2 Days In Kawaguchiko: An Epic Overnight Trip To Mount Fuji 

Lake Kawaguchi (and the rest of Fuji Five Lakes) is a lush countryside area you just can’t miss if you’re in Japan. This region is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and the Mount Fuji-obsessed! (If you’re also in the Mount Fuji fan club, please stand up!)

Not only does nature take the floor here, but the area is chock-full of cultural attractions, and –of course– offers spectacular views of the famous mountain that dominates the landscape.

Chances are if you’ve done any research at all, you’ll have heard of Lake Kawaguchiko, a serene lake at the base of Mount Fuji surrounded by forests, glamping opportunities, ryokans, and natural hot springs. The eastern shore is the most developed, with bus and rail links to Tokyo as well as most of the area’s hotels, restaurants, and shops.

But if you thought Lake Kawaguchiko was the only draw here, you’d be very mistaken! Lake Kawaguchiko is just one of the FIVE lakes that make up the Fuji Five Lakes region.

I got the chance to visit three out of five lakes during my own 4-day trip to the Fuji area last May. And believe me when I tell you I could’ve stayed for another week if I could!

But I get it. Not everyone has that much time to spare, especially if Mount Fuji is just one stop of many on a larger trip through Japan/Asia. If you are limited on time, an overnight stay is a perfect start for exploring the Fuji Five Lakes area.

This 2-day Kawaguchiko travel guide will help you discover the top scenery and historic landmarks around Lake Kawaguchiko and other surrounding lakes.

I’ll recommend some of the best ways to admire views of Mount Fuji as you see traditional villages, colorful pagodas, and the sea of flowers and plants of the many lakeside parks!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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OVERVIEW OF THE FUJI FIVE LAKES

The Fuji Five Lakes area is made up of — you guessed it — five different lakes. Here’s a quickie breakdown of the lakes:

Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko has the longest shoreline of the Fuji Five Lakes and is dotted with many of the area’s museums, accommodations, shops, and tourist facilities.

Highlights here include the Kawaguchiko Music and Forest Museum, which has a beautiful garden (plus European vibes) and offers concerts of rare organs and automatic musical instruments from around the world.

Oishi Park is also here, famous for its spectacular views of Mount Fuji surrounded by lavender in early summer and kochia in autumn. Other tourist attractions include the Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway and the sightseeing boat Appare.

Lake Yamanakako

Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the five lakes in the area (and the closest to Mount Fuji). This area has a more rural and less commercialized feel compared to Lake Kawaguchiko. Plus, it offers glorious lakeside views of Mount Fuji + white swans!

You’ll find several ryokans and onsens here. This area is a great base for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, windsurfing, birdwatching, and kayaking. Another must-see includes the Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park.

Lake Saiko

Lake Saiko is located north of Mt. Fuji and is known as the wildest and most natural of the five lakes. Lake Saiko is surrounded by dense forests (including the Aokigahara Forest) and has fewer commercial developments.

This is a great lake to check out if you enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping. Lake Saiko is also where a lot of the notable caves are located.

There’s the Saiko Bat Cave, a natural monument that stands as the largest lava cave at the foot of Mt. Fuji. There’s also the Fugaku Wind Cave and the Narusawa Ice Cave.

You can also step back in time at Saiko Iyashi no sato Nenba, a reconstructed traditional Japanese village featuring a bunch of gassho-style buildings.

Lake Shojiko

Lake Shojiko is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes and was widely introduced overseas as Switzerland of the East in the Meiji era (1868-1912) because of its beautiful scenery.

Mount Fuji views from Lake Shojiko are some of the most spectacular and least obstructed. The lake is also close to the Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park, a popular spot for birdwatching.

It is less developed, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds.

Lake Motosuko

Known for its deep blue water and clarity, Lake Motosuko is the deepest of the five lakes.

