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For Glamping Reservations of Japan(Mt.Fuji, Awaji Island, Beppu, Tottori, Izu, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Kyushu etc.)
Resort Glamping.com
For Glamping Reservations of Japan(Mt.Fuji, Awaji Island, Beppu, Tottori, Izu, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Kyushu etc.)
April 2026, 2
The area around Lake Kawaguchi, which has many attractions, is visited by many tourists from overseas as well as from within Japan. Lake Kawaguchi is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and not only can you enjoy the lakeside scenery, but there are also many activities and gourmet spots. It is a place that can accommodate any travel style, including day trips. In this article, we will introduce a carefully selected list of recommended sightseeing spots around Lake Kawaguchi.
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Lake Kawaguchi is easily accessible from Tokyo, and is recommended as a day trip destination, as it offers rich nature and magnificent views of Mt. Fuji. Here, we will first explain in detail why Lake Kawaguchi is popular for day trips.
Lake Kawaguchi not only offers beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, but also has many tourist attractions in the surrounding area.
There are also plenty of relaxing tourist spots such as museums and hot springs, making it perfect for a day trip. Lake Kawaguchi is a travel destination that can be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults, couples, friends, and families.
Another reason why Lake Kawaguchi is a popular day trip destination is that it is easily accessible from Tokyo. It takes just two hours by express bus and costs around 2 yen.
Another attractive feature of express buses is that they depart from many locations, including Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Shinjuku Station. There are also buses that go directly to Lake Kawaguchi from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, making it a convenient location with easy access for travelers from overseas.
Three sightseeing buses depart from Kawaguchiko Station, one of the terminus for the express bus: the Red Line, the Green Line, and the Blue Line.
If you are sightseeing in Lake Kawaguchi, you can take the Red Line to visit the main tourist spots, and if you use the Green Line or Blue Line you can go to Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko and enjoy the nature around the lake.
For these sightseeing buses, there is a "Sightseeing Bus Common Free Coupon" that allows unlimited rides on all three lines for one or two days, so it is also recommended for use on day trips to Lake Kawaguchi.
Now that we have confirmed why Lake Kawaguchi is also recommended for day trips, we will introduce each tourist spot in detail.
We have carefully selected the spots you don't want to miss when sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchi. Please use this to help you plan your trip efficiently, including using the sightseeing bus.
The "Appare" sightseeing boat that tours Lake Kawaguchi is modeled after a naval ship from the Warring States period, and is a great spot to view Mt. Fuji from the lake.
The sightseeing boat trip takes about 1 minutes to complete one trip, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji from the observation deck on the second floor.
The Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway is a facility where you can enjoy an aerial stroll while taking in the beautiful scenery of Lake Kawaguchi. The ropeway will take you to the top of the mountain, which is 1,075 meters above sea level.
It is famous as a scenic spot where you can see the majestic Mount Fuji right in front of you.
The 500m bridge over Lake Kawaguchi, "Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge," is famous as a place where you can see the upside-down Mt. Fuji reflected on the lake's surface. On a clear day, you can capture the beautiful sight of the lake and Mt. Fuji on camera.
If you visit early in the morning or during the cold winter months, you have a higher chance of seeing the inverted Mt. Fuji.
The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum is a facility where you can enjoy the sounds of music boxes and automatic musical instruments that were once used by aristocrats. Concerts are held every day, allowing you to spend an elegant time.
The beautiful European-style garden, with Mount Fuji visible in the distance, is something you should see at least once while sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchi.
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, located near Lake Kawaguchi, was built with the purpose of calming eruptions from Mount Fuji. It is currently registered as a World Heritage Site.
It is a tourist spot where you can experience traditional Japanese culture in a solemn atmosphere.
Oishi Park, located on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, is known as a lavender park and is the main venue for the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival, which takes place every year from late June to mid-July. It is a tourist spot where you can relax in the lush nature of Lake Kawaguchi.
It is also a popular photo spot for Mt. Fuji.
The Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave, where you can experience the icy world beneath Mt. Fuji, are cool even in summer and are tourist spots where you can feel the mystery of nature. You can feel like an explorer in the cool air. To get there, it is convenient to take the Blue Line sightseeing bus from Kawaguchiko Station.
Herb Garden Travel Diary Fujikawaguchiko Garden is a tourist spot where you can enjoy about 200 kinds of herbs and flowers, as well as Mt. Fuji, all at once.
You can enjoy flowers and herbs in any season: cherry blossoms, azaleas, and tulips in spring, lavender in summer, kochia and autumn leaves in autumn, and herbs growing in the greenhouse in winter.
Be sure to also visit the Mt. Fuji Deck, which offers a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
Fuji-Q Highland is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy thrilling roller coasters and attractions.
Not only are there thrilling rides, but there is also a character zone, making it perfect for families. It is also recommended as a day trip destination to the Kawaguchiko area.
At Honmachi-dori Shopping Street, also known as "Fuji-michi," you can see the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shopping street.
With Mount Fuji towering in the distance, you can enjoy a mysterious sight where the city and nature blend together.
Oshino Hakkai is a quiet place where you can see the original Japanese scenery of thatched roofs and waterwheels. You can visit the pond created by the melting snow of Mt. Fuji, and it is a popular tourist spot where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature.
Fuji Subaru Land is a family-friendly attraction park with an animal interaction zone and athletic area, where you can experience the great outdoors of Mt. Fuji.
Lake Kawaguchi offers a wide variety of activities that allow you to fully enjoy nature, from smelt fishing in the winter to kayaking and cycling, and there are plenty of activities you can enjoy even on a day trip.
Here we will introduce some of the activities available at Lake Kawaguchi.
The smelt fishing season at Lake Kawaguchi runs from October to April. Why not try smelt fishing, a quiet way to spend time on the lake? It's an activity that even beginners can enjoy.
A kayaking tour on Lake Kawaguchi allows you to fully enjoy time on the water while taking in the beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji. The instructor will give you a thorough lecture, so even beginners can feel at ease.
Around Lake Kawaguchi, you can easily enjoy cycling while taking in the beautiful scenery along the lakeside. If you rent a bike and go around the surrounding tourist sites, you might even discover some hidden gems.
We also recommend taking a guided tour through the mysterious "Sea of Trees" that spreads out at the foot of Mount Fuji.NatureBase tours also allow you to enter caves formed by lava eruptions.
The area around Lake Kawaguchi is full of gourmet spots where you can enjoy local specialties.
Be sure to enjoy local flavors at cafes and atmospheric restaurants where you can dine while taking in the views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
If you want to try Lake Kawaguchi's specialty hoto, you can't miss "Houtou Fudo." This long-established hoto restaurant offers only one type of hoto on the menu. Enjoy the homemade noodles simmered in miso-based broth, along with pumpkin and wild vegetables.
At Houtou Fudo, you can also try the Koshu specialty horse meat sashimi.
"Koshu Hoto Kosaku" is another famous houtou restaurant in the Kawaguchiko area. The houtou stewed with a variety of ingredients is exquisite.
Another attractive feature is the wide variety of hoto dishes on the menu, including not only the standard hoto, but also duck hoto and chilled hoto.
Momijitei Kawaguchiko is also a famous hoto restaurant. It is a restaurant where you can also taste Oshino soba, one of the specialties of Oshino.
When you think of Fujiyoshida City, located in the southeast area of Lake Kawaguchi, you think of "Yoshida Udon." If you want to eat Yoshida Udon, which is characterized by its chewy and firm noodles, why not try the original Miura Udon? The chewy noodles and broth are exquisite.
Lake Bake Cafe is a popular bakery that can be reached on foot from Oishi Park on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi. The bread they serve is made with homemade natural yeast and is authentic.
