basic information

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes. It is located in Kawaguchiko Town, a hot spring resort named after the lake, and well connected with central Tokyo by trains and direct buses.

Kawaguchiko's town center and the hot spring ryokan, some of which have baths with views of Mount Fuji, are clustered around the southeastern shores of Lake Kawaguchi. You can use the baths of some ryokan during daytime and against an admission fee of a few hundred yen even if you are not staying overnight.

Hoto Noodles

The touristy hot spring resort also offers an array of museums, including several art galleries and museums on herbs and dolls.

Among the local food specialties are Hoto Noodles, a rustic noodle soup dish garnished with vegetables.

The western and northern shores of Lake Kawaguchi are less developed. The views of Mount Fuji and the lake are particularly nice from the northern shores and from various observation points on the hills and mountains surrounding the lake.

Among the observation points is Mount Tenjo, which can be accessed from central Kawaguchiko by ropeway. Several other observation points can be found along the hiking trails in the mountains north and the hills south of the lake.

Last but not least, Kawaguchiko is home to the amusement park Fuji Q High Land, featuring one of the world's tallest roller coasters and other thrilling attractions with Mount Fuji as backdrop.

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how to get there

Kawaguchiko Station is the terminal station of the Fuji Kyuko Railway Line 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, two "Retro Bus" lines provide local transportation around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Sai: The shorter "Kawaguchiko Line" operates along Lake Kawaguchi's eastern and northeastern shores (about 2 buses/hour), while the "Saiko-Aokigahara Line" operates along the Lake Kawaguchi's southern shores and further connects to Lake Sai (about 1 bus/hour).

Fares for the retro buses depend on the distance traveled. If you ride the buses a lot, a two day pass for 1000 Yen will make sense even on a one day visit.

How to get to the Fuji Five Lakes

1st of 4 most visited sights in Fuji Five Lakes.
92nd of 385 most visited sights nationwide.

hotels & ryokan

Onsenji Yumedono Ryokan Japanese style inn, easy access to Mt. Fuji. Every room has a private open-air hot spring bath. Pension Toi-et-moi A small pension run by friendly French and Japanese owners. Great Mt.Fuji view nearby. Ideal base for hiking and fishing. Backpackers Hostel K's House Mt.Fuji Newly opened hostel with spacious lounge, free internet, communal kitchen and bicycle rental. English spoken.

english links