Is Kawaguchiko worth visiting in 2023? 14 great reasons to visit
At the foothills of Mt Fuji is one of Japan’s most scenic destinations - Fujikawaguchiko. So, is this destination worth visiting in 2023? A place where sakura trees bloom with pink pom pom-like blossoms, and Momiji create a kaleidoscope of orange, red, and yellow in the autumn. Discover why this lakeside town should make it on your Japan itinerary.
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A place besotted by photographers and tourists alike, Lake Kawaguchiko is favoured as a destination to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic Mt Fuji up close. Whether the view is framed by delicate plum and cherry blossom petals in the early morning light or contrasted against vibrant vermillion leaves in autumn, it’s one marvelled by many.
Lake Kawaguchiko is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, a place where ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and onsen (hot springs) reign supreme. Perched on the lake shores at the northern foothills of Mount Fuji is the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko.
Japan has long been revered for the mystical volcanic Fuji-san that rises above hillsides adorned by sakura in the spring and momiji come autumn. A symbol of the land of the rising sun, it tops bucket lists with more than 250,000 visitors a year.
A stark contrast to the frenetic energy of the neon-tinted streets of Tokyo, Kawaguchiko offers a look at Japan’s bucolic lifestyle beyond the capital. Whether you have just one day or a long weekend, there’s every reason to visit this irresistible corner in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Is Kawaguchiko worth visiting?
Kawaguchiko is definitely worth visiting. A place of exceptional natural beauty, this area of the Fuji Five lakes is easily reached from Tokyo by bus or train making it ideal for a day trip or even a few nights. Boasting some of the most magnificent views of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, visitors flock here to celebrate the seasons.
Ryokans, izakayas and onsen are dotted across the landscape and the seasons create an ever-changing landscape throughout the year - from the delicate pink hues of cherry blossom season to the fiery hillsides in autumn.
So, is Kawaguchiko worth visiting? Absolutely.
11 things to do in Kawaguchiko
If you’re looking for a green change from Japan’s capital, Kawaguchiko is the perfect place to explore that’s within easy reach of Tokyo. Here are 11 attractions, sights, and activities to see and do while in Fujikawaguchiko.
Oishi Park
On the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, Oishi Park provides spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Flowers bloom here in abundance, varying by the season from tulips in April and lavender through summer, to summer cypress in October.
The 350-metre-long flower road at Oishi Park has become a spectacle adored by photographers who flock here, especially for the summer cypress bloom in mid-late October.
Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
For an alternative view of the lake and surrounding hillsides, take the cable car to the observation points near the summit of Mount Tenjo. On clear days, you’ll have breathtaking views across the foothills and Mount Fuji.
THE DETAILS
Address | 1163-1 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0303
Cost | ¥900 roundtrip / ¥500 one way
Open hours | 9:30-17:00 March to November / 9:30-16:30 December to February.
Departures approximately every 5-10 minutes
Chureito Pagoda
The view of and from Chureito Pagoda is one of the most iconic in Kawaguchiko. Perched high up on the hills overlooking the lake, in springtime the scene of Mount Fuji is framed by pastel pink cherry blossoms, while autumn welcomes deep reds and oranges as the leaves turn before winter.
Built in 1963 as a peace memorial, Chureito Pagoda forms part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine. Located 400 steps above the shrine, the five-storey red pagoda is absolutely worth visiting, even if the view of Mt Fuji isn’t clear.
THE DETAILS
Address | 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011
Cost | Free
Open hours | Daily 8:00-17:30
Ide Sake Brewery
Sample locally brewed Sake, a Japanese rice-based spirit, at the Ide Sake Brewery. They use spring water that flows from the base of Mt Fuji and brew the sake nearby during winter at the southern side of Lake Kawaguchiko.
Tours which include sake and whiskey tasting take place twice daily at the brewery, with limited English language options available. Tours must be booked in advance, and you get to keep your sake glass as a gift at the end. If you love anything you sample, you can also purchase some to take with you from the onsite store.
THE DETAILS
Address | 8 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301
Cost | Tour & tasting ¥1500 and must be booked in advance
Open hours | Daily 9-12 and 13:00-17:00
Momiji Tunnel
In summer this leafy tunnel is a verdant show of green, shaded by lush maples. Come autumn, the momiji tunnel lives up to its name in a blazing showcase of vibrant yellow, orange, and red leaves.
An annual autumn festival takes place from late October to late November where local artisans gather stalls selling handcrafted goods and local delicacies. The momiji tunnel remains illuminated from sunset until 10pm daily during the festival.
Kubota Itchiku Art Museum
This gallery displays beautifully designed kimonos by Japanese artist Kubota Itchiku, who revived the forgotten art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing. The technique was commonly used during the Muromachi Period, but long since a lost art.
The museum building is constructed from Okinawan coral and limestone, while the main building is a magnificent timber construction. The grounds also feature beautiful gardens with a pond and waterfall, also designed by Kubota Itchiku.
