Lake Kawaguchi’s views of Mount Fuji, the Fuji-Q area, and the vineyards and orchards of Kofu Basin.
The Fuji Five Lakes are about two hours from Shinjuku by highway bus or train. Fuji is often hidden by clouds, so keep a flexible day.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesThe most visited of the Fuji Five Lakes, with lakeside walks, a ropeway to a viewpoint and hot-spring hotels facing the mountain. The Oishi Park shore has seasonal flowers.
Retro sightseeing buses loop around the lake from Kawaguchiko Station.
Read this area guide →The Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park frames Mount Fuji, especially in cherry season. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is the traditional start of the Yoshida climbing trail.
The pagoda is up about 400 steps. In the town, residents ask visitors not to block roads for photos.
Read this area guide →Yamanashi is Japan’s leading wine and fruit region. Katsunuma has many wineries open for tastings, and grape and peach picking runs in summer. Kofu has the Takeda Shrine.
JR Chuo Line limited expresses from Shinjuku reach Kofu in about 90 minutes.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Morning view of Fuji from the Chureito Pagoda.
Hoto noodle stew near Lake Kawaguchi.
Lakeside walk and the ropeway.
Hot-spring hotel with a Fuji view.
Try hoto noodle stew, Yoshida udon, Koshu wine, grapes and peaches.
Lake Kawaguchi has the widest choice, from ryokan to hostels. Kofu suits a wine-focused trip.
Highway buses run from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko; trains use the JR Chuo Line and Fujikyu Railway. Climbing season on the Yamanashi side is July to early September.
