Lake Yamanaka (Fuji Five Lakes)

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Facts & Figures

Lake Yamanka (Yamanaka-ko) is part of the Fuji Five Lakes system. The other four are Lake Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shojiko and Motosu. Lake Yamanka has the largest surface area (6.46 square km) of them and is with an altitude of 980.5 meters the third highest lake in Japan. The area is famous for its outstanding natural beauty and scenery. 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.
 Get Your Pass Now and Save! > Enjoy great outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, camping, water skiing, boating, fishing, wind surfing and much more. From the lakes northern shoreline, visitors can see the Diamond Fuji (the setting sun meeting the summit of Mt. Fuji) between November and February. The best time to visit this beautiful place is during cherry blossom around April or in the first half of November to enjoy the autumn colors. Appr. 4 Mio. visitors come here every year to enjoy the great view of Mt. Fuji.

History

Yamanaka-ko was created a long time ago by lava flows of a volcano eruption of Mt. Fuji. The lake is part of to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This 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

Top:

Hananomiyako Flower Park - the 300000 square meters theme park features various flowers, 80 meter wide Myojin-no-taki waterfall, lava tree molds, three big water wheels and tropical plants in a greenhouse

Oshino Hakkai - these 8 ponds in Oshino are formed (appr. 1200 years ago) by melt water from the snow of Mt. Fuji

PICA Yamanakako Village - nice place for organic food, you can participate in Eco-friendly workshops, buy souvenirs or rent a bicycle

Yamanakako no Kaba (Amphibian Bus) - enjoy a ride with the Amphibian Bus, especially the part on Lake Yamanaka, start point: Yamanakako Terminal, Hirano 506-296, Yamanakako-mura

Yamanaka Suwa Shrine - Emperor Sujin gave the order to built this shrine in 104, since the 17th century people visit this shrine to pray for a safe baby delivery

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

August

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