THE DETAILS
Address | 2255 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304
Cost | ¥1300
Open hours | Wednesday to Monday 9:30-17:30 April to November / 10:00-16:30 December to March / Closed Tuesday.
The museum is currently closed from December 2022 - March 2023.
Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
This small theme park is dedicated to music boxes and automatic musical instruments. Among manicured gardens and water features, instruments from across the world, mostly European in nature, are to be admired.
The grandest of all is a French fairground organ from 1905 which fills an entire hall and plays music every half an hour. The museum also includes stores, a restaurant, chapel, and rose garden.
THE DETAILS
Address | 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304
Cost | ¥1500
Open hours | Thursday to Monday 10:00-17:00 / Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Fuji-Q Highland
From scream-inducing roller coasters to gentle rides for all ages, Fuji-Q Highland is a great attraction in Kawaguchiko for the whole family. When the skies are clear, the theme park boasts exceptional views of Mount Fuji and has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for its adrenaline-packed rides.
THE DETAILS
Address | 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017
Cost | Varies per ride starting from ¥400
Open hours | Weekdays 10:00-17:00 / Weekends 10:00-18:00
Oike Park
This tree-lined park on the southern side of Lake Kawaguchiko is a brilliant place to relax and unwind. Stroll along the promenade, picnic in the park, and admire the bright leaves in autumn of the yellow ginkgos and red maples. Nearby, you’ll find several shops, cafes, and batting cages for those who want to hit a few balls.
Sensational views Shimoyoshida Street
For a brilliant shot of Mt Fuji with a Showa-style shopping street and lamp posts in the foreground, head to Shimoyoshida Street (Google maps coordinates). If you want to emulate those photos where Fuji-san looks imposing and large in the background, you’ll need to use a telephoto lens, such as a 70-200mm.
Soak in an onsen
Japan benefits from some 25,000 hot springs throughout the country due to the volcanic geography of the region. Marked by this symbol ♨ you can find them scattered throughout the areas surrounding Mt. Fuji, both as public and private onsens.
Many traditional inns (ryokans) in Kawaguchiko offer either indoor or outdoor onsens as part of their facilities. I’ve included several accommodation options in Kawaguchiko which include onsens in my recommendations below.
What is Kawaguchiko known for?
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes in the town of Fujikawaguchiko and is much-loved for its hot springs and beautiful seasonal celebrations. Especially popular with photographers, the changing flora of the region makes it a hit with visitors.
It is one of the most popular places that people head to see views of Mount Fuji up close, especially with the added luxury of enjoying the view from a ryokan or onsen.
When is the best time to visit Kawaguchiko?
Kawaguchiuko is a year-round destination, however if it’s Fuji-san you’ve come to see, then autumn and winter will give you the best chances. Visibility of Mt Fuji is greatest between November and February with mornings offering better clarity than afternoons. Mt Fuji is rarely visible behind the clouds and haze of the summer months, so chances are much lower from April - August.
As far as the seasons go, there’s beauty at every point throughout the year, you just have to choose which you most desire. Spring promises the soft, fleeting beauty of plum and cherry blossoms, summer welcomes lavender season at Oishi Park, Autumn is marked by the changing maples, and winter teases the promise of snowfall.
Spring and Autumn are the busiest months for tourism in Kawaguchiko as locals and visitors celebrate hanami in spring and momiji in autumn.
How long to stay in Kawaguchiko
While Kawaguchiko can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo, it really does deserve at least an overnight stay, if not two. If you do decide to visit Kawaguchiko as a day trip, be sure to depart early to make the most of a full day.
Being located at the base of Mt Fuji doesn’t guarantee you’ll see Fuji-san. That leaves you with a few options. If you are short on time, leave some flexibility in your itinerary in Tokyo so you can make last-minute plans to head to Kawaguchiko when the forecast is clear as a day trip.
Otherwise, maximise your opportunity to see the glorious scenes of Mt Fuji up close by booking a night or two. This gives you a few days with the chance of seeing the landscapes you came here for, as well as plenty of time to enjoy all of the sights on offer.
How to get to Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is located 116km from Tokyo in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in the Yamanashi prefecture. It is the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, making it a popular destination for seeing Mt Fuji up close.
If you’re planning to travel from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko there are a few options. Public transport in Japan is convenient, on time with a precision I’ve never seen anywhere else, and takes the stress out of hiring a car.
Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by Bus
From Shinjuku
There are two bus companies operating routes between Shinjuku Bus Terminal and Kawaguchiko Station, Fujikyu and Keio Bus, with two services per hour. The bus route between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko is the most frequent route to/from Tokyo. The journey takes a little under two hours and tickets cost ¥2000. Most services include stops at Fujisan Station and Fuji Q Highland before reaching Kawaguchiko Station.
From Tokyo Station
If you are travelling from Tokyo Station, Fujikyu and JR Kanto Bus offer between one to two direct routes hourly. The trip is approximately two hours and costs ¥2000. You can make a reservation for tickets online via Willer and Japan Bus Online.
