Mount Fuji is a part of the larger Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. More than five million guests visit Mount Fuji yearly.
However, only 200,000 dare to hike all the way up to the Mount Fuji summit. The rest come to witness the gorgeous snow-covered peak of Mount Fuji in the clouds.
Thus, most of the Mount Fuji tour tickets are for visits to Mount Fuji 5th Station and the Fuji areas filled with unbound natural beauty.
One such highlight of the Fuji area that attracts a lot of guests is the gorgeous Fuji Five Lakes.
Even if you are visiting Mount Fuji during the climbing season to hike to the top, keep some time handy and your itinerary flexible to witness the beautiful five lakes of Mount Fuji that surround it.
Having said that, there must be a lot of curiosities related to the Fuji Five Lake.
Questions like how to get there, things to do, weather, accommodation, and cruise detailes must be answered before you can plan your memorable visit to the Fuji Five Lakes region.
This article covers all the details and relevant facts surrounding a smooth and hassle-free visit to the Fuji Five Lakes. So, let’s jump in.
What is the Fuji Five Lakes?
The Fuji Five Lakes is a region at the base of Mount Fuji, Japan. It comprises five lakes, namely Yamanaka, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shoji, and Motosu.
Just like the long and gradual formation of Mount Fuji over thousands and thousands of years, the five lakes of Mount Fuji were formed hundreds of years ago.
The Fuji Five Lake was formed by lava flows that dammed up rivers during Mount Fuji’s multiple eruptions.
Three of the Five lakes of Mount Fuji, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko, are still connected with each other by underground waterways.
The Fuji Five Lakes are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Fuji area. It is equally popular for sightseeing and fishing.
The Fuji Five Lakes offers an exquisite and unparalleled view of Mount Fuji, its summit, and its silhouette behind the clouds from various different angles.
Given the different locations of Fuji Five Lakes, visitors get a view different from the other ones.
So, let’s learn about the individual lakes of the Fuji Five Lakes in a bit more detail.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is the most popular of all the Fuji Five Lakes. Its immense popularity can be estimated from the fact that its photos and posters are used for the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Among all of the five lakes of Mount Fuji, it is the only Fuji Five Lake that has an island.
It is located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan.
Lake Kawaguchiko is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes. Beyond its unparalleled beauty, one of the main reasons behind its immense popularity is its easy accessibility.
Learn more in detail about the various interesting tidbits and the whole host of things on your visit to Lake Kawaguchiko.
Lake Motosu
Lake Motosu is located on the border of Fujikawaguchiko and Minobu in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji.
It is the westernmost, deepest, and third-largest of all the Fuji Five Lakes. Lake Motosu is also the ninth deepest lake in Japan at 140 meters (460 ft).
Along with Lake Motosu, Lake Sai and Lake Shoji were formed by lava flowing across what is now Aokigahara Jukai Forest and into the enormous Lake that once dominated the area.
Lake Motosu is known for its pristine and clear water and the distinctive accolade of appearing on the reverse side of the 1000 yen bill.
Just like Kawaguchiko, it is also an excellent fishing spot with five major fish species dominating the water.
Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka is the easternmost and the largest of all the five lakes of Fuji Five Lakes with a surface area of 6.46 km sq.
It is also the third highest Lake in Japan with a mean surface altitude of 980 meters (3220 ft)
Another feature of Lake Yamanashi is its outflow, which is the Sagami River. Lake Yamanashi is located in the village of Yamanakako in Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji.
Lake Yamanaka’s surface freezes over during winter. According to many, it is the most beautiful out of all the Fuji Five Lakes.
It is a popular sight for Japanese outdoor sports enthusiasts as visitors can enjoy plenty of activities, such as boating, fishing, water skiing, and windsurfing.
Lake Saiko
Lake Saiko is also popularly known as Lake Sai, surrounds the northern foot of Mount Fuji. Locally, it is also called Fujigoko.
It has a surface area of 210 hectares, a circumference of 10.5 km and is 9.85 kilometers long.
Lake Saiko is only one kilometer west of Lake Kawaguchiko. It is located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko near Mount Fuji.
Thus, anyone visiting either of these can easily explore a two-in-one tour, making it a more rewarding and fruitful Fuji Five Lakes area expedition.
