Fuji Five Lakes Complete Travel Guide
The Fuji Five Lakes region in Yamanashi Prefecture is the classic base for Mt Fuji views, with five lakes — Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko — offering lakeside walks, ropeways, and reflection shots of the mountain on clear days.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Walk or cycle around Lake Kawaguchiko for classic Mt Fuji reflection views, especially near the Oishi Park lakeshore.
- Ride the Kawaguchiko Ropeway up to Mt Kachi Kachi for a panoramic view of the lake and Fuji together.
- Visit Lake Yamanakako, the largest of the five lakes and the closest to Fuji, for swan boats and lakeside cafes.
- Explore Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a reconstructed thatched-roof village near Lake Saiko.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: most lakeshore areas and viewpoints are free to enter; paid extras like the Kawaguchiko Ropeway or museum admissions vary by operator and season. Confirm current prices on-site or via official pages before visiting.
How to Get There
The main gateway is Kawaguchiko Station, reached by direct highway bus from Tokyo (Shinjuku) in about 2 hours, or by JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station then the Fujikyuko Line. A local Retro Bus loops around Lake Kawaguchiko's main sights.
Nearby Attractions
If you extend the trip further into Yamanashi Prefecture, Katsunuma Wineries and Shosenkyo Gorge near Kofu make good additions, though both are roughly 1 to 1.5 hours from the lakes by car or train.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.