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Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko
4.5
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Top ways to experience Lake Kawaguchiko
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  • Rodman100
    Wellington, New Zealand754 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good views of Mt Fuji
    I did a day trip from Tokyo catching the Fuji express from Shinjuku to Otsuki (approx 1 hour) and then a local train to Kawaguchiko (approx 1 hour with 18 stops). You can catch a pleasure boat at the lake which departs every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour for a 20 minute ride, getting good views of Mt Fuji from the lake. The cost of the ride is 1,000 Yen
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 27 October 2023
  • forever
    Tel Aviv, Israel94 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Day trip from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi
    There are few ways for this day trip from Tokyo. Since we've stayed close to Tokyo station – the best option for us was the express bus , departed from the bus terminal next to Tokyo station's Yaesu side. We've reserved tickets in advance. The ride itself is about two hours per direction – depend on traffic conditions. We've left the bus at Kawaguchiko bus station , and took the red Kawaguchiko Line (buses every 20 minutes , Suica Welcome card is valid also here) that runs along the eastern and northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. We left the bus at Oishi Park station , the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. Short walk to MOMIJI TUNNEL – to see the Mount Fuji without tourist crowds around. Also Oishi Park provides spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 November 2023
  • miniacorns
    Singapore, Singapore253 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful & crowded
    Pros: Beautiful lake & surrounded by beautiful views of Mt Fuji. Visit during the autumn period you will be greeted by autumn foliages as well. Cons: Too crowded during the autumn festival weekend. Unless you walk, prepare to be stuck in traffic. Snaking queues for ropeway, public buses are packed. Restaurants seem smaller and those that don’t take reservations may require you to wait. We arrived at one eatery at 5.30pm, waited 1hour for our seats while waiting half the time in the shivering cold.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 November 2023
  • Benny H
    Brisbane, Australia132 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking Picturesque View!
    Took the train from Shinjiku to Lake Kawaguchiko. Booking it through can be a tad confusing, but ultimately, you JR pass on takes yu to Otsuki (half way) and then you have to pay for the rest of the remaining stations to Lake Kawaguchiko. Did only a day trip, so skipped the Fuji-Q attraction (which we were offered free to enter but pay to ride). Arrived at the station, bought the two day unlimited bus ticket which gives you access to the red bus mainy that bring you to places of interest. My recommendation, the Mt.Fuji Panaromic Ropeway to Tenzo Park. Beautiful view of Mt.Fuji at the top and the other was taking the red bus to the last stop (Stop 20) - Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre. Again another stunning view beside the lake!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 17 December 2023
  • Squishyyy
    New Jersey168 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good choice for a nice overnight trip close to Tokyo
    It's a nice short trip away from Tokyo, nice scenic walk around the lake, can go on cable car ride or hiking up and down to get better view of Mt Fuji. Best way to get there from Shinjuku if you have big suitcases is to take the bus because you won't need to drag the luggage back and forth the train to find room when crowded and designated luggage area fill up fast. We took bus to there and train ride back, make sure to book train ahead of time and reserve seats, could get very busy.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 January 2024
  • Wayne R
    117 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Family Trip
    A gorgeous area that is known for its stunning views of Mt Fuji. And it did not disappoint at all. Do the Rope Way (cable car) and take the boat ride on the lake for some wonderful views of the majestic Fijusan...... Early morning seems to be your best opportunity to see Fuji without clouds. We got lucky, with a gorgeous (albiet cold) morning criuse. The lake was like glass and Fujisan was there in all his splendour.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 2 February 2024
  • Climber66986512297
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great day trip on convenient bus from Tokyo
    Convenient, low-cost and frequent bus access (highway-buses.jp) from Shinjuku station. Perfect place to view Mt Fuji, especially on the clear day we had. The jaded bus/train station area has little to offer but a walk down and round the lake makes up for that. Beware inflexibility to reschedule after bus departure time.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 March 2024
  • Darren L
    Queenstown, Maryland887 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Pictures
    Excellent vantage point for getting great shots of Mt Fuji and the lake. We opted out of the ropeway, due to the lines. We did take a speed boat (Fuji Marine) for additional great shots of the mountain. We also stopped for lunch nearby.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 March 2024
  • Christian M
    Copenhagen, Denmark6,223 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning Photos of Mount Fuji? Try Reaching the Lake During Cherry Blossom Season
    On a sunny day in April, you can easily capture photos of Mount Fuji that rival the most beautiful professional shots. Rent a bike from one of the hotels by the lake and ride about 20 km along the lakeside roads. Along the way, you'll want to stop at least 10 times to take an even better picture than the one you just took 5 minutes ago. Just look at the 3 attached photos. They're quite nice, aren't they? There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, and even a fruit market, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink along the way.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 10 April 2024
  • FarAway27926297015
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kawaguichi in early spring
    Was at Kawaguichi from 27-29 Mar 2024 before heading back to Tokyo .... strongly recommend renting a car either locally or even driving under 2 hrs from Tokyo. Explore and enjoy Kawaguichi at leisure pace amd many places of interest .. and have nice meals independent of public transport especially for dinner with only option of taxi since buses does not run late. Given a choice, autumn would be my preferred season visit but this trip was for Sakura in Tokyo.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 April 2024
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Nicole F.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
Best spot for photo taking as you stroll down the lake side. Recommend to ride on Red Line bus and stop at bus stop number 16, the best spot as you see most Mt Fuji shots are taken. Picnicking can be a good option to spend time here.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

milcah889
Quezon City, Philippines1,063 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
A multitude of attractions provide one with an opportunity to have a glimpse of Mt. Fuji; however, Lake Kawaguchiko gives one a beautiful panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, accented by the serenity of the lake and the clear skies above it. There's no need to linger too long in the area (especially as it can get a bit crowded after some time since it's a highly popular tourist spot).