The ale is surrounded by steep, wooded slopes on all sides, and Mount Fuji is only visible from the westernmost tip.
Lake Saiko is a good place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, camping and fishing.
Lake Shoji
Lake Shoji is also located in the Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji.
It is the smallest of all the Fuji Five Lakes, with a surface area of 50 hectares, a surface elevation of 900 meters, and a shore length of 6.8 kilometers.
Having said that, it is the third deepest, with a maximum depth of 15.2 meters. Its circumference is just 2.5 kilometers.
Lake Shoji is one of the least developed lakes of the five, but it offers a serene, quiet and calm ambiance unlike any.
It is one of the hidden gems of the Fuji Five Lakes if you want to avoid crowds and spend some time in nature.
Fuji Five Lake map
Save the Fuji Five Lake Map below that illustrates the location of the five lakes of Mount Fuji.
Along with the location of Fuji Five Lakes, these also show the road connectivity and respective location of the various 5th Stations.
It covers the entire Fuji area in a detailed manner and the four trails to reach the summit as well.
Besides the Fuji Five map, it also shows the location of nearby locations worthy of your time, such as the Bat Cave, Wind Cave, and Ice Cave near Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko.
It also has well-marked road maps for easy navigation so you can get from one spot to another.
With the below Mount Fuji map, you can visualize that almost all five are located somewhere near the Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji.
Fuji Five Lakes Weather
Visitors should know about the Fuji Five Lake Weather throughout the year to plan their visit.
Even though the Fuji Five Lakes are located at the base of Mount Fuji, weather changes throughout the year present its own challenges and convenience for exploring the Fuji Area
So, knowing what type of weather to expect at the Fuji Five Lakes throughout the year can help you plan your itinerary better keeping the forecast in mind.
Fuji Five Lakes Summer Weather
The summer months in Japan are mostly from June to August. This coincides with Fuji’s climbing season.
These months are typically hot and humid, often leading to thick cloud formation obstructing your views of Mount Fuji.
Beyond the hot temperature, there are occasional showers during the afternoon with thunderstorms.
The average temperature is around 18°C (64.4 °F) around the base of Mount Fuji. The maximum temperature hovers around 21°C (69.8°F).
Frequent afternoon showers and the scorching sun are the two main issues you will face, along with the crowd for climbing Mount Fuji.
Fuji Five Lakes Autumn Weather
Autumn can be a really rewarding month to visit Fuji Five Lakes, which offers gorgeous views of the mountain with colorful autumn foliage.
The weather is pleasant, and guests can enjoy the outdoors. The autumn months are typically from September to December.
The average temperature in October is 12.5° C (44.7 °F). The average maximum temperature is a pleasant 18°C (64.4 °F).
If your tour runs till late into the evening then make sure you bring a jacket or some warm clothes as it can get a bit cold at night.
The Fuji Five Lakes region looks gorgeous around the Momiji time, making the Fuji area even more beautiful.
Mount Fuji five lake cherry blossom
Winter is the best time of the year to witness Mount Fuji. The winter months are basically from December to February.
The best months to witness Mount Fuji are somewhere from October to February, with December and January offering the highest possibility of spotting Mount Fuji.
However, the Fuji Five Lakes Winter season temperature can be dramatically lower than any other time of the year.
Especially during the morning and evening, the temperature is particularly low, so wear warm clothes and protect against the cold.
The average temperature on the hillside of Mount Fuji is 2°C (35.6°F) at its highest and -7°C (19.4°F) at its lowest in December.
The best month for the Fuji Five Lakes region is from November to April. Thus, along with the winter season, visitors can consider the spring season, which is from March to May.
This is primarily because the Fuji Five Lakes area at the foot of Mount Fuji has a higher rate of sunny skies and clear air during these months.
The Fuji Five Lakes area is particularly more beautiful around the spring season during Sakura time.
Fuji Five Lake Cherry Blossom
The Fuji area is abundant with plenty of natural beauty that makes it a must-visit. The Fuji Five Lake cherry blossom is another must-see.
Japan is known for being aesthetically beautiful, especially during the spring time, and the flowers, especially cherry blossoms, are in full bloom.
The Fuji Five Lake cherry blossoms are exquisite and can be found at several spots in the Fuji area at certain times of the year.
