Lake Kawaguchiko Guide: best things to do in 1 or 2 days

Lake Kawaguchiko is my favorite place to see Mount Fuji from. Not only it offers the most amazing angles of Fujisan, but also plenty other things to do and amazing hotels to stay. It’s the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes and a place I absolutely recommend adding to your travel itinerary in Japan, even if you can only visit as a day trip from Tokyo like we did. If you dream of seeing Mount Fuji you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find the ultimate Lake Kawaguchiko guide, featuring curated lists of best things to do and places to stay. Start by exploring the summary below for a quick glance at the article:

Best things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko

There’s plenty to see and do in Lake Kawaguchiko, actually more than what you can experience in a day trip from Tokyo. That’s why I recommend staying 1 night and 2 days to make the most of this iconic destination in Japan. Here’s a curated list of best things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko to inspire your travel planning and perhaps convince you to book an overnight stay. They’re not necessarily in rank order!

1) Admire Mount Fuji

It goes without saying that admiring Mount Fuji is the top thing to do in Fujikawaguchiko. Some of my favorite angles were from Oishi Park, which boasts beautiful gardens throughout the year and direct access to the lake’s shores. I was also quite impressed with the views from Nagasaki Park and Kogamasao Memorial Park, which are down the promenade towards the city’s center. In clear days, it’s possible to see the majestic mountain reflected on the lake, creating a true sight to behold.

2) Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The panoramic ropeway is Fujikawaguchiko’s most popular tourist attraction. From atop the hill, it’s possible to admire panoramic views over Mount Fuji, the lake and surrounding towns. For a small fee, visitors can even capture a picture-perfect moment on a swing with the majestic mountain as a backdrop. However, if you’re keen on visiting, get ready for a sweeping amount of people and long queues to get up and down. These were the reasons we opted out, and in retrospect, I feel we didn’t miss out. While the views are undoubtedly stunning from up there, I must say we found equally captivating perspectives from the tranquil promenade and the iconic Chureito Pagoda. So, if you’re visiting for just one day, I’d suggest skipping this attraction and focusing on a slight of the beaten path spots to admire Mount Fuji.

3) Visit Chureito Pagoda

A visit to Chureito Pagoda is an absolute must when exploring the Lake Kawaguchiko area. From its elevated position, the panoramic views on clear days are simply breathtaking, with the iconic Mount Fuji majestically framed by the temple’s five tiers. We were lucky to visit during Sakura bloom and it was definitely one of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever seen. Yet, even on overcast days or outside of peak seasons, the pagoda remains a must-visit spot. The temple itself holds a captivating charm, while the surrounding Arakurayama Sengen Park offers a grounding experience. Get there early, as this is one of the most popular locations in Japan!

4) Shimoyoshida Honcho Street

Not so far from Chureito Pagoda lies the iconic Shimoyoshida Honcho Street. A street you probably seen many times on social media, characterized by traditional Japanese buildings, energy cables and Mount Fuji rising in the background. You can visit in combination with the pagoda, but if you want to snap some pictures of yourself, arrive before 7.30 am. The place has become so popular there are now gards controlling the movement of tourists.

5) Take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko

Another super popular attraction is to embark on a boat ride across Lake Kawaguchiko The Sightseeing Boat ‘Appare’ is inspired on Japan’s historical naval ships from the Warring States era. It takes visitors for a scenic 20-minute ride in the serene waters of the lake and is a great thing to do around sunset time, when the skies are painted in different shades with Mount Fuji in the background. In days of clear skies, it’s even possible to admire the reverse Fuji reflection in the water. We wanted to have this experience, but the lines were too long, so we decided to enjoy our time walking down the promenade!

6) Visit museums

For a small town, Fujikawaguchiko has a surprising concentration of interesting museums. Kubota Itchiku Museum is one of the most popular of them, focused on the life of Kubota Itchiku and the art of creating kimonos and dying silk. By the lake you’ll find Kawaguchiko Music Forest with exhibitions spread out in a beautiful garden, and Kawaguchiko Museum of Art where exhibitions of Japanese and foreign modern artists are held. Those

7) Visit Oshino Hakkai

I came across the picturesque village of Oshino Hakkai while researching about unique things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko. Nestled at the base of majestic Mount Fuji, this historic village is home to eight crystalline spring water ponds which are filled with snow melted from Fujisan. It’s an idyllic place to visit, boasting houses built in traditional style and the interesting open-air museum Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan. Only 30 minutes away from Fujikawaguchiko, this is a must visit place if you’re spending a couple of days in the area. We unfortunately didn’t have time to visit, but that’s a place I’d absolutely prioritize if I return to Japan!

8) Relax at an onsen

If you’re planning to spend a night in Lake Kawaguchiko, I strongly recommend booking a hotel or ryokan with private onsen. This way you can relax in the hot waters of the traditional Japanese hot springs during your stay, and perhaps even admire views of Mount Fuji from the comfort of the springs. But if that’s above your budget, don’t worry, as you can book a day-use onsen and have a fantastic experience. Here are the best onsens with day-use entrance in Lake Kawaguchiko!

