The Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko), nestled at the northern base of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, offer breathtaking views, outdoor adventures, and cultural gems, making them a must-visit destination in 2025.

Comprising Lakes Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko, this region blends serene waters, vibrant festivals, and Mount Fuji’s majestic backdrop.

In 2025, eco-friendly initiatives like electric bike rentals and sustainable tours enhance the experience, ensuring a balance of nature and modernity.

This guide provides itineraries, top activities, and practical tips for exploring the Fuji Five Lakes, whether on a day trip from Tokyo or an immersive overnight stay. Hiroshima – Explore Japan’s City of Peace and History in

Why Visit the Fuji Five Lakes in 2025?

The Fuji Five Lakes region is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility, with Mount Fuji’s iconic silhouette reflected in crystal waters. Each lake offers unique charm, from Kawaguchiko’s accessibility to Motosuko’s secluded vistas. In 2025, new AR-guided trails, eco-lodges, and expanded festivals like the Shibazakura Festival make it an ideal escape from urban Japan.

Perfect for hikers, photographers, and culture enthusiasts, the lakes provide a less crowded alternative to Fuji’s summit, with year-round appeal from cherry blossoms to winter snowscapes.

Overview of the Fuji Five Lakes

Lake Kawaguchiko: The Heart of Fujigoko

The most developed and accessible lake, Kawaguchiko is the hub for Fuji views, festivals, and dining. Its northern shore, with Oishi Park’s lavender fields, is a photographer’s dream.

• Highlight: Panoramic boat cruises (~$15, 20 minutes) with Fuji reflections.
• Pro Tip: Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for red maples.

Lake Yamanakako: Outdoor Adventure Hub

The largest lake, Yamanakako excels for cycling, kayaking, and watersports. Its flat terrain suits families and active travelers.

• Highlight: Rent e-bikes (~$20/day) for a 20-km loop with Fuji vistas.
• Pro Tip: Summer for water activities; winter for ice skating (~$10).

Lake Saiko: Rustic Retreat

Quiet and forested, Saiko is ideal for hiking and camping, with trails to Aokigahara Forest and bat caves.

• Highlight: Iyashi no Sato, a restored thatched village (~$5 entry).
• Pro Tip: Visit in autumn for foliage; bring insect repellent for trails.

Lake Shojiko: Hidden Gem

The smallest lake, Shojiko offers intimate Fuji views and serene hiking trails, often overlooked by tourists.

• Highlight: Panorama-dai trail (~2 hours, moderate) for sunrise views.
• Pro Tip: Ideal for solitude seekers; visit early morning.

Lake Motosuko: Iconic Vista

Famous for its ¥1,000 bill view, Motosuko is the clearest and least developed, perfect for camping and kayaking.

• Highlight: Kayak rentals (~$20/hour) for pristine waters.
• Pro Tip: Winter for crisp Fuji views; avoid summer crowds.

Lake	Key Feature	Best Activity	Crowd Level	Best Season
Kawaguchiko	Fuji reflections, festivals	Boat cruises	High	Spring/Autumn
Yamanakako	Watersports, cycling	E-bike tours	Moderate	Summer
Saiko	Forest trails, caves	Hiking	Low	Autumn
Shojiko	Quiet trails	Sunrise hikes	Very Low	Spring
Motosuko	¥1,000 bill view	Kayaking	Low	Winter

Top Things to Do in 2025

Scenic Activities and Viewpoints

Chureito Pagoda

Near Kawaguchiko, this five-story pagoda at Arakura Sengen Shrine offers Japan’s most iconic Fuji view, framed by cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Climb 398 steps for the panorama.

• 2025 Update: New AR app overlays historical Fuji images.
• Pro Tip: Arrive by 7 AM for crowd-free photos; free entry, parking ~$5.

Oishi Park

On Kawaguchiko’s north shore, this park features seasonal flower fields (lavender in summer, cosmos in autumn) with Fuji as a backdrop. Perfect for leisurely walks or picnics.

• Highlight: Free flower festivals; ice cream stalls (~$3).
• Pro Tip: Visit in June for lavender blooms.

Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station

At 2,305 meters, this starting point for Fuji climbers offers non-climbers a 1-hour loop trail with sweeping views. In 2025, eco-huts provide sustainable snacks.

• Cost: ~$20 bus from Kawaguchiko; free to walk.
• Pro Tip: Visit mid-week in July–September to avoid climbers.

