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Mt. Fuji Guide Your guide to Japan’s most iconic mountain

Notice: Climbing Mt. Fuji without staying in a hut is extremely dangerous unless you have sufficient climbing experience.

For more information, please check  the official website for Mt. Fuji Climbing .

Sacred, singular and spectacular, Mt. Fuji is nothing short of awe-inspiring and rightfully one of the country’s top attractions

Climbing mt. fuji.

Experiencing Mt. Fuji

Explore the Fuji Five Lakes

Lakeside recreation and active sightseeing at the base of Mt. Fuji

Onward From Mt. Fuji

More of Japan's Mountains

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12 Best Things To Do at Mount Fuji, Japan

Discover the epic scale of Mount Fuji, a towering 3765-meter-high volcano that’s iconic to Japan. The stunning snow-capped peak can be seen from near and far, complemented by candy-colored blossom trees in the spring and the vibrant foliage of the maple trees in the fall. Spend a few days in the region, going around the five main lakes to find the best viewpoints. Watch the sunrise, relax in the thermal waters of traditional Onsens, soar above the clouds by cable car, or find your inner zen at beautiful shrines with these top things to do around Mount Fuji!

Mount Fuji, Japan (Location)

Mount Fuji is located on Japan’s main and most populated island, Honshu. The Mount Fuji location is about 100 km west of Tokyo and is such a large volcano that it can be seen from all over Japan. On a clear day, you can even see it from some of the rooftops in Tokyo. For example, the Skytree or the Metropolitan Government Building. 

Read: Best things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Although some people climb to the summit, most visit the five lakes at the base of the volcano:

• Kawaguchiko: The most popular and the easiest jumping-off point to discover all the things to do at Mount Fuji. This is also where the biggest village is: Shimoyoshida.
• Lake Yamanaka: The largest and the closest to Mount Fuji itself, offering some of the best views in the area.
• Lake Saiko: One of the lesser-developed lakes. Close to the open-air museum of Iyashi no Sato.
• Lake Motosu: The most remote and inaccessible. Featured on the 1000 yen Japanese bill!
• Lake Shōji: The smallest of the lakes and very tranquil because it’s less developed.

Did you know? Mount Fuji is an active volcano which last erupted in the 1700s.

Things to do around Mount Fuji

Visiting the Mount Fuji area was our favorite thing to do in Japan — offering a perfect combination of nature, cute cafes, and relaxation. Watching the volcano appear from behind the clouds was one of our most memorable travel experiences to date!

Hotels in Mount Fuji 😴

There are so many incredible things to do around Mount Fuji that we recommend spending a few days here, especially in fall when you’ll see the maple tree leaves emerge in fiery reds and yellows.

1. Chureito Pagoda

A great viewpoint of Mount Fuji is above the village at Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine. This pretty red shrine sits on top of the hill, at the top of some steps that lead through charming woodland.

Find the best tours to Mount Fuji

However, for something extraordinary, we recommend hiking a bit further to the stunning Chureito Pagoda, one of the most iconic spots in Japan! This five-story, bright-red pagoda, built in 1963 as a peace memorial, is the latest addition to the shrine. At sunrise or sunset, it is one of the most known photography spots in the country, if not in the world, filled with people trying to get a snap of the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. 

Tip: If you want to visit with fewer people, we recommend visiting outside these two busy time slots.

Getting to Chureito Pagoda

It’s approximately 20 minutes from the station to the first shrine. Hike 400 steps further up the hill (well worth it, we promise!), where you’ll find the famous Mount Fuji view. There’s a viewing platform that looks onto the red pagoda with the volcano in the background. 

More than 650 cherry trees surround the pagoda, so in spring, this is an exceptional spot, creating a pink candy-colored view out over the city and Mt Fuji. 

Tip: Chureito Pagoda is the most known spot in Fuij, and we think it’s well worth the hype — and the climb! However, if you don’t like crowds, there are plenty of other spots to see Mt Fuji, which you can find in this guide.

2. Shiraito Falls

On the western side of Mount Fuji, discover the imposing Shiraito Waterfall! This magical 150-meter-wide waterfall curtain — which reminded us a little bit of Tumpak Sewu in Java, Indonesia — is truly a spot you cannot miss in Japan.

It’s also one of the best places to see Mount Fuji! On a clear day, from the viewing platform at the falls, there’s probably no greater view than this: a magical misty curtain of water flowing 20 meters down from the mountainside, set against a backdrop of the snow-peaked volcano.

See here the organised tours from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji .

Your entire visit to the falls only takes 30-60 minutes, as it’s a short walk to the viewing platform. You can also follow the stairs down to the very foot of the falls, where you’ll find another viewing platform on the Takimi Bridge (please note that swimming is not allowed). 

Entry Fee: At the time of writing, there is no entry fee for Shiraito waterfall; you only need to pay a small parking fee.

Getting There: Shiraito Waterfall is about a 60-minute drive from Kawaguchi Lake. There are multiple parking lots with different fees. Once you arrive at the roundabout, you will see parking and what looks like the main entrance. Pass this and park 250 meters further down (cheaper and closer to the viewing platform).

3. Lake Yamanaka

One of the best places to see Mount Fuji is the beautiful Lake Yamanaka, one of the five lakes that were formed hundreds of years ago due to a volcanic eruption. Of these five lakes, Lake Yamanaka is the largest and also one of the most popular, and it is home to many swans, making it extra special.

Also visit: Snow Monkeys Park, the hot spring oasis

Getting around Lake Yamanaka is easy; rent a bike or car and follow the 14 km cycling route around the lake. It’s also possible to walk around many parts of the lake (the entire walk takes 3 hours). As you go, stop to take photos of the beautiful scenery or have a picnic on the shoreline. 

Forgotten your picnic? There are also a few cafes on the lakeside that have fantastic views. We liked:

Tip: In our Japan Google Maps , we’ve pinned some spots where we saw the swans. However, if you just wander along the lake shoreline, we’re sure you’ll find them.

4. Lake Shōji

One of the smallest lakes around Mount Fuji but just as beautiful, Lake Shoji is a magical place to visit on your trip to the area. It’s a quieter and more unique spot to visit at sunrise when you can watch the early sun rays hit the volcano from the side. 

Head to Tatego-Hama Beach for the best photo angle. In the first light of the day, you’ll see the fishermen looking for their fresh morning catch. On a calm day, the lake looks just like a mirror, with a magical reflection of Mount Fuji and the sunrise colors. Don’t miss out on this top thing to do around Mount Fuji!

Here are all your hotel options in Mount Fuji.

5. Shimoyoshida

Don’t miss the Japanese village of Shimoyoshida – one of the best things to do at Mount Fuji! It’s the main ‘city’ in the area and is mainly known as a jumping-off point to visit the most famous lake, Kawaguchiko. However, it’s well worth a visit in its own right! 

Head for the main shopping street, where you’ll find the iconic view of a bustling avenue filled with shops and Japanese character-filled signs and an incredible view of Mount Fuji at the end.

Food Tip: Check out some great restaurants and cafes in the village. We loved ‘FavCafe Fuji’ and had a surprisingly good Italian dinner at ‘Taverna La Cura’.

6. Stay in an Onsen Hotel

Onsens (hot springs) are part of Japanese culture with natural thermal baths heated by the volcano. We recommend staying in an Onsen hotel while on your trip to Mount Fuji. It’s the perfect way to relax after a busy day discovering all the top things to do around Mount Fuji. Here are some fantastic Onsen hotels in the area:

Hakone is an area 60km from Mount Fuji that’s famous for its beautiful woodland views of the volcano. There’s a lot to see, with most things centered around the vast Lake Ashi, from pirate ship cruises to cable car flights.

Tip: If you’re short on time, you don’t need to necessarily visit Hakone; you’ll get a perfectly good feel of Mount Fuji by visiting the Fuji Lakes. 

Hakone Shrine

The sacred Hakone Shrine is well-known in the area because of its beautiful setting, floating on the lake’s shoreline. The vibrant red Torii Gate is holy for many; legend has it that there was once a nine-headed dragon who lived in the waters of Lake Ashi and was later defeated by a monk. It then became a lucky spot for locals, frequented by Samurai who would pray for strength before battle.

To get there, you can either hike to this spot (along the shoreline) or see it from the pirate ship cruise. 

Tenzan Onsen

Onsens (hot springs) are an essential part of Japanese culture, with nearly 3000 nationwide. The resorts, built around natural hot springs, provide a tranquil place for people to relax. Generally, as per Onsen rules, patrons are naked and refrain from talking to provide the most peaceful environment possible.

The Tenzan Onsen is a great place to visit in the Hakone area if you have time, particularly after days of hiking, to relax tired muscles. 

Please note: In general, those with tattoos are not permitted to enter Onsens because of the long-running stigmatization in Japan. The Tenzan Onsen does allow people with tattoos, although reviews are mixed, so please bear that in mind before visiting. 

Hakone Open Air Museum

For a unique thing to do around Mount Fuji, visit the impressive Hakone Open Air Museum, an impressive hillside park home to sculptures from famous Japanese and international artists. There is also a large exhibition hall within the gardens, home to many of Picasso’s works.

Tip: Look out for the beautiful stained glass windows of the cylindrical building (the Symphonic Sculpture). Discover 360-degree colored glass that envelops the building, centered around a steel spiral staircase — magical on a sunny day when the rays create beautiful dancing colors.

Hakone Ropeway 

Jump on the Hakone Ropeway, a cable car ride that takes you over the sulfur vents. Cable cars depart every minute from Sounzan Station and travel 4 km to Togendai Station at the summit. On the way, you’ll have fantastic views across the lake and Mount Fuji. 

Book your ropeway tickets in advance (also includes trains and buses in the area)

If you have the time, get off at the stop Owakudani , where there is still an active volcano crater! Don’t worry; the activity is continuously monitored, and if it is too high, the cable car will not stop.

Entry Fee and Opening Times: One-way: 1,480 yen (14 USD). Open from 9 AM to 5 PM (March – November) and until 2.15 PM from December – February.

Mishima Skywalk

Visit Japan’s longest suspension bridge: Mishima Skywalk! The 400-meter-long bridge sits suspended 70.6 meters above the ground, looking out over a beautiful valley. It’s the perfect place to get fantastic views of Hakone’s natural beauty, especially in the fall when the surrounding woodland bursts into fall colors. 

Entry Fee: 1,100 yen (8 USD). Open from 9 AM – 5 PM all year.

8. Momiji Corridor

One of the top things to do around Mount Fuji is to walk along the famous Momiji corridor! Because of the little stream below, when the leaves drop, it gives it a tunnel-like appearance, full of vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves.

Did you know? Momiji means ‘maple leaves’ in Japanese.

If you follow the trail to the end, you will reach Lake Kawaguchi. Continue on to the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, home to the works of the Japanese textile artist Itchiku Kubota. It’s well worth a visit to see the pretty gardens and his hand-painted silk kimonos.

Tickets for the art museum cost 1,300 yen (9 USD). Open everyday (apart from Tuesday) from 9.30 AM – 5.30 PM. From December – March open 10 AM – 4.30 PM

Tip: Just a 10-minute drive from the Momijii Corridor is the M ount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway . Take the cable car to the top (round-trip tickets cost 900 yen/6 USD).

9. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

Discover this ancient and peaceful shrine, nestled deep in a woodland full of mammoth cedar trees — some of which are over 1000 years old! The shrine is incredibly important to the Japanese, who purify the mind and body by praying at the shrine before climbing Mount Fuji. 

Follow a tranquil pathway between the ancient trees and moss-covered lanterns before passing through one of the largest Torii gates in all of Japan. This might just be one of the most special shrines in Japan and an absolute top thing to do around Mount Fuji! 

Entry Fee and Opening Times: Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is just a 20-minute walk from Fujisan station. It’s free to enter and open all year round.

10. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Welcome to Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and traditional Japanese village once known as ‘the most beautiful village in Japan’. However, after a great typhoon in 1966, a massive flow of water and mud (named the ‘mountain tsunami’) destroyed the entire thatched-roof village. 

Also read about visiting the Deer in Nara Park, Japan .

The town was rebuilt as an open-air museum in 2006, now carefully preserved and protected by UNESCO. Everything looks exactly as it did all those years ago and gives you a great insight into what life would have been like in the village. 

Spend some time wandering between the houses, which are now home to art galleries, souvenir shops, a history museum, and cafes. You can even book a class to do traditional crafts within the old homes, for example, pottery or incense making. 

After a busy morning of activities, enjoy a yummy soba noodle lunch at this cafe within the park, and look out for Mount Fuji peeking behind the clouds in the background.

Opening Times and Entry Fee: 9 AM – 5 PM (last entry 4.30 PM). Tickets cost 500 yen (3.50 USD). Parking is always available as there’s a big parking lot on the edge of the village. 

11. Momiji Tunnel

Although similarly named, Momiji Tunnel differs from Momiji Corridor (and it’s only a 6-minute drive away!). This is another popular spot in fall for photography as the beautiful warm colors provide a stunning backdrop to Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.  Here is the exact location of Momiji Tunnel

Tip: Fall is the most spectacular time to visit Momiji Tunnel, particularly in the mornings when you’re more likely to get a clear view of the volcano. 