The Fuji Five Lake cherry blossoms typically peak around mid-April.
Check out the list of spots that you can visit in the Fuji Five Lakes area for some exquisite views of the Fuji Five Lake cherry blossom.
Chureito Pagoda – It is the most iconic place for witnessing Fuji Five Lakes cherry blossom. It attracts tourists throughout the year.
Chureito Pagoda is located on a hilltop facing Mt. Fuji in Arakurayama Sengen Park. Visitors need to climb 398 steps to reach the top.
During the cherry blossom peak season, the Pagoda seems to float in a sea of cherry blossoms, creating a scenic view of Mount Fuji in the background.
Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko – Lake Kawaguchiko is a fan-favorite spot for appreciating the cherry blossoms.
The trees along the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko provide a magnificent view of Mount Fuji in combination with the lake and cherry blossoms.
Eastern Shores of Kawaguchiko – There are multiple spots near Lake Kawaguchiko for spotting cherry blossoms.
The waterfront along the eastern Shores of Lake Kawaguchiko around Mount Fuji panoramic ropeway’s lower station offers some stunning views.
The town’s many Fuji Five Lakes Ryokan are decorated by cherry trees, including many weeping cherry trees.
Iyashi no Sato – One of the hidden gems to spot in the Fuji Five Lakes region is Iyashi no Sato, which is tucked away on the western shores of Lake Saiko.
It is an open-air museum and traditional craft village. The main streets of the villages are lined with weeping cherry trees and offer views of Mount Fuji.
Oshino Hakkai – Cherry trees line about 400 meters of the river on the northwestern side of Oshino Hakkai.
The most popular view is from the bridge not far from the Shibokusa Sengen Shrine, where Mount Fuji can be seen behind the cherry trees on clear days.
How to get to Fuji Five Lakes?
Given the Fuji Five Lakes is near the base of Mount Fuji, getting to Fuji Five Lakes is quite similar to getting to Mount Fuji.
Having said that, there are a number of ways to reach the Fuji Five Lake area from different locations in Japan.
One thing to note is the mountain buses operating at higher elevations hold the key to reaching these remote and scenic spots of the Fuji Five Lakes region.
So, let’s jump in and take a detailed look at how to get to the Fuji Five Lakes area and how to navigate the Fuji area to reach these lakes.
How to get to Fuji Five Lake from Tokyo
There are many spots that offer convenient transfer to the Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo using various public transportation.
However, the two most preferred locations you should try to manage your travel to the Fuji Five Lakes are Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station.
From Shinjuku
The best public transportation option is to take a bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station.
Two bus services, Fujikyu and Keio buses, operate about two direct buses per hour between Shinjuku Bus Terminal in Tokyo and Kawaguchiko Station.
These buses typically take just under two hours in a One-way trip from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station.
However, one thing to remember is you are at the mercy of the traffic, which can get worse during the peak season.
Learn about the best time to visit Mount Fuji. But on the flip side, getting a bus gives you the opportunity to enjoy the scenic route to the Fuji Five Lake area.
The estimated cost of a one-way ticket is ¥2000-2200. You can find a ticket on the spot, but advance booking will be advised for unexpected situations and for peace of mind.
From Tokyo Station
Fujikyu and JR Kanto buses operate between Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit) and Kawaguchiko Station in the Fuji Five Lakes region.
On average, there are one to two buses per hour between these two stations. The time duration for a one-way tour is just under two hours.
Thus, the trip duration along with the price for a way tour at ¥2060, are quite similar to Shinjuku Station.
Visitors can also take a bus from Shibuya Station.
Only Fujikyu Bus operates between Shibuya (Mark City), Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park, Kawaguchiko Station, and Fujisan Station.
There is only one bus after every two hours thus, the frequency is not much, so travelers need to learn precise timing beforehand
An average one-way journey takes two to two and a half hours. The One-way ticket costs approximately ¥2100.
By Train
Travelers can also use the world-class Japanese rail to reach the Fuji Five Lakes region from Tokyo.
However, the biggest hassles with taking a train is the lack of direct trains connecting these two stations.
Only one direct train, the Fuji Excursion, runs from Shinjuku Station to Fujisan Station near Mount Fuji.
These trains are immensely popular among tourists who want to explore Mount Fuji, so the train tickets sell out quickly.
