Lake Yamanakako (山中湖) is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and the second most developed lake behind Lake Kawaguchiko with small towns at its western and eastern ends and a few hotels, minshuku, camping grounds and restaurants in between.

There are good views of Mount Fuji from around the lake, especially from along its less developed northern shore. A popular spot to get views of both the mountain and the lake is Panorama Dai, an observation point next to a small parking lot halfway up the mountains southeast of the lake. Panorama Dai is not served by buses and can be reached in about 30 minutes on foot from the "Mikuniyama Hiking Course Iriguchi" bus stop.

Lake Yamanakako is popular among Japanese outdoor sports enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing, wind surfing and other water sports on the lake, as well as camping, tennis and other activities along its shores. Many sport camps are found around the lake, which become crowded with student athletes during summer holidays.

A few public hot springs baths can also be found around Lake Yamanakako. Benifuji no Yu at the lake's western end is one of surprisingly few establishments with good views of Mount Fuji from its baths. Ishiwari no Yu near the lake's eastern end does not have views of the mountain.

Getting there and around

From Tokyo

More than a dozen highway buses per day connect Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station with Lake Yamanakako. The one way trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 2500 yen.

From Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station

Buses along the Kawaguchiko-Gotemba-Mishima Line operate once or twice per hour between Kawaguchiko Station and Lake Yamanakako. The one way ride takes about 30 minutes and costs 890 yen. The buses serve the lake's western end and southern shore as far as Asahigaoka, but do not provide a connection to Hirano at the lake's eastern end.

Furthermore, there are the Fujikko tourist buses which depart from Fujisan Station and make a circle around Lake Yamanakako. A 1-day pass for the Fujikko bus is available for 1800 yen and a 2-day pass for 2200 yen.

How to get to and around the Fuji Five Lakes

Hotels around Fuji Five Lakes

Top rated around the Fuji Five Lakes
Budget:
    • Taiheikan
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Taiheikan in Fujikawaguchiko offers adults-only rooms with air-conditioning, mountain views, and tatami floors. Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, and free toiletries.

      Relaxing Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a public bath, shuttle service, and luggage storage.

      Convenient Location

      Located 122 km from Shizuoka Airport, the ryokan is situated in a hot spring area. Guests appreciate the scenic views and the breakfast provided by the property.
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    • Fufu Kawaguchiko
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Fufu Kawaguchiko in Fujikawaguchiko offers rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, balconies, and garden or mountain views. Each room includes a minibar, work desk, and free WiFi.

      Relaxing Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a sauna, hot tub, and outdoor fireplace. The property features a lounge, public bath, and sun terrace. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, outdoor seating area, and free on-site private parking.

      Dining Experience

      The hotel serves Japanese cuisine at its restaurant and bar. Breakfast is provided by the property, and menus cater to special diets.

      Convenient Location

      Located 124 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, Fufu Kawaguchiko is near a hot spring area. Guests appreciate the scenic views and attentive staff.
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    • HOSHIFULL DOME FUJI
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodation

      HOSHIFULL DOME FUJI in Fujikawaguchiko offers a 2-star luxury tent experience with a garden, terrace, and free WiFi. Family rooms and private check-in and check-out services ensure a pleasant stay.

      Modern Amenities

      Guests enjoy air-conditioning, a shared kitchen, minimarket, outdoor play area, and barbecue facilities. Additional amenities include a work desk, dining area, and free toiletries.

      Delicious Breakfast

      A complimentary American breakfast is served with juice, cheese, and fruits. The outdoor dining area provides garden views and an inner courtyard.

      Convenient Location

      Located 122 km from Shizuoka Airport, the property is highly rated for its attentive staff, room cleanliness, and suitability for nature trips.
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    • Kawaguchiko Lakeside Hotel
      Budget-friendly
      Kawaguchiko Lakeside Hotel is located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, near Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge and Oike Park, just a few minutes' walk away. It's conveniently located near Kawaguchiko Loop Bus Stop No. 5 (Kawaguchiko Herb Hall) and a bicycle rental shop, making it ideal for sightseeing. The hotel features a natural hot spring bath in its public areas. All guest rooms are equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, a bidet toilet, a flat-screen TV, slippers, and a hairdryer. Restaurants, local cuisine establishments, and convenience stores are located near the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. A free shuttle bus is provided from Kawaguchiko Station to the hotel. The popular PAGODA-Arakurayama Sengen Park is approximately 6km away (about a 15-minute taxi ride), Oishi Park is about 5km away, and Fuji-Q Highland is about 4km away. There is no elevator; upper floors are accessible by stairs.
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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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    • Guesthouse Honobono
      Budget-friendly
      Renovated in September 2018, Guesthouse????? 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?????, while Shimobe Hot Spring is 26 km away.
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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. 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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    • Fuji Guest House Ao
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodation

      Fuji Guest House Ao in Fujikawaguchiko offers a 1-star hostel experience with air-conditioning, shared bathrooms, and tatami floors. Mountain views enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

      Essential Facilities

      Guests enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles, and a terrace. Additional amenities include a lounge, luggage storage, and paid off-site private parking.

      Local Attractions

      Located near a hot spring area, the hostel is 122 km from Shizuoka Airport. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

      Guest Favorites

      Visitors highly rate the bicycles, terrace, and host, making it a preferred choice for travellers.
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    • Shoji Lake Hotel
      Luxury

      Elegant Accommodation

      Shoji Lake Hotel in Fujikawaguchiko offers a 5-star ryokan experience with family rooms and tatami floors. Guests enjoy lake and mountain views, private bathrooms, and modern amenities including air-conditioning, free WiFi, and a work desk.

      Relaxing Facilities

      The hotel features a sauna, hot spring bath, open-air bath, and sun terrace. Additional facilities include a public bath, daily housekeeping service, bike hire, luggage storage, and free on-site private parking.

      Prime Location

      Situated 113 km from Shizuoka Airport, the property is highly rated for its scenic lakes and stunning mountain views. Guests appreciate the attentive staff and excellent service support.
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    • Fuji Onsenji Yumedono
      Luxury
      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. 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.
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Experiences around Fuji Five Lakes