Fuji Five Lakes Travel Guide

Spread out in a semi-circle around the northern side of Mt. Fuji is a series of five majestic lakes, each with their own draws for day-trippers and vacationers throughout the year. Each of them is quite easily accessible from Tokyo, so the best way to decide which to visit is to think about what exactly you’re looking for.

Lake Yamanakako is the closest geographically, and best for water-sports. In the warmer months, you’ll catch plenty of fishermen and windsurfers gliding about its surface. Kawaguchiko is the easiest to access directly and boasts the bulk of the region’s sightseeing. Its views of Mt. Fuji are spectacular, and nearby Fujiyoshida City is home to Fuji Q, one of the best thrill-seeker theme parks in Japan.

Moving on counter-clockwise, you have Lake Saiko, home to the mysterious Bat Cave and Ice Caves. Nearby the lake you’ll also find the Fujiten Snow Resort. Next is Shojiko, the smallest and most remote of the lakes, with its own unique aspect on Mt Fuji, reflected in its water. This is one of the best places to camp in the area, and offers plenty of activities like jet-skiing and hiking.

Finally, we have Lake Motosuko, which is the deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes, with the clearest water. Sightseeing cruises take tourists around the lake in glass-bottomed boats, but if you visit in winter you’ll be able to put on your ice-skates and head onto its frozen surface by yourself.

Altogether they’re known at Fujigoko (literally, “Fuji Five Lakes”) — five pockets of natural beauty and culture which offer everything from high-octane thrills to relaxed moments of contemplation. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.