Lake Kawaguchiko (‰ÍŒûŒÎ) 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:

Ropeway

  • Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
    Hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (until 17:00 on weekends and holidays)
    Departures every 5-10 minutes
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: 900 yen (round trip), 500 yen (one way)

Museums

  • Kubota Itchiku Museum
    See the Kubota Itchiku Museum page for admission details
  • Kawaguchiko Museum of Art
    Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
    Closed: Tuesdays, New Year holidays
    Admission: 800 yen
  • Kawaguchiko Music Forest
    See the Kawaguchiko Music Forest page for admission details
  • Yamanashi Gem Museum
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (Mar to Oct), 9:30 to 17:00 (Nov to Feb)
    Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.
    Closed: Wednesdays (except national holidays), New Year holidays
    Admission: 600 yen
  • Herb Hall
    Hours: 9:00 to 17:45
    Closed: No closing days
    Admission: Free

Hot spring baths

  • Hotel Mifujien
    Daytime Hours: 13:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:00)
    Closed: No closing days
    Daytime admission: 1200 yen
  • Kaiun no Yu
    Daytime Hours: Inquire with the operator
    Closed: Irregular closures for maintenance
    Daytime admission: 1000 yen for 2 hours

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

Hotels around Fuji Five Lakes

    • Glamping Village Fuji Kawaguchiko
      A glamping resort with Mt.Fuji views. Surrounded by the vast forests with luxurious villas and spacious domed tents. All rooms equipped with private hot spring.
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    • Private Hotel Rei
      Mid-range
      Boasting mountain views, Private Hotel Rei features accommodation with terrace, around 7.1 km from Lake Kawaguchi. Each accommodation at the 3-star ryokan has lake views, and guests can enjoy access to free bikes and to a garden. The ryokan offers rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. All units come with a seating area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with slippers, walk-in shower, hot tub and bidet. A fridge and kettle are also offered. At the ryokan, units are equipped with bed linen and towels. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Fuji-Q Highland is 10 km from the ryokan, while Mount Fuji is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 123 km from Private Hotel Rei.
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    • Fufu Kawaguchiko
      Luxury
      Set in Fujikawaguchiko, 4.8 km from Lake Kawaguchi, Fufu Kawaguchiko offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can use the sauna and the hot spring bath, or enjoy mountain views. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. Fufu Kawaguchiko features certain units with lake views, and rooms include a patio. At the accommodation all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at Fufu Kawaguchiko will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fujikawaguchiko, like cycling. Fuji-Q Highland is 7.1 km from the hotel, while Mount Fuji is 28 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 124 km from Fufu Kawaguchiko.
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    • Hotel Asafuji
      Mid-range
      Boasting views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi for all rooms and hot-spring baths, Hotel Asafuji provides air-conditioned Japanese-style rooms with a green tea set. Free WiFi available throughout the hotel and free on-site parking is available. Free pick-up service is available from Kawaguchiko Station upon request. The air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Asafuji have Shoji paper screens and a low table with floor chairs and cushions. Each room includes a fridge, private toilet, and guests bathe at the hot-spring baths. Japanese-style futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor is provided. Yukata robes are offered for guests. Massages are available, and the reception can store luggage. The public hot-spring baths are open from 06:00-09:30 and from 15:00-23:30 daily. A Japanese set breakfast and kaiseki multi-course dinner are available at the on-site restaurant for an extra fee with an advance reservation. Kawaguchiko Station is a 10-minute drive, while Kawaguchiko Ropeway and Lake Kawaguchi's boat dock is a 3-minute drive away from the hotel. Kawaguchiko Music Forest and Kawaguchiko Museum Of Art is a 7-minute drive. Oishi Parkand is a 10-minute drive away, while Fuji-Q Highland amusement park is a 15-minute drive away.
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    • HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA
      Mid-range
      Set in Fujikawaguchiko, less than 1 km from Lake Kawaguchi, HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a shared lounge. This 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and free shuttle service. The property is non-smoking and is located 4.6 km from Fuji-Q Highland. Featuring a shared bathroom with a bidet and a hairdryer, rooms at the hostel also have free WiFi, while selected rooms here will provide you with a mountain view. Mount Fuji is 25 km from HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA, while Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine is 700 metres away. The nearest airport is Shizuoka Airport, 121 km from the accommodation.
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    • Guesthouse Honobono
      Budget-friendly