Lake Motosuko is famously depicted on the reverse side of the 1,000 yen bill and the old 5,000 yen bill with the stunning “Upside-down Fuji” reflection. Known for being the deepest and clearest of the Fuji Five Lakes, it’s a perfect spot for underwater sports like snorkeling and diving.

The iconic view of Mount Fuji depicted on the 1,000 yen note can be seen from the northern shore of Lake Motosuko. The Fuji Shibazakura Festival, which showcases thousands of pink moss flowers in full bloom with Mount Fuji in the background, also takes place nearby.

Now that we’ve introduced you to the different lakes and some of their most iconic activities/landmarks, let’s dive into the actual 2-day itinerary of Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Five Lakes area!

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DAY 1: Lake Kawaguchiko

Check-in to your hotel / drop your luggage off at your hotel

Upon arriving at Lake Kawaguchiko, head to your hotel to check in or drop off your luggage. Chances are, they won’t let you check in early. If you arrive before check-in, they’ll most likely allow you to store your luggage there while you explore the area.

Now is a good time to pick up maps of the area, ask the staff any questions you may have, learn more about any shuttles the hotel offers, and check out what kind of discount flyers exist!

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Start your Kawaguchiko itinerary off with the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, which offers worthwhile aerial views of Lake Kawaguchiko and the majestic Mount Fuji.

The ropeway takes you up to Mount Tenjo, where you can enjoy a panoramic vista that’s perfect for photography lovers. At the top, you can walk around the small observation area, which includes the Usagi Shrine and several walking paths with spectacular views.

Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat Ride

If it happens to be a clear day, a sightseeing boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko’s Appare boat offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the beauty of the lake views. The boat cruises gently across the lake, providing panoramic views of Mount Fuji’s majestic peak reflected in the pristine waters.

The sightseeing boat operates throughout the year, offering unique perspectives of Mount Fuji in each season—from snow-capped in winter to surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring.

On your 20-minute boat ride, be sure to take in the surrounding landscapes, including the lush green forested hills, charming lakeside villages, people riding little pedal boats in the lake, and seasonal flowers that adorn the shores.

👉 Pro Tip: If it happens to be extra cloudy or rainy, this activity is not worth it because there will be no mountain views to look at. Skip this one if that’s the case.

Explore Lake Kawaguchi’s many viewpoints

Spend the afternoon exploring the various viewpoints around Lake Kawaguchiko. There are lots of them! Here are a few to get you started.

Kawaguchiko North Bank Walking Trail – Offers a serene path along the northern shore with beautiful vistas of Mount Fuji reflecting in the lake.

Nagasaki Park – Located on the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, it provides picturesque views of the lake and Mount Fuji and is known for its lovely cherry blossoms in spring.

Oishi Park – Such a beautiful spot year-round! Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, this park is renowned for its unobstructed views of Mount Fuji. No matter the season, you’ll find colorful plants/flowers decorating this park.

Yagizaki Park – Located on the southern shore of Kawaguchiko, this one is easy to get to on foot if you’re staying in the southern area. While you won’t be able to get the lake in the same photo as Mount Fuji, it’s still a nice park to stroll through after a meal.

Oishi Park

I know I mentioned Oishi Park above, but I had to give it its own call out because this one’s a must-visit!

Oishi Park is so much more than a simple view of Mount Fuji. There’s a lot of other stuff to do here. You can start off by seeing all the pretty flowers and snapping some views of Mount Fuji.

Don’t forget to pop into the massive gift shop to buy some fresh fruits and random souvenirs of Mount Fuji because the Japanese people went crazy putting Mount Fuji on all sorts of products!

Then, walk around the complex a bit more. You’ll find a really pretty flora-lined path alongside a meandering stream, a couple of cafes, a pizzeria, a stationery store, and other gift shops too. 

If it’s a hot day, grab some soft-serve ice cream at the cafe overlooking the lake and Mount Fuji.

Try houtou noodles

End your day with a meal of houtou noodles, a local specialty of the Yamanashi Prefecture. These thick, flat, and oh-so-chewy noodles are served in a hearty miso-based soup with a variety of vegetables, making it a perfect comfort food after a day of sightseeing.