We recommend to rent a car in Japan through Rentalcars.com with many rental locations and flexible cancellation. Book your rental car here .

12. Climb Mount Fuji

One of the most popular things to do around Mount Fuji is to ascend the mountain itself! This hike is undertaken by thousands of keen hikers every year, and you don’t have to be experienced; plenty of beginner hikers make the journey with a guide.

The hike typically takes two days, with a night spent in one of the climber’s huts on the mountainside. In the morning, you’ll ascend to the summit in time for sunrise — magical!

Best time to climb Mount Fuji: The climb can only be done from July to mid-September. Please note that the trail is busiest during the holidays (mid-late August). Make sure to leave time to acclimatize to the altitude before your ascent.

Best Places to View Mount Fuji

There are plenty of unique places to get an incredible view of the sacred volcano. Some of the best places to view Mount Fuji are:

• Shimoyoshida – a shopping street that sits directly in the shadow of the volcano.
• Chureito Pagoda – iconic viewpoint with a bright red pagoda.
• Shiratio Falls – cascading waterfall curtain with Mount Fuji as the backdrop.
• Momiji Tunnel – stunning trees on the lakeside, best seen in fall.
• Lake Shoji – head for Tatego-Hama Beach for the best photo spot!
• Lake Yamanaka – where you’ll find many swans swimming in the lake.

Tip: Can’t make it to Mount Fuji? On a clear day, you might be lucky enough to see Mount Fuji from the Tokyo Skytree .

Best Restaurants & Cafes in Mount Fuji

As Mount Fuji is iconic to Japan, you’ll notice that the volcano has been used as inspiration for a multitude of foods. There’s no better place than Fuji to try the tasty replicas – from volcano-shaped bread to cookies, curries, and everything in between! Some of our favorite restaurants and cafes in the area are:

• The Park cafe
• Shaw’s Sushi Bar
• Hoto Tempura Wakana
• FabCafe Fuji
• Taverna La Cura
• Troisieme Marche
• Y’s Cafe’tta
• Natural Food Cafe Con Brio
• Hakone Sushi

Food Tip: Hotou noodles are the region’s specialty and a must-try while on your trip to Mount Fuji.

Make sure to bring your reusable water bottle with you; you can drink water from the taps in Japan! This is a good way to save money and travel plastic-free .

Where to Stay in Mount Fuji

We recommend staying in one of the traditional Onsen hotels in the area, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in Japan’s thermal bath culture. We stayed at La Vista FujiKawaguchiko . However, anywhere around Kawaguchi Lake will put you at the center of all the best things to do at Mount Fuji.

Tip: Mount Fuji is one of the most popular areas in Japan. Because of this, it’s best to book your accommodation well in advance, as prices rise in high seasons, like spring and fall.

How Many Days in Fuji?

Many people visit Mount Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo, which is achievable and will still give you a glimpse into the area. However, 2 – 3 days would be best to enjoy the incredible natural atmosphere and see all the things to do around Mount Fuji.

Also read: Things to do in Kyoto, Japan

Mount Fuji Day Trip 

A Mount Fuji day trip is possible from cities all over Japan. However, Tokyo is the closest and is, therefore, the best choice if you have limited time.

• Train: From Tokyo , it’s between 2-3 hours by train, depending on the type of train you take.
• Car: Alternatively, you can hire a car and self-guide around Fuji (driving time from Tokyo is approximately 2 hours). 
• Tour: The most convenient way to do a Mount Fuji day trip is on an organized tour from Tokyo , which includes return transportation and any entrance fees.

See availability and tickets for a day tour to Fuji from Tokyo

How to Visit Mount Fuji

The nearest airport to Mount Fuji is Tokyo Haneda or Narita. Narita is further away (60 KM east of Tokyo), so we recommend flying into Haneda and traveling to Fuji from there.

Fun fact: If you fly west from Tokyo Haneda airport, you might see Mt Fuji. We had a fantastic view of it while sitting on the plane’s right side.

From the airport or Tokyo, visiting Mount Fuji is possible in several ways:

Renting a car is an excellent way of discovering all the best things to do around Mount Fuji. Hire your vehicle from any city in Japan and drive towards the peak of Fuji in the distance. Not only will you get beautiful views on your journey, but driving on the roads in Japan is super easy; everything is very well organized, and the roads are in excellent condition.

• Tokyo: 2 hours
• Kyoto: 3.5 hours
• Osaka : 5 hours

Taking the bus to Mount Fuji is the cheapest and most direct option. Many of the trains may require you to switch onto the bus for the final leg of your journey anyway.

Book your bus tickets to Fuji in advance

How to Visit Mount Fuji from Tokyo by Train

The train is a good option for reaching Mount Fuji from Tokyo, and you have a few options for your trip. Head for Shinjuku station in the city center and take one of the following train: 

The Fuji Limited Express Train

This departs directly for Kawaguchiko every morning at 7.30 AM, 8.30 AM, and 9.30 AM. There is also an extra train at 9.02 AM on weekends. This is the priciest option.

Tip: Only four trains leave every morning, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Regular Train

A couple of regular trains leave from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko. However, they are commuter trains, so they only leave Tokyo at night (departing Shinjuku at 6.22 PM and 7.19 PM).

Bullet Train (Shinkansen)

Option 1: Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Mishima (45 minutes). From here, you can jump on a bus to Kawaguchiko (1.5 hours). ( Book your train here )

Option 2: Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Odawara. From here, switch trains to Hakone-Itabashi.

What if I have a Japan Rail Pass?

Is the JR Pass worth it? ( Calculate it here ) The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all public transport on the JR-line throughout Japan, so it’s a great option if you take the Shinkansen (bullet train) several times. It’s also multi-use for other trains, ferries, and buses throughout the country.  JR has its own calculator for you to find out whether it’s worth it.

Buy your Japan Rail Pass in advance

Another great way to visit Mount Fuji is a multi-day tour, which generally includes accommodation, transportation, and entry fees. It’s also a great way to meet people and learn more about the area from a knowledgeable guide.

Getting Around

Once in the Fuji area, you can use the bus to reach most of the places we mention in this travel guide. We recommend using Google Maps for up-to-date routes and timetables.

You can also rent bicycles at many places. This is especially fun during the warmer months when you can enjoy the bike paths around the five main lakes. Please note that there aren’t bike paths everywhere, so you’ll spend most of your time riding on the roads. 

See availability for a bike tour around Lake Kawaguchiko

We rented a car for three days to visit all the main things to do at Mount Fuji. Driving around here was also very pleasant as the traffic isn’t crazy and is generally peaceful.

How Much Does Fuji Cost?

Like a lot of Japan, visiting the area around Mount Fuji can be expensive. In general, though, the entry fees for most sites are reasonable. The higher costs are for food, transport, and accommodation. We recommend booking your hotel far in advance, especially in high season. 

Costs of Traveling in Mount Fuji

Travel on a budget in Mount Fuji, from $620 − $500 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1750 − $3400 USD, and high-end from $3120 − $4610 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $100 − $300 USD Check available hotels

Exploring Fuji Five Lakes: 3 Days in Kawaguchiko Guide

A short journey from Tokyo will lead you to the foothills of Mount Fuji, where the captivating Fuji Five Lakes region awaits. Exploring the five stunning lakes and their breathtaking views of Mount Fuji during our 3 days in Kawaguchiko was one of the highlights of my most recent Japan trip. 

In this guide, I cover all you need to know about exploring Fuji Five Lakes, including the ultimate Fuji Five Lakes itinerary. From all you need to know to get around, to an optimised 3 day itinerary to cover the best of the region (plus some lesser-known gems!). This travel guide has all you need to know to plan your own unforgettable adventure in this remarkable corner of Japan. 

Table of Contents

About the Fuji Five Lakes Area

Fuji Five Lakes is arguably the best place to view Mt Fuji from – it felt like every corner I turned, Fujisan was there standing tall in all it’s glory. 

Unsurprisingly, the Fuji Five Lakes area is made up of, yep you guessed it – five lakes! 

The area comprises five lakes: Lake Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko. These lakes all offer stunning views of Mount Fuji. 

Most visitors to the area stay in Kawaguchiko, as it is the most developed and accessible for tourists. Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the five Fuji lakes and has a small number of accommodation lodgings.

How Long to Spend in Fuji Five Lakes

I’d recommend spending at least 2 nights in Kawaguchiko. 

In April 2023, I stayed 3 nights which was a decent amount of time, though we still left with a few activities and sights we didn’t quite manage to fit in! 

It’s also possible to explore Fuji Five Lakes on a day trip from Tokyo. 

Some popular tour options are included below which explore the main sights near Kawaguchiko. However, if you have the time, I highly recommend spending at least a couple of nights in Kawaguchiko. 

Day Tours from Tokyo 

These are the most popular day tours from Tokyo to Kawaguchi 

• Scenic 1 Day Tour: Chureito Pagoda, Oishi Park & Lake Saiko Traditional Village
• Mt Fuji Sightseeing Trip: Oishi Park, Chureito Pagoda, Fuji Fifth Station & Oshino Hakkai 
• Private Customisable Day Trip from Tokyo (up to 5 People)

Best Time to Visit

You can visit the Fuji Five Lakes area all year round, however, the best time to visit for clear views of Mount Fuji is between November to April. 

As Japan has a hot and humid summer, there are more often clouds to obstruct the view. This is why I’d recommend spending at least a few days in Kawaguchiko, to give you the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji on a clear morning. 

During our 3 night, 4 day stay in Fuji Five Lakes in April, we had clear views for three of those. One morning we woke up and we couldn’t even see Mount Fuji as it was heavily obscured by clouds!

Cherry blossom season in early-mid April is a very popular time to visit – while it’s beautiful to see Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms , it’s also extremely busy.

Read my dedicated guide for the best viewpoints of Mount Fuji . 

Where to Stay 

Following my itinerary, you’ll base yourself around Kawaguchiko. For stays longer than three nights, you could consider spending a night or two at Yamanakako. 

• Budget – Hostel Michikusa : this small, family-run guest house was wonderful. We booked the private tatami mat triple room with a Mount Fuji view. It was incredible waking up to see Mount Fuji each morning. There is a small common area and modern, clean shared bathrooms. 
• Mid-Range – Fuji View Hotel : Overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, this hotel is surrounded by Japanese gardens and has a public onsen (hot spring bath). 
• Luxury – La Vista : A short walk from the lake, this hotel offers rooms with clear views across to Mount Fuji plus a sauna, hot tub and onsen hot spring bath. 

Explore all accommodation options in Kawaguchiko

Where to Eat

Below are my tried and tested recommendations from our trip:

• Tanpopo : Unique family-run izakaya where the wife speaks to you via a hand-held translator. There are no menus and they serve you fresh seasonal local cuisine! Bookings required.
• Kosaku : A busy restaurant serving the regional specialty, Houtou noodles. Word of warning, the seating is traditional tatami mat style so wear stretchy clothes!
• FabCafe Fuji : A great coffee spot after a visit to the nearby Chureito Pagoda
• Ramen Kaneyuki : One of the few ramen restaurants in the middle of town. Meals are served in this casual, open-air restaurant out of a food truck.

After a few long days exploring and eating lunch out, we had some quick, easy and tasty grab-and-go dinner meals from the Ogino supermarket in town which we ate at our guesthouse. 

How to Get to Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo

Getting to Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo is straightforward. I found it easiest (and cheapest!) to get the direct highway coach bus, but you can also catch the train.

I booked the highway bus from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station (buses also depart from Shinjuku Station). The bus travels directly between the two stations, with no transfers required and takes around 2 hours. 

I purchased our tickets with Fujikyu Bus from Japan Bus Online and simply showed the driver our electronic tickets when boarding. This cost ¥2,060 per adult (2023 pricing).

By Train 

Catching the train to Kawaguchiko will usually require at least one transfer . 

Catch the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, and transfer to the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station. This takes around 2 – 2.5 hours and costs ¥3,530 on the Limited Express train from Shinjuku. 

There are also limited departures a day on a direct train which varies in length, depending on whether it is a Limited Express. It’s pretty easy to work out the best option, as both bus and train times and routes are synced into Google Maps.  

In summary, getting the highway bus is often the cheapest and quickest route . Book your tickets a few days in advance, especially if travelling during peak periods. 

How to Get Around Kawaguchiko and Fuji Five Lakes

The easiest way to get around the Fuji Five Lakes area is by rental car, especially if you’re planning to visit the other lakes or other attractions. 

It’s also possible to get around by bus, but as we wanted to visit some attractions early in the morning and visit the other lakes, we decided for the convenience it was worth the cost to hire a car for our 3 days in Kawaguchiko. 

Renting a Car in Kawaguchiko

We hired a car from Toyota Rent a Car near Kawaguchiko Station, however, the booking form was in Japanese which was quite challenging and a bit convulated to navigate. Step by step instructions are available here if you’d like to give it a go.

For an easier option, you can book a rental using Rental Cars with pick up from Mt Fuji Station / Fujiyoshida Station (as shown in the image below), which is only one stop further from Kawaguchiko Station. 

