12 Things to Do in Lake Kawaguchiko

As one of Mt. Fuji’s Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko guarantees stunning scenery, must-visit attractions, and, on a clear day, unbeatable views of Mt. Fuji in the distance. 

But even once you’ve seen Mt. Fuji peeking through the clouds, ideally with its picturesque layer of snow, there is still so much to see and do in Lake Kawaguchiko, from hiking through the mountains to cruising across the lake.

So, let’s explore Lake Kawaguchiko!

Relaxing in any cafe by the waters of Lake Kawaguchiko is sure to be time well spent, but Lake Side Cafe Ku isn’t like any cafe. It has a gigantic picture window with uninterrupted views of this nature-rich area, giving you panoramic views of the lake while you sip your morning coffee or tea.

Of course, the cafe is waiting to welcome you throughout the day, offering a selection of heavier meals, like curry or pasta, lighter sandwiches or toasts, and a tempting sweets menu of muffins, cheesecake, ice cream and affogato — the perfect pick-me-up before or after hiking.

Though Lake Kawaguchiko might be better known for its bountiful nature and a chance to detox from the daily hustle and bustle of city life, there’s also an adrenaline-filled attraction nearby: Fuji-Q Highland. 

Entry into the theme park itself is free, giving you a chance to explore its roller coasters, hot spring, art museums, shops and eateries before purchasing tickets to experience the things you’re most excited about. And, naturally, all with a breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Fuji.

Travel tip: If you’re catching the Highway Express Bus from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko, Fuji-Q Highland is actually the penultimate stop before the lake itself. It can either be a fun stop on the way to the lake, or make for an unforgettable day trip from Tokyo.

You’ve got a choice of how you best want to float along the waters of Lake Kawaguchiko: will you jump into a swan boat with a paddling partner in crime and traverse its tranquil waters at your own pace, or will you travel in style aboard the themed cruise boat Appare.

The sightseeing cruise runs every 30 minutes from 9 am to 4:30 pm, taking approximately 20 minutes for a round trip. At only ¥1,000 for an adult and ¥500 for a child, the Appare is a relaxing, affordable way to soak up the scenes of Lake Kawaguchiko.

After your time on the water, you may have worked up an appetite, and we know just the thing. Head to La Luce, an Italian restaurant using Yamanashi’s bountiful fresh ingredients in Italian fusion dishes. 

Bite into tender Koshu beef wagyu steak, twirl Japanese blue crab pasta or go traditional with a pizza baked in the restaurant’s stone pizza oven.

You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t get a chance to try the regional delicacy of hoto, a must-try while you’re in Yamanashi Prefecture. It features wide, flat udon noodles soaking in a flavorful broth alongside meats and vegetables, and it will feel instantly hearty and nostalgic.

Once you’ve got a taste for hoto noodles, why not try making them for yourself? In this cooking class by Lake Kawaguchiko, join an English-speaking host who will show you how to make handmade hoto noodles, served with torimotsu (chicken offal) or mochi, the classic Japanese rice cake.

Perfectly suited to wannabe chefs of all skills and ages, this Japanese cooking class is great for families, groups or solo travelers!

If you want to pick up a couple more skills in the kitchen, check out our other cooking classes in Lake Kawaguchiko:

• Spice Blending & Curry-Making Class at Lake Kawaguchi

• Yoshida Udon Making Class at Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi)

• Family-Friendly Soba Noodles Making Class at Lake Kawaguchi

Moments from the water of Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll likely spot a line of people queueing up a steep incline. You’re likely looking at the entrance to the Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway, a cable car that will take you up to a spacious observation deck near the summit of Mt. Tenjo.

It takes three minutes to reach the top, but you’ll be blessed with photo-worthy scenes of Lake Kawaguchiko and its beautiful surroundings the entire way up. Then, once you’re at the top, prepare for some of the best views of Mt. Fuji in the prefecture.

Once you’ve managed to tear your eyes away from the iconic mountain, you’ll realize that this area also has a restaurant, souvenir shop, ice cream and a couple of spots with props for taking photos together. 

If you’re up for a hike, remember to wear your boots and bring some water and snacks with you as you travel up to the Mt. Tenjo peak via the cable car; your hike up Mt. Mitsutoge begins here.

Mitsutoge (三つ峠) means “three mountain peaks,” and refers to the fact that Mt. Mitsutoge is really three mountains: Mount Kaiun (1,785m), Mount Osutaka (1,775m) and Mount Kinashi (1,732m).

