Kawaguchiko & Fuji Five Lakes (河口湖・富士五湖) — Guida di Viaggio Giappone: Cosa Vedere, Trasporti e Cucina

Panoramica

Five lakes — Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko — curve around Mt Fuji's northern foothills, formed by ancient lava flows. Mt Fuji and its surrounding sites were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as a cultural site) in 2013.

Fuji is famously shy: it's often hidden by cloud, especially from late spring to summer. Mornings in late autumn and winter give the best odds of a clear view. An overnight stay gives you two chances — and a sunrise. Compared with Hakone, the Fuji Five Lakes area has closer, more direct mountain views, while Hakone has more varied hot spring towns and museums.

Cosa Vedere e Fare

• Chureito Pagoda (Arakurayama Sengen Park): The classic five-storey pagoda with Fuji behind it, reached by around 400 steps. Stunning with cherry blossoms in April and autumn colours.
• Oishi Park: A lakeside park on Kawaguchiko's north shore with seasonal flowers (lavender in summer, kochia in autumn) and direct Fuji views.
• Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway: A short ropeway up Mt Tenjo above Kawaguchiko for views over the lake to Fuji.
• Oshino Hakkai: Spring-fed ponds of clear Fuji snowmelt in a small village between Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako. Very busy with tour groups — go early.
• Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba: A rebuilt village of thatched houses with craft shops and Fuji views.
• Fugaku Wind Cave & Narusawa Ice Cave: Lava caves in the Aokigahara forest that stay cold year-round.
• Fuji-Q Highland: A theme park known for record-breaking roller coasters.

Cucina Locale e Specialità

• Hōtō: Thick flat noodles simmered with pumpkin and vegetables in miso broth — Yamanashi's signature comfort food.
• Yoshida udon: Very firm, chewy udon from Fujiyoshida, often topped with cabbage and horse meat.
• Shingen mochi: Rice cakes with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and brown sugar syrup.

Come Arrivare e Muoversi

Train: the JR/Fuji Kyuko Fuji Excursion limited express runs direct from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko in about 2 hours (seat reservations essential; the JR Pass covers only the JR section). Otherwise change at Otsuki to the Fujikyu Line.

Highway bus: frequent buses from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) and other Tokyo terminals take around 2 hours (more in traffic). Reserve in advance at weekends.

Retro-style sightseeing buses loop around Kawaguchiko, Saiko and Narusawa; multi-day passes are available. Rental bicycles and e-bikes are a good way to circle Kawaguchiko. Taxis are limited — book ahead for early mornings.

Dove Dormire

• Economico: Hostels and guesthouses near Kawaguchiko Station and in Fujiyoshida.
• Fascia media: Lakeside hotels on Kawaguchiko, many with Fuji-view rooms and shared onsen baths.
• Lusso e Ryokan: Onsen ryokan with private open-air baths facing Fuji, and glamping resorts. Fuji-view rooms cost extra and sell out early.