Getting Around by Bus

Getting around Kawaguchiko by bus is another option. The tourist bus Omni Bus has three lines (red, green and blue) that run around Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko. 

There is also the Free retro bus Fujikyu Loop Shuttle Bus (brown line). 

You can purchase an Unlimited Ride Pass for 1,700 JPY per adult which covers 2 days of unlimited rides in all areas, or most buses accept Suica or Pasmo. 

Click here for an easy-to-follow Omni Bus route map. For more information, timetables and all bus routes, you can find them here . 

3 Day Kawaguchiko Fuji Five Lakes Itinerary

Day 1 of your Kawaguchiko itinerary will be spent exploring the northern side of Lake Kawaguchi . 

Assuming you’ve come from Tokyo today, this might only be a half day, so if you run out of time you could always spend your last morning before departing Fuji Five Lakes to squeeze in any attractions you don’t get time for today. 

Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

I recommend visiting this panoramic lookout of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji early in the morning. 

When visiting around midday, the lines were pretty long! This popular attraction involves catching a short cable car ride up the mountain to take in the incredible views from the Observation Area. 

You can either hike or catch the cable car down. The hike down Mount Tenko is called the “Hydrangea Route,” due to the blooms of hydrangeas from mid-July to August.  The trail is a great way to soak in extra views of Mt Fuji, without the crowds! 

Open: Daily 9 am – 4 pm Entrance: ¥900 return cable-car trip, purchase at the counter or online

Continue around the edge of the lake to reach Oishi Park . 

This spot has some spectacular views of Mount Fuji across the lake and is a lovely spot to go for a stroll and admire the gardens and seasonal flower fields. You’ll find a couple of cafes here and the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre, with a large range of Fuji-themed souvenirs and ice cream. 

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

We skipped this one, but one of the highly-rated museums and unique attractions in Kawaguchiko is the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum . 

You might feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, the mediaeval-style buildings, a large collection of music boxes playing and an art garden on the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. 

Open: Friday – Monday, 10 am – 6 pm Entrance: From ¥1,800 on weekdays, ¥2,100 on weekends

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine & Tenku no Torii

In need of a coffee stop, we set out for the nearby Nagasaki Coffee Roasters . This was one of the best hand-drip coffees we had during our one month in Japan ! You’ll find this spot in a small hut near the entrance of the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine . 

This shrine is impressive for its towering giant cedar trees that line the path to the shrine, and was a very serene and peaceful sanctuary to wander through after our coffee. 

You can hike through the forest from the shrine to reach the Tenku no Torii viewpoint, which has become a popular Instagram photo spot, and costs ¥100 to enter with a timed stay of 3 minutes to reduce the length of the line of people queueing for a photo. 

We’re not a big fan of queuing or over-commercialised attractions, so decided to skip this one (but the photos are pretty impressive). 

I was SO excited to begin our second day in Kawaguchiko by seeing the famous Chureito Pagoda – this iconic spot has become a photo on postcards and tourism brochures worldwide, synonymous with Japan. 

Luckily, we awoke to clear skies and views of Mount Fuji, so we quickly hurried to get to the pagoda before it got too busy. 

Chureito Pagoda

Chureito Pagoda is located within Arakurayama Sengen Park and is reached via a steep 398-step climb part-way up the hill. It’s worth it though for the views that await – it felt like a dream come true to finally capture this iconic view through my own camera lens. 

I recommend visiting as early as possible to get the best photos, as it’s a popular spot – for good reason!

When visiting in late April, parking was free, however during peak periods like Cherry Blossom season, there is limited parking and a fee payable. After visiting the observation deck with the viewpoint of the pagoda and Mount Fuji, we walked for a further 10 minutes up the hill for another great viewpoint of Fujisan – and we had it ourselves!  

At the base of the hill, there is a small shrine and an orange torii gate, and some food trucks were beginning to set up as we left around 9 am.   

Shimoyoshida Street

In need of caffeine after our early start, we drove over to FabCafe Fuji for coffee and breakfast. 

Outside the cafe, there were signs and even a traffic controller to stop people from walking out into the middle of the busy road to take photos of the picturesque street with views of Mount Fuji in the background. 

I was excited to see this scenic street for myself after having seen some beautiful photos online, but it was pretty disappointing to see a lot of people jumping out onto the road to take photos in front of cars, and the obvious impact it was having on local businesses and residents with signs up everywhere encouraging people not to do this. 

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

A short 5-minute drive took us to Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine. 

My favourite part about this shrine was walking up the path through the forest to reach the shrine, surrounded by towering ancient cedar trees. Hikers seeking to scale Mount Fuji visit here before beginning the trail for a prayer for safety. 

Open: Daily, 8.30 am – 5 pm Entrance: Free

Onshirin Garden

After spending some time wandering the shrine complex, we set off in search of a potential hidden gem near the shrine. Onshirin Garden wasn’t a spot listed on any tourist maps, and looking at the Google reviews it seemed more to be a popular playground for families. 

What intrigued me though was a few photos of an incredible viewpoint of Mount Fuji, with fields of blue nemophila . This beautiful spring flower is most notably seen at the Hitachi Seaside Park near Tokyo, but I hadn’t heard of it in Fuji Five Lakes. 

Our hunting paid off, and we came across this spectacular, quiet and free photo spot just near the entrance to Onshirin Garden. 

Fujisan World Heritage Center

On the way back to Kawaguchiko, consider stopping in at Fujisan World Heritage Center. 

This free visitor centre is a must-see if you are interested in learning more about Mount Fuji. Facilities include a 4D Theater, a 15-metre wide model of Mount Fuji, interactive exhibits and an observation viewing deck.

Ide Sake Brewery

In the centre of Kawaguchiko, you’ll find Ide Sake Brewery tucked away down a side street. 

As big sake lovers (pretty much the reason we visited Takayama on this same trip!), we loved it. 

This small family-run brewery produces both sake and whisky. You can do a self-pour tasting for ¥550 and sample a few different varieties of their products. There is also a small shop, where we picked up our own sake set to take home with us! 

Ide Sake Brewery also runs guided tours in both English and Japanese – unfortunately, they were already fully booked on the day of our visit, but we would have loved to do this. 

You can enquire online here .

On your third and final day of exploring Fuji Five Lakes, we’ll be exploring attractions outside of Lake Kawaguchi.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival 

During my visit in the spring of 2023, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival was being held near Lake Motosu to the west of Kawaguchiko. 

Typically held from mid-April to late May, this festival is popular for the incredible fields of bright pink moss phlox that cover the landscape, with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji in the background. 

Even if you aren’t visiting during the festival period, the rest of the itinerary is still relevant as there are some unique things to see in this area to the west of Lake Kawaguchi. 

Read my detailed guide on all you need to know about visiting the festival .

Lake Motosuko

After spending a few hours walking the grounds, taking many photos and having morning tea at the cafe onsite, we headed off to our next stop, Lake Motosuko. 

Lake Motosu is featured on the 1000 yen bill. It’s also known as the mirror lake , due to the stunning mirrored reflection of Fuji – this is what we set off in search of. 

Driving around the lake, there were camping grounds and campers set up right on the lake’s edge. Coming to Motosukotenbo Park , we pulled over and took these incredible photos of Mount Fuji and the lake. If you have a car, it’s well worth the short detour to visit this viewpoint.

Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave

On the highway driving towards Kawaguchiko, you’ll pass two ice caves, the Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave. There are thought to be over 100 caves at the base of Mount Fuji, as a result of volcanic eruptions creating lava caves. 

We decided to stop and explore the Fugaku Wind Cave . Descending into the cave, you instantly feel the point that the temperature drops – it stays consistently around 0 degrees Celsius throughout the year in the cave. Due to this, the cave was used as a natural refrigerator and used to store silkworms. 

It takes around 15 minutes to explore the cave, with the highlight being the impressive ice stalactites illuminated in the depth of the cave.

When you resurface, there is a 30-minute forest trail that connects the two caves. 

We followed this trail, going for a walk in the serene Aokigahara Forest in favour of visiting the second ice cave. 

There’s also a third cave a short drive away, the Bat Cave, which is also the largest of the three caves open to the public in the Fuji Five Lakes area. 

Onsen with a View of Mount Fuji

As you head back to Kawaguchiko, you can stop at the Fuji Yurari Onsen for a blissful afternoon of relaxation. 

With 16 hot springs including 2 outdoors with views of Mount Fuji, this is a great way to unwind after a busy few days exploring Fuji Five Lakes. Plus for an extra fee, you can also book a private onsen. Just note that no tattoos are allowed. 

Alternative Day 3 

An alternative option for a day trip from Kawaguchiko is visiting Oshino Hakkai . 

Also a popular day trip from Tokyo, visitors can explore the small traditional village reconstruction surrounded by eight ponds, fed by spring water from the snow on the slopes of Mount Fuji. 

As we had just visited the similar Hida Folk Village open-air museum in Takayama , we decided to skip this one, but it is an enjoyable (if somewhat touristy) alternative. 

Another option for thrill-seekers is to spend the day riding the gravity-defying roller coasters at Fuji-Q Highland . This park is best known for its four giant roller coasters and anime-themed rides. 

Buy your tickets online in advance for a discounted admission price. 

Final Thoughts – Mount Fuji Itinerary 

That wraps up this complete guide to Mt Fuji Lake Kawaguchi and the Fuji Five Lakes region. With this itinerary, you’ll uncover the highlights of the region plus a few unique things to do that aren’t possible on a day trip. 

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions about this Kawaguchiko guide, and check out my other articles to help you plan your Japan trip.

More Japan Guides:

• How to Easily Visit the Chureito Pagoda from Tokyo
• 10 Most Mesmerising Views of Mt Fuji from Kawaguchuiko
• An Exciting 4 Days in Osaka Itinerary for First-Timers
• Koyasan Temple Stay: Essential Travel Guide & Tips
• A Fun 7 Day Tokyo Itinerary: Complete 1 Week in Tokyo Guide
• A Perfect 4 Weeks in Japan Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide
• Takayama Itinerary: 2 Days Discovering Traditional Japan

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2 thoughts on “Exploring Fuji Five Lakes: 3 Days in Kawaguchiko Guide”

Thank you. The link to book bus ticket from Tokoyo to fuji doesn’t show up kawaguchiko in the locations

Hmm, that’s strange I can see it when I look. Here’s the direct link (to/from Tokyo Station): https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/11500410001?AreaCd=313

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Fuji Starts Here

I’ve spent literal years writing—and rewriting—my Mt Fuji travel guide. Fujisan ‘s ubiquitous place within Japanese history and culture makes it oddly difficult to put into context, even the context of a moderately popular travel website.

My hope is that by the time you reach the bottom of this page, you’ll get a sense of Mt. Fuji’s complexity as a travel destination. Experiencing Fuji isn’t just about climbing the mountain, or seeing it from a certain vantage point or many. It’s about all these things (and, as I’ve personally come to realize, doing all of them repeatedly, at different stages of your life).

This says nothing of the fact that Fujisan is often fickle, and is sometimes impossible to see at all. I’ll get to that in just a minute, however.

Why Is Mt. Fuji Worth Visiting?

I’ll start by playing devil’s advocate: It can be impossible to see Fujisan at all (let alone to get the best view of Mt Fuji) due to Mt. Fuji weather, which is frequently awful. Visibility has to be close to perfect to see it from most places, and although I’ve been able to beat these odds, this is largely because I’ve taken more than 10 separate trips to Mt. Fuji and its vicinity.

Now, let’s look at this from a more positive perspective. Assuming you are able to avoid meteorological obstacles to seeing Mt. Fuji , doing so never gets old. Whether you reach the summit yourself or just admire it from every angle, there’s a reason Hokusai spent years painting 36 views of the thing! For the purposes of this post, I’m only going to list a fraction of the many places to see Fuji.

Best Ways to Enjoy Mt. Fuji

From the top.

The good news? Climbing Mt. Fuji is much easier than you’re probably expecting . All trails—Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri and Gotemba—allow you to begin your climb more than halfway up the mountain. Moreover, it’s less of a climb and more of a hike, as you don’t need to use ropes or chains at any point. The bad news? You can only climb Fuji for about 10 weeks each year, and if you need to stay at the top…well, more on that in a second.

From Chureito Pagoda

Whether on a day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji or during an overnight stay in Kawaguchiko (more on where to stay there in just a second), the iconic pagoda of Churei-to is probably the most iconic place to see Mt. Fuji, and certainly the most famous on social media. Keep in mind that while views from here in spring and autumn are the most beautiful, they’re also the most difficult to time, to say nothing of crowds during these parts of the year. It’s simply popular to take a Mt. Fuji tour in autumn!

From Fuji Five Lakes

Alternatively, you can simply enjoy views of Fujisan from the shores of any of the Fuji Five Lakes. While Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest to access (and therefore, the most popular), I’m also partial to gorgeous views from the shores of Lake Yamanaka. Either of these places are easy access points for Chureito Pagoda, as well as for the Fujikyu Highland amusement park, where you can take in Mt. Fuji from a speeding rollercoaster!