An advance reservation is advisable for our travelers who wish to reach the Fuji area using the train.
The one-way travel time is approximately two hours from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, but travelers will be assured of reaching their destination at the correct time.
The main reason behind the lack of direct train connection is that two different operators control different sections of the route.
The trains run on both JR lines, from Shinjuku to Otsuki, and Fujikyu Railways Lines, from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko.
The Japan Rail pass will cover only the JR part of the journey.
Another option if you still want the comfort of a train transfer is taking a local train, which is your best option if you are not able to reserve a ticket for the Fuji Excursion.
Take the JR Chuo Limited Express Train at Shinjuku Station and arrive at Kawaguchiko Station.
This requires at least one transfer, and the entire journey will take approximately three hours.
From Kyoto
Kyoto is particularly far from the Mount Fuji area; thus, taking a train to cover the major portion of the journey is the best way to manage your time.
Travelers can take a direct Hikari train from Kyoto Station to Mishima Station on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen.
This will take you approximately two hours. The cost of a one-way trip is approximately ¥11,000 and there is one direct train to Mishima Station every two hours.
From Mishima Station, transfer to a Fujikyu Bus fi Kawaguchiko Station. This will take another one and a half hours. The one-way bus ticket will cost ¥2300.
On the whole, the entire journey from Kyoto to Mount Fuji will take approximately three and a half hours.
Day Trip to Fuji Five Lakes
Travelers can dodge travel-related hassles and make their Fuji Five Lake region tour smooth and enjoyable by opting for Mount Fuji Tickets.
These Mount Fuji Tickets allow travelers to visit Mount Fuji and the surrounding hidden gems in the Fuji area, such as the 5th Stations, Ropeway and Lake cruises in Fuji Five Lakes.
Plenty of Mount Fuji tours allow travelers to live their dream of visiting Mount Fuji and exploring the Fuji area, including a cruise in the lake.
Visitors can buy various attractive Combo Mount Fuji tour tickets, including several attractions in the Fuji area.
Guests who prioritize comfort over everything and want to avoid all hassles can pick one of the amazing private tours.
Get a private Mount Fuji tour with a customized tour to match your interest so that you can explore the Fuji area, including Fuji Five Lakes, in your style.
There are various transfer tickets that make it a cakewalk for travelers to get from Tokyo and various other locations to the Fuji Five Lake.
Check out the list of top five Mount Fuji tour ticket recommendations that allow you to explore Fuji Five Lakes, too!
| Mount Fuji Tours | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #Private Mt Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing tour with guide photographer options | – A full-day Mount Fuji and Fuji area tour from Tokyo. – Pick and drop off from the hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. – An expert English-speaking guide. – Visit numerous places like the 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai, and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine. – Arakurayama Sengen Park, and Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba. | ¥1,42,887 (US $970)/ group of 12 people |
| #Hakone Fuji Day Tour with Cruise, Cable Car, Volcano | – A comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned bus. – An expert bilingual guide in English and Chinese. – Tickets for the sightseeing cruise in Lake Ashi. – Tickets for the Hakone ropeway up to Mount Hakone. – Visit Owakudani Valley. | ¥14,174 (US $98)/Adult ticket |
| #Scenic Spots of Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi 1 day Bus Tour | – A ten-hour long day trip to the Fuji area in an air-conditioned vehicle. – Visit the Chureito Pagoda to catch the iconic view of Mount Fuji in the background. – A visit to Lake Kawaguchiko and Oishi Park. – A visit to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba on the banks of Lake Saiko. | ¥12,300 (US $89)/Adult ticket |
| #Mount Fuji, Oshino Hakkai, and Onsen Hot Spring Day Trip | – A day trip from Tokyo to the Fuji area in an air-conditioned vehicle. – Pickup and drop-off from designated areas. – An expert English-speaking guide and driver. – A guided visit to Mount Fuji, Arakurayama Sengen Park, and Oshino Hakkai. – An optional upgrade to explore Hot Spring, a traditional Japanese Onsen. | ¥9,400 (US $66)/Adult ticket |
| #Mt Fuji, Hakone Lake Cruise from Bullet Train | – Mount Fuji Tickets (Subaru 5th Station). – Lake Ashinoko Cruise. – Hakone Ropeway tickets. – One-way vehicle ride. – One-way bullet train (Shinkansen) ride to Tokyo Station. – Lunch optional upgrade available. | ¥22,000 (US $158)/Adult ticket |
Things to do in Fuji Five Lake
The Fuji Five Lake region features a lot of amazing hidden gems for visitors to explore on their visit.
