Kawaguchiko Station is a charming gateway to the famous Lake Kawaguchi area, nestled at the base of Mt. Fuji. This station serves as the terminus for the Fujikyuko Line and is a starting point for many who wish to explore the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes region.

One of the standout features of Kawaguchiko Station is its status as one of the most scenic stations in Japan. It offers a full, unobstructed view of the majestic Mt. Fuji directly from the platform and surrounding areas, making it a unique spot where travelers can pause and take in this iconic sight.

Around the station, you'll find a variety of great food options including Houtou, one of my favorite dish of Yamanashi.

This is probably my favorite Houtou restaurant near Kawaguchiko. While Kosaku is the most popular spot, and Funari is known for its high quality, they often come with long lines. Out of the five times I’ve visited this restaurant, I only had to wait an hour once—during dinner on a weekend. Other times, the wait wasn’t bad at all.

About:

Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko is a cozy restaurant near Lake Kawaguchiko that specializes in hoto dishes, a miso-based noodle soup from Yamanashi, Japan. The restaurant is built on a slope, giving it a unique layout. While the view of Mount Fuji is usually a highlight, the cloudy weather during the visit blocked most of the mountain's visibility. The menu features dishes like grilled abalone steak, potato croquette, and various versions of Ougon Hoto with different proteins. The miso broth in the noodles is rich and flavorful, perfect for warming up on a cold day. Overall, Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko offers a comforting dining experience with hearty Japanese comfort food.

I've visited Kawaguchiko many times, and it never gets old. You have about 50% chance of seeing Mt. Fuji with higher chance during early morning and in winter.
Fuji Visibility Forecast

Below are some of my top recommendations for how to enjoy your time:

1. Take a Boat Ride on the Lake

• You can take a ride on small swan boats or large samurai-themed ships, both offering a unique perspective of Mt. Fuji and the lake.

2. Hike to Arakurayama and/or Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama)

• These are the two popular hikes that offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji.

• Tenjosan has cable car access if you don't want to hike up or down. At the top, you’ll also find spots to grab a snack and soak in the panorama.

3. Go for a Lakeside Walk or Bike Ride

• The path around the lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll or cycling.

• Here's how to rent a bike: https://matcha-jp.com/en/12246

4. Enjoy Local Food and Cafes

• Try Kawaguchiko’s famous houtou noodles—a hearty dish perfect after a day of exploring. There are also cozy lakeside cafes where you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

5. Enjoy Local Food and Cafes

• Try Kawaguchiko’s famous houtou noodles—a hearty dish perfect after a day of exploring. There are also cozy lakeside cafes where you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

For those visiting Lake Kawaguchiko, I recommend staying at Fuji Lake Hotel. This hotel offers amazing rooms with private in-room onsen for a truly relaxing experience. If you prefer, there’s also the option to rent a private bath for an hour.

This is the iconic pagoda with cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji in the background, a view that has become almost too popular due to overtourism. To make the most of your visit, I recommend coming very early in the morning as you head out for a hike to Arakurayama or timing your return in the evening when the crowds thin out.

About:

The Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from the famous pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park. The spot is especially beautiful during mid-April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and in November when the autumn leaves create a vibrant scene. To reach this spot, get off at Shimoyoshida Station on the Fuji Kyuko Line and take a short walk to the shrine. Be sure to bring your camera for that perfect shot, but also take a moment to enjoy the view beyond the lens.

While the mountain is known for the iconic Chureito Pagoda—a popular photo spot with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji—few venture beyond the pagoda to reach the summit, making this trail a peaceful escape.

Starting Point: The hike begins at Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you’ll find the trailhead.

Trail Details:

• Distance: Approximately 3 km (round trip)

• Elevation Gain: 400 meters

• Time Required: 2 hour

Highlights:

• Chureito Pagoda: The first major landmark, often bustling with photographers and tourists. Take your time to enjoy the view, but if you’re seeking a more serene experience, keep moving up the trail.

• Beyond the Pagoda: Once you pass the pagoda, the number of hikers drops dramatically. The path winds through peaceful woods, and the sense of solitude sets in, making it feel as though you have the mountain to yourself.

• Summit Platform: The platform at the summit offers an incredible view with very few people making the effort to hike this far, the atmosphere is calm and tranquil—a perfect place to rest and soak in the scenery with Mt. Fuji in the background.

