Lake Yamanakako

Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage Site AssetThose two lakes are dammed lakes that were formed by Fujisan’s volcanicactivity and they both belong to the Fuji Five Lakes. In a document likely written by Hasegawa Kakugyo in the late 16th century, Lake Yamanakako and Lake Kawaguchiko were mentioned as lakes in which he underwent religious bathing. In the “Sanju-ichi-nichi no Omaki” written in 1733, JikigyoMiroku (founder of the Fuji-ko faith) mentioned eight lakes as places for religious pilgrimage. Of those eight lakes, Lake Yamanakako and Lake Kawaguchiko, as part of the Fuji Five Lakes, have remained places for religious bathing pilgrimage.Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, and is shaped like a whale when viewed from the air. Due to its high altitude and its relatively shallow water depth, Lake Yamanakako freezes completely in the winter. During the winter months, one can enjoy ice fishing for wakasagi (Japanese pond smelt). This is an area where some Japanese families have second homes, due to its outstanding natural beauty and scenery. There are many attractions for visitors, such as facilities for water sports as well as for spending time in the natural environment, in addition to various art museums, etc. The area receives a great number of visitors every year.