Lake Kawaguchiko
About this viewpoint
Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes. The northern shore at Oishi Park is the classic flat reflection spot, while the ropeway to Mt Tenjo offers an elevated angle of Fuji rising directly out of the lake.
Pick a shore
North shore (Oishi Park, Nagasaki Park) is for reflections and flower foregrounds. East shore (around the station) is for cafes and shopping. South shore is quieter with the Music Forest and Itchiku Kubota museums.
Best month by month
April for cherry blossoms at the north end, late June for lavender at Oishi Park, October to November for kochia and momiji, January and February for snow capped reflections on calm mornings.
Beyond the photo
The Mt Kachi Kachi ropeway climbs to a small observation deck with a panoramic Fuji. The Kawaguchiko Music Forest is a European style garden with a glass concert hall, ideal on cloudy days.
Photographer tips
- Reflections are sharpest on calm mornings before 08:00.
- Rent a bike at the station to cover the north shore in a day.
- The Music Forest museum and Itchiku Kubota garden are good wet weather backups.
Gear to bring
- Polarizer to cut lake glare
- Tripod for reflection shots
- Bicycle rental, around ¥1500 a day
Getting there
Practical info
Free, ropeway ¥900 round trip
Multiple paid lots around the lake, ¥500 to ¥1000 per day.
Most shoreline paths are paved and step free. The ropeway is wheelchair accessible.
16 to 35 mm for full reflection, 70 to 200 mm to compress Fuji and pull the peak forward.
Where to eat nearby
- Hoto Fudo
Three lake side branches. The Kawaguchiko Kita branch is the architect designed white igloo.
- Lake Bake
North shore bakery with Fuji facing terrace seating.
- Sanrokuen
Sunken hearth grill where you cook river fish and skewers yourself.
Best rail pass for Lake Kawaguchiko
These are the rail passes that actually reach Lake Kawaguchiko. Buy your pass before you fly, then collect it at any major Japanese airport or city station.
Mt Fuji Pass (1 to 3 days)Recommended
Unlimited Fujikyu Retro Bus and sightseeing bus rides around the Fuji Five Lakes plus discounts at viewpoints, ropeways and Fuji-Q Highland.
JR Tokyo Wide Pass (3 days)
Direct Fuji Excursion limited express from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko plus all JR East lines around Tokyo. The cheapest way to reach this viewpoint from Tokyo on rails.
Japan Rail Pass (7 days)
Use it if you are also visiting Kyoto. Covers the Fuji Excursion through the JR East section and the full Tokaido Shinkansen.
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