Lake Motosu (Fuji Five Lakes)

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Facts & Figures

Lake Motosu (Motosuko) in the Yamanashi prefecture forms with Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Shojiko and Lake Saiko the Fuji Five Lakes system. Lake Motosu is with a max. water depth of 121 meters the deepest of the Five Lakes and the ninth deepest in Japan. It has with 4.7 square km the 3rd largest surface area of them (circumference is 13 km).  Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country. The lake belongs to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The sapphire blue water of the lake is famous for its clarity. It is the perfect place in summer for camping, windsurfing, canoeing, stargazing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Watch out for some red salmon and rainbow trout. Near the shoreline, you have at least six camping options, like Motosuko Camp Site or Sumika Camp, etc. to choose from (approx. 2500 yen for a tent). You can find the beautiful scenery of Lake Motosu with Mt. Fuji printed on every 1000 yen bill since 2004. This image is based on a photograph shot by Koyo Okada (1895 - 1972) and was made in 1935. When you are lucky you will see the reflection of Mt. Fuji on the surface of Lake Motosu. This phenomenon is called Sakasa-Fuji (upside-down Fuji). The best time to visit this great place for a hiking tour is during the autumn season from late October to early November. The colored leaves are a must-see during your walk through untouched nature. My tip: Try out the local dish called venison curry in the restaurant Matsuzake. It is very delicious or oishii:)

My tips for local activities

Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Kawaguchi Lake and Oshino Hakkai during a day trip from Tokyo. You will be picked up at your hotel in Tokyo. Check out this page > for more details.

History

Lake Motosu was formed by a volcanic eruption of Mt. Fuji about 1200 years ago, which separated one lake into 3 parts (Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosu). All lakes are still connected in the underground, which keeps their water level constant at 900 m above sea level. The lake belongs to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The park was founded in 1936. It is the most visited park in Japan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park covers an area of 1227 square kilometers and is including Hakone, Fuji Five Lakes, Mt. Fuji, Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands.

Sightseeing spots around Lake Motosu

Top:

Motosuko Camping Ground - Bring your tent (or rent it) and spend 1 or 2 days in the nature at this beautiful place.

Fuji Motosuko Resort - This place is famous for the blossoming of approx. 800000 shibazakura (moss phlox) plants in the beginning of the summer. Thousands of visitors enjoy this amazing view with Mt. Fuji in the background.

Koanso - This place gives you the same view/perspective of Lake Motosu and Mt. Fuji, which is printed on the 1000 yen bill.

Yellow Submarine - This cruise boat is called Moguran and was inspired by the Beatles. The boat has a glass floor and lets you enjoy beautiful underwater views.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April/May

Fuji Shibazakura Festival (17th of April - 30th of May)
Huge fields of pink, white, and purple shibazakura (moss phlox) plants attracting every year thousands of visitors. It is the most popular place in the country to enjoy such a natural wonder.

August

Fuji-goko Matsuri (1st)
The summer festival features a spectacular fireworks event from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. It is with 8000 fireworks the second biggest of the 5 lakes.