I love soupy dishes, and I found this dish to be SO good that I had it two days in a row!

The best place to try this local specialty is at Hotou Fudo. They have multiple locations, including one across from Kawaguchiko Station as well as their main shop located in North Kawaguchiko.

Be careful not to order too many other dishes if you’re a light eater because the hotou noodle dish only comes in one size and it’s MASSIVE. I ate it twice during my stay at Lake Kawaguchi and I couldn’t finish it either times. 

Pick up snacks/supplies at a convenience store

If you’re staying at a relatively remote hotel (meaning no grocery shops or convenience stores within walking distance), you’ll wanna grab all your snacks, drinks, cup noodles, and other necessities while you’re out.

If you’ve dined at the Hotou Fudo location by Kawaguchiko Station, you can stop to snap a few photos of Mount Fuji from the station (if the view is not covered by clouds yet).

The famous Lawson that everyone talks about and (overly) posts about on social media is also steps away from Kawaguchiko Station, so you can stop by for a quick photo.

BUT you certainly don’t want to be that annoying tourist that gets in the way of cars or leaves their trash everywhere.

Fujiyama Onsen

End your day with a relaxing visit to Fujiyama Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring facility located near Fuji-Q Highland (southeast of Lake Kawaguchiko). You’ll want to do this at the end of the day because, unlike many other businesses and attractions in the area, this one closes pretty late (11pm).

The facility features both indoor and outdoor baths. It’s even home to Japan’s largest wooden bath.

The water quality here is truly unique too, blended with all the good minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium-bicarbonate, sulfate, and chloride, which is extremely rare to find across the country.

You can also spend your time relaxing in the bedrock bath area with an indoor bedrock bath, an outdoor bedrock bath overlooking Mt. Fuji, a manga corner with popular manga, and a “hot room” equipped with heated floors.

They also have massages and light meals for sale (which you can enjoy while gazing out at Mount Fuji!).

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DAY 2: Lake Saiko + Lake Kawaguchiko

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Start your day with a visit to Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, a reconstructed traditional Japanese village located on the western shore of Lake Saiko. This open-air museum features thatched-roof houses that have been turned into craft shops, museums, and restaurants, providing a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.

You can stroll through the different houses, enjoying whatever they offer inside. Some of them are sit-down restaurants, some are handicraft shops, some offer kimono rentals, and some simply exist to showcase what the structure would have looked like in the past.

Don’t forget to take in the period architecture here! These houses will give you a glimpse into life in Japan in the olden days.

There is a small admission fee you’ll have to pay at the entrance.

Enjoy More Mount Fuji Viewpoints

After visiting the village, take some time to explore additional viewpoints around Lake Saiko to capture more breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji views from Lake Shojiko are some of the most spectacular and least obstructed!

For example, you could head to the Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park for excellent bird-watching opportunities and picturesque views of Mount Fuji.

Alternatively, you can walk along the shores of Lake Saiko and find the viewpoint that makes you most happy! Mt. Fuji is best seen from the northwest shore of Lake Saiko.

Fujisan World Heritage Center

From there, head back to the Lake Kawaguchiko area and head to Fujisan World Heritage Center, an informative facility dedicated to teaching visitors about the natural and cultural significance of Mount Fuji.

The center features interactive exhibits, photography, and detailed explanations about the mountain’s history, geology, and spiritual importance. On the top floor is the Observation Hall, a sleek area with an open-air deck where visitors are awarded with spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

The building also has an inverted conical shape that reflects in the pond outside to reveal the shape of the iconic mountain!

Hopefully, a visit here will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Mount Fuji!

Option 1: Fuji-Q Highland

If you’re in the mood for some true thrills, spend the rest of your afternoon at Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan’s most famous amusement parks. Located a short trip from Lake Kawaguchiko, the park has some of the fastest and steepest roller coasters in the world!

