Lake Saiko (Fuji Five Lakes)

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

Lake Saiko belongs to the Fuji Five Lakes system and is located at the base of Mt. Fuji. The other four are Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi, Shojiko and Motosu. Lake Saiko has with 2.1 square km the 4th largest surface area of them and is with a max. water depth of 71.1 meters the second deepest.  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 has no natural drainage, but a channel was built to connect it with the larger Lake Kawaguchi. The whole area around the lake is much less developed than for example Lake Kawaguchi. It is the perfect place for outdoor lovers. Enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, biking, bird watching (60 different species of wild birds), and much more. From the lake's western shoreline visitors can see the symbol of Japan - Mt. Fuji. South of the lake is Aokigahara Jukai Forest (known as Suicide Forest or Sea of Trees) located. Due to the high altitude of 900 meters the lake area can get really cold and windy during autumn and winter. But many people come here during the summer to camp to enjoy nature and escape the heatwaves in the cities.

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 Saiko was formed by a volcano eruption of Mt. Fuji about 1200 years ago. 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 kilometres and is including Hakone, Fuji Five Lakes, Mt. Fuji, Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands.

Sightseeing spots near Lake Saiko

Top:

Saiko Bat Cave - With a length of 350 meters it is the largest of three lave caves near Lake Saiko at the foot of Mt. Fuji. You will find the cave at the southwest of Lake Saiko within the Aokigahara Jukai Forest. A huge eruption from 864 to 866 of Mt. Fuji created this amazing place, which has the status of a Nationally designated natural monument.
Address: 2068 Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0332, Japan
Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: 1st of Dec - 19th of March
Admission Fee: 300 yen (Adults), 150 yen (Children)

Fugaku Wind Cave - This lava tube has a length of 201 meters and a height of 8.7 meters. The average temperature inside is 3 degrees and it feels like a natural refrigerator. Part of the ice reservoir there is illuminated.
Address: 8539-1 Aokigahara, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0305, Japan

Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave - The ice inside the cave is not melting throughout the year. The impressive display of icicles is definitely worth a visit. They can reach a height of up to 3 meters and a diameter of 50 centimeters. The cave is located at the east entrance of the Aokigahara Jukai Forest.
Address: 8533 Narusawa, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0320, Japan

Mt. Koyodai - It is the perfect hiking spot, especially during the autumn season. The view of Mt. Fuji from the top is breathtaking. Btw the word koyo means autumn colors.

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba (Healing Village) - It is an open-air museum and a replica of an old Japanese village. The place is famous for its over 20 kabuto-zukuri thatched roof farmhouses and the beautiful scenery with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop. Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the Fujikawaguchiko region.
Address: 2710 Nemba, Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minami Tsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0332, Japan
Opening hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
Admission Fee: 500 yen (Adults), 250 yen (Children)

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

January - February

Lake Saiko Ice Festival (late Jan. to mid-February)
Enjoy this festival in the Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park. On display are beautiful ice sculptures and 10-meter-high frost-covered trees also known as juhyou. The ice sculptures are illuminated at night.

Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks (January 19th till February 24th)
A spectacular event is held every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 pm during this winter period at Oike Park at nearby Lake Kawaguchiko.

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 Fuji Five Lakes.