รีวิว] เที่ยว Kawaguchiko ในวันที่ฝนตก อากาศไม่เป็นใจ ก็เพลินได้
• [รีวิว] Kawaguchiko Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway กระเช้าชมทะเลสาบคาวากุจิโกะ
• [รีวิว] Kawaguchiko Music Forest พิพิธภัณฑ์เครื่องดนตรีในบรรยากาศหมู่บ้านยุโรป
• [รีวิว] Kawaguchiko Momiji Kairo อุโมงค์ใบไม้เปลี่ยนสีคาวากุจิโกะ
• [รีวิว] สวนโออิชิ (Oishi Park) ชมทุ่งลาเวนเดอร์ในฝันริมทะเลสาาบคาวากุจิโกะ

› บริเวณใกล้เคียง

• [รีวิว] เจดีย์แดงชูเรโต (Chureito Pagoda) ชมภูเขาไฟฟูจิแบบแจ่มๆ
• [รีวิว] ภูเขาไฟฟูจิชั้น 5 – ฟูจิสุบารุ (Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station)
• [รีวิว] เที่ยวงาน Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Pink Moss)
• [รีวิว] ชม Shibazakura+เครื่องเล่น 4D Fuji Airways ที่ Fuji Q Highland
• [รีวิว] Oshino Shinobi no Sato Ninja Village บุกหมู่บ้านนินจา
• [รีวิว] Oshino Hakkai หมู่บ้านน้ำใสโอชิโนะฮักไกแห่งภูเขาไฟฟูจิ
• [รีวิว] KABA BUS ลุยทะเลสาบยามานากะโกะ (Yamanakako) กับรถฮิปโป
• [รีวิว] Saiko Bat Cave พาไปเข้าถ้ำลาวาที่ทะเลสาบไซโกะ (Saiko Lake)

ร้านค้าและร้านอาหาร

• [รีวิว] FUJIYAMA COOKIE คุกกี้ของฝากขึ้นชื่อของ Kawaguchiko
• [รีวิว] Kawaguchiko Cheese Cake Garden พักเติมพลังกับชีสเค้กอร่อยๆ
• [รีวิว] Fuji Tempura IDATEN ร้านเทมปุระอร่อยๆ ใกล้สถานี Kawaguchiko
• [รีวิว] JAPANESE RESTAURANT Mt.Fuji View ร้านอาหารหน้าสถานี Kawaguchiko
• [รีวิว] คอร์สแช่ออนเซ็น & กินชาบูชาบูในฝันที่ Sakuraan Kawaguchiko Hotel

โรงแรมที่พัก

• [รีวิว] Plaza Inn Kawaguchiko โรงแรมราคาประหยัด ตรงข้ามสถานี Kawaguchiko

+ ดูบทความเที่ยวคาวากุจิโกะทั้งหมด

รูปภาพที่มีโลโก้และบทความในเว็บไซต์ ถือเป็นลิขสิทธิ์ของ JapanKakkoii.com

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

[รีวิว] เที่ยวศาลเจ้าชิโมกาโมะ (shimogamo shrine) ศาลเจ้าอายุ 2,000 ปี ของเกียวโต, 21 ไอเดียของฝากจากญี่ปุ่น ของฝากน่าซื้อ ห้ามพลาด ไปญี่ปุ่นซื้ออะไรดี, [รีวิว] เที่ยววัดฮมมันจิ (homman-ji temple) ชมซากุระยักษ์ยืนหนึ่งของเกียวโต, [รีวิว] เที่ยวสวนมารุยามะ (maruyama park) ชมซากุระร้องไห้ชื่อดังของเกียวโต, [รีวิว] เที่ยวอุทยานแห่งชาติเกียวโตเกียวเอ็น (kyoto gyoen national garden) ชมซากุระโบราณ, alpine-takayama-matsumoto area tourist pass พาสเดียวเที่ยวไม่อั้น nagoya – japan alps.

ติดตามเราได้ที่!

สถานที่ยอดนิยม

ย่านชินจูกุ (shinjuku), แผนที่ญี่ปุ่น รายชื่อ 8 ภูมิภาคและ 47 จังหวัดของประเทศญี่ปุ่น, บทความท่องเที่ยวล่าสุด, บทความยอดนิยม, 18 แบรนด์เครื่องสำอางญี่ปุ่น ที่ไม่ควรพลาดเมื่อไปเยือนญี่ปุ่น, กระเป๋าคอลเลคชั่นใหม่ จากแบรนด์ bao bao issey miyake พร้อมราคาเงินเยน, 16 ครีมญี่ปุ่น และเจลแบบ all in one ที่น่าลอง, ปลั๊กไฟญี่ปุ่น กระแสไฟฟ้าที่ญี่ปุ่น เขาใช้แบบไหนกันนะ.