This is one of my favorite trails around the lakes of Fuji. It's a scenic hike startig from Arakurayama Sengen Park and leads to Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama). Along the route, hikers pass through Shimoyama, which offers one of the best viewpoints for a less-crowded, serene experience of the surrounding landscape.

Trail Details

• Starting Point: Arakurayama Sengen Park

• Ending Point: Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama)

• Distance: 7 km

• Duration: 4 hours

Trail Route and Highlights

1. Arakurayama Sengen Park:

   • Start at the park, which is renowned for the Chureito Pagoda and its stunning views of Mt. Fuji. This area is quite touristy and you will see lots of people taking photos.

2. Ascent to Shimoyama:

   • Follow the marked path leading up from the park. Almost immediately, you will notice a drastic change in the number of people around you.

   • Shimoyama Viewpoint: Midway through the hike, you’ll reach Shimoyama, a fantastic, quieter viewpoint offering expansive views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding areas. Take a break here to soak in the scenery.

3. Final Stretch to Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama):

   • Continue along the ridge trail to reach Tenjosan. The path becomes more open with increasing views of Lake Kawaguchi and distant peaks.

   • The summit area of Tenjosan is home to the Kachi Kachi Yama Ropeway station, various observation points, and folklore-themed statues of a tanuki and rabbit.

Attractions at Tenjosan

• Kachi Kachi Yama Cafe: Enjoy local treats such as tanuki and usagi-themed dango (mochi).

• Shrine at the Summit: A small shrine near the ropeway station marks the summit and provides a peaceful resting spot.

Descending Options

• Hike Down: There's a 45 minute beginner-friendly trail down to Lake Kawaguchi.

• Ropeway: If you prefer an easier descent, take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway down to Lake Kawaguchi for a scenic ride.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly hike with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, Mount Tenjo is one of my top picks. You can reach the summit by taking the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway or opt for a one-hour hike through a scenic park. I highly suggest hiking if you have the time—it’s a lovely way to experience the beauty of the area.

Access Options:

• Hiking Trail: The trail takes about one hour minutes and is suitable for beginners. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views, perfect for photography and appreciating Mt. Fuji.

• Ropeway: A popular, quicker option that ascends 220 meters to the observation point, offering stunning views of Lake Kawaguchi during the ride.

Must-See Highlights:

• Bell of Tenjo: Known for its romantic legend, where ringing the bell while looking at Mt. Fuji through the heart-shaped frame is said to make wishes come true.

• Kachi Kachi Yama Statues: These playful statues depict characters from the folktale "Kachi Kachi Yama," adding a touch of cultural charm.

• Summit Shrine: A short 10-minute walk from the observation deck leads to a small shrine at the peak (1,104 meters).

Nearby Activities: Explore Kawaguchiko’s local attractions, including museums, hot springs, and the Ide Sake Brewery. Adventurous hikers can extend their journey to Mount Mitsutoge, a challenging six-hour round-trip trail.

Ropeway Information:

• Operates daily from 9 a.m. (9:30 a.m. from December to February) with departures every 5-10 minutes.

The Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, also known as the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, is a scenic cable car that takes visitors from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi up to the summit of Mount Tenjo. This attraction is perfect for visitors looking to enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscapes with ease.

1. Getting to the Ropeway

• Access by Public Transportation: From Kawaguchiko Station, you can either walk about 15 minutes to the ropeway base station or take a short bus ride to get there.

2. Ropeway Details

• Operation Hours: The ropeway operates daily from 9 a.m., with a closing time varying seasonally (around 5:10 p.m. in peak season and 4:40 p.m. in winter).

• Ticket Prices:

  • Round-trip: ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children.

  • One-way: ¥450 for adults and ¥230 for children.

• Ride Duration: The ride takes about 3 minutes and ascends 220 meters to the observation deck.

For those visiting Lake Kawaguchiko, I recommend staying at Fuji Lake Hotel. This hotel offers amazing rooms with private in-room onsen for a truly relaxing experience. If you prefer, there’s also the option to rent a private bath for an hour.

SANSUI Bicycle Rental offers a convenient and affordable way to explore Japan on two wheels. With various bike models to choose from, including powered options for longer journeys, renting a bike from SANSUI is a great way to experience the flexibility and freedom of cycling in Japan.

Yamanakako is one of my absolute favorite lakes around Mt. Fuji.