While most people are content with the views from Mt. Tenjo’s observation area, few continue along the trails into the true mountain ranges, meaning you can enjoy a peaceful journey through the mountain passes with Mt. Fuji following along in the distance.

However, it’s worth noting that if you decide to hike up to the peak of one of these alternative mountains, it may take 7-8 hours to get there and back. Make sure you’re ready for an intense hike without any need to rush back for anything time-sensitive!

From here, we’ll be recommending a few attractions that are a bit further from the southern side of the lake, where the majority of these experiences have been gathered. 

On the northeast side of the lake, which makes for an idyllic 45-minute stroll along the circumference of the lake (or a 10-minute bus journey), is Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. It’s every bit as magical as its name suggests.

This unique museum is famous for its Western-style architecture, sprawling gardens and — perhaps even more memorable — a large music box that was meant to be installed on the doomed Titanic. 

Live music concerts are also held three times a day, accompanied by sand-painting performances in which a story plays out along with the music. Plus, during June, the Rose Garden will be calling your name, with 720 varieties of roses in bloom.

Soak up a little more Kawaguchiko culture at the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, just a 15-minute walk from the museum above. This museum is dedicated to the textile-dyeing artist Kubota Itchiku, known for his iconic artworks and kimono styles.

As well as putting Kubota’s revived dyeing technique of tsujigahana in the spotlight, this museum also features a glass beads gallery, museum shop, and traditional teahouse; a teahouse that deserves a special mention for its own unique architecture, almost resembling individual caves for each two-seater patio area.

Perfect for fall in Japan: If you’re visiting Lake Kawaguchiko in the fall, make time for a stroll through the Lake Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor, known for creating a tunnel of vivid autumn colors.

Find out more: Things to Do and Places to Visit in Japan During Autumn

Visiting Lake Kawaguchiko in June or July? Keep traveling around to the northwest side of the lake, taking about 10 minutes by bus or 25 minutes by foot, and you’ll reach Oishi Park. This park is best known for its lavender, which reaches peak bloom in the summer months.

Imagine fields of swaying purple set against a blue sky and the ever-present background of Mt. Fuji.

The Narusawa Ice Cave is a small cave that’s classified as a “lava tube,” and while it’s interesting to visit at any time in the year, it’s especially impressive during the winter. At this time, ice stalactites hang from the ceiling of the cave and it’s a unique sight.

Although it’s about an hour from the lake itself, that’s nothing in the grand scheme of things, and this attraction is well worth visiting while you’re in the area. From Kawaguchiko Station, catch the bus bound for Motosukokankoannaijo and get off at Hyoketsu (Ice Cave), which will take about 30 minutes.

It’s only a 10-minute walk from there to reach the Narusawa Ice Cave.

Ever seen this famous shot of Japan before? There are few who haven’t, and it’s taken at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, only around an hour by train from Lake Kawaguchiko. In fact, from Kawaguchiko Station it’s only four stops on the train and then a 10-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station to reach your destination.

This historic Shinto shrine is famous around the world for its 5-tiered pagoda, set against Mt. Fuji with an observation deck offering views of this once-in-a-lifetime scene and the towns below.

While you’re in Lake Kawaguchiko, check out all the best restaurants near Mt. Fuji and a few more things to do nearby.

Yes! Lake Kawaguchiko is easy to access from Tokyo and is blessed with beautiful views, including Mt. Fuji, a scenic lake, great spots for hiking and unique museums.

Lake Kawaguchiko is best known for being one of Mt. Fuji’s Five Lakes, offering great views of Mt. Fuji year round.

Lake Kawaguchiko falls into Yamanashi Prefecture, a region known for its thick, chewy hoto noodles. These noodles are wider than usual udon noodles, usually soaking in a broth alongside tender meats and fresh vegetables.

Getting to Lake Kawaguchiko from Tokyo is surprisingly easy and almost insanely cheap. From Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku), a one-way ticket costs ¥2,200 and the journey takes around two hours.

Since Lake Kawaguchiko is a relatively small lake, you can walk to many of its nearby attractions within an hour or so. However, for public transport that stops at many of these attractions, you can catch the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line).

Mt. Fuji Pass: Buying a Mt. Fuji pass for one, two or three days from Kawaguchiko Station allows unlimited travel on the Red Line and includes other buses in the Mt. Fuji area.