Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes, Japan: things to do, when to go and how to get there

Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Mount Fuji (Fujisan), at 3,776 meters, is Japan’s highest mountain, a nearly symmetrical volcanic cone straddling Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. Its last eruption was in 1707. Revered as a sacred mountain and depicted for generations by artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2013 in the cultural category, together with shrines, lakes and springs associated with the cult.

The north side, in Yamanashi, is the most visited area. There are the Five Fuji Lakes (Fujigoko), formed by old lava flows: Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Sai, Shoji and Motosu. The town of Fujikawaguchiko, on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi, concentrates accommodations, hot springs, museums, boat services and the ropeway from which you can see the cone above the lake.

Nearby, Fujiyoshida is the town from which pilgrims used to start their ascent. The Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine marks the traditional beginning of the Yoshida Trail, and the slope of Mount Arakura holds the Chureito Pagoda, the most photographed framing of Fuji. Close by, the Oshino Hakkai ponds are fed by snowmelt filtered through lava.

The mountain changes with the seasons. In winter, the cone is covered in snow and the dry air often keeps it visible for longer. In summer, most of the snow melts, clouds frequently hide the summit, and the mountain opens to hikers during the official climbing season. The view is never guaranteed: Fuji can remain covered for entire days.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Fujikawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes is

Dados cartográficos: © OpenStreetMap contributors, via Wambacher / geoBoundaries (ODbL 1.0). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes

✈ Aeroporto Internacional de Tóquio (Haneda) (HND), in Ota · 125 km to Fujikawaguchiko

From Tokyo, highway buses depart Shinjuku and reach Kawaguchiko in about 2 hours. By train, the limited express Fuji Excursion connects Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko in about 2 hours, or you can transfer at Otsuki to the Fujikyu Railway. From Kyoto and Osaka, the route goes via Mishima or Shin-Fuji and buses.

Suggested arrival point: Fujikawaguchiko

Yamanashi · Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes Suggested arrival point

Fujikawaguchiko

Fujikawaguchiko is the lakeside town north of Mount Fuji, in Yamanashi, encompassing Lakes Kawaguchi, Sai and Shoji and most of Motosu. On the shore of Lake Kawaguchi are accommodations with hot springs, museums, boat services and the Mount Tenjo ropeway; to the west is the thatched-roof village of Nenba and lava caves. It is the main base for viewing Fuji and for ascending to the fifth station.

Yamanashi · Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes

Fujiyoshida

Fujiyoshida sits at the northern base of Mount Fuji and for centuries made its living hosting pilgrims who climbed the mountain. From Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine departs the Yoshida Trail, and on Mount Arakura the Chureito Pagoda frames the volcano in the background. The city is known for Yoshida udon, with a firm texture, and is close to the Oshino Hakkai ponds and the fifth station.

The local experience

Things to do in Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes

Fujikawaguchiko · Yamanashi · Lake

Lake Kawaguchi

The most visited lake among Fuji’s Five Lakes, with a view of the cone reflected in the water, flower parks, museums, boats and the maple corridor.

Fujiyoshida · Yamanashi · Lookout

Chureito Pagoda

The five-storied pagoda on the slope of Arakurayama Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida, with Mount Fuji in the background and cherry trees around it — one of the most famous framings of Japan.

Fujiyoshida · Yamanashi · Shrine

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

The shrine among giant cedars from which pilgrims set out to climb Fuji via the Yoshida Trail, with a large wooden torii; part of Mount Fuji World Heritage.

Fujikawaguchiko · Yamanashi · Lookout

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The ropeway from Kawaguchi shore to the top of Mount Tenjo, with a lookout over the lake and Fuji and the tale of the badger and the rabbit.

See 4 more places in Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes

Fujikawaguchiko · Yamanashi · Lake

Lakes Sai, Shoji and Motosu

The three lakes west of Lake Kawaguchi, quieter, with Fuji views, the Aokigahara forest over the lava and lava caves of ice and wind.

Fujiyoshida · Yamanashi · Mountain.

Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail

The ascent to Fuji’s summit via the Yoshida Trail, starting from the fifth station at about 2,300 meters, is open only during the official summer season; the fifth station can also be visited outside that season.

Fujiyoshida · Yamanashi · Natural attraction

Oshino Hakkai

Eight clear-water ponds in the village of Oshino, fed by Fuji meltwater filtered through lava, with thatched houses, carp and mountain views; part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage site.

Fujikawaguchiko · Yamanashi · Historic village

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba

A village of thatched-roof houses on the shore of Lake Sai, rebuilt as an open-air museum, with crafts, shops and Mount Fuji in the background.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From November to February, the dry air often keeps Fuji visible for longer, with snow on the cone. Cherry trees usually bloom in mid-April, and the roadside maples around Lake Kawaguchi turn red in early November. The official climbing season runs from early July to early September; in summer clouds often cover the summit.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

One day is enough for Lake Kawaguchi and the Chureito Pagoda, if the weather cooperates. Two nights increase the chance of seeing a cloud-free summit and allow you to include the other lakes, Oshino Hakkai and the fifth station. Reaching the summit requires two days, with an overnight at a mountain hut.

Which city to stay in

The shore of Lake Kawaguchi, in Fujikawaguchiko, has ryokan with hot springs and rooms facing Fuji, and is close to the station and buses. The northern shore is quieter. Fujiyoshida has simpler lodgings near Fujisan and Shimoyoshida stations. Lake Yamanaka, to the east, also has hotels and guesthouses.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes

How do you get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji?

By highway bus, from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko or Fuji-Q Highland in about 2 hours, or by train on the Fuji Excursion limited express from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, also in about 2 hours. Book in advance on weekends.

What is the best time to see Mount Fuji?

From November to February, when the dry air often keeps the mountain visible for longer, especially early in the morning. In summer, clouds frequently cover the summit. The view is never guaranteed.

When is Mount Fuji’s climbing season?

Only in summer: the official season opens in early July and ends in early September. In other months, trails above the fifth station are closed. Dates, fees and visitor limits change from year to year; the official climbing website publishes the rules.

Can you do a day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji?

Yes, by bus or train, about 2 hours each way. Staying overnight in the area increases the chance of seeing a cloud-free summit, which tends to appear more often in the early morning.

Do you need a car around Mount Fuji?

Not necessary. Kawaguchiko sightseeing buses connect the lakes, the pagoda and Oshino Hakkai, and a bus runs up to the fifth station. A car makes it easier to reach more distant lakes like Motosu.

Beyond the guide

Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The cities on this trip