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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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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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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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. This 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space. The hostel features family rooms. Featuring a shared bathroom with a bidet and slippers, rooms at the hostel also have free WiFi, while selected rooms here will provide you with a lake view. Guests at HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fujikawaguchiko, like cycling. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Fujiomuro Sengen Shrine, Kawaguchiko Muse Museum and Yagizaki Park.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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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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Fufu KawaguchikoSet in Fujikawaguchiko, 5 km from Lake Kawaguchi, Fufu Kawaguchiko offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has a garden and provides a terrace. The units at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a hot tub, bathrobes and slippers. Fufu Kawaguchiko features certain units with lake views, and rooms include a patio. At the accommodation all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Guests at Fufu Kawaguchiko can enjoy an Asian breakfast. The wellness area at the hotel is comprised of a hot spring bath and a sauna. Guests at Fufu Kawaguchiko will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fujikawaguchiko, like cycling. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and Notenburo Tensui.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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Mizno HotelOffering 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.View on Booking.com -
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Kawaguchiko Urban Resort VillaKawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa offers accommodation in Fujikawaguchiko, 40 metres from Lake Kawaguchi. Guests benefit from terrace. The kitchen features a microwave and a refrigerator and there is a private bathroom. A flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as a CD player are featured. Other facilities at Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa include a barbecue. Mount Fuji is 11 km from Kawaguchiko Urban Resort Villa, while Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre and Oishi Park are 3minutes on foot, and Fuji Oishi Hanaterrace, 1minute. Guests can make use of barbecue facilities in the property's private garden for dinner.View on Booking.com
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