All about the Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji Goko)
The Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji Goko) region is one of the best places in Japan to experience Mount Fuji's iconic beauty up close. Located on the northern side of the mountain in Yamanashi Prefecture, these five lakes — Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Shoji, and Motosu — offer stunning reflections of Mount Fuji and year-round outdoor activities.
Each lake has its unique charm, from the resort-like atmosphere of Lake Yamanaka to the quiet, untouched nature of Lake Shoji. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, onsen (hot springs), or simply relaxing by the water, the Fuji Five Lakes region is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and travelers seeking the perfect view of Japan’s most famous mountain.
How to get to the Fuji Five Lakes
The Fuji Five Lakes area is easily accessible from Tokyo, making it a popular weekend getaway. The Fuji Excursion Limited Express train departs from Shinjuku Station and reaches Kawaguchiko Station, the region's main transport hub, in about two hours.
The Japan Rail Pass offers excellent value for international visitors traveling across Japan. It covers travel on most parts of the Fuji Excursion Limited Express and unlimited travel on Shinkansen (bullet trains) and JR lines throughout the region.
Direct highway buses are also an option. Departing from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station, they usually arrive at Kawaguchiko Station within two hours, depending on traffic. Driving yourself from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi takes a little under two hours, but this also depends on local traffic conditions.
Getting around the Fuji Five Lakes
Once in the region, visitors can explore the lakes using the local sightseeing buses that depart from Kawaguchiko Station and loop around the lakes, stopping at major attractions. However, renting a car is ideal for those wanting the most freedom to see everything the Fuji Five Lakes region offers. Taxis are also available for short-distance trips.
Things to do near the Fuji Five Lakes
1. Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular and developed of the Fuji Five Lakes, offering hot springs, restaurants, museums, and scenic viewpoints.
Chureito Pagoda
One of the most famous spots near Lake Kawaguchi is Chureito Pagoda. This iconic five-story pagoda provides breathtaking views of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms in spring and fiery red foliage in autumn.
Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
The Fuji Panoramic Ropeway takes visitors to a mountaintop observation deck, where they can soak in panoramic views of the lake and the mountain.
Oishi Park
Oishi Park, located along the lake's northern shore, is one of the best places in Japan to admire seasonal flowers, with lavender fields blooming in summer and vibrant red bushes in autumn.
Fuji-Q Highland
For those seeking thrills, Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan’s most famous amusement parks, is located just a short drive from Lake Kawaguchi. Known for its record-breaking roller coasters and anime-themed attractions, the park provides a place for adrenaline junkies and families visiting the Fuji Five Lakes region a day full of rides and thrills as well as some of the most amazing views of Mount Fuji itself.
2. Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and has an expansive, open atmosphere. The area is known for its onsen resorts and outdoor activities, making it a favorite for relaxation and adventure.
Hana no Miyako Park
Hana no Miyako Park offers a spectacular display of seasonal flowers, including tulips, sunflowers, and cosmos fields, all set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.
Benifuji no Yu Hot Spring
For those looking to unwind, Benifuji no Yu Hot Spring is a day spa facility with open-air hot spring baths and direct views of Mount Fuji, making it one of the most scenic onsen experiences in the region.
Water activities
The lake’s large size and calm waters have also made it extremely popular for fishing, boating, paddleboarding, swan-boat cruising, or cycling around the shore on a rental bike.
3. Lake Sai
Lake Sai is less developed than Kawaguchi and Yamanaka, making it an excellent choice for visitors seeking a quiet, natural escape that tourists haven’t completely tapped into.
Aokigahara Forest & Caves
The area is surrounded by Aokigahara Forest, often referred to as the “Sea of Trees”, which is home to mysterious lava caves.
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba
A short walk from the lake, Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba is a restored traditional village with thatched-roof houses. It offers cultural workshops in traditional needlework, pottery, and incense-making. The lake is also a favorite for camping and fishing, providing an ideal setting for a peaceful getaway.
4. Lake Shoji
Lake Shoji is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes, popular as a famous photo spot to capture Mount Fuji mirrored in the lake's reflective surface on calm days. This secluded destination is ideal for photography, hiking, and quiet nature retreats.
Shoji Panoramadai
A hike up Shoji Panoramadai offers one of the best vantage points in the area, providing an uninterrupted view of Mount Fuji rising behind the lake. With fewer tourists compared to the other lakes, Lake Shoji is perfect for birdwatching, camping, and enjoying the stillness of nature.
5. Lake Motosu
Nakanokura Pass Observation Point
Lake Motosu is the deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes and is best known for inspiring the artwork on the 1,000 JPY bill. The Pass Observation Point is the best place to admire the exact scene on Japan’s currency, with Mount Fuji towering over the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Due to its depth and water clarity, Lake Motosu is a top location for kayaking and scuba diving, offering a rare chance to see underwater rock formations.
Major events and festivals
The Fuji Five Lakes region hosts seasonal festivals highlighting the area’s natural beauty and cultural traditions.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival, held from April to May near Lake Motosu, transforms the landscape with over 500,000 vibrant pink moss phlox flowers blooming beneath Mount Fuji.
Yoshida Fire Festival
In August, the Yoshida Fire Festival takes place in Fujiyoshida. This impressive torch-lighting ceremony marks the end of the Mount Fuji climbing season.
Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival
During autumn, the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival showcases the beauty of maple trees turning brilliant shades of red and orange. The foliage is illuminated at night, creating a stunning reflection on the lake.
Lake Kawaguchi Winter Firewoks
During the winter when the crisp and drier weather makes the skies clearer, the Lake Kawaguchi Winter Fireworks takes place, running for about a month from late January to February.
Where to stay at Fuji Five Lakes
1. Mt. Fuji View Onsen Ooike Hotel
If you’re searching for a premium ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) near Lake Kawaguchi, look no further than Mt. Fuji View Onsen Ooike Hotel. The hotel offers rooms in Japanese and Japanese-western styles, ranging from traditional tatami mat rooms to deluxe suites with an en-suite jet bath. Guests can also relax in the open-air or indoor hot spring baths, with an impressive view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
2. Fuji Speedway Hotel Unbound Collection by Hyatt
If you are obsessed with motorsports and fast cars, Fuji Speedway Hotel Unbound Collection by Hyatt could be the perfect stay! It is Hyatt’s first unbound collection hotel in Japan, located at the relay point between Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes area. This resort hotel is unique because of its connection to Fuji Speedway, a Grade 1 race circuit that hosts year-round events! Guests can try their hand at an experience drive around the circuit or even take the two-hour seminar to obtain a FISCO license for sports driving. After a hard day’s work, soak away your fatigue at the on-site hot springs with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
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