Fuji Five Lakes refers to the area found at the base of Mount Fuji and includes the five lakes that were formed after the volcano’s eruptions several centuries ago.
What to See
Lake Kawaguchi
Among the five lakes around Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular tourist destination. It is where the main transportation hub for access to the region is located, and it is home to several ryokan and hotels. It offers various recreational activities such as boating, camping and hiking.
Lake Motosu
Located in the westernmost part of the area, Lake Motosu has splendid views of Mount Fuji. It is a great place to go camping, fishing and boating, or engage in wind surfing and other water sports.
Lake Sai
About a kilometre away from Lake Kawaguchiko lies Lake Saiko, which offers numerous options for outdoor activities, including camping, boating and fishing.
Lake Shoji
With a circumference of only 2.5 kilometres, Lake Shojiko is the smallest of the five lakes. Although it is not as developed as the others, having only a few hotels, it is a great place to fish and enjoy clear views of Mount Fuji.
Lake Yamanaka
The largest of the five, Lake Yamanaka is found in the easternmost portion of the area. It is second to Kawaguchi in terms of development, with a variety of facilities available for different outdoor sports, including tennis, boating and wind surfing.
Mount Tenjo Ropeway
Close to the summit of Mount Tenjo is an observation deck that offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. It can be accessed via the ropeway or by hiking.
Fuji Q Highland
Known for its thrilling roller coasters and anime-themed attractions, Fuji-Q Highland is a must-visit for guests looking to experience some of the world’s fastest and most heart-pumping amusement park rides.
How to Get to the Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo
Train
At Shinjuku Station, get on the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, and then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line going to Kawaguchiko Station. The total time of a one-way journey is about an hour and a half, and total cost is under 4,000 yen.
Bus
There are many bus companies that offer connections between Tokyo and the Fuji Five Lakes region. There are direct buses that depart from the Shinjuku Bus Terminal, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. A one-way trip takes about two hours and costs around 1,800 yen.