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Tokyo & Fujikawaguchiko: A 3-Day Cultural and Scenic Itinerary

April 22, 2024 · 2 min read

Embark on a captivating 3-day adventure through the bustling cityscapes of Tokyo and the tranquil vistas of Fujikawaguchiko. Begin your journey amidst the lush greenery of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a peaceful haven in the heart of Tokyo. Spend the rest of your first day getting lost in the characteristic neighborhood of Shinjuku City, where modern life and traditional culture blend seamlessly. Day two is a feast for the senses, starting with the modern architecture and art exhibits of Roppongi Hills, followed by panoramic views from the iconic Tokyo Tower. Delve into history at Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and conclude the day gazing over the city from the towering Tokyo Skytree. The final day takes you away from the city's hustle to the serene Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. Glide over treetops on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Ensoleille around Lake Kawaguchi, and relax by the lake's shores, reflecting on the unforgettable moments of your trip.

• Day 1: Serene Mornings to Vibrant Nights in Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Begin your Tokyo adventure with a peaceful stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a lush oasis amidst the city's hustle. As the first stop of your day, this expansive park offers a serene setting to relax and rejuvenate. With well-manicured lawns, meandering paths, and traditional Japanese, English, and French garden designs, it's a picturesque retreat that promises a tranquil start to your day. Spend a couple of hours here to soak in the natural beauty and perhaps enjoy a leisurely picnic under the cherry blossoms if the season allows.

Attraction Info

• 11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 10/1-3/14,Tue-Sun,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 3/15-6/30,Tue-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 7/1-8/20,Tue-Sun,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 8/21-9/30,Tue-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Closed on Mon，*The park is open every Monday from March 25 to April 24 and November 1 to 15; Rest days: year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd).

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Shinjuku City

After unwinding in the greenery of Shinjuku Gyoen, dive into the heart of Tokyo's dynamic urban life with a visit to Shinjuku City. This characteristic neighborhood is your second destination, where you can immerse yourself in a day-long exploration of its endless offerings. From towering skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts to hidden izakayas and lively entertainment spots, Shinjuku is a microcosm of Tokyo's multifaceted charm. Experience the contrast of day and night as you wander through its streets, discovering both the traditional and modern facets of Japanese culture.

• Tokyo, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Open 24 hours

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku kuyakusho-mae capsule hotel, hotel yuyukan.

• Day 2: Tokyo's Towers and Temples Tour

Roppongi Hills

Begin your second day in Tokyo with architectural splendor at Roppongi Hills, a towering testament to modern design. Spend a couple of hours exploring its sleek contours and the Mori Art Museum, where contemporary art meets sky-high views. This urban complex is not just a feast for the eyes but also a hub for culture and entertainment, making it the perfect starting point for today's metropolitan adventure.

• 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan

Tokyo Tower

Next, ascend to new heights at Tokyo Tower, an iconic symbol of Japan's capital. With just an hour at this landmark, you'll have ample time to soak in the panoramic views from the observation deck. Marvel at the cityscape that stretches into the horizon, and capture the memory with photos against the backdrop of this red and white steel giant.

• 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 9:00am-10:30pm，Main Deck(150m): 9:00-22:30（Last admission 22:00) Top Deck Tour(250m)：9:00-22:15（Last admission 21:30-21:45）

Step from modernity into history with a visit to Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and traditional architecture for an hour, as you wander through the historic grounds. Pay your respects at the main hall, marvel at the imposing Thunder Gate, and perhaps find a fortune at the omikuji stalls. Sensō-ji is a monument not just to faith, but to the enduring soul of Tokyo.

• 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
• Open from 4/1-9/30,6:00am-5:00pm;Open from 10/1-3/31,6:30am-5:00pm

Tokyo Skytree

Conclude your day's journey at Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan and a new-age beacon in the city's skyline. With an hour to explore, take the opportunity to gaze out from the observation decks and witness the breathtaking scope of Tokyo as it lights up at dusk. The Skytree offers a different perspective from Tokyo Tower, ensuring your day is rounded off with a unique and unforgettable view.

• 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
• Open from 04/01-04/06,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 04/08-04/13,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 04/16-04/20,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 04/22-04/27,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/07-05/11,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/13-05/14,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/16-05/18,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/20-05/25,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/27-05/31,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 10:00am-9:00pm on 04/15;Open 10:00am-9:00pm on 05/15;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 04/07;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 04/14;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 04/21;Open from 04/28-05/02,9:00am-10:00pm;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 05/12;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 05/19;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 05/26;Open from 05/03-05/06,8:00am-10:00pm，Last admission for the TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck is 8 p.m. for the TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Galleria is 8:30 p.m

Hotel Livemax Asakusa Sky Front

Entire typical japanese house1min walk to skytree.