Known for its record-breaking roller coasters like Eejanaika and Takabisha, the park offers a ton of memorable rides and experiences for thrill-seekers.

In addition to the coasters, Fuji-Q Highland features a variety of other attractions, including a 50-minute long haunted house walkthrough (they scored another world record for this one) and other themed areas.

Option 2: Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum (or Other Museums)

Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed afternoon, visit the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum.

This charming museum showcases automated musical instruments and offers beautiful gardens with European-inspired architecture, set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. Enjoy live music performances, explore the intricate exhibits, and relax in the picturesque garden.

If this museum is not your vibe, other nearby museum options include the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, known for its exquisite kimonos, Kawaguchiko Kitahara Museum (a nostalgic museum featuring antique/vintage toys), and the Yamanashi Gem Museum, which displays a stunning collection of gemstones.

Option 3: Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai (the Eight Seas of Oshino) is a set of eight ponds located in the Fuji Five Lakes area, on the site of a former sixth lake that dried out several centuries ago. Oshino Hakkai is now part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site (since 2013), making it a worthwhile stop for your itinerary. 

The eight ponds found here are fed by snowmelt from the slopes of Mount Fuji that filter down the mountain through porous layers of volcanic rock. This is precisely what makes the mineral-rich pond waters remarkably clear and pristine!

In the past, these ponds were a sacred destination. Eight is a significant number in Buddhism, and making a circuit of the eight ponds was a major part of Mt. Fuji worship. Religious groups would purify themselves in the ponds prior to climbing Mt. Fuji. However, Fuji worship started to decline in the late 1800s so religious ceremonies at the ponds gradually ceased.

Within the UNESCO area, you’ll find a series of unique structures housing daytime shops, restaurants, and museum info to learn more about the area. You’ll also find lots of those clear ponds here! 

The water in the Waku Pond is especially clear and clean, and visitors are encouraged to drink it and even take some home in a bottle.

Side note: I didn’t appreciate the clarity of the water until I saw a pond in Kyoto and saw just how… opaque the water was. Looking back on it now, the ponds at Oshino Hakkai were INCREDIBLY clear!

After enjoying the ponds and the nearby scenery, you can stroll through the shops in the area. Things for sale include Mount Fuji souvenirs, fruits, vegetables, sweets, pickles, crafts, fried fish, and other local products. Some businesses even have outdoor grills to attract shoppers with the alluring smells of roasted sweet potato and toasted rice crackers.

For more history about the area, check out the small open-air museum, Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan. It contains a traditional thatched roof farmhouse that can be entered and displays various farming tools, household items, and samurai weapons.

Sayonara, Kawaguchiko!

At this point, you’ll probably need to head back to your hotel to collect your bags and head back to Tokyo or to your next destination in Japan.

From Kawaguchiko Station, you have two main options for making your way back to Tokyo:

Trains: The last train to Tokyo typically leaves Kawaguchiko Station around 8:30 PM, but be sure to check the current schedule in advance as times can vary.

Highway Buses: The highway buses run from Kawaguchiko Station to various locations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. The last bus usually departs around 7:00 PM.

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WHERE TO STAY IN KAWAGUCHIKO

While all of the lakes have accommodation options, some are more rustic than others. For example, Lake Kawaguchiko is the most developed, meaning you’ll find no shortage of ryokan, glamping spots, hostels, and regular hotels here.

On the flip side, Lake Saiko is best known for its camping spots, so adventurers looking for a more rustic, secluded stay would enjoy this lake more.

For first-timers and people getting around by tourist bus, I’d recommend staying around Lake Kawaguchiko or Kawaguchiko Station given the fact that there are more amenities around here. Plus, catching the bus is a lot simpler in this area.

I planned my trip pretty last minute but was able to snag a room at Toyoko Inn Fuji Kawaguchiko Ohashi ($), a simple and surprisingly affordable hotel in the Kawaguchiko area.

