Not far from the Fuji Five Lakes, the Maglev Exhibition Center (ƒŠƒjƒAŒ©ŠwƒZƒ“ƒ^[, Linear Kengaku Center) was opened in 2011 along the test track for the next-generation, magnetic levitating (maglev) trains that can run at over 500 km/h. The technology will be used for the Chuo Shinkansen, a new train line that is scheduled to begin operation in 2027 between Tokyo and Nagoya and will eventually be extended to Osaka.
The exhibition center is a museum where visitors can learn about the science and history of maglev trains. Here you can see and touch the actual trains and their structures, including the vehicle that set the train speed world record of 603 kilometers per hour, and try hands-on experiments with maglev technology. The center also features a miniature maglev train that visitors can ride.
Furthermore, it is possible to observe test runs along the track from the center on most weekdays and Saturdays. Operation dates for each week are usually posted to the official website on the previous Friday evening; however, operation times are only announced at the facility itself.
It is also possible to ride the trains during their test runs during certain times of the year; however, reservations are required and must be made about two to three months in advance. More information can be found at the JR Central website (Japanese only).
Getting there and around
Take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (60 minutes, 2360 yen one way by limited express or 80-90 minutes, 1340 yen by slower trains with a transfer along the way). At Otsuki, change to a bus bound for the Linear Exhibition Center (15 minutes, 300 yen one way, every 1-2 hours). The Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are valid on the trains but not on the bus.
Alternatively, at Otsuki Station transfer to the Fujikyu Railway for Kawaguchiko and get off at Tanokura (5 minutes, 230 yen, 1-2 trains/hour) from where the Maglev Exhibition Center is a 20-30 minute walk. The Tokyo Wide Pass is valid on Fujikyu trains, but the Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are not.
A taxi ride between Otsuki Station and the center costs 2500-3000 yen one way.
How to get to and around the Fuji Five Lakes
Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Fuji Five Lakes
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KokoOpen from April 2017, and located in Fujikawaguchiko, KOKO boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Free private parking is available on site. The villa features a kitchen, wardrobe, desk and sofa. There are 3 shower rooms on site. A hairdryer and free toiletries including toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner and body soap are provided. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a minute's walk from KOKO, while Lake Kawaguchi is a 5-minute drive away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 90 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Lake Villa KawaguchikoOffering a Mount Fuji view from the garden, Lake Villa Kawaguchiko is a self-catering accommodation located in Fujikawaguchiko. Free WiFi access is available. The property is a 15-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Train Station. Each spacious cottage is fitted with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a terrace. There is a full kitchen with a microwave, a fridge and cooking stoves. The private bathroom comes with a bath tub, a shower and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy barbecuing at the front yard at a surcharge. Guests can use luggage storage services and drinks vending machines on site. The property offers free parking. No meals are served at the property, but guests can prepare their own meals using the kitchen. The property is just a 3-minute walk to Lake Kawaguchi and a 10-minute walk to Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is located an 8-minute walk away.View on Booking.com -
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Ururun KawaguchikoA 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.View on Booking.com -
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Kawaguchiko Cottage MinamiOffering 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.View on Booking.com -
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HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YASet in Fujikawaguchiko, less than 1 km from Lake Kawaguchi, HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hostel features family rooms. The shared bathroom is equipped with a bidet, slippers and a hairdryer. Guests at the hostel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fujikawaguchiko, like cycling. Popular points of interest near HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA include Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine, Kawaguchiko Muse Museum and Yagizaki Park.View on Booking.com -
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JINYA FujikawaguchikoJust 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.View on Booking.com -
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Cottage PastoraleFeaturing free WiFi and air conditioning, Cottage Pastorale is set in Fujikawaguchiko. Lake Kawaguchi is a 3-minute walk from the property. Free private parking is available on site. All units include a flat-screen TV. All units feature a kitchen equipped with a microwave and fridge. Each unit is fitted with a private bathroom with slippers and free toiletries. Towels and bed linen are available. Cottage Pastorale also includes a barbecue. Mount Fuji is 18 km from Cottage Pastorale, while Shimobe Hot Spring is 28 km away. The property offers a free shuttle service.View on Booking.com -
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Fuji Guest House AoLocated 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.View on Booking.com -
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Umeya AnnexUmeya 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.View on Booking.com -
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Villa May QueenOffering 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.View on Booking.com
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