• Day 3: Scenic Heights and Lake Serenity in Fujikawaguchiko

Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park

Begin your final day with a tranquil morning at Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park, a city park nestled in the scenic beauty of Fujikawaguchiko. As the first stop of the day, this park offers a peaceful retreat with its lush greenery and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. Spend a couple of hours strolling through the well-maintained paths, enjoying the local flora, and preparing your senses for a day filled with picturesque landscapes.

• 1163-1 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0303, Japan
• Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

After rejuvenating at the park, elevate your Fujikawaguchiko experience by taking a ride on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Located conveniently at the same address as your first stop, this cable car journey is a brief yet unforgettable 30-minute adventure that provides awe-inspiring views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding lakes. Glide smoothly upwards and capture the panoramic vistas that unfold before your eyes.

• Suggested tour duration: 30 minutes
• Open on Mon-Fri,9:00am-4:00pm;Open on Sat-Sun,9:00am-5:00pm

Ensoleille Excursion Ship Pleasure Boat Kawaguchiko

Continue your exploration of the area's natural wonders with a leisurely boat trip aboard the Ensoleille Excursion Ship Pleasure Boat Kawaguchiko. Just a short trip from the ropeway, this one-hour cruise offers a unique perspective of the majestic Mt. Fuji and the serene Lake Kawaguchi. Feel the gentle breeze and take in the tranquil atmosphere as you glide across the water, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

• 4034 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan
• Open from 9:30am-4:00pm

Lake Kawaguchi

Conclude your three-day journey by unwinding at the iconic Lake Kawaguchi. Spend your last three hours basking in the serene ambiance of this renowned destination. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the grandeur of Mt. Fuji, offering a perfect backdrop for contemplation or photography. Whether you choose to relax on the shores or engage in some of the available water activities, Lake Kawaguchi is the ideal finale to your Fujikawaguchiko itinerary.

• Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Nanturu-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 3 hour

Beautiful Mt.Fuji B

Fuji lake hotel.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Transporting Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, Direct Train - Japan Forum

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Transporting Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, Direct Train

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We bought the tickets in advance through the online website. On the website, this train can be navigated through selection of ' chou line '.

Please note, the total train fare has to include ' base ticket fare ' and additional ' express/ special train fare '. We selected to buy both online.

A QR code can be generated online to collect the paper tickets through a vending machine. We took the tickets from a vending machine at Tokyo station . You have to check online as to from which stations you can collect the tickets.

At Kawaguchiko station when you get down, it is checked if the total fare is paid or not. We saw a lot of tourists being guided to pay the ' base fare ' before exiting the gates at the station .

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Sparked by two huge eagles, Stephen Ames rules (again) at Mitsubishi Electric Classic

Daily Wrap Up

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So, for those who have had one, do you remember how you celebrated your 60th birthday? Stephen Ames will not soon forget his. His milestone day was marked not only with a two-decker cake at breakfast, but a nice trophy, too. Collecting them has become a new hobby.

Ames continued his torrid play of the last two seasons on the PGA TOUR Champions, making not one, but two eagles Sunday at TPC Sugarloaf and eventually pulling away to win comfortably at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship just outside Atlanta. He shot 5-under 67, finished at 14-under 202, and jumped to the top of the Charles Schwab Cup standings.

After winning two times in his first 175 starts on PGA TOUR Champions, Ames now has won in six of his last 29 starts, a stretch that began just over a year ago. Ames becomes the first PGA TOUR Champions competitor to win twice this season, having captured the Chubb Classic two months earlier.

“It was like, 'Hey, now I gave myself an opportunity (with his Saturday 64),' and I took the opportunity in hand, which is nice,” said Ames, who won by four shots over Doug Barron (bogey-free 69) and Paul Broadhurst (72). Steven Alker (71) and K.J. Choi (70) tied for fourth at 9-under.

Stephen Ames makes birdie putt on No. 18 at Mitsubishi

Born in Trinidad & Tobago, a resident of Turks and Caicos and longtime holder of a Canadian passport, Ames has uncovered something in his game over the past two seasons. He always has had the elite ball-striking – it was good enough to win four times on the PGA TOUR, including a signature win at THE PLAYERS Championship in 2006. But it is his improved putting that has jettisoned him into becoming a weekly contender among the over-50 set. He delivered an exclamation point on his victory with a 35-footer for birdie at his final hole.

When the ball vanished, Ames held his arms outstretched and smiled, as if to tell the fans at TPC Sugarloaf, “Any questions?” There were none.

Sunday’s convincing triumph was the third for Ames on the property, which staged a PGA TOUR event for 11 years. Not only was Ames defending champion, but he also collected his very first Champions triumph at TPC Sugarloaf, in 2017. After a rocky opening-round 71 on Friday that included a pair of double bogeys (and another hole-out eagle) and left him six shots off the lead, Ames was in a class of his own over the weekend. Saturday, he made eight birdies in a 64 that tied the tournament scoring mark; Sunday took a bit, but heated up to turn into something special. Only one player (Tom Pernice Jr., who went out early and shot 66) would fire a lower final round.

