Fuji Five Lakes Guide: Views, Activities, and How to Get There
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
The Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖 / Fujigoko) region offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji in Japan. Located at the northern base of the mountain in Yamanashi Prefecture, these five lakes — Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko — each provide unique perspectives and activities year-round.
The Five Lakes
1. Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖)
The most popular and accessible
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.9 km circumference |
| Best for | Views, dining, shopping, events |
| Access | Bus from Shinjuku (1h 50min) |
| Highlights | Chureito Pagoda, Oshino Hakkai, lava caves |
| Budget | ¥2,000–¥5,000 per day |
Kawaguchiko is the most developed of the five lakes, with hotels, restaurants, and tourist facilities. It's the best choice for first-time visitors.
Must-do:
- Chureito Pagoda — iconic view with Mt. Fuji and pagoda
- Oshino Hakkai — crystal-clear spring water village
- Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center — lakeside walking
- Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway — aerial views of the mountain
2. Lake Yamanakako (山中湖)
The largest, best for water sports
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 13 km circumference (largest) |
| Best for | Water sports, camping, cycling |
| Access | Bus from Shinjuku (2h 10min) |
| Highlights | Swan boats, fishing, windsurfing |
| Budget | ¥2,000–¥5,000 per day |
Must-do:
- Swan boat rental — pedal around the lake
- Windsurfing — popular summer activity
- Yamanakako Village — camping and outdoor activities
- Saiko Iyashi no Sato — traditional village recreation
3. Lake Saiko (精進湖)
The quietest, most natural
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.1 km circumference |
| Best for | Camping, fishing, nature |
| Access | Bus from Kawaguchiko (20 min) |
| Highlights | Saiko Iyashi no Sato, lava caves |
| Budget | ¥1,000–¥3,000 per day |
Must-do:
- Saiko Iyashi no Sato — reconstructed traditional village
- Aokigahara Forest — famous forest at the lake's edge
- Lava caves — Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave
- Camping — quiet, less crowded than Kawaguchiko
4. Lake Shojiko (西湖)
The most untouched
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.9 km circumference (smallest) |
| Best for | Photography, solitude |
| Access | Car recommended (bus from Kawaguchiko, 30 min) |
| Highlights | Panoramic Fuji views, camping |
| Budget | ¥1,000–¥2,000 per day |
5. Lake Motosuko (本栖湖)
The deepest, clearest water
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 11.8 km circumference |
| Best for | Diving, fishing, photography |
| Access | Car recommended (bus from Kawaguchiko, 40 min) |
| Highlights | The ¥1,000 bill view, crystal-clear water |
| Budget | ¥1,000–¥3,000 per day |
Motosuko is where the famous ¥1,000 bill photo of Mt. Fuji was taken — the western shore offers this iconic view.
Activities by Season
Spring (March–May)
- Cherry blossoms at Kawaguchiko (late March–early April)
- Mt. Fuji visible clearly in the morning
- Comfortable hiking weather
- Events: Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival
Summer (June–August)
- Best for water sports at Yamanakako
- Lush green mountain scenery
- Hiking season (Mt. Fuji open July–September)
- Events: Fuji Rock Festival (nearby Naeba)
Autumn (September–November)
- Fall foliage around all five lakes
- Best photography conditions
- Cooler temperatures for hiking
- Events: Autumn leaves illuminations
Winter (December–February)
- Clearest views of Mt. Fuji
- Snow-capped mountain scenery
- Onsen with mountain views
- Events: Winter illuminations at Kawaguchiko
How to Get There
From Tokyo
| Transport | Route | Time | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highway bus | Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko | 1h 50min | ¥2,200 | Every 30 min |
| Train + bus | Shinjuku → Otsuki → Kawaguchiko | 2h 15min | ¥2,500 | Every 30 min |
| Car | Expressway from Tokyo | 1h 40min | ¥3,000+ tolls | — |
Getting Around the Lakes
| Transport | Coverage | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retro bus | Kawaguchiko loop | ¥1,500/day | Most convenient |
| Bicycle rental | Kawaguchiko | ¥1,500/day | Fun, flexible |
| Car rental | All lakes | ¥5,000–¥8,000/day | Best for all 5 lakes |
| Bus between lakes | Limited routes | ¥300–¥500 | Slow, infrequent |
Fuji Hakone Pass
¥6,100 — Unlimited bus/train between Tokyo, Hakone, and Fuji Five Lakes for 3 days. Excellent value if visiting both areas.
Where to Stay
| Area | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawaguchiko | ¥3,000–¥6,000 | ¥8,000–¥15,000 | ¥20,000–¥50,000 |
| Yamanakako | ¥3,000–¥5,000 | ¥8,000–¥12,000 | ¥15,000–¥30,000 |
| Saiko | ¥2,500–¥4,000 | ¥6,000–¥10,000 | ¥15,000–¥25,000 |
Recommended:
- Budget: K's House Mt. Fuji (hostel, ¥3,000/night)
- Mid-range: Hotel Mifujien (onsen, ¥10,000/night)
- Luxury: Hoshinoya Fuji (glamping, ¥40,000/night)
Food Near the Lakes
| Restaurant | Location | Specialty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houtou Fudou (ほうとう不動) | Kawaguchiko | Houtou noodles | ¥1,200 |
| Kinme Sushi (きんめ寿司) | Kawaguchiko | Fresh sushi | ¥2,000 |
| La Fonte | Kawaguchiko | Italian with Fuji views | ¥3,000 |
| Ra-men Ichigo (らーめん一笑) | Kawaguchiko | Local ramen | ¥800 |
Photography Tips
Best Viewpoints
- Chureito Pagoda — classic composition with pagoda and Fuji
- Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge — reflection in the lake
- Motosuko western shore — ¥1,000 bill view
- Panoramic Ropeway — aerial perspective
- Saiko Iyashi no Sato — traditional village with Fuji backdrop
Best Times for Photos
- Morning (6–9 AM): Clearest views, less haze
- Golden hour (sunset): Warm light on Fuji
- Winter mornings: Snow-capped, crystal clear
- Avoid midday: Haze obscures the mountain
Camera Settings
- Wide angle (16–35mm): For landscape shots
- Telephoto (70–200mm): For compressed perspectives
- Polarizing filter: Reduces haze, enhances blue sky
- Tripod: Essential for sunrise/sunset shots
Budget Summary
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | ¥2,200 (bus) | ¥2,500 (train) | ¥8,000 (car) |
| Accommodation | ¥3,000 | ¥10,000 | ¥30,000 |
| Food | ¥2,000 | ¥4,000 | ¥8,000 |
| Activities | ¥1,000 | ¥3,000 | ¥6,000 |
| Total/day | ¥8,200 | ¥19,500 | ¥52,000 |
Tips for First-Timers
- Check the weather — Fuji is often hidden by clouds; mornings are best
- Go to Kawaguchiko first — it's the most accessible and has the most to do
- Rent a bicycle — the lakeside path is beautiful and flat
- Bring layers — temperatures drop at the lake, even in summer
- Visit Oshino Hakkai — crystal-clear water, traditional village
- Try houtou noodles — regional specialty, thick flat noodles in miso broth
- Stay at an onsen — many hotels have outdoor baths with Fuji views
Related Articles
📱Get a Japan eSIM
Stay Connected in Japan
Yesim eSIMs work on arrival — no physical SIM needed. Japan data plans from $5.