All in all, I really enjoyed my stay! Even though it was not directly on the lake or right next to the train station, they offered a free shuttle that went to/from Kawaguchiko Station quite often (multiple times per hour).

And the shuttle was always incredibly on time! They will arrive exactly on time (or even leave a minute early) but never late! No reservations are needed. They also have another shuttle by reservation that takes you to the iconic Fuji-Q Highland amusement park which is nice too (and free!). 

A few other fancier hotels/ryokans that caught my eye while I was there include:

Fuji View Hotel ($$) – This hotel offers exactly what you’d think… epic Fuji views! Overlooking Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, this hotel is surrounded by gorgeous Japanese gardens with lush greenery and cherry trees. You can unwind in the newly renovated indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Ryokan Kasuitei – Ohya ($$$) – a beautiful ryokan with onsen baths and suites with traditional tatami floors. Strategically situated in Fujikawaguchiko, allowing you easy access and proximity to local attractions and sights.

Mt.Fuji グランピングテラス ($$$$) – there are so many glamping spots in the Fuji area, but this one really stood out to me. You’ll be glamping in geo domes and waking up to epic Mount Fuji vibes! Breakfast and dinner are included too.

Glamping Resort Varie ($$) – Another geo-dome stay! The luxury tents come with air conditioning, free private parking, and free wifi. All units come with a patio, an oven, a microwave, fridge, and a kettle.

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HOW TO GET TO KAWAGUCHIKO

To get your adventure in the Fuji Five Lakes started, you’ll want to aim to get to Kawaguchiko Station (Lake Kawaguchiko).

Kawaguchiko Station is the main transportation hub for the region, making it the starting point for most visitors exploring the surrounding lakes and attractions.

Kawaguchiko Station is connected to Tokyo via the JR Chuo Line and the Fujikyu Railway Line, making it easily accessible for train travelers. The highway buses also drop bus passengers off at this station.

Need to get to another lake in the Fuji Lakes area? Head to Kawaguchiko Station first. This station is serviced by other bus lines that can take you to other key areas in the Fuji Five Lakes region.

From Tokyo – By Train

If you have some sort of a JR Pass that covers train travel to the Fuji area, you’ll likely opt for the train over the expressway bus (below).

From Tokyo, you’ll want to take the train from wherever you are to Kawaguchiko Station (Lake Kawaguchiko). Your train travel will have one transfer point at Otsuki Station.

The entire trip from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, including transfer time at Otsuki Station.

Here’s an example from Shinjuku Station:

• Get to Otsuki Station: Board the JR Chuo Line Rapid service from Shinjuku Station heading towards Otsuki. This train departs frequently, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
• Transfer at Otsuki Station: Upon arrival at Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujisan Limited Express, the Fuji Excursion train, or a local Fujikyu Railway train to Kawaguchiko Station. The journey from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the train service. You will need to purchase a separate ticket for this leg of the journey, as it is operated by a different company.

For the Fuji Excursion train, I’d recommend you reserve your seat in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Tickets can be purchased at JR ticket offices or online.

👉 Pro Tip: Sit on the left side of the train from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko for the best views of Mount Fuji.

From Tokyo – By Highway Coach Bus (Recommended!)

If you don’t have a JR Pass, you won’t be tied to the idea of taking the train to Kawaguchiko Station.

There are also highway/expressway buses that depart from major stations like Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Station, Akihabara Station, and more.

I actually preferred the expressway bus over the train because it’s actually about 30 minutes faster than taking the train (assuming you’re not traveling during rush hour).

Plus, there are no transfers involved and it’s slightly cheaper than taking the train, too.

With the coach bus, you’ll need to reserve seats which means everyone will have a seat (it’s not like a city bus where standing is allowed). 

You can book highway bus tickets in advance here.

You can also book these rides at the bus station when you get there. Unless it’s a super busy time to visit (cherry blossom season, fall season, Golden Week, or other holidays), the buses don’t usually fill up.

