|
The Fuji Five Lakes at the northern foot of Mount Fuji are Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko), Lake Yamanaka (Yamanakako), Lake Sai (Saiko), Lake Shoji (Shojiko) and Lake Motosu (Motosuko).
The five lakes were formed a long time ago by lava flows, which dammed up rivers flowing through the region. Interestingly, three of the lakes, Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko are still connected with each other by underground waterways and consequently maintain the same surface level of 901 meters above sea level.
Lake Shoji
Lake Kawaguchi (13km circumference) is the most easily accessible among the five lakes. While the lake's eastern half is heavily developed, its northwestern shores are calmer and offer nice views of Mount Fuji. Read more about Lake Kawaguchi.
Lake Sai (10.5km circumference), one kilometer west of Lake Kawaguchi, is barely developed, possibly due to the fact that the view of Mount Fuji is partially blocked by other mountains, except at the lake's western tip. There are many camp sites around Lake Sai. Read more about Lake Sai.
Lake Shoji (2.5km circumference), by far the smallest of the five lakes, is located another five kilometers west of Lake Sai. It offers nice views of Mount Fuji and good fishing.
Lake Motosu (13km circumference) is the westernmost of the five lakes. It can be viewed on the 5000 Yen bill.
Lake Yamanaka (13km circumference), on the opposite side of Lake Kawaguchi, is the largest and easternmost of the five lakes. It is highly popular for various water and lakeside outdoor activities such as wind surfing and tennis.
| 