From Hakone

A decade ago, when I was researching my own first trip to Japan, the Mt Fuji itinerary I came across recommended viewing the mountain from Hakone . When I tried to do this myself (specifically, from the Narukawa Art Museum on the shores of Lake Ashi), I was deeply disappointed: Even with moderate clouds, Fujisan was utterly invisible. Repeat visits have made me more amenable to this option, although I still recommend you go only if skies are perfectly clear.

Other ways to see Fuji

There are countless other vantage points for seeing Mt. Fuji—I’ve barely scratched the surface! Some of my favorites (I mean of those I have visited) include the Nihondaira observation deck in Shizuoka city, Matsubara Beach in Shimizu, the Shinkansen tracks near Higashitaganoura station and various tea fields in the Fuji foothills. As I visit more Fuji viewpoints in the coming years, I’ll be adding them to this post!

Where to Stay Near Mt. Fuji

The bad news? If you climb Mt. Fuji (and want to see the sunrise the next morning), you’ll need to stay at the Fujisan “Hotel,” a nest of cubbyholes that’s one of the most uncomfortable, inhospitable places I’ve ever stayed. The good news? Seeing Fuji from some of the farther away vantage points I’ve mentioned unlocks significantly better hotel options.

Assuming you don’t visit Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo (in which case you’ll sleep in the capital), you have a few options. Some travelers want to sleep in Kawaguchiko, be that in modest accommodations like the Kawaguchiko Station Inn or instead at the luxurious S huhoukaku Kogetsu . Others prefer the hot springs hotels of Hakone, such as The Prince Ashinoko . One strategy I’ve employed is sleeping in Shizuoka city (a city hotel like Kuretake Inn will do), then renting a car and driving to the destinations I’ve listed in this Fuji travel guide.

TIP: Want to see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo? There are many places to do this, including at the Bunkyo Civic Center (the view from there is seen above.

Other FAQ About Visiting Mt. Fuji

Do you need a guide for mt. fuji.

You don’t need a guide to climb to the top of Mt. Fuji. Trails leading to the top, no matter which one you follow, are extremely well marked and maintained. Moreover, even if you were to get lost (or feel intimidated about hiking in the dark to the reach the top for sunrise), you can follow the literally hundreds of other climbers who will also be there.

What is the best time to see Mt. Fuji?

Mt. Fuji is beautiful in all seasons. Personally, I prefer seeing Mt. Fuji covered in snow, which excludes summer (at least for viewing—it’s the only time you can climb). While cherry blossoms and autumn leaves frame Fujisan especially well (especially from Chureito Pagoda), these are also extremely crowded times of year; the sakura are fickle, too. Winter in the vicinity of Mt. Fuji , on the other hand, means few fellow travelers, generally clear skies and a big snow cap. A win-win-win, if you ask me!

Can beginners climb Mt. Fuji?

Climbing Mt. Fuji is actually more of a hike—the trails start over halfway up the mountain; gains in elevation are modest, and never require the assistance of ropes or chains. As a result, if you are in reasonably good shape and don’t suffer from any mobility issues, you can “climb” Mt. Fuji, which is much easier to summit than Everest , Kilimanjaro or even lower-altitude destinations like Peru’s Machu Picchu.

The Bottom Line

Is Mt. Fuji worth visiting? If you decide that the answer is yes, whether it’s in the form of a Mt. Fuji day trip or a longer sojourn, I hope my Mt Fuji travel guide has helped you make sense of Japan’s most famous mountain, which is at once ubiquitous and enigmatic. On one hand, it’s unlikely that you’ll get your fill of Fujisan in a single trip to Japan—you might not even be able to see it, depending upon the weather. On the other hand, if you travel knowing the enormity of Mt. Fuji’s place within Japanese history and culture (not to mention the countless ways travelers can see experience the mountain), you can move slowly and steadily toward whatever your goals are, keeping in mind that you may never really reach them. Commission a custom Japan itinerary to enjoy Mt. Fuji to the fullest, no matter how you desire to do so.

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, mount fuji itinerary: fuji five lakes (fujigoko) travel guide.

Fuji Five Lakes is the closest area to Mount Fuji. It is located in the Yamanashi prefecture of Japan, and it’s where locals and tourists like to go for a quick getaway from Tokyo . The area receives just as much domestic tourism as international tourism!

• What are the Fuji Five lakes?

How to get to Fuji Five Lakes

How many days should i spend in fuji five lakes, when is the best time to visit fuji five lakes.

• How to get around Fuji Five Lakes area
• Where to stay in Fuji Five Lakes area
• Itinerary for Fuji Five Lakes
• What to do in Fuji Five Lakes area
• Onsen to visit in the Fuji Five Lakes area

What to eat in Fuji Five Lakes

What are the fuji five lakes.

Mount Fuji is Japan’s most popular and highest mountain. Not many people realize this, but Mount Fuji is an active volcano with the last eruption being in the early 1700s. Fuji Five Lakes are the lakes that formed from the eruption of Mount Fuji. It is locally known as Fujigoko (富士五湖) which literally translates to “Fuji Five Lakes”.

Today, as the name might have implied, the area consists of five lakes around Mount Fuji:

• Lake Kawaguchi / Kawaguchi-ko
• Lake Yamanaka / Yamanaka-ko
• Lake Motosu / Motosu-ko
• Lake Sai / Sai-ko
• Lake Shoji / Shoji-ko

Hence, the name Fuji Five Lakes! The area is popular with domestic tourists for all kinds of activities: temple visits, water activity as well as snow activities in the winter.

Out of the five, Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka are the most popular among tourists. I would highly recommend basing yourselves on these areas if you’re visiting.

From Tokyo By Train – Lake Kawaguchi can be reached easily from Shinjuku station. If you have a JR Pass , a portion of this journey is covered from Shinjuku to Otsuki, but you still need to top up for the Otsuki to Lake Kawaguchi part. Otherwise, there are direct limited express trains from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi which will take about 2 hours from Tokyo.

Combine with Hakone – If you’re on a trip from Tokyo , you might want to group this trip together with Hakone as Fuji Five Lakes can be reached by bus from Hakone. So you could potentially do Tokyo – Hakone – Fuji Five Lakes – Tokyo, or the other way around. If you are doing this route, you might be interested in the Fuji-Hakone pass , which will cover your transportation.

Day trip from Tokyo via a Private Tour – If you don’t have too many days to spare, you can still do a day trip from Tokyo to Fuji Five Lakes. This tour will take you to the most famous spots I’ll mention below.

Rent a car and drive from Tokyo  – This is the most convenient and easy option since you won’t have to depend on public transport. It takes about 1.5 hours one way to get to Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo by car. Driving in Japan requires an International Driving License. This is the option that I personally went with since I did not want to waste time with public transport. Book a car rental from Tokyo, which you can pick up from the airport or in the city:

• Car Rental  Pick up from Narita Airport
• Car Rental  Pick up from Haneda Airport
• Car Rental  Pick up in Tokyo

Depending on what you want to do, 2-3 days can be enough to explore the Fuji Five Lakes area. I went for 3 days and 2 nights and it was just enough to do everything we wanted to do.

Much like the rest of Japan, the best time to visit the Fuji Five Lakes area would be around spring during Sakura time , or autumn during Momiji time .

However, if your goal is to see Mount Fuji (not climb it, just see ), then your best bet would actually be visiting during winter when there tend to be more clear conditions and Mount Fuji would be visible.

I visited Fuji Five Lakes in December – the weather was cold, but it was perfectly clear blue skies and Mount Fuji was visible the two days we were there. But on the day we left, the weather became cloudy and Mount Fuji wasn’t visible at all.

How to get around the Fuji Five Lakes area

Once you get to the Fuji Five Lakes area, the last mile for many attractions can be reached via buses. There are two bus lines you’d be using a lot when you are in this area: The Omni Bus and Fujikko bus. You’d likely be using the red Omni bus the most, which covers the north and eastern sides of Lake Kawaguchi, where most of the famous attractions are.

Where to stay in the Fuji Five Lakes area

Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular area to stay, with Lake Yamanaka being a close second. There is plenty of mountain lodge in this area, as well as onsen resorts . It’s also the closest area to most of the attractions I am listing below!

If you prefer to stay off the beaten path, then you can look at staying near the smaller lakes, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient as there would not be many restaurants or shops nearby and limited public transportation.

Where to stay near Lake Kawaguchi

If you are planning to get to Fuji Five Lakes by train, it’s better to stay near the Kawaguchiko station. Many buses will originate from the station too.

But if you’re going to be driving, or don’t mind the commute, then I’ve recommended some mountain cottages that are a bit further away from the station!

Here are some recommendations for where you can stay:

• Lake Villa Kawaguchiko – This is where we stayed. A highly rated cottage within walking distance of the lake, and a full view of Mount Fuji. It’s best for a family or group of friends. We stayed in the standard cottage as a group of 3 adults and 2 kids, and there was still some space for at least 2 more adults.
• Setsuu – Modern 3-bedroom villa, perfect for a group or family
• Kawaguchi-ko Country Cottage
• Ururun Kawaguchiko
• Sakura FUJI (near Kawaguchiko station)
• Fujiyasan (near Kawaguchiko station)

Where to stay near Lake Yamanaka

If you want to be truly away from other tourists, you can consider staying near Lake Yamanaka. Here are a few recommendations:

• Guesthouse Murabito
• Guesthouse KOKORO
• Designer House

Mount Fuji Itinerary in Fuji Five Lakes

There are many attractions and places you can visit in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Here is a map of the area so that you can visualize the area better!

🗺 Save this map to your phone!  If you are a Google user, click on the image of the map above. The map will then be saved to your “Recent” maps viewed.  Click here for instructions on how to view the map later . It will work from your phone too.

I’ve made some recommended itineraries, taking into account the time to travel since you can only travel by bus here. I would suggest prioritizing these attractions. The rest are nice to visit, if you have time, if the weather permits, and if you have a specific interest in them.

• Kawaguchiko Ropeway
• Arakuyama Sengen Park
• Oshino Hakkai
• Recommended if have time: Fujisan World Heritage Center
• Asama Shrine
• Tenku no Torii
• If you are driving: Fujiyama Twin Terrace
• Recommended if have time: Kawaguchiko Music Forest

Scroll down to see the details of each attraction!

What to do in the Fuji Five Lakes area

1. arakuyama sengen park.

➡️ Admission Fee: Free!

Arakuyama Sengen Park is a park on a hill with stairs that allows you to climb up all the way to the top very easily. At the bottom of the hill is a shrine with a large vermillion torii gate called Shiogama Shrine that perfectly frames Mount Fuji. Further up, there is Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine where you can buy omamori from, and a small food truck with snacks.

There are a lot of stairs to climb to the very top of the hill, but trust me, it’s well worth it. At the top of the stairs is Chureito Pagoda and behind the pagoda, there is a viewing platform where you can see both Mount Fuji and the shrine at the same time. It was absolutely gorgeous! I felt like I was in a travel magazine.

2. Oshino Hakkai

➡️ Admission Fee: Free to Oshino Hakkai, 200 yen per person for the Hannokibayashi Folklore Museum

Oshino Hakkai (literally translated “ Eight Seas of Oshino” ) are the eight ponds/springs that can be found near Mount Fuji. It is believed that water from this pond came straight from the snow that melts from Mount Fuji itself, and is filtered all the way down here, resulting in very clear spring water.

You can walk around to find all the ponds if you have time! Chu-ike and Waku-ike are the most popular and most beautiful ponds, so I recommend visiting those two first. Chui-ke is one of the deepest ponds, reaching a depth of 8 meters. Shobu-ike and Deguchi-ike are further away from the main area, so you’ll likely see fewer tourists around those areas.

It is also believed that the ponds are connected to each other. For example, items that are lost in Okama-ike pond are sometimes found in Sokonashi-ike pond, suggesting there are underground ways for those items to travel through.

Sokonashi-ike is part of the Hannokibayashi Folklore Museum . There is a paid admission (200 yen) to enter the open-air museum, but it was minimal enough that I felt it was well worth it! You get to enter and explore a traditional Japanese home and enjoy a short tranquil walk.

3. Kawaguchiko Ropeway

➡️ Admission Fee: 500 yen for 7-12 years old, 900 yen for adults round trip

This short but steep ropeway takes you up a hill with a nice view! At the top of the ropeway is Kawaguchiko Tenzojan Park , where you can get some snacks and take photos while enjoying the scenery. You’ll be able to get a clear unblocked view of Mount Fuji as well as Lake Kawaguchi right below.

We spent some time walking around here and trying the snacks! I got the dango, which was an interesting sweet and savory combination. There is also ice cream and corn dogs. I don’t remember the exact price for all, but everything was around 400-700 yen.

Going back down was pretty easy – just get on a queue on the other side! It isn’t the same line that took you up before, but it looks similar.

4. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and Tenku no Torii

To the north of Lake Kawaguchi, you can find Asama Shrine . Make sure to take a walk around the back of the shrine! In this temple ground, there are seven sacred giant Japanese cedar trees that are over 1,200 years old.

After visiting the shrine, if the weather is nice and Mount Fuji is visible, don’t leave the area just yet! Continue your way to Tenku no Torii , just a short 30-minute hike up the hill behind Asama Shrine. Tenku no Torii means Torii gate in the sky, and you’ll see why when you see what it looks like .

