The Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region lies at the northern base of Mount Fuji about 1000 meters above sea level around the five lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko. These five lakes were formed by previous eruptions of Mount Fuji. This area is known for its outdoor activities, hot springs, museums, resorts and one of Japan’s best amusement parks, Fuji-Q Highland.
Group Attractions
Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is the most famous of the five lakes, and images of this lake are usually used in posters and commercials for Japan. A large number of hotels line its banks, as do locals providing boat rides to the tourists. It is the only lake in the Fuji Five Lakes area that has an island. Many local cultural events are run near this lake throughout the year. The best views of Mt. Fuji can be had in the morning, as haze and clouds tend to obstruct the mountain as the day wears on.
Activities: Photo stop Fee: None Time required: 30 minutes
Lake Yamanakako
Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and the second most developed lake behind Lake Kawaguchiko with small towns at its western and eastern ends and a few hotels, minshuku, camping grounds and restaurants in between. A popular spot to get views of both the mountain and the lake is Panorama Dai. Although not served by bus, this observation point can be reached in about 30 minutes on foot. Lake Yamanakako is popular for those who enjoy boating, fishing, water skiing, windsurfing and other water sports, as well as camping, tennis and other activities along its shores.
Activities: Photo stop Fee: None Time required: 30 minutes
Chureito Pagoda
Accessible from Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda is a five-storied pagoda on the mountainside overlooking Fujiyoshida City and Mount Fuji off in the distance. The location offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji in combination with the pagoda, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn season. The spot is particularly popular among photographers as it allows for some wonderfully stereotypical shots of Japan. You can reach this observation point by climbing to the top of the stone-paved stairway in Arakurayama Sengen Park.
Activities: Photo stop Fee: None Time required: 30 minutes
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is located on Lake Yamanakako's southwest side. The Oshino area has eight ponds, all originating from Mt. Fuji's spring water. Next to one pond, visitors can drink the cool water straight from the source. There are walking trails to enjoy, and you can also sample soba and tofu made with this spring water at local shops. Oshino Hakkai is one of the premium places to get amazing views of traditional villages against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.
Activities: Photo stop, Souvenir shopping Fee: None Time required: 30 minutes-1 hour
Iyashi no Sato
Iyashi no Sato stands on the site of a former farming village on the western shores of Lake Saiko. The village is now made up of more than twenty houses that have been converted into shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. Each of the shops specializes in a traditional craft such as pottery, incense or weaving. Some of the handicraft shops, provide hands-on workshops for visitors to try making traditional products, including washi paper, charcoal and soba noodles. The remaining houses include an art gallery that displays local artworks, a produce shop and a portrait studio where visitors can try on kimono or samurai armour for a small fee and take photos. Activities: Photo stop, Souvenir shopping Fee: JPY 350 Time required: Minimum 1 hour
Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine (Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen)
Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine is concealed amid an ancient forest at the foot of Mount Fuji. The shrine is one of many shrines dedicated to Konohana-sakuya Hime (Princess Blossom of the Trees), the Shinto goddess associated with Mount Fuji. Many visit the shrine before their ascent to Mount Fuji to pray for a safe climb. Here, you will find meticulously-sculptured shrine buildings from the Edo period in a forest that surrounds a millennium-old sacred tree. Toward the back of the shrine is a massive torii shrine gate (the largest wooden torii in Japan) that stands facing Mount Fuji. (Image via Yamanshi Kankou)
Activities: Shrine visit Fee: None Time required: 30 minutes
Nearby Areas
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, standing 3776 meters. With its nearly perfectly shaped volcano, Mount Fuji has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and one of the most famous landmarks in the country. It is Japan’s most iconic and instantly recognisable natural feature, frequently depicted in art and photography. Lying around 2.5 hours from central Tokyo, Fuji attracts countless visitors each year. Visibility of the mountain tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours than during the middle of the day.