Fuji Five Lakes Travel: Lake Shojiko

Sandwiched between Lake Motosuko and Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko (��i��, Shōjiko) is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes. Together with its two neighbors it was formed when lava flows from Mount Fuji divided a large prehistoric lake into three smaller ones. The lakes seem to remain connected by underground waterways as they always maintain the same water level of 900 meters above sea level.

Lake Shojiko borders the Aokigahara Jukai forest and remains largely undeveloped except for a few hotels around its northern shore that enjoy excellent views of Mount Fuji. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing are popular around the lake, as well as water sports such as water skiing, jet skiing and boating.

From Kawaguchiko

The Omni Bus Blue Line connects Kawaguchiko Station, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko every two hours. A one way journey from Kawaguchiko Station to Lake Shojiko takes around 40 minutes. Alternatively, regular buses run roughly every hour between Kawaguchiko Station and Lake Shojiko. They are bound for Shin-Fuji, Shimobe Onsen or Motosuko. The one way trip takes 25-40 minutes and costs around 1110 yen (see timetable).

From Tokyo

There is one direct highway buses per day between Shinjuku and Lake Motosuko, which stop at Lake Shojiko along the way. The one way trip takes about 2.5 hours and costs 2300 yen.

How to get to and around the Fuji Five Lakes