Kawaguchiko: Where Mt. Fuji Meets Your Soul

What to Do Around Mt. Fuji - Kawaguchiko Day Trip Guide (YouTube link)

Lake Kawaguchi is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes and offers postcard-worthy views of Mt. Fuji from all around the lake. You can frame a snow-capped Fuji with cherry blossoms from Ubuyagasaki in spring, or capture the mountain from Oishi Park in early summer when lavender is in bloom.

Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival (富士河口湖紅葉まつり) is also one of the most popular autumn events in Japan. The festival takes place at the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes from early to late November every year.

Click here for an interactive Cherry Blossom map on Google MyMaps

Spring Awakening: Nature's Rebirth at Lake Kawaguchi

If you're looking for a destination that will awaken your senses and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, spring at Lake Kawaguchi is the perfect choice. Come and experience the magic of "Nature's Rebirth" for yourself!

Activities that Capture the Spring Spirit:

• Rent a bike and pedal along the lake's circumference. Unfortunately there is no bicycle lane in Kawaguchiko, but it’s comfortable to cycle because the roads are paved and there are not so much up and down.
• Take a boat cruise and witness the awakening of nature from a unique perspective.
• Hike up the slopes of Mount Fuji and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the spring tapestry below.  If you are climbing Mt. Fuji for the first time, Yoshida route is recommended!
• Visit the nearby Arakurayama Sengen Park and witness the iconic Chureito Pagoda framed by a cascade of cherry blossoms.

Spring at Lake Kawaguchi is more than just a scenic spectacle; it's a sensory experience. 

Autumnal Tapestry: A Kaleidoscope of Colors at Lake Kawaguchi

Imagine stepping into a living painting, where vibrant hues swirl around you like a vibrant kaleidoscope. This is the magic of autumn at Lake Kawaguchi, a time when the landscape transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece of color.

Activities to Immerse Yourself in the Tapestry

Autumn at Lake Kawaguchi is an immersive experience, a feast for the senses and a reminder of nature's breathtaking artistry. So, come and weave yourself into the tapestry of this magical season. You won't be disappointed.

• Rent a bike and pedal along the lake's circumference.  Unfortunately there is no bicycle lane in Kawaguchiko.
• Take a boat cruise and bask in the panoramic views from the water's perspective.
• Hike up the slopes of Mount Fuji and witness the color explosion from a breathtaking vantage point.
• Visit the nearby Oshino Hakkai village and wander through traditional thatched-roof houses nestled amidst the autumnal landscape.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch under the canopy of colorful leaves, soaking in the beauty and serenity of the season.

 Three-colored tour bus—Red, Green, and Blue lines (map and timetable)

Getting Around 

To get around Lake Kawaguchi and nearby attractions with ease. Climb aboard the adorable three-colored tour bus departing from Kawaguchiko Station for a fun and convenient sightseeing adventure. Take in the majestic panorama of Mt. Fuji as you relax and enjoy the passing natural beauty from the panoramic windows.

For those who want to maximize their exploration, Fujikyu Bus offers exclusive coupons to various sightseeing hotspots. Additionally, their diverse fleet caters to different travel styles, including the iconic "Mt. Fuji View Limited Express" for a comfortable ride and the unique "YAMANAKAKO NO KABA" amphibious bus for a thrilling experience on land and water.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass: Explore Mt. Fuji Lakes

Experience the beauty of all five Fuji Lakes at your own pace with Fujikyu Bus' convenient Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass! This pass, valid for 2 days from purchase, grants you unlimited rides on the loop across Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Saiko, Narusawa, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu.

Here's why this pass is perfect for you:

• Flexibility: Hop on and off at any designated stop to explore charming lakeside towns, scenic viewpoints, and hidden gems at your leisure.
• Value: The pass covers not just the dedicated sightseeing loop but also general routes within the area, maximizing your travel options for one low price (Adult: 1,700 yen, Child: 850 yen).
• Convenience: Purchase your pass easily at the Kawaguchiko Station bus counter or even directly on the bus!

References

1. The Top 30 Spots for Viewing Mt. Fuji
2. Toyoko Inn Fuji Kawaguchiko Ohashi
3. Lake Kawaguchiko (japan-guide.com)
4. Top Destinations in Japan
5. Fujisanbike near Kawaguchiko Station & Luggage storage
6. Cycling around Kawaguchiko – bicycle rental at Kawaguchiko
7. 5 Onsen at Lake Kawaguchiko with a View of Mt.Fuji
8. Hotel Mifujien (Day-use Onsen)
• Reception hours: 13:00～20:00
• Usage hours: 13:00~21:00
• Fee:1 adult 1,200 yen (rental towel included)
9. Yurari Onsen (Day-use)
• A day trip hot spring facility where you can enjoy a Fujimi bath.  In addition to 16 types of baths, there are also two types of restaurants where you can enjoy local ingredients from Yamanashi Prefecture, body care, and Japanese-style akasuri.
• If you wish to use the free shuttle bus, please make a reservation at least 1 hour in advance from the website.
• Weekdays—10:00-21:00 (last entry 20:00)
• Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays—10:00-22:00 (last entry 21:00)
10. New Year's visit at the power spot of Mt. Fuji! 5 recommended shrines
• Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
• Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine
• Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine
• Arayayama Shrine
• Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
11. Endless recreational and cultural pleasures at Mt. Fuji's five famous lakes
12. Into the Depths of Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi & Nagano - Train Cruise (NHK World-Japan; YouTube video)
13. E-Money Mutual Use Starts for Suica and ICOCA (12/03/2007)
14. How to ride a route bus (富士急バス)
15. 河口湖周遊バス、西湖周遊バス、鳴沢・精進湖・本栖湖周遊バス

Click here to see the original route map

Click here to see the original route map

Click here to see the original route map