The five lakes were formed hundreds of years ago by lava flows which dammed up rivers during Mount Fuji's multiple eruptions. 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 900 meters above sea level.
Lake Kawaguchiko is the most easily accessible and most developed of the five lakes. Its eastern shores are populated by hotels and ryokan, while its western shores remain calm and mostly undeveloped. The best views of Mount Fuji are from the northern shores, but there are good views of the mountain from almost all around the lake. Kawaguchiko Town, on the southeastern side of the lake, serves as the region's transportation hub.
Lake Yamanakako is the largest and easternmost of the five lakes. The lake has good views of Mount Fuji, especially from its northern coast. It is the second most developed lake with small towns at each end and it is popular for various water and lakeside outdoor activities such as wind surfing and tennis.
Lake Saiko is only one kilometer west of Lake Kawaguchiko, however it is barely developed, possibly due to the fact that its view of Mount Fuji is partially blocked by other mountains except at the lake's western tip. Lake Saiko is a nice destination for outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating, and there are several camp sites located along its shores.
Lake Shojiko, by far the smallest of the five lakes, is located another five kilometers west of Lake Saiko, and is sparsely developed with just a few hotels along its northern shore. It offers nice views of Mount Fuji from all around and good fishing and other outdoor activities.
Lake Motosuko is the westernmost of the five lakes and has good views of Mount Fuji, including the view which appears on the back of the 1000 yen bill. The shores are barely developed except for a few campgrounds. Outdoor activities and water sports such as wind surfing, boating and fishing are popular around the lake.
A 7-minute walk from Lake Kawaguchi, the 2-person cottages at Ururun have a quaint European charm and offer a spa bath with Mount Fuji views. Sleeping arrangements are Japanese-style, with futon bedding on a tatami (woven-straw) floor. Parking is free. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a living area with a sofa, a TV and a DVD player. Each cottage comes with a spa bath with Mount Fuji views. Free Wi-Fi is available. Kawaguchiko Train Station is a 15-minute drive or a taxi ride and Fuji-Q Highland amusement park is a 15-minute drive away. Kawaguchi Asama shrine is a 10-minute walk from the property, and Nishikawa Bus Stop is a 3-minute walk. In warm weather, guests can unwind out on the patio.
Offering free WiFi and a garden, Kawaguchiko Cottage Minami is located in Fujikawaguchiko. Lake Kawaguchi is 300 metres from the property. Free private parking is available on site. All units feature a dining area and a seating area with a flat-screen TV. There is also a kitchen, equipped with an oven. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also available. Towels are provided. Mount Fuji is 18 km from Kawaguchiko Cottage Minami.
Set in Fujikawaguchiko, less than 1 km from Lake Kawaguchi, HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a garden. This 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space. The hostel features family rooms. Featuring a shared bathroom with a bidet and slippers, rooms at the hostel also have free WiFi, while selected rooms here will provide you with a lake view. Guests at HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fujikawaguchiko, like cycling. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine, Kawaguchiko Muse Museum and Yagizaki Park.
Located in Fujikawaguchiko, 3.3 km from Lake Kawaguchi, 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. Local points of interest like Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine and Kawaguchi Asama Shrine are reachable within 2.9 km and 6 km, respectively. Guest rooms include bed linen. Mount Kachi Kachi Ropeway is 1.5 km from the hostel, while Lake Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge is 2.8 km away.
Umeya Annex is a Japanese private home run by an oshi, or a religious teacher that guides and assists visitors on pilgrimages. The property is located next to the oshi's home that was built in 1776 and the only one existing in Kawaguchiko. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property. All units are air conditioned and have a flat-screen TV. A microwave and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle. There is a shared bathroom with a shower in every unit. The Arakura Sengen Shrine and the iconic five storied Chureito pagoda are around 5 km away from the property. The location offers stunning views of Mt Fuji in combination with the pagoda, where guests can also enjoy gazing at cherry blossoms during the spring season. The property is located in Fujikawaguchiko, 2.4 km from Lake Kawaguchi. Mount Fuji is 19 km from the property.
Set in Fujikawaguchiko, 5 km from Lake Kawaguchi, Fufu Kawaguchiko offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has a garden and provides a terrace. The units at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hot tub, bathrobes and slippers. 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 can enjoy an Asian breakfast. The wellness area at the hotel is comprised of a hot spring bath and a sauna. Guests at Fufu Kawaguchiko will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fujikawaguchiko, like cycling. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and Notenburo Tensui.
Offering great views of Mount Fuji, Villa May Queen offers 2-storey self-catering accommodation located just a 3-minute walk to Lake Kawaguchi. Guests can borrow bicycles for free to explore the local area. WiFi is offered throughout the property. While staying at the property, guests can prepare their own meals using kitchen appliances like IH cooking stoves, a microwave and a rice cooker. The living room has a sofa, a table and a flat-screen TV. Barbecue facilities can be used in summer free of charge. May Queen Villa is a 7-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Train Station. Fujikyu Highland Amusement Park is a 15-minute drive away. A supermarket and a 24-hour convenience store are located nearby.
Offering beautiful Mount Fuji views from its hot-spring baths, guest rooms and hot tub, Mizno Hotel is a 5-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Train Station. Located on a hilltop and overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, the hotel serves Japanese cuisine with an advance reservation. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. 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 15:00-18:00. Mount Fuji 5th Station for climbing is a 1-hour bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station. Relaxation options include a sauna and massages. The hotel has English-speaking and French-speaking staff. A nightcap can be enjoyed at the bar.
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.
Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa offers accommodation in Fujikawaguchiko, 40 metres from Lake Kawaguchi. Guests benefit from terrace. The kitchen features a microwave and a refrigerator and there is a private bathroom. A flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as a CD player are featured. Other facilities at Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa include a barbecue. Mount Fuji is 11 km from Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa, while Notenburo Tensui hot spring is 2 km from the property. Guests can make use of barbecue facilities in the property's private garden for dinner. Depending on the weather the barbecue may be enjoyed indoors. An American-style breakfast is served. Guests can also use the property kitchen to make their own meals. Cutlery and dishes are supplied.
