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.
Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko from the Momiji Tunnel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 northeastern shores, while the Green Line (or Saiko Line) operates along Lake Kawaguchiko's southern shore before continuing to Lake Saiko.
Set in Fujikawaguchiko, 5.1 km from Lake Kawaguchi, 22 km from Mount Fuji and 4.2 km from Lake Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge, •xŽmƒtƒ@ƒuƒŠƒbƒN ƒXƒeƒC offers accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. Situated 3.1 km from Fuji-Q Highland, the property features a terrace and free private parking. Offering 2 bedrooms, this air-conditioned holiday home features 1 bathroom with a shower, a bath and free toiletries. The holiday home also includes a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop, as well as a hairdryer. Mount Kachi Kachi Ropeway is 4.7 km from the holiday home, while Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine is 4.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is Shizuoka Airport, 121 km from •xŽmƒtƒ@ƒuƒŠƒbƒN ƒXƒeƒC.
Set in Fujikawaguchiko, 7.1 km from Lake Kawaguchi, Private Hotel Rei offers accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. The 3-star ryokan has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 10 km from Fuji-Q Highland. All guest rooms at the ryokan come with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. At Private Hotel Rei all rooms include bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers an American or Asian breakfast. Mount Fuji is 31 km from Private Hotel Rei, while Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is 5.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 123 km from the ryokan.
Set in Fujikawaguchiko, within less than 1 km of Lake Kawaguchi and 4.6 km of Fuji-Q Highland, HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA offers accommodation with a shared lounge and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. With a garden, the 3-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, free shuttle service and luggage storage for guests. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 3-star hostel. Mount Fuji is 25 km from the hostel, while Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine is 700 metres away. The nearest airport is Shizuoka Airport, 121 km from HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA.
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.
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. You will find a bath made from hinoki cypress, and underfloor heating is provided in the bathroom. Bath amenities including towels, toiletries and toothbrushes are available at the front desk for a fee. Mount Fuji is 16 km from Guesthouse‚ق̂ڂÌ, while Shimobe Hot Spring is 26 km away.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Luxurious ryokan Fuji Onsenji Yumedono is located just 500 metres from Lake Kawaguchiko. It features traditional Japanese cuisine served in the dining area, suites with in-room hot springs and a garden. This hotel is just a 5-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Train Station. Nagasaki Park and Oishi Park are both a 10-minute taxi ride away and offer magnificent views of Mount Fuji. Karaoke facilities are available a 5-minute walk away. Featuring a private outdoor hot-spring bath (onsen), the well-appointed suites come with a flat-screen cable TV and DVD player. A bathtub and hairdryer can be found in the private bathroom. Massages can be requested for an extra cost. Served at the dining area, Japanese breakfast and a multi-course dinner of local specialties are served to guests with a meal plan.