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 along the lake's northern shore.

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 so during the hazy summer months.

Among the wide range of other tourist attractions available around Lake Kawaguchiko are hot spring baths, various museums, the Fuji Q amusement park, boat tours and a ropeway leading onto a small mountain next to the lake. 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:

Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 16:30 from Dec to Feb)
Departures every 5-10 minutes
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 900 yen (round trip)

The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway ascends to an observation point near the summit of Mount Tenjo, from where Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji can be seen. The ropeway is one end point of the popular day hike to Mount Mitsutoge.

Museums

Kubota Itchiku Museum

See the Kubota Itchiku Museum page for admission details

A unique museum that displays kimono created by Kubota Itchiku, who spent his lifetime reviving the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing. The kimono on display depict themes of nature and the cosmos and include his unfinished masterpiece "Symphony of Light", comprised of 80 kimono that together form a picture of Mount Fuji.

Kawaguchiko Museum of Art

Hours: 10:00 to 15:00 (entry until 14:30)
Closed: Tuesdays, New Year holidays
Admission: 800 yen

The Kawaguchiko Museum of Art houses temporary exhibitions of Japanese and foreign modern artists as well as a small permanent collection of paintings and photographs featuring Mount Fuji.

Kawaguchiko Music Forest

See the Kawaguchiko Music Forest page for admission details

More theme park than museum, the Kawaguchiko Music Forest is devoted to automatic musical instruments, such as music boxes and mechanical organs. The beautifully designed grounds with European styled gardens have nice views of Mount Fuji and are operated by the Ukai Group which also runs the Glass Forest in Hakone.

Yamanashi Gem Museum

Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (Mar to Oct), 9:30 to 17:00 (Nov to Feb)
Entry ends 30 minutes before closing.
Closed: Wed (unless Wed is a national holiday), New Year holidays
Admission: 600 yen

The Yamanashi Gem Museum displays gems, precious stones and large quartz crystals collected from Japan and around the world. Half of the museum is a store where you can purchase jewelry and other trinkets made with the same types of gems on display.

Herb Hall

Hours: 9:00 to 18:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free

The Herb Hall is basically a store with a herb garden and greenhouse where you can view and purchase herbs, tea and dried flowers. Behind the Herb Hall stands the Perfume Hall where you can buy perfumes, aroma oils and soaps.

Hot Spring Baths

Hotel Mifujien

Daytime Hours: 13:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:00)
Closed: No closing days
Daytime admission: 1200 yen

This aging hotel is the only among the ryokan and hotels along the northeastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, which opens its baths to non-staying guests during daytime. Its gender separated bathing facilities have seen better days, but the views of Mount Fuji are quite nice.

Kaiun no Yu

Daytime Hours: Inquire with the operator
Closed: Irregular closures for maintenance
Daytime admission: 1000 yen for 2 hours

Kaiun no Yu is part of the Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko along the lake's southern shore. The baths are open to non staying guests, however, they are rather average and do not have views of Mount Fuji.