9) Visit Tenku no Torii

This iconic torii has become a popular spot to visit in Fujikawaguchiko. And no wonder, since it’s a perfect photo spot, with a remarkable frame of Mount Fuji in the background. You can reach this place, which is part of Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, by bus + 30 minutes hike. Alternatively, you can take a taxi all the way up and walk the way back down. It’s definitely a beautiful place, but a bit staged for pictures. You could potentially squeeze it in a day trip depending on your pace.

10) Climb Mount Fuji

Did you know it’s possible to climb Mount Fuji in a day? If you’re visiting Japan during the official climbing season which goes from early July to mid-September, it’s possible to live this experience. There are few different routes to choose from, however due to the spiking crowds, there will be some limitations in 2024. A daily limit of 4000 hikers and a ¥2000 entry fee will be introduced along the most popular Yoshida Trail. Please make sure to get updated on details!

11) Fuji-Q Highland

There’s more to Lake Kawaguchiko than zen and relaxing things to do. Nestled near the foothills of Mount Fuji, lies Fuji-Q Highland, a thrilling amusement park. Boasting an impressive array of over 40 rides and attractions, this iconic park is a great thing to do for families or lovers of adrenaline of all ages. From heart-pounding roller coasters to whimsical merry-go-rounds and immersive manga-themed adventures, there’s something to delight every traveler’s inner child. The park is accessible via the convenient Fujikyuko railway line and you can buy tickets in advance here!

How many days to stay Fujikawaguchiko

While it’s possible to visit Lake Kawaguchiko as a day trip from Tokyo, I’d recommend staying for at least a night to make the most of the destination and its attractions. We visited for just a day and could enjoy the highlights of the lake. But if I could go back in time, I’d definitely plan to stay for a couple of days to visit museums and Oshino Hakkai village. Also to spend a night at a hotel boasting a private onsen with Mount Fuji views, such as Hotel Asafuji or Onsen Konanso for example. But don’t stress if you can’t dedicate 2 days of your itinerary to Mount Fuji, as it’s possible to enjoy a lot in a day!

Lake Kawaguchiko 1 day itinerary

If you’re planning to visit Lake Kawaguchiko as a day trip from Tokyo, I recommend following a slightly off the beaten path itinerary. You’ll find our detailed suggestion on how to spend a day in Fujikawaguchiko on this post. It allowed us to spend fantastic day exploring the shores of the lake while avoiding attractions with long queues, such as Mount Fuji ropeway. Here’s a summarized version of the itinerary:

• Morning: Visit Chureito Pagoda on your way to Fujikawaguchiko. The earlier you can get there, the better, as this is one of the most popular spots in Japan!
• Lunch time: Picnic at Lake Kawaguchiko’s shore. Grab some lunch and/or snacks at the 7-Eleven store close to the main station and head to Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center for a picnic.
• Afternoon: After spending some relaxing hours by the lake, head to the promenade. There’s just so much to see and do on and around the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. Some points of interest are Nagasaki Park, Kogamasao Memorial Park, and Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum.
• Evening: Around sunset time, embark on a 20-minute boat ride and upon arrival head to a restaurant. There are a few great options to try before heading back to Tokyo. If you’re craving ramen, head to Ramen Kaneyuki. For an Izakaya meal, Izakaya High Spirits may be the best option. Both restaurants are fairly close to the train station, which allow for a swift return to Tokyo.

Lake Kawaguchiko 2 days itinerary

If you plan to spend a night in Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll be able to en

• 1st day: Start your day at Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Then explore Lake Kawaguchiko promenade and the museums. Maybe even do a picnic at Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center. Take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko and head to your hotel onsen for a relaxing time.
• 2nd day: Visit Chureito Pagoda and Shimoyoshida Honcho Street early in the morning. Then, head to Oshino Hakkai, which is about 30 minutes away from Fujikawaguchiko. In the late afternoon, you can visit Tenku no Torii for more beautiful Fuji views!

If you have more days, you can consider climbing Mount Fuji and/or visiting Fuji-Q Highland. Another great idea is to extend your stay and explore the other 5 lakes around Mount Fuji. They all offer majestic views of the mountain and a myriad of interesting places to visit, as you can see on this post from Saltinourhair.

Best Lake Kawaguchiko hotels

Lake Kawagychiko is known for amazing accommodation standards. From simple guest houses to jaw-dropping 5-star hotels with exclusive Mount Fuji views, there are options for all types of travelers and budget. If you’re considering spending a night, I recommend picking a hotel with Mount Fuji views and private onsen. Although not the cheapest option, I consider it a worthy investment. After all, you’ve come all the way to Japan and you want to make sure to experience the best the country has to offer. Right?

Here are some of our top picks. For a complete overview of best places to stay in Lake Kawaguchiko, check our curated and complete guide here.

