Lake Kawaguchiko

By far the most visited of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko serves as the main point of entry to this famous lake region. It is the second largest of the Five Lakes in terms of surface area and the second most shallow with a depth of only 14.6 meters. It has a surface elevation of approximately 830 meters, which accounts for its relatively cool summers and icy winters.

The area surrounding Lake Kawaguchiko is well-developed in terms of tourist infrastructure, with many lakeside hotels, hot springs, windsurfing facilities, campsites, and excursion boats. This makes it a popular weekend destination, with many visitors partaking in outdoor activities such as sports fishing, hiking, yachting, and cycling.

Lake Kawaguchiko attracts especially many visitors in spring during cherry blossom season and in autumn when the fall foliage comes out in full force. From late June to mid-July, the lavender fields at Yagizaki Park and Oishi Park are the main draw. Unsurprisingly, the lake is popular with photographers––the observation deck at Tenjoyama Park and the middle of Kawaguchiko-Ohashi Bridge are favorite Mount Fuji photo spots––and is also a major hub for those looking to climb the sacred mountain during the summer months.

Other nearby attractions include Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko Music Forest, and the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. The museum is especially worth visiting for its quirky architecture and silk kimono displays.