9 Things to Do in Lake Kawaguchi at Mount Fuji
Lake Kawaguchi is a must-visit spot near Mount Fuji, offering breathtaking scenery. This is the quintessential spot to be in Mount Fuji!
Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms or looking for iconic Fuji views, there’s plenty to keep your eyes entertained here.
Here’s a guide to the best things to do in the Lake Kawaguchi area.
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1. Lake Kawaguchi By Boat
For just ¥1,000 ($7 USD) per person, hop on the Ensoleille Excursion Ship for a 20-minute cruise on Lake Kawaguchi. The boat ride offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
Taking this cruise is the best thing to do in Lake Kawaguchi if you want to snap unobstructed photos and soak in the beauty of the lake.
2. Float Your Own Boat
Why not get views of Mount Fuji out on Lake Kawaguchi while captaining your own boat? OK, it’s not really a boat; it’s a swan boat, but hey, you can still be captain!
You’ll get free range on when and where to stop so you can soak in those great views on your own time.
RELATED: 7 Things to Do at Mount Fuji
3. Visit Tenku no Torii
If you’re up for a memorable Fuji photo opp, head to Tenku no Torii, a scenic torii gate perched perfectly for an Insta-worthy shot of Mount Fuji framed in the background.
It’s ¥100 ($1 USD) to enter, as the gate is on private property, and there may be a line to get this one single shot, but the view is phenomenal.
I’m usually not a person who goes to Insta-curated spots, and I didn’t know this was one of them until I got here—BUT I must say, it was beautiful!
The area also features a nearby waterfall if you’re in the mood to explore further but keep in mind that it’s a bit of a hike.
4. Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
The Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a lovely place to visit, especially if you’re into traditional Japanese architecture.
Massive cedar trees shade the grounds, and there’s a small pond adding to the tranquil vibe. Unfortunately, I arrived too late to experience everything in full swing, but it’s still a serene place to walk through, and entry is free.
It’s a great stop if you’re already going to Tenku no Torii, but I wouldn’t make a long detour just for this.
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5. Kogamasao Memorial Park
This park is a fantastic spot to stroll along the lake, especially if the cherry blossoms are in bloom. You can walk in either direction along the lakefront from here, enjoying beautiful views along the way.
During cherry blossom season, there are often cute craft markets set up with handmade goods.
The lake and mountain views are unbeatable, and it’s the perfect place to chill and soak it all in.
RELATED: Mount Fuji During Cherry Blossom Season: Best Spots + Tips
6. Nagasaki Park
Nagasaki Park is another excellent spot for cherry blossom viewing if you’re during the season. Spot fishermen in boats and hopefully stunning views of Mount Fuji over the lake if it’s not hiding.
It’s a great place to take a leisurely walk, snap some photos, or just sit and enjoy the vibes.
7. Oishi Park
Oishi Park is a picture-perfect area (OK fine, everything in this list is!) for a morning stroll. It features beautifully maintained gardens with seasonal flowers like tulips and hydrangeas and, of course, a backdrop of Mount Fuji.
The food court offers local treats, including sakura and lavender ice cream and roasted sweet potatoes. The ice cream was perfect on a hot day, but get here earlier rather than later—it gets busy.
8. Arakurayama Sengen Park & Chureito Pagoda
A visit to Arakurayama Sengen Park is an absolute must, especially during cherry blossom season. This is set back from Lake Kawaguchi, but it’s nearby, so I have to mention it!
Make the 30-minute climb to the top, lined with steps and vibrant cherry blossom trees. It’s a well-worth-it trek and almost a right of passage in the Mount Fuji area.
The highlight is reaching Chureito Pagoda, where you may need to queue for the iconic photo with Mount Fuji in the background.
9. Hoto Noodles at KANJYUKUYA
No trip to Lake Kawaguchi is complete without trying Hoto noodles, a regional specialty.
We had an amazing meal at KANJYUKUYA at Lake Kawaguchi, where they served a hearty veggie version with thick, chewy noodles and crispy vegetable tempura on the side.
The meal was complemented by grape juice from the local vineyards, and the whole experience was delicious and memorable. Don’t miss this comforting dish, especially on a chilly day!
How to Get to Lake Kawaguchi
Getting to Lake Kawaguchi is relatively straightforward, and there are several options depending on your starting point:
- From Tokyo: The easiest way is to take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway bound for Kawaguchiko Station. The whole journey takes around 2-2.5 hours.
- Highway Bus: An affordable and convenient option is the highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, which takes you directly to Kawaguchiko Station in about 2 hours.
- Driving: Renting a car is another option, especially if you plan to explore the Fuji Five Lakes region extensively. The drive from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi takes roughly 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.
Once you arrive at Kawaguchiko Station, there are local buses and taxis available to take you to various attractions around the lake.
Keep in mind the lake itself is still a 15-minute walk from the station!
Getting Around Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is a relatively easy area to navigate, but here are some tips to make your travels smoother:
- Local Buses: The Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Buses (Red, Green, and Blue Line) are your best bets for seeing the best thing to do in Lake Kawaguchi, including Oishi Park, Nagasaki Park, and the Pleasure Boat dock.
You can buy a Mount Fuji day pass for unlimited rides, which can be a good option, depending on your plans. Keep in mind bus routes finish early! - Walking: Many of the scenic spots around the lake, like Kogamasao Memorial Park and Oishi Park, are walkable if you enjoy leisurely strolls.
- Bicycles: Renting a bicycle is another fun and efficient way to get around.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available and can be useful if you’re short on time or want to reach a specific destination quickly, but they are pricey.
- Driving: If you rent a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace!
MORE JAPAN:
Read more of my guides to Japan:
- Kinosaki—Japan’s Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Town
- 13 Things to Do in Shimoda, Japan in 2 Days
- Mount Fuji During Cherry Blossom Season: Best Spots + Tips
- 7 Things to Do at Mount Fuji in 2 Days
- 9 Things to Do in Lake Kawaguchi at Mount Fuji
- Tea Ceremony in Kyoto: A Must-Do Experience!
- What to Do in Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan—In 1 Day!
- Fushimi Inari Hike in Kyoto, Japan—What to Know!
- Kyoto Itinerary—What to Do in 3 Days
- 9 Rainy Day Activities in Kyoto, Japan
I hope this helped you plan your trip to Lake Kawaguchi!