If you're looking for an excellent private tour operator, do consider Joey's Van and Chauffeur, +81 90-1778-3759(Viber/Line)
Written 9 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rae C
Brea, CA51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
In my opinion, one of the best spot to view mt.Fuji on a clear day. And especially good to watch the sunrise and set. From Kawaguchiko station you can take the redline bus and get off around stop 16-17. Also if you are here in the winter, your chances of seeing Mt.Fuji is higher than other season.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Benny H
Brisbane, Australia132 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Took the train from Shinjiku to Lake Kawaguchiko. Booking it through can be a tad confusing, but ultimately, you JR pass on takes yu to Otsuki (half way) and then you have to pay for the rest of the remaining stations to Lake Kawaguchiko. Did only a day trip, so skipped the Fuji-Q attraction (which we were offered free to enter but pay to ride). Arrived at the station, bought the two day unlimited bus ticket which gives you access to the red bus mainy that bring you to places of interest. My recommendation, the Mt.Fuji Panaromic Ropeway to Tenzo Park. Beautiful view of Mt.Fuji at the top and the other was taking the red bus to the last stop (Stop 20) - Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre. Again another stunning view beside the lake!
Written 17 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mick
Bangkok, Thailand133 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020
Went by myself. Forget the tours and save some cash. Took the highway bus from Shinjuku station (can also us Tokyo station) 2000Yen one way and can prebook online. Simply open the Highway buses Japan website. Make sure to get off at Lake Kawaguchiko and not FjuiQ Kawaguchiko as this is an amusement park.
Local buses (three lines) service the area and there are push bikes available. I went to the maple corridor with the red line bus and walked back. to the station but then I am a strong walker. The sightseeing in early to mid November is simply outstanding. Maple, Gingko and Chestnut tress are numerous and proudly show their reds, yellows and oranges. Views of Mt. Fujiyama are splendid and there is some snow on its peak.
Overall this is a must do in early to mid November.
Written 14 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kim buay p
Singapore, Singapore13,896 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Family
We took the 7:20 bus from Akihabara to Mt Fuji and arrived at the Kawaguchiko station at 9:20. After leaving our day bags at our resort hotel just behind the station, we took the red bus to the final stop at Oishi Park paying by suica card. We had lunch at Mizuno Kaze (tempura and soba) just next to bus stop. After lunch we toured the Oishi Park. Next we took the return bus and alighted at bus stop No. 17 to walk along the promenade to enjoy the cherry blossoms which were in full blooms on 18 April (later this year). It was a very lovely sight with the cherry blossom branches stretching across the pathway. We could not see Mt Fuji that day as it was cloudy but it meant that we had a cool walk along the promenade just to enjoy the cherry blossoms. There was a craft market here for the peak cherry blossom seasons. We exited at the Music Forest Museum and took another bus from here to the bus stop in front of Kukuna Hotel. We walked down to the promenade again and noticed different species of cherry blossoms here, darker pink and more petals and we continued on a hiking trail beside the lake and exited near to the ropeway. The bus stop at the ropeway was crowded and we walked on abit before we took another bus to alight near Ogino supermarket. This large supermarket is a good place to buy food presents for friends back home as the price is cheaper here. From here we took another bus back to the station and managed to queue outside Tetsuyaki just before 5pm for a very delicious teppanyaki dinner. Their garlic chicken was especially good.
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GintamaZ
California2,790 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
One of the best vista point to see Mt Fuji.

There are many spots along the north side of the lake that has clear view of Mt Fuji. Adequate parking , bathroom and eateries at the stops.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mintchocolatecake
Jakarta, Indonesia61 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Lake Kawaguchi is one of the most famous lakes in the Mt. Fuji area. When the weather is crystal clear, you will find the amazing view of Mt. Fuji. It's worth a visit even if it's only to take picture from the side of the lake.
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Komator
Barcelona, Spain902 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2019
Mt Fuji is surrounded by 5 different lakes. Lake Kawaguchiko is one of them, close to Fujikawaguchiko-machi, the largest town, where you have the train and bus stops. The lake is cristal clear and calm and several water activities can be done. If you're lucky you will see Mt. Fuji from there.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Itravel0ne
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia2,459 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Quiet, peaceful and beautiful lake. Strolling along the lakeside for picture taking. There are a few restaurants, souvenir shops in the area. Also can take the Ropeway to have a better view of the lake and Mt. Fuji.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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