However, Tenku no Torii is definitely not an unknown place. You’ll need to pay 500 yen to take this photo with a camera, and possibly line up if there are other tourists around. The photo is well worth it though!

5. Kawaguchiko Music Forest

➡️ Admission Fee: 1,000 yen for kids 6 and above, 1,800 yen for adults (but if you enter from 4 pm onward it’s only 500 yen for adults and kids are free)

Kawaguchiko Music Forest is located on the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchi. The place is more like a European garden rather than a museum. One of the buildings is a music box museum .

In the music box museum, there are a lot of… well, very impressive music boxes! My favorite is this grand one which I think is a replica of the hall of mirrors in Versailles. You could also ask the attendants to show you some of the inner workings of the music boxes.

You can attend a concert and a dance organ at the music forest, so if this interests you be sure to check the schedule for that month. There is also a fountain show , which runs for 3 minutes every hour at the garden.

There is a small but super cute Donguri Republic store , which is a must-visit for Studio Ghibli fans. They sell merchandise from the beloved anime by Studio Ghibli.

💡 Tip: Keep in mind, Kawaguchi Music Forest and most things here are closed early by 5 pm , so you’ll want to be here latest by 4 pm. Tickets cost 1,500 yen but are heavily discounted if you come at 4 pm, but that wouldn’t give you much time to explore.

6. Fujisan World Heritage Center

This heritage center is a must-visit if you’re interested to learn about Mount Fuji. It details the timeline and known eruptions of Mount Fuji, and what effect the mountain has had on the area surrounding it. This is where we learned about Funatsu Lava Tree Molds , which I will cover more about in the next point!

There is a pretty nice souvenir shop too if you’re looking for gifts to bring back home.

Tip: They are closed early by 4:30-6 pm depending on the time of the year, so please check here before you go!

7. Funatsu Lava Tree Molds

This place is only a short way away from the Fujisan World Heritage Center. At the time of Mount Fuji eruptions, the lava that flowed out coated and burned the giant trees surrounding the mountain.

As time goes by, the lava cooled down and turned solid. The remnants of the trees eventually rot away, and all that was left are molds of the tree trunks which in turn created these cool caves and tunnels that are big enough to fit people, so it can be explored.

There is an entrance fee of 200 yen per person, but nothing is stopping you from entering the molds. When I visited in winter no one was around to check if you paid the fee or not. They seem to operate on an honor system!

8. Fujiyama Twin Terrace

Fujiyama Twin Terrace is yet another way to admire the view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Some said this is one of the best places to see Mount Fuji.

Fujiyama Twin Terrace is a 40-minute drive from Kawaguchiko station. They do have a free shuttle coming from nearby Fuefuki town, but it takes around 2 hours to get to the shuttle pick-up point so I don’t think it’s worth the trip if you’re relying on public transport.

Please note that unlike other tourist places in Japan, there are no amenities around in this area , and no restaurants or shops, so make sure to bring snacks and water!

Tip: During winter, please check if Fujiyama Twin Terrace is open since the road might be closed due to icy conditions.

9. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Japanese ancient village)

Iyashi-no-Sato is a small farming village that was destroyed by a landslide back in the 1960s. Now, twenty of the houses have been reconstructed and re-opened as an open-air museum. These houses are now converted into shops, galleries, and museums.

From Kawaguchiko station, you can take the green omnibus which will take 40 minutes to Iyashi-no-Sato.

Tip: Iyashi-no-Sato is closed early by 4:30 pm depending on the time of the year, so please check here before you go!

10. Fuji-Q Highland

Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park, one of the most popular in Japan. If your child is Thomas the train fan, there is also a Thomas Land inside Fuji-Q Highland. I think it’s best to visit when the weather is good since most of the park is outdoors.

➡️ Buy tickets to Fuji-Q Highland here !

Tip: Fuji-Q highland closes at 6 pm but some attractions like Thomas land closes at 4 pm. Check hours here

11. Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park

Hananomiyako Park is best to visit during spring and autumn, although they have events all year round. They are very popular for the tulip festival in spring from late April to mid-May. In August, you can see sunflowers, and in autumn you can see bright zinnias. Take a look at the flowering schedule here .

However, if you are here during winter, they hold an illumination event, which could be a worthwhile visit too. We came here after seeing the Diamond Fuji nearby, which I will cover more shortly.

12. Diamond Fuji 🗻💎 – A Mount Fuji Phenomenon

Diamond Fuji is a phenomenon that occurs when the rising or setting of the sun aligns with the peak of Mount Fuji, causing the peak to shine bright like a diamond (cue Rihanna).

This is something you can witness all year round and from many different places in Japan, but the time and place change depending on the time of the year.

Diamond Fuji is only visible from the Fuji Five Lakes area from October to February . You can check here for the time and place (scroll down to the “For foreigners” part for the English PDF).

From the Fuji Five Lakes area, Diamond Fuji can typically be seen for sunset from Lake Yamanaka. When I went in December, we saw Lake Fuji from a spot near Hananomiyako Park at around 3:25 pm, because the sun sets very early in the winter. The Diamond Fuji also does not last very long – it’s actually super short. We’re talking less than a minute of when the sun actually “nests” itself on top of the peak of Mount Fuji.

Other Mount Fuji phenomena to watch for are:

• Beni-Fuji – This happens during sunrise or sunset when the sunlight turns the snow-capped Mount Fuji red.
• Sakasa-Fuji – Double Fuji, which occurs when the conditions are clear and the lakes are absolutely still, which causes a mirror effect.
• Pearl Fuji – When the moon rises at the peak of Mount Fuji, similar to Diamond Fuji.

13. Climb Mount Fuji

Of course, there is also the option of climbing Mount Fuji itself! However, note that Mount Fuji is closed during winter. It is only possible to climb from July 1 to August 31. It takes two days to climb Mount Fuji.

💡 Tip: Find out more about climbing Mount Fuji here

14. Visit an onsen in the Fuji Five Lakes area

Onsen is a Japanese hot spring. Soaking in it is one of the most deeply-rooted traditions and a popular way to pass time and relax in Japan.

If you’re a fan of Onsen , or if you just want to check out what the fuss is all about, this Fuji five lakes area is one of the best places to do it! Not only do you get to soak up and relax in the hot spring water, but you might also get to do it with an amazing view of Mount Fuji.

Onsen Guide and Etiquette: If you’ve never done onsen before and wondering what it is about and what to do, be sure to check my Onsen guide !

Here are the best places to do Onsen in the Fuji Five Lakes area:

• Fuji Yurari Onsen – A nice onsen with a few rotenburo (outdoor open-air pools) options with a nice view of Mount Fuji! Aside from that, they also have a few different pools in the onsen. I did find them a bit underwhelming in terms of temperature, but it was still a nice onsen to visit.
• Yamanakako Onsen Benifuji no Yu hot spring – They have two rotenburo with a complete view of Mount Fuji, and one of the pools is filled with yuzu fruits. Mount Fuji can also be seen from the indoor pool.
• Fujiyama Onsen – Located near Fuji Q highlands. This place does not have a view of Mount Fuji, but still a nice onsen to visit. The onsen prides itself on being Japan’s largest pure wooden bathroom.

The main selling point for Yurari and Benifuhi no Yu onsen is the view of Mount Fuji, so I very much recommend going there when it’s still daytime and if the weather is clear.

There is plenty of good food to eat in Yamanashi prefecture. However, keep in mind many restaurants are closed between lunch and dinner – usually, lunch is served from 11:30 – 2 pm, and dinner starts from 6 – 8:30 pm. Use this information to plan your day!

1. Eat Hotou Noodles

Hotou noodles are the specialty of Yamanashi region, so you must have this dish when you’re here! It is a hot pot of flat udon noodles in a miso-based broth. I can see why this is the specialty of this region – it’s the absolute perfect food to have when it’s cold.

Here are a few hotou places to check out near Lake Kawaguchi:

• Koushu Hotou Kosaku

2. お好みハウス ZOO (Okononiyaki Zoo)

We stumbled upon this place when we were looking for dinner after an onsen session. We’re so glad! This place serves mostly okonomiyaki , which is a type of savory pancake that is popular in Japan. Ingredients usually include cabbage, noodles and any type of topping you choose.

3. Setouchi

This place is a true example of amazing Japanese hospitality! We found them while looking for lunch as we were arriving near Lake Kawaguchi. It was one of the few places that were still open for lunch at 1:30 pm. The place is very small, consisting of only three tables. The menu was also quite limited, but everything they served us was great! They have an English menu, and the owner also speaks basic English.

Phew. And with that, we have reached the end of this post.

That’s my take on visiting Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area! Please let me know if you are visiting and have any questions by leaving a comment below.

Have fun in Japan! 👋

12 Comments

• February 29, 2024

Hi Melissa,

I plan to visit Fiji after spending 4-5 days in Tokyo. My initial plan is stopping by at Fuji and staying there for one day and continue to visit Osaka. What do you think?

• December 7, 2023

Perfect blog. Thanks a lot Melissa. We are planning to visit early February and are planning to rent and drive to Mt Fuji. I believe there might icy conditions and might require snow tires. Any recommendation on how to get snow tires? How were you able to manage getting them? Really appreciate

hey Aalaya, you would be able to get the snow tires at the place where you rent the car

• October 8, 2023

Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing! Just wanted to ask, was it easy driving around mt Fuji? I’m thinking of renting a car at kawaguchiko station and wonder if the roads are winding/steep. Also, how is parking like at there? Is it foc or chargeable? Thanks!

Hey Jane, it’s quite easy to drive, but if you’re coming during winter there might be some icy conditions and detours. Parking would be chargeable.

Thanks for replying. Appreciate it!!

• October 2, 2023

Hello! Thank you so much for this post! I was wondering how to get to the Fujiyama Twin Terrace. Already searched in a few blogs but wasn’t able to figure out how to get to the bus station to take the shuttle. Can you clarify? 🙂

Hey Joanna, there are shuttle buses that go there: https://www.peach-city.com/fujiyama-twin-terrace (scroll down). The shuttle is coming from a town called Fuefuki. Unfortunately, if you are coming from Kawaguchiko, I think the best way to get there is to drive since there is no easy public transport to Fuefuki from the Kawaguchiko area (takes about 2-3 hours just to reach the shuttle pick up point). The Twin Terrace is about a 40-minute drive from Kawaguchiko station.

• May 31, 2023

Your blog is such treasure trove Melissa….it’s so well written and mentions all the types of information that is helpful to travelers. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights.

Thanks Nadine! enjoy your time

• April 22, 2023

Hi, Melissa, I’m so grateful finding your website. It helps a lot in planning our trip to Japan. We’re following your suggestion to visit Tokyo – Hakone – Fujigoko – Tokyo. We wonder whether you used any special passes last time? Especially if we spend 1 night in Hakone and 2 nights in Kawaguchiko.

• May 1, 2023

Hey Iin! I visited Hakone and Fujigoko separately, so I’m not able to advise based on personal experience. I do know there is a Fuji Hakone pass , which covers the transportation in Hakone and Kawaguchiko. So you might want to check that out.

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Hana's Travel Journal

HANA'S TRAVEL JOURNAL

Best places to visit around mount fuji.

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After living in Japan for over 2 years, we finally made our way to the icon of Japan, almighty Fuji-san. Mount Fuji is truly an incredible volcano. It is barely surrounded by other mountains and its perfect shape with a snow cap will take your breath away. It can be seen from wide and far and the first word to pop into my mind was “majestic”! We spend a couple of days exploring the area of Mt. Fuji and here are some of my favourite places that we visited during our stay.

About Mt. Fuji

Firstly, let’s introduce Mount Fuji a little bit more. Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san , is not only the tallest mountain of Japan but also a cultural icon that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Fuji is 3776 metres tall and it’s still an active volcano that last erupted from 1707 to 1708. Its perfectly shaped peak is covered in snow approximately 5 months of a year. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Fuji has been worshipped as a scared mountain and the first person to ever climb to the top was a monk, who climbed it as early as in 663.

Mt. Fuji is the most climbed mountain in the world, with over 300 000 climbers who reach the peak every year. The four hiking trails to the top are officially open only during 2 months of the year in summer, so the number is pretty impressive and Fuji itself gets very crowded. Fun fact – even though men were able to climb Fuji since the first ascent in the 7 th century, women couldn’t climb until the Meiji Era in the late 19 th century. The first non-Japanese person who conquered the peak was Sir Rutherford Alcock, the first British diplomat who lived in Japan.

Five Lakes of Fuji

If you want to enjoy Mt. Fuji at a more leisurely pace, you should visit the northern area where the five lakes of Fuji ( Fujigoko ) lay. The official name is Fuji Five Lake Region and it spreads in about 1000 meters above the sea level height around the lakes Kawaguchiko , Saiko , Yamanakako , Shojiko and Motosuko . Some of the most beautiful views at Fuji-san can be seen from these lakes and the area is full of hiking possibilities, museums, hot springs, hotels, great restaurants, small towns and so on. We also spent the most time in this region.