At the attached cafe, you can relax and enjoy bread, coffee, and tea while gazing at Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji.
| a.m. | 08:30｜Depart from Shinjuku Depart for Lake Kawaguchi by express train or highway bus. One of the joys of the journey is the view of Mount Fuji gradually approaching from the train window. ↓ 10:30｜Arrive at Lake Kawaguchi After arriving, you can start sightseeing by taking a sightseeing bus or on foot. The main attractions in the lakeside area are compactly located, making it easy to tour even on a day trip. ↓ 11:00 | Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing boat cruise Experience the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji from the lake. Enjoy a 20-minute cruise on a pleasure boat modeled after a naval ship from the Warring States period. ↓ 12:00 | Lake Kawaguchi - Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway Take a walk in the air to the observation deck at an altitude of 1,075m. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. |
| afternoon | 13:30 | Lunch: Yamanashi specialty hoto Enjoy local cuisine for lunch. Noodle dishes simmered in miso-based soup are a popular local Japanese delicacy among visitors to Japan. ↓ 15:00｜Stroll around Oishi Park This is a spectacular spot where you can enjoy both Mt. Fuji and seasonal flowers at the same time. You can also enjoy taking photos while walking along the lakeside promenade. ↓ 16:30 | Cafe & souvenir time Take a break around Kawaguchiko Station or at a lakeside cafe. You can also enjoy looking for souvenirs, such as Mount Fuji-themed goods and Yamanashi wine. ↓ 17:30｜Departure from Lake Kawaguchi ↓ 19:30｜Arrive at Shinjuku |
As we've seen, Lake Kawaguchi has a lot to offer. If you want to fully enjoy the nature and activities around the lake, we recommend staying a night or two.
There are plenty of glamping facilities around Lake Kawaguchi that offer a luxurious outdoor experience, so here we will introduce some recommended glamping facilities that offer a slightly different accommodation experience.
Glamping B&V Fujisan Kawaguchiko is a glamping resort located in a prime location with a close-up view of Mt. Fuji. All 23 buildings have views of Mt. Fuji, and you can choose from a variety of stay styles, including dome tents, suite villas, and dog cabins where you can stay with your beloved dog.
The guest rooms are equipped with vanadium mineral spring baths and private saunas, allowing you to relax in body and mind in a luxurious setting surrounded by nature. Nighttime activities include BBQs using local ingredients, bonfires, and the opportunity to enjoy the starry sky.
Glamping Village Fujikawaguchiko is a luxury glamping resort surrounded by the majestic nature of Mount Fuji and the Lake Kawaguchi area. It is one of Yamanashi Prefecture's largest villa and dome tent facilities, with a total of 30 buildings, and offers an extraordinary stay surrounded by a coniferous forest. Guests can choose between villa-type and dome tent-type rooms, and all buildings are equipped with natural hot spring baths. Villas also have private saunas and cold baths, allowing you to enjoy luxurious relaxation in a private space.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including a glamping BBQ using local ingredients, nights spent under the stars, kayaking and smelt fishing.
Lake Breeze Inn Asafuji is a hot spring inn located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, boasting a stunning location with panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the lake. From the large windows in the large public bath, you can enjoy a relaxing, soothing bath while viewing Mount Fuji, whose appearance changes with the seasons. Guest rooms are primarily Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring, providing a tranquil space with a view of Mount Fuji. Guests can also enjoy the dining experience unique to a Japanese inn, such as Japanese kaiseki and sukiyaki dishes made with seasonal ingredients from the local Yamanashi prefecture. In addition to a free shuttle service from Kawaguchiko Station, there are plenty of activities in the surrounding area, such as kayaking and cruises.
Lake Kawaguchi is a fascinating place where you can enjoy a variety of sightseeing spots and activities while taking in the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
It's perfect for day trips as well as trips for 1-2 nights, and offers a variety of ways to enjoy it, including activity experiences, bus trips, and gourmet trips.
Why not make some fun memories at Lake Kawaguchi, which is easily accessible from Tokyo?
*This column was created based on information as of June 2024.Please check the official website for the latest information on each facility.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