The Fuji Five Lakes area alone needs a dedicated two-day itinerary to express the abundant sightseeing opportunities.
Besides the stunning views of Mount Fuji from the Fuji Five Lakes, outdoor sports, such as skiing and windsurfing, are highlights of Lake Yamanaka.
Lake Saiko, too, is vastly popular for offering exciting outdoor sports such as swimming, camping, and fishing.
Having said that, the Fuji Five Lakes region has plenty to offer to those who are willing to explore.
Getting a Mount Fuji Tour to visit the 5th Station is a must. Visitors will be able to gaze down on the lakes from that height.
Mount Fuji eruptions in the past have led to plenty of geomorphic formations, such as the lava caves, which are unique to the area.
The panoramic views from the Kawaguchiko Ropeway up Mount Tenjo are highly recommended.
Oshino Hakkai, formed due to the lava flow and snow melting of Mount Fuji, is another must-see sight.
There are plenty of shrines and spots that frame Mount Fuji perfectly for those iconic pictures you see on social media.
The most popular among them is the Chureito Pagoda and the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine.
The Fuji Five Lakes region is blessed with naturally occurring hot springs. Some Onsen baths have views of Mount Fuji.
Trying out local cuisine and food is a must regardless of where you go in Japan. Try out the Hoto noodles, a famous local noodle dish in the area.
Beyond these, the Fuji Five Lakes region is also popular for a variety of snow activities. The Fujiten snow resort is a popular destination.
The Saiko Bat Caves near Lake Saiko and Narusawa Ice Caves are also major tourist attractions popular in the area.
Read attractions near Mount Fuji to learn in detail about all of the popular sights and activities guests can enjoy on their visit to the Fuji area.
FAQs
1. What are the 5 lakes of Mount Fuji?
The five lakes of Fuji together are known as the Fuji Five Lakes. It is one of the major tourist attractions on its own, too. The Five lakes of Fuji Five Lakes are Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Motosu, Laka Yamanaka, Lake Saiko, and Lake Shoji. These lakes offer picturesque views of Mount Fuji in the background. Pick one of the Mount Fuji tickets to explore Fuji Five Lakes and visit Mount Fuji.
2. Is Fuji 5 lakes worth visiting?
Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting the Fuji Five Lakes. The Fuji Five Lakes is one of the must-visit spots on your Mount Fuji tour. The lakes are a great spot to relax, unwind, and appreciate nature. Guest can indulge in various outdoor activities too. These lakes offer some exquisite views of Mount Fuji in the background. Travelers can pick one of the various Combo Mount Fuji tickets, visit Mount Fuji, and explore the Fuji Five Lakes region in a single tour.
3. How many days do you need in the Fuji 5 lakes?
If you want to explore just the Five Lakes of Mount Fuji then, it can be done in a single day if you plan your itinerary smartly with a Mount Fuji Tour ticket. However, if you want to explore the entire Fuji Five Lakes area, then it is recommended that you devote at least two days. Get a Combo Mount Fuji Tour ticket to explore the Fuji Five Lakes region and visit Mount Fuji in a single day.
4. What is the best lake near Fuji?
The Lake Kawaguchiko part of the Fuji Five Lakes is one of the most developed lakes and is a must-visit spot. Visitors can enjoy a scenic ropeway with nice views up the hill from Lake Kawaguchiko. At the top, you can enjoy snacks and an unobstructed view of Mount Fuji. Other lakes nearby, such as Lake Yamanaka, Saiko and Shijo, are also worth visiting, with plenty of activities and further opportunities for exploring.
5. Should I visit Hakone or Kawaguchiko?
If you want the best views of Mount Fuji then you should go to Kawaguchiko. It offers the best views of Mount Fuji in all of Japan. But if you prefer convenience then Hakone is right for you. Compared to Kawaguchiko, Hakone has plenty to explore and do. The main difference is the ease of getting to the respective location. Hakone is far more accessible and well-connected to a network of public transportation.
Featured Image: Wikipedia.org