Arakurayama Sengen Park

Situated on a mountainside in the city of Fujiyoshida, Arakurayama Sengen Park hides the most popular view at Fuji-san. The observation platform is situated above Chureito Pagoda and there are hundreds of cherry blossom trees underneath. I am sure you’ve seen this iconic view before. To reach the pagoda, you have to conquer almost 400 steps but the view is worth it. Be aware though that this place gets very crowded, especially in spring and autumn.

Unfortunately, during our visit, the pagoda and the viewing platform were under construction, but this gave us the reason to explore more of the surroundings. The park itself is large and it has many other spots with unobstructed view at Mt. Fuji, so if you’d love to see something less stereotypical than Chureito Pagoda, wander around!

Opening hours

The park is open 24/7, but the pagoda with the famous viewing platform is open only from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Tenku no Torii

If you have looked at the pictures of Mount Fuji on Instagram, you probably have come across Tenku no Torii – a vermilion torii gate with an epic view at Fujisan. Besides being the current popular “Insta-place”, it is most of all a place of worship, so keep that in mind when visiting. Taking pictures is allowed, but you are asked to be respectful towards the environment and not to step behind fences. If you want to take pictures only with your phone, you don’t have to pay any fee. However, if you want to use a camera, you have to pay 500 yen for a membership, that lasts 4 months. You will get a card and you can come and go as you please during the duration of the membership.

How to get there

Tenku no Torii is located on a hill and there’s no public transport going up there. You can hike through a cedar forest from Kawaguchi Asama Shrine . The hike should take about 30 minutes, but it can be quite steep, so wear good shoes. If you are visiting Mt. Fuji by car, you are in luck, because there’s a small parking lot right under the torii gate. You can drive up and from there it is less than 5-minute walk.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is quite small and it is open 24/7, however, Tenku no Torii has opening hours. During our visit, the opening hours were from 9 am to 4 pm, but recent update on Google Maps says they open only from 10 am to 3 pm. Make sure you check this before your visit, so you don’t get disappointed! You can find their official website here .

Oishi Park at Lake Kawaguchi

Oishi Park is located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi and it has incredible views over Fujisan rising above the lake. All along the coast, there are flower fields, cafes, walking trails and also Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre , where you can learn how to make jam from local berries. We visited Mt. Fuji in December so there weren’t any flowers in bloom and the park looked a bit dull, so we didn’t stay long. But the view at Fuji was truly incredible. Oishi Park is a very popular places among photographers because every nook is picture-perfect! The park is open 24/7 and there are no entrance fees.

Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to the Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park

Another scenic place to visit around Mt. Fuji is Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park, a hillside park with views over the Lake Kawaguchi and, of course Fujisan. You can get to this spectacular viewing platform with Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. The station to the cable car is right on the shores of the lake in the Fujikawaguchi town. The forest park hides few walking trails in the surrounding hills. There are benches and picnic tables for you to relax.

Tickets and opening hours

The ropeway is in operation every day, with the first ride leaving at 9:30 and the last at 4:20pm (on the way up). Round way ticket costs 900 yen for an adult. If you wish to go only up and hike on the way down, you will pay 500 yen. For more information about the ropeway and hiking trails that you can do in this area, visit their official website here .

Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a picturesque village located half-way between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanakako. The town is frequented by tourists because of its traditional houses surrounded by 8 ponds, that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site . The ponds are fed with water from melted snow of Mount Fuji. The water is so clear that you can see fish and unique plants at the bottom of the ponds.

Oshino Hakkai has a very charming atmosphere, there are many shops, restaurants and street food stalls to accommodate its visitors. It is one of few traditional villages in Japan that kept their historical appearance. If you want to explore more traditional towns and villages in Japan, check out my article here that is dedicated to towns with traditional Japanese architecture.

Hannokibayashiminzoku Museum

Oshino Hakkai is home to the open-air Hannokibayashiminizoku Museum with more traditional houses. Many pictures that you see online from this village are actually from the museum. I, unfortunately, didn’t know that so I missed this place (because it was already closed), but I really recommend you to visit because it looks very nice!

Opening hours and entrance fees

The museum is open every day except of Thursday, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The admission fee is just 300 yen for adults. You can read more about this place on their official website here .

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Iyashi-no-Sato village is located on the shores of Lake Saiko, one of the five lakes of Mount Fuji. It stands at the place of former farming village that was completely destroyed in a landslide that was caused by a typhoon in 1966. Several decades after the original village was ruined, new houses with thatched roofs were built, the village was resurrected, and the whole place was open as an open-air museum for visitors.

What to expect when visiting Iyashi-no-Sato Village

Even though the village is newly built, it has a very rustic charm, and to be honest I had no idea that these houses are not the original ones. They did a great job reconstructing the place. The houses are built on a gentle slope so you can see Mt. Fuji from almost every street. All of the 20 houses are open and turned into museums, galleries, cafes or shops with traditional crafts and arts. You can visit workshops or rent traditional kimono to take pictures in.

It is truly a special place and I greatly enjoyed our visit. We stopped in a café for a hot cup of matcha and then bought souvenirs to take home with us. Near the parking lot, there are some restaurants and street food stalls if you crave some propre meal.

Iyashi-no-Sato village is open from 9 am to 5 pm from March to November and from 9:30 to 4:30 from December to February. There are no closing days. The entrance fee is 350 yen per person. For more information you can visit their official website in English here .

Fuji-Q Highland

If you are a thrill seeker, you should definitely visit Fuji Q Highland! This amusement park is located in the Fujiyoshida city and it features several record-breaking roller coasters. It is one of Japan’s most popular amusement parks, right at the foot of Mount Fuji, so views from any of the attractions are guaranteed. The park constantly opens new rides, some of them have been listed in the Guinness World Record books.

The park has also several anime-themed attractions, traditional, less-thrilling rides, areas for children such as Thomas Land, and seasonal attractions like ice skating ring in winter. There are shops, restaurants and hotels with onsens within the park. I personally haven’t visited Fuji Q Highland, because we didn’t have enough time, but I wish we did! It sounds like a great day.

For more information about Fuji Q Highland, you can visit their official website here . It is also available in English. For info about tickets and opening hours, click here .

Hakone is a small town sent on a mountainside of Mt. Hakone on the shores of Lake Ashi. It has a very artsy vibe because of its many museums and art galleries, but there are plenty of hiking tracks as well. I wrote a separate article about the best things to do in Hakone so don’t miss it out!

Lake Shoji is the smallest of the five lakes of Mount Fuji. It feels very serene, especially because this region is less developed than the other lakes, so the surroundings are quaint, almost sleepy but the views at Fujisan make up for the lack of infrastructure. It is a perfect place for all outdoors enthusiasts. There’re beaches, campgrounds, and boat and kayak rentals on the shores of the lake. The forests around are hiding plenty of hiking trails leading to various lookouts in the mountains. Lake Shoji is also a popular destination for fishing and other outdoor activities, such as water skiing and jet skiing.

We actually stayed at Lake Shoji and I loved this place. The only downside is, that you might need a car as there are not many restaurants and hotels around, and the bus schedule is not so frequent either. But I can totally see myself coming here in summer and camp near Tatego-Hama Beach . The view from there is simply incredible. Fuji appears somehow closer and even more majestic.

Getting around

Two main transportation hubs in the Mt. Fuji Five Lakes region are Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station . You can take a bus from both of them to any direction. The bus connections are quite good and they provide access to all five lakes. There are several bus companies that are targeted on tourists, such as: Omni buses , Fujikko Bus or Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus . All of them will take you to all the main attractions around the lakes. Besides tourist buses, there’s also a regular network which can be useful to get to more remote areas, such as Lake Shoji for example.

The best way to get around Mt. Fuji is by car. It gives you freedom to explore more remote areas and you don’t have to depend on bus schedule. We used a rental car and it was the best decision. There are several car-rental companies near the main stations – Kawaguchiko and Fujisan station, or in bigger cities – Fujiyoshida, Fujinomiya and Fujikawaguchi.

To drive in Japan, you will need an international driver’s licence, passport, driver’s licence from your country and a credit card. The conditions for car rental can vary from country to country so check the requirements beforehand. In Japan, you drive on the left-hand side. Driving in the cities can be hectic and not always convenient, but the towns around Mount Fuji are very big and the roads are not busy. For detailed information about driving in Japan, check this article on Japan Guide here.

Where to stay

Even though many travellers come only for one day from Tokyo, I would really encourage you to stay at least over-night! I understand that our schedule not always allows us to take extra time, but the Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Region is really incredible.

If you are travelling around Japan with public transport, I would recommend you to stay in a bigger city, such as Fujikawaguchi or Fujiyoshida, where the two main train stations are. There are all sorts of hotels, hostels and ryokans available.

Our experience

We stayed in Yamadaya Hotel during our trip, at the shores of Lake Shoji . The hotel is quite old and outdated, but I greatly enjoyed our stay. Staff was very helpful and they spoke some English. All the rooms face Mount Fuji so awesome views are guaranteed. Rooms have private bathrooms and they are quite large. We slept in a traditional tatami room and their futons were by far the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on. Yamadaya Hotel has also private onsens on the roof. You can check at the reception when they are free and sign yourself up for sunset or sunrise, or basically any time that you’d like. I cannot even describe how amazing it was to watch sunrise over Fujisan from a hot spring. True bucket list experience!

Where to eat

There are many great restaurants to go to in the Mount Fuji area. To my suprise, there are many western, especially Italian places, so if you are craving pizza, you are in luck.

When we were in Hakone, we tried the famous spicy miso ramen at the Owakudani Valley . Owakudani is known for its volcanic activity and for their black eggs . The ramen had black charcoal noodles and it was delicious, even though it was quite spicy for me. The cafe is quite basic but it has 5* views at Fujisan and the valley.

In Fujikawaguchiko city, we tried 2 restaurants and both of them exceeded our expectations.

Engawa 1441

The best beef I’ve eaten in my life was here! Engawa 1441 is a laid-back restaurant with modern interior specializing in beef and shaved ice. Honetsly, their beef was out of this world! You can choose which type of beef you would like. They have cheaper wagyu, but also A5 quality meat. Tomas ordered steak while I got beef skillet with cheese. Both of them were absolutely delicious! For dessert we didn’t try their famous shaved ice, because it was winter. Instead, we went for their brulee cheesecake . I have to honestly say, that it was the second best cheesecake I ate. The first one was in Tokyo Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur and this one came close second. Very creamy texture that melted in your mouth. I would love to come back to to Engawa 1441.

Moose Hills Burger

It is not easy to find a really good burger, but Moose Hills Burger restaurant delivered. The restaurant is built in Canadian style and for a while I completely forgot that I am in Japan and not somewhere in the Rocky Moutains.

So here are all the places worth visiting around Mount Fuji. Of course there are many other spots to discover, but for a fun weekend away, you don’t want to plan to much. You need to sit back, relax and enjoy the absolute stunning beauty of this magnificent mountain.

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9 Best Mt Fuji Viewing Spots — Must-visits and Lesser Known Guide to the Best Photo Spots

There’s more than just the Fuji Five Lakes for IG-worthy Mt Fuji viewing spots.

Mt Fuji is no doubt the most iconic mountain in Japan — both tourists and locals alike will make the trip down to see it at least once in their life.

It also holds a reputation for being elusive thanks to the unpredictable weather — it took me two attempts to finally see her in the flesh but it was so worth it. Mt Fuji literally looks photoshopped in real life, with the pristine snow cap and perfectly conical shape.

If you plan on visiting one of the most photogenic mountains in the world, here are some must-visit Mt Fuji viewing spots you have to drop by.

*Pro-tip : Check the 24/7 Mt Fuji live stream in advance as the weather can be unpredictable.

Click any of the links below to jump straight in:

1) Honcho Street 2) Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine 3) Lake Yamanaka 4) Fuji View Hotel 5) Fuji-Q Highland 6) Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko 7) Obuchi Sasaba Tea Plantation 8) Mishima Skywalk 9) Tenku no torii

1) Honcho Street

Honcho street went viral on TikTok thanks to the incredible view of Mt Fuji peeking from a shopping street. The telephone wires add an extra dose of 1980s Japanese small-town nostalgia so we had to drop by for an Insta-shoot.

Finding the location was a challenge as the street does not come up on Google Maps, so we recommend looking for Koike Optical building’s address instead!

*Note: Don’t obstruct traffic when taking pictures as there are cars passing through.

Address: 3-chōme-12 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0004, Japan

2) Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine

The name Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine might not ring a bell, but you’ve probably seen a picture of it when Googling “Japan”.

It’s a 15-minute climb to the viewing deck, where you’ll find a postcard-perfect view of Mt Fuji and the iconic red Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida. The spot is particularly popular during spring in mid-April, as the mountain will be framed by cherry blossom trees!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 9AM – 4PM Address: 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0031, Japan 

3) Lake Yamanaka

Skip the entire Fuji Five Lakes pilgrimage and just head to the closest one near Mt Fuji — Lake Yamanaka !

It’s our favourite viewing spot because unlike Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Motosuko , there are no other mountains obstructing the view and it’s also less crowded as it’s located further from the towns.

Photo credit: MYSTAYS

Fun fact: Lake Yamanaka is also affectionately known as Swan Lake amongst locals, thanks to the swans frolicking by the bank. For a closer view, cruise along the lake on a giant swan pleasure boat !