If you visit in the early morning, you’ll have the chance to capture a stunning reflection of Mt. Fuji on the lake’s surface—a scene that’s nothing short of magical. The calm waters act like a mirror, creating the perfect photo opportunity.

For those who love exploring, Yamanakako is surrounded by several trailheads. These trails lead up to nearby mountains like Mt. Ohira, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of both the lake and Mt. Fuji.

Another way to experience the lake is by renting a bicycle. Cycling around Yamanakako is a fantastic way to enjoy its beauty at a leisurely pace. The lake’s circumference is about 13 kilometers, making it an easy and enjoyable ride for most people. You can rent bicycles from places like
SANSUI Bicycle Rental conveniently located near the lake.

More Things to Do:

• Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Park: A perfect spot for picnics, with an open view of Mt. Fuji and the lake.

• Yamanakako Flower Park: Depending on the season, you can see stunning flower fields, including sunflowers and tulips, with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop.

• Water Sports: You can try activities like paddleboarding or boating on the lake.

• Benifuji-no-Yu: A relaxing hot spring bathhouse that offers a perfect view of Mt. Fuji while you soak.

Yamanakako Panorama-dai is a newly built wooden lookout offering incredible views of Yamanakako and Mt. Fuji.

• Best Times to Visit: Sunrise for vibrant colors, sunset for dramatic views.

• Parking: 8 spaces available—keep your visit short to allow others to enjoy.

• Access: Located above Yamanakako; follow signs for "Panorama-dai" on local roads.

Mikuni Toge (Mt. Myojin Trailhead) is one of my hidden spots, and you won’t find it marked on Google Maps.

You can park your car here and look for the trailhead marked with pink ribbons. These will guide you onto the trail toward Mt. Myojin. It’s a quiet and less-traveled starting point, perfect for those looking for a peaceful hike.

Keep an eye out for the ribbons as the area can feel a bit unmarked, but once you’re on the path, it’s straightforward. A great spot for those who enjoy finding less-known trails.

This is a short and rewarding hike near Lake Yamanaka, offering incredible views of Mt. Fuji throughout the trail. Perfect for sunrise enthusiasts, this trail takes only about 20 minutes to reach the summit, making it one of the quickest ways to experience a stunning mountain panorama.

Trailhead: Mikuni Toge

Access:

• By Car: Drive to Mikuni Toge Trailhead. Parking is available.

• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Fujisan Station to Lake Yamanaka, and then walk for one hour to Mikuni Toge Trailhead. Cycling is recommended (rental cycles available near Lake Yamanaka).

Hike Details:

• Distance: 2 km

• Duration: 40 minutes round trip

• Incline: Moderate, with steep sections near the summit

General Information & Summary:

Mt. Myojin offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, starting right from the trailhead. The trail is well-marked with pink ribbons and leads you through serene forested areas. While the hike is short, it features some steep sections, especially near the summit, so proper footwear is recommended.

Reaching the summit at sunrise is particularly rewarding, with the soft light illuminating Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, several smaller side trails offer excellent spots for photography, with unique angles of Mt. Fuji.

A popular traditional houtou restaurant offering a variety of set menus. Hoto is made with a stone-milled soba, tempura rice bowls, horse sashimi, and chicken giblet stew. Among the 12 types of Hoto available, the most popular is the pork Hoto made with locally sourced "Fujigane Pork." During summer, the seasonal Kai Salmon Sushi made from Yamanashi’s natural spring water is highly recommended.

• Access:

  • About a 3-minute walk from the Yamanakako Town Hall Bus Stop.

  • By car: Approximately 3 minutes from the Yamanakako IC on the Higashifujigoko Road.

Recommended Menu Items:

• Sho-ya Set: ¥1,700

• Duck Soba: ¥1,400

• Tempura Rice Bowl: ¥1,700

Operating Hours:

• Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Dinner: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  (*Last orders are 15 minutes before closing.)

Closed:

Thursdays

Kawaguchiko Station is a charming gateway to the famous Lake Kawaguchi area, nestled at the base of Mt. Fuji. This station serves as the terminus for the Fujikyuko Line and is a starting point for many who wish to explore the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes region.

One of the standout features of Kawaguchiko Station is its status as one of the most scenic stations in Japan. It offers a full, unobstructed view of the majestic Mt. Fuji directly from the platform and surrounding areas, making it a unique spot where travelers can pause and take in this iconic sight.

Around the station, you'll find a variety of great food options including Houtou, one of my favorite dish of Yamanashi.