• Fufu Kawaguchiko
• Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso
• HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort
• Hotel Asafuji
• Mizno Hotel

Here are some mid-range and budget hotel options in Lake Kawaguchiko:

• Private Hotel Rei
• Ururun Kawaguchiko
• Kawaguchiko Cottage Minami

Best time to visit Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is an all-year-round destination. While spring and fall stand out as particularly appealing seasons, not just in Fujikawaguchiko but across Japan, each season offers its own unique charm and perspective of the area. Here’s what you should bear in mind:

• Sakura full bloom in Lake Kawaguchiko tend to happen in mid-April. We visited in the beginning of April and there were so trees already in bloom, but not on the same level as when they peak. Check the cherry blossom dates here!
• Lake Kawaguchiko gets especially beautiful during fall foliage days. Mid-October to mid-November is the most optimal time to visit, but first week of November is usually considered the best.
• Summer brings quite a lot of rain to Japan, which makes it harder to see Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko. However, that’s when the hiking trains on Mount Fuji are open, so it’s a good time to visit if you’re interested in sports.
• There’s a lavender bloom at Oishi Park between June and July
• Between April and May you can visit the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, where fields of shibazakura pink moss adorn the horizons.

How to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo

It’s possible to reach Lake Kawaguchiko in about 2,5 hours departing from Tokyo. There are buses and trains connecting the two cities and these are the best options:

Buses from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

Regular buses depart from Tokyo and Shibuya stations and reach Kawaguchiko in 2 hours. One-way tickets cost ¥2100 (equivalent to €13 or $15) and you should purchase in advance here, especially if you’re traveling in high season.

Trains to Kawaguchiko

From Shinjuku Station you can embark on the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki. This ride will last around an hour and is included in the JR Pass. From Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyu Railaway line and stop at either Shimoyoshida Station (to visit Chureito Pagoda) or in Kawaguchiko. This train ride lasts an hour and must be paid separately. Price is ¥ 1000, equivalent to €6,5 or $8.

There’s a new JR line connecting Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, called Fuji Excursion Express Train. It’s quicker than the alternative above but it’s not as frequent as the Chuo line and requires a supplementary ticket between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko at the price of ¥ 1140. That’s for JR Rail Pass holders, otherwise the trip bought individually will cost you ¥ 4000. Reservations are mandatory for all.

Tours to Kawaguchiko

If embarking on a self-guided excursion to Kawaguchiko seem too dauting for you, I recommend joining an organized tour instead. You’ll not have to worry about train/bus schedules or plan for what to do, as the whole experience will be planned for you in advance. This classic group tour has more than 1700 great reviews and your best. However, if you’re traveling as a couple or family, it may be worth booking a private tour instead. This way you’ll have a personalized experience in Mount Fuji!

Drive to Kawaguchiko

Although renting a car to explore Japan hasn’t been a common practice in the past years, it has become a popular option in 2024. That’s because the JR Pass has increased their fares significantly, and families and groups are looking for more affordable alternatives for traveling around the country. Since it’s safe and convenient to drive around Japan, especially around the Fuji Five Lakes region, renting a car can be a great alternative.

How to get to Kawaguchiko from other cities in Japan

Although Japan’s rail system is extremely efficient, getting to Kawaguchiko from other major cities is not so straightforward. You’ll spend at least 5 hours in transit if you’re coming from Osaka, Kyoto or Kanazawa and will have to change trains at least once.

How to move around Fujikawaguchiko

It’s fairly easy to explore Lake Kawaguchiko and surrounding lakes. A convenient network of buses connects Kawaguchiko’s train station to most popular destinations in the region, including surrounding lakes. They are called Omni Buses or even “Lake Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus”, given the wide coverage of their lines. The red line runs every 15 minutes and covers the eastern and northern shores of the lake. It’s the only bus line you’ll use to explore Fujikawaguchiko, especially if you’re visiting for just a day.

The green Saiko Line runs along the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko and goes all the way to Lake Saiko. The blue Narusawa Shojiko Motosuko Line connects Kawaguchiko to Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko. Depending on how long you plan to stay, it may be worth purchasing the 2-days pass which incluides unlimited use of all three lines and costs 1700 yen. You can buy it at Kawaguchiko Station or online, but for that you’ll need to download an app. Alternatively, you can pay for individual rides using credit card or any of the widely accepted payment cards in Japan.

Wrap up Lake Kawaguchiko guide

The allure of Mount Fuji is better experienced from Lake Kawaguchiko. It’s a destination I’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone wishes to see the majestic Fujisan, even if you can pnly visit for a day. You can easily follow this itinerary independently but keep in mind there are great group day trips to join if you can’t handle the commute hassle. If you’re a family, it may be worth investing on a private day tour from Tokyo instead. I hope you enjoyed our guide to planning a perfect day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Make sure to check more of this trip on our Instagram highlights and to explore our curated travel guides about Japan. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment box below and hope you’ll have a fantastic time in Japan!