You can also book highway bus tickets for weekend rides on Klook.

Driving Yourself There

This is hands-down the most convenient way to get to the Fuji Five Lakes area since it doesn’t require any transfers, any pre-booked tickets, or extra stops.

Had I been traveling with someone comfortable with driving in Japan, I would have totally opted for a car! Chances are, you won’t be either.

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HOW TO GET AROUND THE FUJI FIVE LAKES AREA

By Tourist Bus

Unless you’re driving your own car or rental car, you’ll likely be getting around by public transportation. The most convenient form of public transportation in the Lake Kawaguchiko area is the Fujikyu Tourist Bus.

With a three-day visit to the Fuji Five Lakes area, I’d recommend opting for the Kawaguchiko – Saiko – Motosuko Area Sightseeing Bus 2-day pass. This is the one that allows you to take the red, blue, and green buses.

This pass offers unlimited rides on Fujikyu buses in the Lake Kawaguchiko area as well as the lakes west of it (Saiko, Narusawa, Shojiko, and Motosuko areas) for 2 days. The three-colored bus lines (red, green, and blue) frequently depart from Kawaguchiko Station and are perfect for touring hotspots around the lakes.

To explore the areas east of Lake Kawaguchiko (like Fuji-Q Highland, Lake Yamanakako, and Oshino Hakkai), you’ll need to take a different bus that isn’t covered with the 2-day pass. This is the Fujikko-go (F-Line). Depending on how many spots you plan on making, you can pay for these rides on the bus as you go or buy the 1-day unlimited rides bus pass.

Taking the bus from Kawaguchiko Station

Kawaguchiko Station is very well laid out and the signs for all the bus stops are very clear.

You just need to know which tourist bus line you’re trying to take because there are separate bus stop areas for the red line, blue line, green line, yellow/orange line, expressway buses that take you back to the Tokyo area, hotel shuttles, special event buses (like the Shibazakura Festival bus in April/May) and more.

If you’re ever lost, you can always take a random bus back to Kawaguchiko Station because many routes will lead back here!

To buy the two-day bus ticket ahead of time, you need to get the Japan Transit app. This is how you’ll board and off-board the bus.

To take the bus with the tourist pass: just hop on when the bus arrives (do not scan your IC card or take any ticket) and when you get off, show the bus driver your pass. 

To take the tourist bus without a pass: tap your IC card or take a ticket upon boarding. When you’re ready to get off, tap your IC card again and the fare will be deducted from your card amount. Alternatively, if you’ve grabbed a paper ticket, you can pay with cash.

By Car

Other than having to drive on the right side of the car, the roads are not much different from roads in the Western world. Around the Fuji Lakes, the intersections are well-marked with signs in both Japanese and English noting how far popular destinations are from your current location along the road.

By Bike

If you’d like to explore the lakes on a deeper level, consider renting a bike for the duration of your stay! There are designated bike paths in certain areas like Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka that’ll allow you to enjoy the amazing beauty of the lakes backdropped by Mount Fuji throughout the entire ride. 

You’ll find lots of bike rental shops in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Some hotels and glamping resorts even offer private bike rentals.

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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE FUJI FIVE LAKES?

Personally, I think the ideal time to visit the Fuji Five Lakes is during the periods when Mount Fuji is snowcapped, offering the most quintessential and iconic views of the mountain. Typically, this occurs in the following seasons:

Spring (April to Early June)

In spring, Mount Fuji’s peak remains snowcapped, providing a drop-dead gorgeous contrast against the cherry blossoms, flowers, and fresh greenery. Cherry blossoms bloom around late March to early April.

Weather: The weather is also amazing around this time! I visited in early May, and while there was a slight humidity in the air and some days of rain, the weather was super comfortable.

What else to look forward to: Various flower festivals, including the Shibazakura Festival near Lake Motosuko, occur during this season. It’s a must-visit!