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24hrs Address: 2645-2 Hirano, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0502, Japan

4) Fuji View Hotel

Photo credit: @bulaiern via Instagram

Ever woken up to a view of Mt Fuji? — neither have we.

The truth is, there’s only a 20-30% chance of seeing it but if you’re a risk taker, an affordable but luxurious resort with a view of the sneaky mountain is the Fuji View Hotel. The resort also offers activities like lake kayaking and golf too.

We stayed in the Japanese Style Mount Fuji View Room — where you sleep on futons on a tatami mat. Unfortunately, it was cloudy the morning we woke up. Hope you guys get better luck!

Cost: From ~S$193/night Address: 511 Katsuyama, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0310, Japan

Read also: 7 Hotels in Japan with a Breathtaking View of Mount Fuji

5) Fuji-Q Highland

An epic way to enjoy the view of Mt Fuji is to spend the day at Fuji-Q Highland , one of Japan’s most exhilarating amusement parks 🎢.

Not only is this park home to several Guinness World Record-breaking rollercoasters, but you’ll also get Mt Fuji as a backdrop — super trippy when you’re suspended upside down!

After you’re done with the rides, head up the Fujiyama Tower Sky Deck for a panoramic view of the park. Located at the entrance of the park, the 55-m-tall tower is a new observation deck that opened in 2021.

Entrance fee: One Day Pass from ~S$62 via Klook Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan

Read also: The Best Roller Coasters in Japan Most Tourists Miss — Fuji Q Highland Guide

6) Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko

Photo credit: @hotou_funari via Instagram

If you want a feast for both the eyes and stomach, head to Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko . The restaurant’s high ceilings and wooden furnishings perfectly frame Mt Fuji for a great photo-op.

Hotokura Funari mainly serves Hōtō , a flat udon served in a pot of miso soup, stewed with pumpkin, vegetables, and meat. It’s a dish that originates from the Yamanashi region and has a hearty broth — best enjoyed on chilly days.

Cost: From ~¥1,320/bowl Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM Address: 6931 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

7) Obuchi Sasaba Tea Plantation

Fun fact: Shizuoka Prefecture is not only known as the home of Mt Fuji, but also 40% of Japan’s green tea production .

Ochuchi Sasaba tea plantation is one of the few plantations where you can roam freely along rows of tea leaves, right in front of Mt Fuji. It’s an open plantation so just walk in and take photos to your heart’s content!

We recommend dropping by early to beat the crowd — we reached at 9AM and got the entire place to ourselves!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24hrs Address: 1445 Obuchi, Fuji, Shizuoka 417-0801, Japan

8) Mishima Skywalk

Mishima Skywalk is the longest suspension bridge in Japan at 400m long, overlooking both Mt Fuji and Surunga Bay !

The bridge is connected to an adventure hub known as the North Area — where you can swing past Mt Fuji via a zipline that runs beneath the bridge (¥2,000/roundtrip).

Entrance fee: ¥1,100/pax Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM Address: 313 Sasahara Shinden, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-0012, Japan

9) Tenku no torii

Photo credit: @kyoko1903 via Instagram

Tenku no torii is aptly named as Torii Gate in the Sky, with an unobstructed view of Mt Fuji high above the clouds ⛩️.

It’s located atop a hill within Kawaguchi Asama Shrine , right above Kawaguchiko town. You can either get there via a 10-minute drive from the foot of the hill or hike up for 30 minutes.

Our failed attempt to catch Mt Fuji 🙁

It was storming on the day we visited but we wanted to try our luck anyways — safe to say, you should only make the trip down if the weather is good. December and January are the best months to see Mt Fuji!

*Note: There is a ¥500 camera license fee if you intend to use a camera, whereas it is free for smartphone users.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours : 9AM – 4PM Address: 1119-2 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan

Travelling Around Mt Fuji Viewing Spots

Self-driving.

Public transport is quite infrequent in smaller towns and certain spots are harder to access without a car. So we opted to drive instead to save on travel time.

We rented a Toyota Aqua through Klook and picked it up in Tokyo — the total cost amounted to ~S$247 for three days including insurance!

Read also: Driving in Japan — 15 Things First-Timers Should Know Before Planning that Road Trip

Private charter

For the non-drivers, you can opt a private car charter from Tokyo to Mt Fuji. Unlike packaged tours, you’ll get full jurisdiction over your itinerary to check out lesser-known spots like Tenku no torii and Lake Yamanaka!

The best part is you can relax and travel in comfort with a local expert in the area 😉.

Planning a trip to Mt Fuji? Check out these guides and itineraries in and around Fuji: – 3D2N Mt Fuji Itinerary Under S$570 — Road Trip From Tokyo – 7 Hotels in Japan with a Breathtaking View of Mount Fuji – 7D6N Japan Itinerary Under S$1.5k — Road Trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji and Beyond – Guide to Climbing Mount Fuji — Everything You Need To Know About Climbing Japan’s Highest Mountain

What is your favourite Mt Fuji viewing spot? Let us know in the comments!

For more travel inspiratio n, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram .

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Travel Japan

Enjoy mount fuji on a road trip.

Mount Fuji is one of the most iconic symbols of Japan. Notoriously shy, often surrounded in mist, Mount Fuji is a natural treasure. Most people will visit the Fuji area for a day trip with hope of seeing the fabled peak, however travelling around Mount Fuji by car is one of the best ways to get those perfect views!

Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to see Mount Fuji each year. The busiest tourist hub is Lake Kawaguchi, easily accessed from Tokyo and Kyoto, and the starting point for many visiting the area. Over the years travel around the area has become easier and much more tourist friendly, with buses travelling between the Five Great Lakes . However, you can see much more of what Yamanashi-ken and Shizuoka-ken have on offer by car.

Renting a car in Japan is relatively pain free, you can read more about my experience here . Kawaguchiko has a Toyota Rent a Car not far from the station, with support over the phone and online in English it is really a doddle. Japan is fabled as the land of convenient public transport, but this tends to become less true the further from the main cities you travel. Although the area is quite well connected by bus, you would never be able to see as much in one day using public transport as you can by car.

On this tour you get to see all five of Fujis Great Lakes, the underrated Tanuki lake, the widest waterfall in Japan, and the most popular outlet in Shizuoka! Spanning two prefectures and ten different spots, enjoy Fuji like never before.

Start: Kawaguchiko station

Starting at the quaint Kawaguchiko station area you can easily pick up your rental car from the Toyota Rent a car store a few minutes walk away. Make sure to look around as this is the first opportunity to spot Fuji!

Stop 1: Chureito Pagoda

Chureito pagoda adorns the websites and brochures of many a travel agent, and for a good reason. Chureito pagoda offers a quintessential view of Japan; the vermilion pagoda, the symmetry of Fuji and even the sakura in spring. Autumn is also a great time to visit as the sakura leaves turn bright red before falling. Outside of cherry blossom season it is possible to drive half way up the hill to the pagoda, reducing the number of steps to climb. Otherwise there are 400 steps to the stunning view.

Stop 2: Yamanakako

Once you’ve drunk in enough of those amazing views you can jump back into your car and travel south to the largest of all of Mount Fujis 5 lakes; Yamanakako. Yamanakako is less developed than Kawaguchiko, but you can still enjoy a cruise on the lake or simply enjoy the sights from the shore line. Yamanakako also boasts a great spot to watch the sun rise over Fujis gentle slopes.

Stop 3: Gotemba

More famous for it’s outlet shops than anything else, Gotemba does offer its own views of Mount Fuji. This is a great place to stop for lunch and a bit of light shopping, from Pokemon to Gucci there is something for everyone here.

Stop 4: Mount Echizendake

The southern view of Fuji is one very rarely seen by visitors, apart from the Safari park, there is little to draw tourists away. However, enjoying Fuji from a mountain peak in isolation is a real treat. With the standard amenities of vending machines and toilets, Mount Echizendake offers views of Fuji with few buildings in the way.

Stop 5: Shiraito Falls

Shiraito falls is the widest waterfall in all of Japan, fed by the pure snow melt from Fujis peak. It takes around 70 years for the clear waters to travel from Fuji before falling off the edge like white threads. On a clear day you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji behind the falls, although the falls themselves are a great draw. Of all the stops on this tour this is the only places (as of April 2017) that parking is not free, costing 1,000Y in the official carpark.

Stop 6: Tanukiko

Tanukiko is the newest of the lakes offering views of Fuji, being built in 1935 Tanukiko isn’t afforded the title of one of Fujis great lakes. However, human ingenuity has sparked quite the craze “diamond Fuji!”. Twice a year the sun will rise directly behind the peak of Fuji, reflected into the waters of Tanuki lake- photographers flock to Tanukiko, securing their patch days in advance. The other 363 days of the year still offer lovely views, and a quiet walk around the lake too.

Stop 7: Motosuko

Lake Motosu if the third of the great lakes visited on this road trip, and it the iconic view from the back of the 1,000Y note! You can see this view from the lay by on the northern shore of Motosuko, or you can hike up the surrounding mountain to get an aerial view of the lake and Fuji!

Stop 8: Shojiko

Shojiko is the smallest of all of the great lakes and part of the lake that originally spanned this whole area. From the northern shore of Shojiko you can see the edge of the lava forest, the point at which the last eruption of Fuji stopped. Enjoy a relaxing view here, mostly void of tourism.

Stop 9: Saiko

Lake Sai is the most sheltered of all the local lakes, offering just a peak of Mount Fuji from the western edge. Sai is surrounded by mountains and the lava forest and is mainly visited by those interested in fishing and camping. This area is more famous for the caves created by the cooling lava. 

Final stop: Oishi Park

Oishi park is the perfect spot to end the day by witnessing the sun setting behind the mountains. While you are waiting why not pop into the shop, pick up some souvenirs from your trip and enjoy their delicious ice cream whilst Fuji disappears into the dark.

Of course there are many, many more spots to enjoy the views of Mount Fuji, from climbing adjacent mountains to views from the sea, Fuji can be seen for miles. Why not explore the areas more and find your own, personal view of Fuji?

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15 thoughts on “ enjoy mount fuji on a road trip ”.

I really liked how you have detailed out your stops on your road trip. So far my road trips have been limited to the US, India and Europe. But I plan on visiting Japan one day…bucketlist!!

Like Liked by 1 person

Thank you 🙂 Japan is a great country to drive in. I hope you get to visit soon!

Will do, thank you so much!

If you have any questions when planning your trip do ask 🙂

• Pingback: Kawaguchiko: views of Fuji | My Nihon

Hi I am planning for a road trip to Japan, with my guy friends. I would like to check how much you rent it for? The price for fuel?

Hello. We rented through Toyota rent a car for three days for 22,140 JPY. We filled the tank up at the end which cost around 3000 JPY which was just over half a tank. I would recommend comparing other rental companies as Toyota is on the expensive end of the spectrum.

Hi – thanks for this awesome information . We are about to hire a car for 3 days to do just this! Did you have to pay any tolls? We are picking up rental from Shinagawa Station.

The routes we took had no tolls. From Shinagawa there will be tolls if you use the highways

Hi! Can I also do this roadtrip during Obon (Aug Japan Long holiday)? Will Mt. Fuji visible on that time? Also you spent 3 days for this roadtrip, may I know which hotels you stayed? Thank you.

Hello. Mount Fuji less frequently visible in summer but does still make an appearance at times. We did the route in one day and staying in Kawaguchiko

Thanks for your reply… Is it tiring to do it in one day? And what time did you start and what time did you finish?

We always travel at a fast pace, in Japan averaging 30,000+ steps per day even with the car. I know other people have followed my route in a day and found it doable. We got up at 4am and then got back for sunset

Thanks again for your response. Is it possible to get the pinned google maps for all your stops for easy navigation? Thanks 🙂

You’re welcome. Unfortunately I don’t have the route pinned but you could easily do it with the place names. If you use a Japanese satnav it uses phone numbers which a few of the places don’t have.

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The Asahi Shimbun

Base opens for high tourist spot offering ‘best’ view of Mt. Fuji

By SHIN TOYOHIRA/ Staff Writer

April 25, 2024 at 17:49 JST

FUEFUKI, Yamanashi Prefecture—A tourist base opened here on April 25 to lure foreign visitors to a little-known spot high in the mountains that is touted to offer the most spectacular view of nearby Mount Fuji. 

Lily Bell Hutte, equipped with a cafe, shop and tourist information center, serves as the gateway to Fujiyama Twin Terrace, which sits on the 1,600-meter-high Shindo Pass.

The ridge straddles the city of Fuefuki and the town of Fuji-Kawaguchiko, both in Yamanashi Prefecture.

“Mount Fuji seen from Twin Terrace is the best in Japan,” said Masakatsu Okawa, manager of the Kofu branch of JTB Corp., the travel agency that operates Lily Bell Hutte. “But the spot is not yet widely known among foreign tourists.”

Visitors can view the majestic Mount Fuji, down through to its base, Lake Kawaguchiko and, far in the distance, Lake Yamanakako on a clear day.

It was a hidden spot known only to hikers and photographers, but the Fuefuki city government spent 178 million yen ($1.1 million) on constructing viewing decks and walking trails in 2021.