From Shibuya Station
The least frequent service by bus operates from Shibuya (Mark City) once every two hours. Operated by Fujikyu, this service stops at Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station. The one-way journey takes between two - two and a half hours and tickets cost ¥2000. Tickets can be booked online through Willer.
JR Rail passes are not valid to be used on any of these bus routes.
Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by Train
You can travel between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko by train, but most services are not direct though. Catch the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station which takes 70-100 minutes depending on the service. Change at Otsuki and take the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station which takes just under an hour.
There are a small number of direct limited express trains per day between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko in each direction which take approximately two hours. Seat reservations are required and tickets start from ¥4000 one way.
Does the JR Rail Pass cover the journey from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko?
No, JR passes are not valid between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko, which means you will need to pay a supplement fee for that section of the journey which starts from approximately ¥1170 one way.
However, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass does cover the entire journey between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko excluding panorama seats on limited express trains.
How to get from Kyoto to Kawaguchiko
While most visitors travel to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo, you may want to visit while travelling between Kyoto and Tokyo. If this is the case, you can either travel by a train and bus combination, or overnight bus.
By train from Kyoto
Travel from Kyoto to Mishima Station on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. The journey takes two hours and there is one direct train every two hours, or non-direct services that require additional transfers. From Mishima Station transfer to a Fujikyu bus service to Kawaguchiko. Tickets cost ¥2300 one way.
If you have a JR Pass, you can make use of this and save some money in the process by using local JR Trains from Mishima to Gotemba and then taking a bus from Gotemba Station to Kawaguchiko.
The JR Pass does not cover the buses on these routes.
By bus from Kyoto
You can take an overnight bus between Osaka to Kawaguchiko, with a stop at Kyoto along the way. The service is operated by Fujikyu Bus and the journey time is approximately nine and a half hours. Tickets start from ¥6400, increasing depending on the level of luxury offered by the bus. Reservations can be made online via Japan Bus Online.
Where to stay in Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko is absolutely worth an overnight stay, especially with early mornings offering the best opportunity to see Mt Fuji on a clear day. To make the most of your stay, here are some excellent accommodation options in Fujikawaguchiko.
Hotels in Kawaguchiko
Oike Hotel | Boasting indoor and outdoor hot springs with excellent views of Mt Fuji, this Japanese-style hotel is perfectly located in close proximity to Kawaguchiko Station. The onsite tea lounge offers a place to relax and unwind or indulge and book a massage. Rooms start from £140/night and you can book your stay here.
Hotel Asafuji | Beautiful views and comfort are the key focus at this mid-range hotel. Rooms are air conditioned and come with hot springs to soak up the natural minerals from the volcanic earth nearby. For an extra fee, guests can request a kaiseki breakfast or dinner at the onsite restaurant. Rooms start from £186/night. Book your accommodation here.
Fufu Kawaguchiko | A little further out from Kawaguchiko is a haven of peace and tranquillity. This ultra-luxury stay includes access to gardens, a terrace, hot springs, a sauna, and mountain views. Every morning starts with a wholesome Asian breakfast, while rooms are detailed with a Japanese-minimalist aesthetic. Prices start from £600/night and can be booked here.
Ryokans in Kawaguchiko
Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso | Bringing you traditional Japanese-style rooms and natural onsen (hot springs), this ryokan stay in Kawaguchiko offers sensational vistas across the lake and of Mt Fuji. Conveniently located just two minutes from the ferry port, you can also make use of the onsite footbaths, karaoke centre, and lounge. Don’t miss stepping into a Yukata to get the full ryokan experience. Prices from £270/night. You can book here.
Fuji Onsenji Yumedono | Luxury is woven into every moment you spend at this 5-star ryokan stay. Located just minutes’ from Lake Kawaguchiko, this traditional Japanese Inn includes traditional tatami mats and futons, private onsens, and a kaiseki experience offering local specialties. Oishi Park and Nagasaki Park are just a 10-minute taxi ride away, while guests can explore the nearby shores of the lake on foot. We treated ourselves to a stay here for a night and it was the best night’s sleep we’ve ever had. Prices start from £470/night. You can book your stay here.
Glamping in Kawaguchiko
If you’re looking for a more unique approach to accommodation in Kawaguchiko, glamping integrates your stay with the natural world. With sites designed to offer a community-style approach, many have shared facilities so you can get to know other travellers.
Kawaguchiko Country Cottage Ban - Glamping Resort | The highlight of this glamping accommodation is its spectacular views across Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji. Wooden cottages offer self-catering accommodation set among the foliage of the hillsides overlooking Lake Kawaguchiko, providing a cosy atmosphere year-round. There are indoor and outdoor public baths for guests which provide the perfect perch to watch the sun set behind Mt Fuji. Prices start from £105/night. You can book here.
Glamping Resort Varie | If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in pod-like tents then this is the perfect glamping experience for you. Every pod features a garden, terrace, and personal patio to soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Guests can rent bicycles to explore the nearby landscapes, as well as rent bbq and grill equipment for campfire-style dinners. Prices start from £124/night. You can book here.
