This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra costs to you.
The Kawaguchiko area is an outstanding popular place to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Kawaguchiko Lake is one of the five lakes in the Mount Fuji area and offers some of the best views of the mountain on a clear day. It is also one of the easiest places to reach from Tokyo, with direct bus and train connections. The area is great for a day trip, but with all the many interesting and fun things to do in the Kawaguchiko area, a weekend trip here is a perfect idea!
Recommended tour: Mt. Fuji Highlight Private Walking Tour (Customizable, 7 Hours)
How to Get There and Around
If you want to travel to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo, the most convenient option is to take a bus. It typically takes around 2 hours and costs between 2,000 and 2,500 yen. Buses depart from several locations in central Tokyo, such as Shinjuku Station. Alternatively, you can opt for a JR train from Shinjuku Station, which will take 2-3 hours.
For more information on traveling to and around Kawaguchiko, we have an article that covers everything you need to know.
Things to Do in the Kawaguchiko Area
Enjoy Stunning Views at Kawaguchiko 5th Station
From Kawaguchiko station, you can take a bus to the Fuji Subaru Line Gogōme, also known as Yoshidaguchi 5th Station or Kawaguchiko 5th Station. This station is a popular starting point for people climbing Mount Fuji; it is the most used of all four stations. With easy access from Tokyo, many people just go there to watch Mt. Fuji, without climbing it, too. You also have great views of the Five Mount Fuji Lakes from the station. The station is accessible almost all year round, snow conditions permitting, making it a popular sightseeing spot outside the climbing season.
This station is a good starting point for those of you wanting to climb Mount Fuji. At the station, you will find some restaurants and shops to gear up properly before you start the journey to the summit. We always advise you to climb Mount Fuji during the climbing season and be well prepared.
The bus from Kawaguchi station to the fifth station takes about 50 minutes one way and costs 1,780 yen for a one-way ticket or 2,800 yen for a round trip for adults, half price for children. Tickets are valid for two days from the date of purchase.
Website: Mt. Fuji 5th station
Arakurayama Sengen Shrine
When you head east from Kawaguchiko station for about 4 km, you will find Arakura Sengen Shrine. What makes this shrine extra special is the panoramic view from the top. From there, you can see Mt. Fuji and the 5-story Chureito Pagoda.
From the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, 398 steps lead you to the top, where you will find the Chureito Pagoda. This great view is quite famous and has been featured in many guidebooks. This place feels almost magical, especially during spring, when the sakura blossoms bloom.
Finish off your perfect day and watch the sunset from here!
Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine
At the starting point of the Yoshida trail, you will find the Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine, also known today as the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine. The Yoshida trail leads all the way to the top of Mount Fuji, though few climbers begin their hike from here now. Many climbers still visit the shrine before their ascent to pray for a safe climb.
Each year, the shrine is the center stage for one of Japan’s three “most unique festivals.” The Yoshida Fire Festival is celebrated to mark the end of the Mount Fuji climbing season and praise the gods. During the festival, about 70 large torches are lit throughout the city, turning the main street into what looks like a river of fire.
Website: Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine
Admission: free
Lake Kawaguchi Mt. Tenjō Ropeway
This cable car is located on the lakeside of Kawaguchiko. There are two cable cars; you can see the lake and Mt. Fuji from the top. Especially in the autumn, you can see the beautiful autumn colors of the tree leaves in this area while riding on the cable car. The three minutes to the top will literally fly by.
Want to see how things look today? Check out the live view from the observation deck!
Website: Ropeway information
Admission: 1,000 yen/adults, 500 yen/children for a round trip
Oishi Park
From this beautiful park on the north side of Kawaguchiko Lake, you can see the beautiful Mt. Fuji and its reflection. The views are amazing in spring and summertime when many flowers are blossoming at Oishi Park. Especially from late June to early July, when the lavender flowers are in bloom and make the place look like it has a purple carpet, many people visit this picturesque spot. At Oishi Park, there are several restaurants and shops, making it a great spot for a break after a hike.
Website: Oishi Park
Admission: free
Aokigahara-Jukai Forest and Lava Caves
Aokigahara forest is a beautiful forest on the northern foot of Mt. Fuji. The Japanese name of the forest is Aokigahara-jukai; jukai means a sea of trees. The forest was formed on the lava plateau after the eruption of Mount Fuji in 864. It can be difficult to navigate through the forest, as it is very dense. Because of the high density of trees, you will hardly feel any raindrops. The forest will protect you from rain, wind, and snow! Sadly, for this reason and because of the remoteness of this forest, this place is also known as the suicide forest. However, it is a very beautiful place to go hiking; just make sure you don’t get off the trails, and it is recommended that you go with a guide.