Autumn (October to Early December)

As temperatures drop, the snow returns to Mount Fuji’s summit, typically by late October. The combination of snow on the peak and autumn foliage in the foreground = epic photos!

Weather: Autumn features cool and comfortable weather, ideal for hiking, photography, and exploring the lakes.

What else to look forward to: The fall foliage, particularly around mid to late November, adds a vibrant splash of red, orange, and yellow to the landscape. The scenic views get even MORE scenic around this time!

Other Seasons

Winter (December to March): Mount Fuji is fully snowcapped throughout the winter, offering clear and crisp views on sunny days. While winter can be cold, the skies are often clear, providing some of the best visibility for viewing and photographing Mount Fuji. Winter sports lovers can enjoy nearby ski resorts, and the lakes offer serene, less crowded experiences.

Summer (Late June to September): Although summer brings warm weather and lush greenery, Mount Fuji’s snowcap melts significantly, and the peak may not be as striking without the snowcap. Summer is also considered the rainy typhoon season (tsuyu), so June and July can see heavy rainfall and cloudy conditions, obstructing views of Mount Fuji.

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KAWAGUCHIKO: DAY TRIP OR OVERNIGHT STAY?

My vote goes towards overnight stay. 100%.

Why? Because of two main reasons: 1) the Fuji Five Lakes area is massive and 2) Mt. Fuji isn’t always visible. 

Let’s start with point #1: Lake Kawaguchiko isn’t the only lake near Mount Fuji. There are actually a collection of lakes in the surrounding area that makes up the Fuji Five Lakes area. And you know what that means? There’s A LOT to do in the area!

A few hours of exploration are just not going to cut it if you want to really get to know this scenic area. I personally opted for a stay of 3 full nights so I could attend the Shibazakura Flower Festival, go to Fuji Q Highland, and also spend some time sightseeing around the five lakes. 

Now onto point #2: Mount Fuji’s visibility can be finicky depending on the day as well as the time of day! It might pop out of the clouds for an hour before sunrise, then be shrouded in cloud coverage for the rest of the day.

Having more time in the Kawaguchiko area means that you’ll have more chances of seeing Mount Fuji show itself. Plus, more time in the area means you’ll be able to visit more than one viewpoint to see the mountain (there are a lot of viewpoints)!

How many days I recommend for the Fuji Five Lakes area

As someone who enjoys slower travel, I think 3 to 4 days for your first visit is perfect. That might sound too long for some of you bucketlist-checkers, but if you’re a nature lover, I’m telling you — you won’t run out of things to do even with a 4-day visit!

I see a lot of tour companies offering day trips to the Mount Fuji area, but in all honesty, one day is not enough.

There are five incredible lakes to explore. There’s no way you’ll be able to see everything in one day.

Even with 4 days / 3 nights, I was only able to scratch the surface there! There was so much other stuff on my list that I didn’t get to see or do! I’m already planning to go back on my next trip to Japan.

The ideal duration for your trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region depends on how much you want to explore, what activities you plan to do, and what other destinations you plan on visiting on your entire Japan itinerary.

If you want just a couple of photos of Mount Fuji in iconic locations, then fine, 1-2 days will be good enough for you.

But if you want to actually enjoy nature, spend time around the lakes, and relax a bit, I’d recommend no less than 3 days!

The business hours of a majority of the attractions, museums, and landmarks here run from 9am to 4:30pm (or 5pm). You can only fit so much in a day with such limited hours. Visiting for more days means you’ll be able to spread activities out and ultimately see more while allowing some time for relaxation and hanging out by the lakes.

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Planning Your Trip To Japan?

Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!

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25 Best Things To Do In Kawaguchiko And Beyond (Mount Fuji Travel Guide)

The Perfect 3 Days In Kawaguchiko + Fuji Five Lakes

2 Days In Kawaguchiko: An Epic Overnight Trip To Mount Fuji 

Is Japan’s Fuji-Q Highland Worth Your Time And Money?

Hot Pink Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival

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