If you’re looking for an escape from city life, Lake Kawaguchiko is the perfect destination.
Located in Japan’s Fuji Five Lakes region, this stunning body of water is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, offering breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.
As the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the lake’s walking trails, rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the calm waters, or even take a dip in one of the lake’s designated swimming areas.
But Lake Kawaguchiko isn’t just a natural wonderland.
The area also boasts a number of cultural attractions.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a culture enthusiast, Lake Kawaguchiko has something for everyone.
Location and Overview
Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, the lake is at the foot of Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan.
It is one of the five lakes that surround the mountain and is the most accessible of them all.
Climate
The climate around Lake Kawaguchiko is temperate, with an average temperature of 14°C.
The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are in full bloom.
The summer months can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C.
The winter months are cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as -5°C.
The lake is frozen during this time, and you can enjoy ice fishing and other winter activities.
The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, and the scenery is breathtaking.
The area is known for its hot springs, and you can relax in one of the many onsens after a day of exploring.
There are also several hiking trails around the lake that offer stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Lake Kawaguchiko is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to experience the beauty of Japan.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, the lake has something to offer everyone.
Attractions
If you’re visiting Lake Kawaguchiko, there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained.
Here are two must-see attractions:
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the highest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters tall.
You can take a cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko to get a great view of Mount Fuji.
Alternatively, you can take a cable car up to the top of Mount Kachi Kachi Ropeway for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Onsen
Onsen is a Japanese hot spring and is a popular attraction in the area.
There are several onsen resorts around Lake Kawaguchiko, including the Fuji Onsenji Yumedono and the Konansou.
The hot springs are said to have healing properties and are a great way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Overall, Lake Kawaguchiko is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Japan.
With Mount Fuji and the onsen resorts, there is something for everyone.
Activities
When you visit Lake Kawaguchiko, there are a variety of activities to choose from.
Whether you prefer to be active or relax and take in the scenery, there is something for everyone.
Hiking
If you enjoy hiking, Lake Kawaguchiko offers several trails with varying difficulty levels.
The most popular trail is the Yoshida Trail, which takes you to the summit of Mount Fuji.
This trail is challenging and requires proper hiking gear, but the views from the top are breathtaking.
The Arakurayama Sengen Park Trail is a great option if you prefer an easier hike.
This trail takes you to a pagoda with stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular activity around Lake Kawaguchiko.
There are several rental shops in the area where you can rent bicycles for a few hours or the entire day.
The Lake Kawaguchiko Cycling Trail is a 10-kilometre path that circles the lake and offers stunning views of Mount Fuji.
The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for all skill levels.
Along the way, there are several rest areas where you can stop and take in the scenery.
Overall, Lake Kawaguchiko offers a wide range of activities for visitors.
Whether you prefer to hike, cycle, or simply relax and take in the scenery, there is something for everyone.
Accommodation
If you’re planning a trip to Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll need a place to stay.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to suit every budget and preference.
Here are some of the best hotels and ryokans in the area:
Hotels
If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient stay, a hotel might be the best option for you.
Some of the best hotels in Lake Kawaguchiko include:
- Kawaguchiko Hotel: This hotel is located right on the lake and offers stunning views of Mount Fuji. It has a range of rooms available, from standard doubles to suites with private hot springs.
- HOSHINOYA Fuji: This luxury hotel is set in the middle of a forest and offers a unique glamping experience. Guests stay in private cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and can enjoy activities like stargazing and forest walks.
- Fuji View Hotel: This hotel has been around since 1930 and offers a mix of traditional Japanese and modern Western-style rooms. It has a large hot spring bath and several restaurants serving Japanese and Western cuisine.
Recommended Country Cottage
This is the place I stayed the last time I visited.
It was brilliant.
Kawaguchiko Country Cottage Ban offers a stunning view of Mount Fuji and is about a 10-minute drive from Lake Kawaguchi.
The cab trip to Kawaguchiko Station will take around 16 minutes.
Each cottage has central air conditioning, a kitchen with a refrigerator and a microwave, and a private bathroom.
In addition, every one of them has a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, and a balcony or patio.
We took our pet dog, and the whole family loved it.
Transportation
If you’re planning a trip to Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll need to think about transportation.
As we live here, we made the 4-hour drive from Nagoya fairly easily.
As a tourist, here are some options:
Train
You can take the Fujikyu Railway from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station.
The journey takes about an hour and costs around ¥1,170.
From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take a bus or walk to your accommodation.
Bus
There are several bus companies that operate in the area, including the Fujikyu Bus and the Retro Bus.
The Fujikyu Bus offers direct services from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station.
The journey takes about two hours and costs around ¥1,570 one-way.
The Retro Bus is a sightseeing bus that takes you around the lake and the surrounding area.
Car Rental
If you want to explore the area at your own pace, you can rent a car.
There are several car rental companies in the area, including Toyota Rent-A-Lease and Nippon Rent-A-Car.
Keep in mind that driving in Japan can be challenging if you’re not used to it, and parking in the area can be expensive.
Whichever transportation option you choose, be sure to check the schedules and fares in advance to avoid any surprises.
Enjoy your trip to Lake Kawaguchiko!