Some deep lava caves are near the Aokigahara forest, such as the Fugaku Wind Cave and the Narusawa Ice Cave. When you are in the area, visiting these famous caves is a must. The temperature in both caves is between zero and three degrees all year round, but don’t let that stop you from witnessing these miracles of Mother Nature.
Ide Shuzo Sake Brewery
Very close to Kawaguchiko station is a sake brewery called Ide Shuzo. This small family-run brewery has been making sake for 21 generations, using water from Mt. Fuji. You can learn more about making sake at the brewery or just sample the finished product!
A brewery and distillery tour is offered in Japanese and English twice every day at 9:30 am or 3 pm and a reservation is required. The reservation can be made online for 1,500 yen per person (including sake tasting).
Website: Ide Shuzo
Admission: Sake tour 1,500 yen/adults (including sake tasting: 3 kinds of Japanese sake, 1 plum wine, and 1 whiskey)
Oshino Hakkai Springs
Hakkai means eight seas, referring to eight clear spring water ponds at the foot of Mount Fuji that Oshino Hakkai is famous for. It is located between Kwaguchiko and Yamanakako, at the bottom of the former 6th lake of the area. The water from the ponds is of very good quality, containing some of the nation’s best spring water! You can even drink water from one of the pools.
Most pools are filled with melted snow that has run down from Mt. Fuji, and some are inhabited by koi fish. Around the pond, there are many traditional Japanese houses and a museum that is also worth visiting! Oshino Hakkai is also a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing, and the best viewing time is usually from early to mid-April.
Website: Oshino Hakkai
Admission: free
If you are interested in a tour around the Kawaguchiko area, please contact us!
Suggested Routes in the Kawaguchi Area
1. Highlights Cycling Route
Many of the accommodations in the area offer bicycles for rent, sometimes even included in the price. The area around Lake Kawaguchi is great for biking exploration! Below is a suggested itinerary:
Duration: Approx. 7 hours
A: Kawaguchiko Station
B: Arakurayama Sengen Shrine
C: Oishi Land
D: Ubuyagasaki Shrine
E: Sake brewery
Booking a guided cycling tour is highly recommended to fully experience the area and discover hidden gems that only locals know. It provides insurance coverage and includes the convenience of a support car in case you become tired or need to transport heavy luggage. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make the most of your adventure by booking a guided tour!
2. 5th Station and Secret Forest Route Bus Route
This route covers the 5th station, Aokigahara forest, and Narusawa Ice Cave. But if you have time, you can combine it with the sake brewery or the ropeway!
Duration: Approx. 7 hours
B: Kawaguchiko 5th station
C: Kawaguchiko station
D: Aokigahara and Narusawa Ice Cave
Admission: Transportation approx. 3,600 yen, ice cave 350 yen
3. National Treasure Bus Route
How about going to National Treasures? On this route, you will first visit Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine and Oshino Hakkai. Then head back to Kawaguchiko and go to Mt. Tenjō Ropeway.
Duration: 7 hours
A: Kawaguchiko station
B: Kitaguchi Hongu Sengen Shrine
C: Oshino Hakkai
D: Mt. Tenjō Ropeway
Admission: bus 1,030 yen, ropeway 1,000 yen
Recommended Mt. Fuji Tour
If you’re interested in a guided tour of the Kawaguchiko area and want to visit some of the local attractions, we’ve got a day trip tour available from Tokyo! Meet up with your guide at Shinjuku Station, get on a bus, and enjoy a comfortable ride to the Mt. Fuji area. You can explore various places to see the stunning view of Mt. Fuji, sample delicious specialty foods, and visit the Aokigahara Forest to see the wind cave. This Mt. Fuji Day Trip Tour covers all the must-visit spots in the area, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji!
Itinerary
8:00 Depart from Shinjuku Station
– Chureito Pagoda
– Hoto Fudo
– Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Yamanashi
-Fugaku Fuketsu Wind Cave (Aokigahara forest)
-Oishi Park
16:00 Head back to Tokyo
18:00~18:30 Arrive in Shinjuku (the scheduled end time of the tour may be subject to change due to traffic)
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo Bus Tour
Recommended Hotels with Mt Fuji Views:
Booking.comThese are our recommendations for the Kawaguchiko area. What do you think of them? Are there any places we missed that you can recommend? Let us know! What is your favorite place or activity in the area? Let us know in the comments!
For more information, check out our complete guide to Mt. Fuji below!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!
Happy traveling!
Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Every week we will introduce you to our latest content.
Other Articles You Might Be Interested In
Comments
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has
been conducting a little homework on this. And he actually bought me dinner due to the
fact that I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this….
Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this
subject here on your blog.
That’s great, happy to have helped you out. Hope your enjoyed your dinner :)