      Renovated in September 2018, Guesthouse‚Ù‚Ì‚Ú‚Ì offers an accommodation with free WiFi in Fujikawaguchiko, 1.3 km from Lake Kawaguchi. Free private parking is available on site on a first-come, first-serve basis as well as prior reservation. Free shuttle service is available upon prior request from the property to Kawaguchiko Station. There is a shared kitchen and lounge at the property. Guests can make some coffee and tea free of charge. Bath amenities including towels, toiletries and toothbrushes are available at the front desk for a fee. Mount Fuji is 16 km from Guesthouse‚Ù‚Ì‚Ú‚Ì, while Shimobe Hot Spring is 26 km away.
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    • JINYA Fujikawaguchiko
      Mid-range
      Just a 5-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, JINYA Fujikawaguchiko is located in Fujikawaguchiko. Free WiFi, private parking, a washing and drying machine are provided. All units in the hotel are equipped with a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and an electric kettle. Guest rooms feature air conditioning, a private bathroom and a toilet. Bed linen, towels and a hairdryer are provided. Selected rooms feature a dining table and a sofa. Mount Fuji is 16 km away from the hotel, while Mount Fuji 5th Station is a 65-minute bus ride away.
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    • Fuji Guest House Ao
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Fujikawaguchiko, 1.7 km from Fuji-Q Highland, Fuji Guest House Ao provides accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking and a terrace. Featuring free bikes, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is set 3.7 km from Lake Kawaguchi. Guest rooms include bed linen. Mount Fuji is 22 km from the hostel, while Mount Kachi Kachi Ropeway is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Shizuoka Airport, 122 km from Fuji Guest House Ao.
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    • Hananoyado Yumefuji
      Luxury
      Situated in Fujikawaguchiko, 2.9 km from Lake Kawaguchi, Hananoyado Yumefuji features each room with a private garden with a terrace. Kawaguchiko Station is just a 5-minute walk away from the villa. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. At the hotel, all air-conditioned rooms are fitted with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom including free amenities. All rooms also boast a kitchenette with a fridge. Breakfast is served as morning basket (bento) daily at the property. A variety of popular activities are available in the area around the property, including skiing, cycling and hiking. Free public parking is available, while bicycle rentals are available upon additional charge. On-site concierge service is available. Lake Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge is 1.8 km from the accommodation. Fujikyu Highland is 1.17 km away.
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    • Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso
      Luxury
      Featuring great views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, Konanso boasts natural hot spring baths and large Japanese-style rooms with traditional tatami (woven-straw) flooring. It is only a 2-minute walk from a ferry stop, where guests can board sightseeing cruises. Free WiFi is offered in all areas. Konanso offers indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, a private-use bath (charges apply), and a foot bath on the rooftop. Relaxing massage services can be arranged. Other facilities include karaoke rooms and a lounge bar. A souvenir shop can be found on the ground floor. Guest rooms at Konanso are fitted with futon bedding, a seating area and a flat-screen TV. A Fridge and an electric kettle are also provided. Guests can try on Yukata robes or enjoy free green tea in their room. Some rooms feature an open-air hot spring bath. The property is a 10-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Train Station. A free pick-up service from the station is available upon request. Mount Fuji 5th Station for climbing is a 1-hour bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station. Popular Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park is a 5-minute drive away, while Gotemba Outlet Shopping Mall can be reached within a 40-minute drive. Seasonal Japanese multi-course meals are served either in a private dining room or in the guestroom. Breakfast can be enjoyed at the dining room.
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    • Mizno Hotel
      Luxury
      Offering beautiful Mount Fuji views from all rooms, public baths, and restaurants, Mizno Hotel is a 5-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Train Station. Located on a hilltop and overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, the hotel serves French dinner with an advance reservation. Guests at Mizno Hotel can sleep in Western-style beds, or experience traditional futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor in one of the Japanese-style rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and have an LCD TV and Yukata robes. The shore of Lake Kawaguchi is a 2-minute walk. Fuji-Q Highland amusement park and Fuji-Omuro Sengen Shrine are less than a 15-minute drive from the hotel. On-site parking is free, and free pick-up from Kawaguchiko Station is offered from 14:00-18:00. Mount Fuji 5th Station for climbing is a 1-hour bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station. Guests can relax in the sauna or in the private open-air bath. The hotel has English-speaking staff. The bar, which also has a library, offers a variety of drinks. The sophisticated atmosphere is popular with couples.
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Experiences around Fuji Five Lakes

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