After a somewhat slow start to his Sunday (1-under through five holes), Ames holed out his third from 82 yards for eagle at the 569-yard sixth, spinning a wedge into the hole, and was off and running. As he stood over his third shot, Ames trailed Broadhurst, the 36-hole leader, by three; when his eagle fell and Broadhurst made bogey from a poor lie in a front bunker, the two players walked to the seventh tee tied at 12-under.

Stephen Ames makes birdie on No. 14 at Mitsubishi

“I had a straight uphill putt,” Ames said. “That made the putt a little easier ... I mean, I kind of snowballed everything and obviously made the gap a little bit bigger for me to come home, just kind of cruise away at the end.”

The day’s final group had featured the Nos. 1 (Alker), 2 (Broadhurst) and 4 (Ames) players in the season’s Charles Schwab Cup standings. All three were seeking their second victory of 2024; Ames came in as defending champion, and Broadhurst won just last week in Dallas (Invited Celebrity Classic) after going winless for more than five years. He was trying to become the first Champions TOUR player to win in back-to-back weeks since Bernhard Langer in 2017.

Broadhurst, 58, was right there, too, until the par-4 12 th , where he happened to make an untimely double. He was hole-high in two shots at the difficult 433-yard par 4, but his slick downhill chip picked up too much speed past the hole and tumbled off the far edge of the green. He chipped again, missed the bogey putt, and made 6, a huge setback.

Minutes later, Ames stepped to the tee at the 310-yard 13th and ripped a perfect driver that bounced perfectly just short of the green and ran 20 feet past the hole. He would make the uphill putt for eagle-2, stretching out to 14-under. Alker also drove the green at 13 and made a clutch 9-footer for birdie, but now was two back. Ames quickly added a birdie at 14 with a 12-footer that stayed on the left edge and tumbled in, and his lead had widened to three.

Ames would leave a small opening when he dropped shots at Nos. 15 and 16 after short misses, but Alker, the 2022 Player of the Year on Champions, failed to capitalize. Bogey-free through his first 14 holes, Alker uncharacteristically made three consecutive bogeys starting at 15. He also hit his approach into a fronting pond at 18, but managed to save par.

Why the sudden surge for Ames? Several factors. He credits the hard work he has done with Canadian coach Shauheen Nakhjavani over the past six years. Having overcome a shoulder injury, Ames keeps himself in terrific physical shape, hitting the gym four to five times a week. He stays mentally sharp after reuniting with psychologist Alan Fine, with whom Ames worked a decade ago on the PGA TOUR, climbing as high as 17th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

All the work, mainly what he has done with Nakhjavani, has allowed him to be much more consistent.

“We've worked on the same thing, somewhat the same things, and we keep refining it and getting it better where I feel a lot more comfortable when I'm playing golf, which I do right now,” he said. “I feel a lot more comfortable, pick my shot, pick my aim and just hit it. It's nice. It's just letting go, a lot easier to let go right now for me.”

At 60, Ames is a renewed, happy and rejuvenated man. As Ames approached the 18th green, the fans at TPC Sugarloaf serenaded with “Happy Birthday,” Ames playfully directing the chorus by waving his arms. He would have been pleased to two-putt from 35 feet, but hey, it was his birthday, after all, and his ball, carrying plenty of speed, hit the flagstick head-on and vanished.

Huge smile. It was a fitting ending for a 60 th birthday that Ames will not soon forget.

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Charles Barkley Jokes Pelicans Don't Even Deserve Offseason Trip to Cancun

• Author: Patrick Andres

If you're a New Orleans Pelicans fan, Saturday was bad enough. The Pelicans completely came apart in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder , losing 106–85 to go down 3–0.

If you're a New Orleans fan who happens to call Galveston, Texas, home, things became significantly worse after the game.

Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley lit into the Pelicans on TNT's Inside the NBA , suggesting they had played so poorly as to earn a trip to the Gulf Coast city.

"We're not even gonna send them to Cancun. We're gonna send them to Galveston with that dirty a-- water," Barkley said, referencing the Gulf of Mexico beaches. "Y'all quit. Drive your a-- down to Galveston."

Chuck’s had it with the Pelicans 💀 pic.twitter.com/hko6mQY8kN — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 27, 2024

The moment left the panel—including Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal—in such hysterics that the show's crew could be heard laughing in the background.

"We're not even giving them a plane ticket to the beach. We're sending their a-- to Galveston, Texas," Barkley said. "Right where that dirty water washed up on the beach. They can't even get in the water."

If you work for Galveston's tourism bureau, you have a Monday ahead of you.

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