Lake Kawaguchi (Fuji Five Lakes)

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Facts & Figures

Lake Kawaguchi belongs to the Fuji Five Lakes in the Yamanashi Prefecture. This lake is the second largest of them and its circumference is 21 km and the deepest point 14.6m. The other 4 lakes are Lake Motosu, Lake Shojiko, Lake Saiko and Lake Yamanaka.  Explore Hotels Kawaguchiko >
Pick your right place from a large selection of hotels, hostels, resorts and more. The whole area is located 830m above sea level and it is a very popular tourist destination with a great infrastructure. It offers campsites, hot springs baths, hotels, windsurfing facilities, hiking paths, excursion boats, fishing spots, and much more. From the shoreline, you have a great view of Mt. Fuji. The reflection of Mt. Fuji in the water is called Sakasa Fuji (Inverted Mt. Fuji) and is admired by the Japanese people. The best time to visit this beautiful place is during the cherry blossom season at the end of April or in the first half of November to enjoy the autumn colors.

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 Kawaguchi belongs to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This park was established in the year 1936 and is the most visited 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. Since 2013 Lake Kawaguchi has been part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site called "Fujisan, a sacred place and source of artistic inspiration".

Sightseeing spots near Lake Kawaguchi

Top:

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park - Do you need a thrill? Try out one of the world's tallest rollercoasters (79m) called Fujiyama or one of the fastest Do-Dodonpa with 172km/h. The amusement park opened its doors in 1968.
Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 403-0017, Japan

Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway - The ropeway also known as Kachi Kachi Ropeway near the lake gives you access to the top of Mount Tenjo and its observation deck. You can enjoy there the best views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
Address: 1163 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0303, Japan

Kawaguchiko Museum of Art - A great variety of modern foreign and Japanese art is on display. Do not miss the exhibition of Mt. Fuji paintings.
Address: 3170 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0304, Japan

Yamanashi Gem Museum - This museum is unique in Japan. You will find there a collection of gems and precious metals.
Address: 6713 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0301, Japan

Kawaguchiko Music Forest - Enjoy the world of music in this small theme park about automatic musical instruments. The biggest mechanical organs in the world can be seen here.
Address: 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Minamitsuru, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0304, Japan

Kawaguchiko Konohana Museum - The art museum is dedicated to the famous Japanese children's book "Dayan the Cat” and its mysterious land of Wachifield created by author Ikeda Akiko (1960 - 2007).
Address: 3026-1 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0304, Japan

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum - The museum is dedicated to the artist Kubota Itchiku (1917 - 2003). He was known for revitalizing the ancient silk dyeing technique called Tsujigahana. On display are several of his beautiful kimono creations. Do not miss the garden outside of the museum, a tea room, and a small waterfall.
Address: 2255 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0304, Japan

Kawaguchiko Herb Hall - A herb store, herb garden, and greenhouse are waiting for you. You can even create your own perfume there.
Address: 6713-18 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0301, Japan

Oishi Koen - Oishi Park offers amazing views of Mt. Fuji and people love the huge lavender fields. You can have a rest at the Kawaguchiko Living Center, which offers a restaurant and souvenir shop. The Park is open 24 hours.
Address: 2585 Ōishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0305, Japan

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

January

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

April

Fujikawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival (19th till 29th)
Celebrate the arrival of the Spring under the blossoming cherry trees in the northern area of Lake Kawaguchi.

June

Fujikawaguchiko Herb Festival (June 17th till July 10th)
The festival is held in the Oishi Park and Yagizaki Park. It is one of the biggest in this region to celebrate the blossoming of lavender.

August

Lake Kawaguchiko's "Kojōsai" Summer Festival (5th)
The highlight of this event is the great fireworks at night.

October

Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival (October 27th till November 18th)
Enjoy the Autumn Leaves and the illumination at night accompanied by great local food, music, and art events.