The Twin Terrace observation decks are not accessible by private vehicles because the roads are narrow.

Visitors take a 10-minute bus ride from the Suzuran Gunseichi parking lot, which is located in front of Lily Bell Hutte at an altitude of 1,300 meters, after parking their vehicles there.

Fuefuki Mayor Masaki Yamashita said he hopes that the new facility will help attract foreign tourists from Lake Kawaguchiko, a popular sightseeing resort, to the city and further onto other travel destinations in Yamanashi Prefecture.

“We need to create a place where (foreign visitors) want to come if we want to bring them over to Fuefuki from Kawaguchiko,” Yamashita said at the opening ceremony for Lily Bell Hutte on April 23. “We will be happy if we can establish a new route to travel around Yamanashi Prefecture via Fuefuki.”

The city government spent about 89 million yen on constructing Lily Belle Hutte.

Yamashita said he hopes to attract 100,000 visitors to Twin Terrace over the long term.

About 20,000 people visited the facility during the eight months through November, according to the city.

Jinji Yamada, JTB managing executive officer, said the company wants to increase visitor numbers to 50,000 this year with the opening of Lily Belle Hutte and other measures.

JTB on April 25 started a bus tour from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line to Twin Terrace and back three times daily.

The tour costs 3,500 yen for an adult. The company expects 13,000 participants this year.

JTB is also considering offering guided tours along hiking trails around Twin Terrace as well as travel plans combining other attractions in Yamanashi Prefecture, such as dips at the Isawa Onsen hot spring resort and fruit picking at orchards.

The shuttle bus between the Suzuran Gunseichi parking lot and Twin Terrace will run until November.

The round-trip ticket costs 1,800 yen for an adult. The fare is 500 yen for Fuefuki residents.

There is a free bus service to the Suzuran Gunseichi parking lot from a location in Fuefuki where vehicles can be parked.

For more information, visit the city government’s website at ( https://www.city.fuefuki.yamanashi.jp/kanko/sports/spot/fujiyamatwinterrace.html ) or Lily Belle Hutte’s website at ( https://fujiyama-twinterrace.com/en/ ).

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Fuji Five Lakes: Getting there and around

Getting to fuji five lakes.

• ¥ 2,200

Fujikyu and Keio Bus operate about two direct buses per hour between the Shinjuku Bus Terminal in Tokyo and Kawaguchiko Station in the Fuji Five Lakes region. The one way journey takes just under two hours and costs 2200 yen (2000 yen if purchased online). Most buses stop at Fujisan Station and Fuji Q Highland before arriving at Kawaguchiko Station and many of them continue on to Lake Yamanakako (just over two hours, 2300 yen one way from Shinjuku). The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these buses.

Fujikyu and JR Kanto Bus operate one to two direct buses per hour between Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit) and Kawaguchiko Station in the Fuji Five Lakes region. The one way trip takes about two hours and costs 2200 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online . The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these buses.

• ¥ 2,100

Fujikyu operates approximately one bus every two hours between Shibuya (Mark City), Fuji Q Highland , Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station. The one way journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours and costs 2100 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer . The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these buses.

• ¥ 2,510 - 4,000

Take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo 's Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (70 minutes, 2360 yen one way by direct limited express train or 100 minutes, 1340 yen by local trains with usually one transfer along the way). From Otsuki, take the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station (55 minutes, 1170 yen one way).

There are also a few direct limited express trains per day between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko in each direction (about 2 hours, around 4000 yen one way, seat reservations are mandatory).

The JR Tokyo Wide Pass covers the entire journey between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko (except panorama seats on limited express trains); however, the Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are not valid between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. A supplement fee of 1170 yen (1770 yen for limited express trains) has to be paid for that section.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates .

Getting around

The two major transportation hubs in the Fuji Five Lake region are Kawaguchiko Station and nearby Fujisan Station , both located along the Fujikyu Railway Line. From these two stations, buses depart into all directions, providing access to the five lakes and other attractions.

Bus network map:

The Omni buses are generally the easiest way for tourists to get around. There are three lines starting from Kawaguchiko Station: the red Kawaguchiko Line (buses every 15 minutes) runs along the eastern and northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko while the green Saiko Line (hourly) runs along the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko and around Lake Saiko . The blue Narusawa Shojiko Motosuko Line (every 1-2 hours) serves Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko . A pass for unlimited use of all three lines on two consecutive calendar days costs 1700 yen.

For transportation between Kawaguchiko , Fujiyoshida, Oshino Village and around Lake Yamanakako the Fujikko Bus can be useful, with buses running every hour. A 2-day pass for unlimited use of the Fujikko bus on two consecutive calendar days costs 1700 yen.

Apart from the above-mentioned tourist buses, there is a network of regular buses , which can be useful for access to the more remote Lake Shojiko and Motosuko , as well as in the direction of Oshino , Lake Yamanakako and Gotemba. Another bus line of interest connects Kawaguchiko Station with the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station halfway up Mount Fuji.

A rental car can also be a convenient way to get around, especially if visiting places outside of central Kawaguchiko. A few rental car outlets can be found near Kawaguchiko Station. Similarly, a rental bicycle can be an attractive way to get around, although some roads in the region are rather busy and distances between the lakes are considerable.

Passes and Tickets

Several passes are available for the Fuji Five Lake area, which can provide savings and comfort:

• Fuji Hakone Pass (10,100 yen) The Fuji Hakone Pass is a pass for foreign tourists, which provides transportation within the Fuji Five Lakes region and the neighboring Hakone area in addition to a round trip between Tokyo and Hakone.
• Fuji Q Highland Plans There are various discount travel plans available for a visit to the Fuji Q Highland amusement park. The plans combine access by bus with park passports and in some cases accommodation.
• Fujisan Fujigoko Passport This ticket provides unlimited use of Fujikyu buses around the Fuji Five Lakes , including the Omni buses and the Fujikko bus on two consecutive calendar days. The pass is sold at the Fujikyu ticket counters at Kawaguchiko Station, Fujisan Station, Mishima Station, Fujinomiya Station, Gotemba Station and the Asashigaoka/Yamanakako bus stop. Two versions are available: one that also includes the entire Fujikyu Railway Line (4700 yen) and one that includes Fujikyu trains only between Kawaguchiko and Shimoyoshida Station (3300 yen). The following map shows the pass' coverage area:

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Fuji q highland, omni bus and fujjiko bus, fujisan fujigoko passport, hotels around fuji five lakes.

Experiences around Fuji Five Lakes

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Air Travel Is About to Get a Little Less Annoying

The days of airlines leaving customers in the financial lurch after canceling their flights may be coming to an end.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued two new rules that are aimed at tackling delayed refunds and hidden junk fees for consumers. Airlines will be required to promptly refund customers who are owed money and to inform customers about service fees before they purchase their fares and additional services.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “Today’s announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed — not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches.”

Customers will be entitled to an automatic cash refund if their flights were canceled or “significantly changed,” if their baggage was extremely delayed, or if an airline failed to provide a service the customer paid for, such as Wi-Fi or in-flight entertainment. Examples of significant changes include delays of more than three hours on domestic flights or more than six hours on international flights, increased connections, and a new airport for arrivals and destinations. Under the new regulation, customers won’t be required to request a refund in order to obtain it. The cash refunds must also be issued within seven business days or up to 20 business days for other forms of payment. Airlines will be required to repay customers the full amount either in cash or through the customers’ initial form of payment.

Airlines will also be required to disclose individual service fees up front, to explain their fee policies for carry-ons and cancellations prior to purchase, and to share that information with travel agencies and other third-party travel-booking websites. The rule will also prevent airlines from advertising discounted flights that have hidden additional fees unrelated to the lower base fare.

The implementation period for these new regulations will vary for the various stakeholders. Airlines will have six months to comply with the refund changes but up to 12 months for many of the service-fee regulations.

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• What You Should Know Before...

What You Should Know Before Travelling to Moscow

Moscow is the city of golden domes, impressive architecture and some of the best museums in Europe. It’s a place which should make its way to every European travel bucket list. Due to years of closed-door policies, many may think it’s not the most visitor-friendly of places. Luckily, that’s not the case. While there are still things to improve on, it is a fun (and safe!) place to see. Here is all the information you need to be well-equipped for your adventurous journey to Moscow.

Brace yourself for a fair bit of commuting.

It might sound like a cliche, but Moscow is very big – and we mean it. An hour-long daily commute is nothing unusual for the locals. As a tourist, you will most likely be much closer to the city centre than an average Muscovite, but since many of the tourist attractions are dispersed across the city, commuting will nonetheless take up a large portion of your day. Luckily, Moscow’s public transport is excellent: Just about any point in the city centre is accessible by metro , and if you prefer on-land transport, there definitely is a tram or bus route to suit your needs. Public transport is the most effective and reliable way to travel around the city, but planning is the key.

Forget Google and download these useful apps

Yandex Transport is yet another of Moscow’s logistics essentials. It not only contains a detailed plan of the city, it also has information on all of the bus routes and gives you the real-life location of all the buses currently en route.

Remember to have your passport with you

Russians love paperwork. An official document can go a long way in Russia. This also means that you need your passport to do anything even remotely official: Exchange money, buy a train ticket, sometimes even get into a museum. The police officers in the metro stations also have a habit of asking random passengers to show their IDs, so it’s better to always have it on you. If you’re uncomfortable carrying your passport around, you can make a photocopy of the photo page ahead of time, it should be enough in most cases.

If you want to see Lenin’s corpse, plan ahead

One of Moscow’s curiosities is Lenin’s Mausoleum. It is currently run mostly by volunteers and a visit there is free, but the mausoleum is only open on some days of the week at very specific times. Make sure to double-check the opening times here before going, and make sure to be there early – on some days, the queue is very long.

Make Kremlin a day-trip

The Kremlin is Moscow’s ultimate must-see, and rightly so: It is an incredible historical monument full of treasures you can only find there. When it comes to visiting the Kremlin, there are a few different options available. Make sure to read about all the different ticket combinations ahead of time and to show up early – the queues can get rather long and certain places in the Kremlin only let visitors in at specific hours. Do visit the Kremlin though; it is most certainly worth seeing.

There’s Wi-Fi everywhere

Free Wi-Fi is omnipresent in Moscow. Any bar, cafe or restaurant will almost certainly have it. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the metro. You don’t need to worry about the cell data (which can get really pricey in Russia if you’re using a foreign phone number). As long as your battery is charged, you can find your way or contact your family from almost anywhere.

Moscow is just the beginning!

Moscow is big and beautiful and very much worth seeing; it is also far from everything to see in this part of Russia. Moscow is surrounded by beautiful, very old towns which have witnessed the entire history of the country. They are collectively called ‘the golden circle’. There are tours available to some of the towns individually or to all of them at once. Depending on the route, the tours can take any time between a day and a week. If you have any time to spare, such a trip is a great step toward a fuller understanding of Russia.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Video shows Lufthansa 747 bounce off runway, fail to stick the landing at LAX

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Dramatic footage shows a Lufthansa Airlines plane bounce off the runway twice in a failed landing at Los Angeles International Airport.

Airline Videos Live was streaming on YouTube Tuesday when the plane bounced twice after touch-down, and took off again after failing to land.

The commentator said the incident was the roughest landing they ever caught on their broadcast.

After the initial touch-and-go landing, the Boeing 747 circled back and was able to land smoothly on the second try.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the incident was pilot initiated.

The airline has not responded yet to a request for comment.

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'Roughest landing': Watch video of plane bouncing off runway as it attempts to land at LAX

A Boeing 747 operated by Lufthansa Airlines ran into a couple of bumps as it landed at LAX Airport in Los Angeles.

Video footage of the landing, captured by Airlines Videos Live , shows the aircraft skidding on the runway and then bouncing off the ground as it attempts to land. The plane then takes off again, flying for a few minutes before successfully landing.

"What? Whoa, whoa, whoa," the commentator of the livestream could be heard saying. "We're getting that go around. Holy moly. Wow. That is the roughest landing I think we've ever caught on our broadcast."

A Boeing 747-8 Lufthansa flight was scheduled to land around 1 p.m. ET at LAX after a more than 11-hour flight from Frankfurt, Germany, LAX's website shows.

Columnist: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

No injuries reported

Lufthansa Airlines, in an email statement to USA TODAY, said that Flight LH 456 from Frankfurt to Los Angeles had a "rough landing" Tuesday. 326 passengers and 19 crew members were on board the flight and no injuries were reported.

The airline said the plane later flew back to Frankfurt following "an assessment by the cockpit crew, a consultation with the technical department on site and in Frankfurt and an initial visual inspection," where it will undergo further inspection. Lufthansa did not specify if the plane flew back empty or had passengers on board.

Airline Videos Live captures planes as they take off and land at LAX Airport. The livestream was created in 2019 by Los Angeles TV News photojournalist Kevin Ray, according to the YouTube channel account description .

While Boeing incidents have been in the news in recent months after a series of high-profile incidents , aviation experts maintain you shouldn't worry about flying .

“We don’t have to worry that there’s something systemically wrong with aviation,” Clint Balog, an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, previously told USA TODAY.

Contributing: Staff, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.