Table of Contents
| You have never been to Kawaguchi Lake if… FOOD – you haven’t tried the famous hĹŤtĹŤ noodles at Hoto Fudo! ACTIVITIES – you haven’t taken the most iconic picture of Japan in Arakurayama Sengen Park! SOUVENIRS – you didn’t buy delicious Mount Fuji shaped cookies! |
Introduction
Lake Kawaguchi, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, is one of Japan’s most scenic and serene destinations. While this place is beautiful year-round, the autumn and spring seasons are particularly magical. We visited in autumn, with breathtaking foliage framing the mountain and the lake in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Spring, on the other hand, is famous for its cherry blossoms, with vibrant sakura blooms creating an unforgettable backdrop to Mount Fuji’s majestic snow-capped peak. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or simply looking to immerse yourself in one of Japan’s iconic landscapes, Lake Kawaguchi offers an experience you’ll never forget.
We’d love to help you plan the perfect trip to Japan! Why not combine it with other stops such as Nagoya (check out our guide here) or Shirakawa-Go (read here)?
Leave a comment for any clarification or suggestion in the box below and we will be happy to answer you as soon as possible!
How to Get There from Major Cities
Lake Kawaguchi is easily accessible from major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. We chose to reach the area by bus from Nagoya, a journey of around 3 hours and 30 minutes, providing a comfortable and scenic ride through central Japan.
Buses also depart frequently from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, taking around 2 hours, and offer direct access to Kawaguchiko Station. If you’re traveling from Osaka, a combination of bullet trains and local trains can bring you to Kawaguchiko in about 4-5 hours. However, the direct bus is often the easiest and most cost-effective option.
If you’re looking to rent a car, then look no further than DiscoverCars.com! You’ll find here the perfect rental solution.
2-Day Itinerary at Lake Kawaguchi
Day 1: Arrival, Local Cuisine, and Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Upon arrival at Kawaguchiko Station, we dropped off our bags at our accommodation to lighten our load or, alternatively, you can use one of the convenient lockers at the station. Ready to explore, we headed to lunch for a taste of local cuisine.
Lunch at Hoto Fudo
We kicked off our adventure with a meal at Hoto Fudo, a beloved local restaurant known for its signature dish, hōtō noodles. This hearty dish, made with thick wheat noodles and a rich miso broth, is the perfect comfort food for chilly autumn or spring days. Served in generous portions, it’s a true taste of the region and a great way to refuel before an afternoon of exploring.
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
In the afternoon, we headed to the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway.
This quick 3-minute cable car ride takes you up Mt. Kachikachi, where you’re greeted with stunning views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and, on clear days, Japan’s Southern Alps in the distance. The observation area at the top offers a perfect vantage point for photos and a peaceful spot to take in the view.
We spent some time exploring the trails and taking in the panoramic scenery before heading back down to the lakeside.
Day 2: Early Morning Views, Parks, and Sunset Cruise
We started our second day bright and early to maximize our time at Lake Kawaguchi’s most iconic viewpoints.
Chureito Pagoda and Arakurayama Sengen Park
After a short train ride from Kawaguchiko Station, we arrived at Shimo-Yoshida Station on the Fujikyu Railway line, the closest station to Chureito Pagoda. From Shimo-Yoshida, it’s about a 20-minute walk to reach the pagoda, a pleasant uphill journey through quiet streets and a small park area.
This spot is one of the most famous photo locations in Japan, with the pagoda in the foreground, Mount Fuji standing tall in the background, and cherry blossoms or autumn leaves (this was our case) framing the view.
The park offers a truly iconic and serene experience, as well as a bit of exercise – the climb up is steep but absolutely worth it.
Afternoon at Nagasaki Park & Oishi Park
Following our morning adventure, we returned to Kawaguchiko to visit Nagasaki Park and Oishi Park, both located along the lake. Nagasaki Park offers peaceful walking paths and open spaces with unobstructed views of Mount Fuji.
Oishi Park, however, was the highlight for Claudia – it’s beautifully landscaped and has flower gardens that change with the season, adding vibrant color to the scene. With Mount Fuji in the background and the lake shimmering in the foreground, these parks are must-visit spots for any nature lover or photographer.
Sunset Cruise on Lake Kawaguchi
As the day drew to a close, we decided to experience Lake Kawaguchi from the water on a sightseeing cruise. For 1,000 yen per adult, the Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat takes you on a tranquil journey across the lake, providing one last chance to see Mount Fuji as the sun sets. Watching the changing colors over the water and mountain was the perfect way to end our trip.
Returning to Kawaguchiko Station
After our cruise, we headed back to Kawaguchiko Station to catch our return bus. Trains and buses back to major cities depart frequently, allowing for a convenient journey home.
Discover here more things to do and see in Kawaguchi Lake if you have more time.
Where to Stay
For accommodations, we highly recommend the Kagelow Mt. Fuji Hostel Kawaguchiko. Centrally located, this hostel offers stylish, clean rooms and provides an incredible view of Mount Fuji if you book early enough to secure a private room.
It’s an ideal place to stay if you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a beautiful interior design. The hostel has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great base for your explorations around Lake Kawaguchi.
What to read before traveling to Japan
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, we recommend diving into a few books that will enrich your understanding of the country’s culture, history, and everyday life.
Fear and Trembling by Amélie Nothomb
This witty and thought-provoking novel offers a glimpse into the complexities of Japanese corporate culture. Through the eyes of a young Belgian woman working in a Tokyo firm, Nothomb explores themes of hierarchy, tradition, and identity, making it a fascinating read before your journey. We absolutely loved it!
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
This heartwarming novel set in a quaint Tokyo bookshop is perfect for those who love stories about personal growth and finding oneself. It beautifully captures the charm of small Tokyo neighborhoods and the healing power of literature. This story is set in Tokyo, but it describes well the culture and characteristics of the Japanese people in general. Highly recommended!
The Passenger: Japan
This travel anthology is a collection of essays and stories that delve into various aspects of Japan, from its rich history to modern-day society. It’s an ideal read for gaining a deeper understanding of Japan’s complexities before you arrive.
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Conclusions
Our two days at Lake Kawaguchi turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever had. From the stunning views of Mount Fuji to the peaceful parks and traditional meals, this area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation.
For Claudia, Oishi Park was the highlight of the trip, with its colorful gardens and picture-perfect view of Mount Fuji. On the other hand, I found the Chureito Pagoda and Arakurayama Sengen Park especially captivating.
Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views, a tranquil escape, or a closer look at Japanese culture, Lake Kawaguchi provides a journey you’ll cherish long after you leave. We hope our guide inspires you to experience the beauty and serenity of this remarkable destination for yourself!
Comment down below for any suggestion or clarification, we’ll be happy to help you!
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