Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible of the five lakes around Mount Fuji, connected to Tokyo by train and bus. The eastern shore of the lake is lined with hotels and onsen that have clear, unobstructed views of Mount Fuji.

The best views of Mount Fuji are from the northern shore of the lake, especially in spring, when the cherry blossoms are usually at their best around mid-April. One popular spot for cherry blossom viewing is the Kawaguchiko Music Forest. In autumn, during the first half of November, the leaves turn shades of red, orange, and yellow.

However, the peak of Mount Fuji is often hidden by cloud during the day even in fair weather, especially in summer. The best times to view it are early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late afternoon.

Lake Kawaguchiko offers a variety of interesting attractions, including:

1. Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (Mount Tenjo, formerly Kachi Kachi Ropeway)

This 460-meter ropeway connects the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko to an observation deck near the summit of Mount Tenjo, about 1,000 meters above sea level, with beautiful views of the lake below and Mount Fuji.

Fare: ¥720 round trip, ¥410 one way
Hours: March–November 9:00–17:00
December–February 9:30–16:40 (departures every 5–10 minutes)
Closed: Open daily

2. Kubota Itchiku Art Museum

The museum displays works by Itchiku Kubota (1917–2003), the artist who revived the tsujigahana silk-dyeing technique. It showcases creative kimono decorated with images of nature, the cosmos, and the seasons, including his unfinished masterpiece "Symphony of Light," a series of 30 kimono arranged to form the image of the universe (great nature).

Admission: ¥1,300
Hours: April–November 9:30–17:30
December–March 10:00–16:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Closed: Every Wednesday from December to March
December 26–28
Open on public holidays and the first Wednesday of January

3. Kawaguchiko Museum of Art

The museum exhibits modern art by Japanese and international artists, including a collection of paintings and photographs of Mount Fuji.

Admission: ¥800
Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: Every Tuesday (except public holidays) and New Year holidays

4. Kawaguchiko Music Forest

This small amusement park and museum showcases automatic musical instruments. The main hall features a unique collection of antique music boxes and a large 1905 French organ that plays every 30 minutes, along with other automatic instruments mostly imported from Europe. The hall also hosts concerts by classical musicians from around the world.

Admission: ¥1,300
Hours: 9:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00)
Closed: Open daily

5. Yamanashi Gem Museum

The museum displays gems and large quartz crystals collected in Japan and around the world, and has a shop selling jewelry and other accessories.

Admission: ¥600
Hours: 9:00–17:30 (March–October), 9:30–17:00 (November–February); last entry 30 minutes before closing
Closed: Every Wednesday (except public holidays) and New Year holidays

6. Herb Hall

This complex of shop, herb garden, and greenhouse lets visitors see the plants up close and buy herbs, tea, and dried flowers as souvenirs. Behind the Herb Hall is a perfume hall selling perfumes, essential oils, and soaps.

Admission: Free
Hours: 9:00–18:00 (closes at 17:30 from November to March)
Closed: Open daily

Onsen

1. Hotel Mifujien

This historic hotel is the only one on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko with clear, beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Visitors who are not staying overnight can use the baths during the day.

Admission: ¥1,200
Hours: 13:30–20:00
Closed: Open daily

2. Tensui Kawaguchiko

This public bathhouse is located in the forest above the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum. It offers a large outdoor bath, an indoor bath, and a sauna (separate for men and women), though there is no view of Mount Fuji.

Admission: ¥1,000
Hours: 10:00–22:00 (last entry 21:00)
Closed: Open daily

3. Kaiun no Yu

This bath belongs to the Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko on the southern shore of the lake. It is open to visitors who are not staying overnight, though there is no view of Mount Fuji.

Admission: ¥1,000 for 2 hours
Hours: Please check at the front desk
Closed: Open daily