Outdoor Adventures

Cycling Around Yamanakako

Rent e-bikes (~$20/day) or standard bikes (~$10/day) for a 20-km loop around Yamanakako, passing meadows and Fuji viewpoints. New 2025 bike lanes ensure safety.

• Pro Tip: Stop at PICA Yamanakako for coffee (~$3) and lake views.

Hiking Saiko’s Aokigahara Forest

Explore the mystical “Sea of Trees” with guided tours (~$30) to avoid getting lost. Visit Narusawa Ice Cave or Fugaku Wind Cave (~$5 each) for volcanic formations.

• Caution: Stick to marked paths; new signage improves safety.
• Pro Tip: Autumn for vibrant foliage; book tours for insights.

Kayaking on Motosuko

Paddle Motosuko’s crystal waters (~$20/hour) for serene Fuji views. Guided sunrise kayaking (~$50) adds a magical touch.

• Pro Tip: Winter for clarity; wear waterproof layers.

Cultural Experiences

Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha

In Fujinomiya (30 minutes from Kawaguchiko), this Shinto shrine honors Fuji’s deity. Join a 2025 cultural workshop (~$10) on Fuji folklore.

• Highlight: Annual Shibazakura Festival (April–May) with pink moss fields.
• Pro Tip: Free entry; visit on weekdays for quiet prayer.

Iyashi no Sato

This restored village on Saiko’s west shore recreates Edo-era life with thatched-roof houses, craft shops, and kimono rentals (~$10).

• Highlight: Try washi paper-making (~$5).
• Pro Tip: Autumn for maple-framed Fuji views.

Festivals and Events

Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival (April)

Northern shores bloom with sakura, drawing photographers. Free events include food stalls and tea ceremonies (~$10).

• Pro Tip: Book hotels 6 months ahead; expect crowds.

Shibazakura Festival (April–May)

Near Motosuko, pink moss phlox carpets fields with Fuji in view (~$8 entry). 2025 expands eco-friendly shuttle access.

• Pro Tip: Early morning for best light; bring sunscreen.

Sample Day Trip Itinerary from Tokyo

This 10-hour itinerary covers key Fuji Five Lakes highlights, starting from Tokyo.

Time	Activity	Location	Cost	Transport
7:00 AM	Depart Tokyo (Shinjuku)	Shinjuku Station	$20	JR Chuo Line
9:00 AM	Chureito Pagoda	Fujiyoshida	Free	Bus/Walk
10:30 AM	Oishi Park & Kawaguchiko Boat Cruise	Kawaguchiko	$15	Bus
12:30 PM	Lunch: Hoto Noodles	Kawaguchiko	$10	Walk
1:30 PM	Cycle Yamanakako	Yamanakako	$20	Bus/E-bike
3:30 PM	Iyashi no Sato Village	Saiko	$5	Bus
5:00 PM	Return to Tokyo	Kawaguchiko	$20	JR Chuo Line

• Total Cost: ~$90–$120/person (transport, activities, lunch).
• Pro Tip: Use Fuji Hakone Pass (~$50, 3 days) for unlimited buses/trains.

Culinary Highlights

Hoto Noodles

A Yamanashi specialty, these thick udon noodles in miso-pumpkin broth (~$10) warm you up at spots like Hoto Fudo near Kawaguchiko.

• Pro Tip: Pair with Fuji apple pie (~$5).

Trout Sashimi at Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai’s eight ponds, fed by Fuji’s snowmelt, surround restaurants serving fresh trout sashimi (~$15). 2025 eco-menus highlight sustainable fish.

• Pro Tip: Visit midday for lunch specials.

Fuji Fruit Picking

Pick apples or grapes (September–November, ~$10/basket) at Yamanakako orchards. Try mikan soft serve (~$3) for a sweet finish.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October–November) for foliage; winter (December–February) for clear Fuji views. Summer (June–August) is rainy but lush.

• Pro Tip: Use Fuji-san Navi app for visibility forecasts.

Getting There

From Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line to Kawaguchiko (~2 hours, ~$20) or express buses (~2.5 hours, ~$25). Shinkansen to Mishima (~1 hour, ~$50) for southern access.

• Hack: Fuji Five Lakes Pass (~$20/day) covers local buses.

Where to Stay

Kawaguchiko ryokan (~$100–$200/night) offer Fuji views; budget hostels (~$30–$50) in Fujiyoshida. New 2025 glamping sites (~$80) provide eco-luxury.

• Pro Tip: Book 3–6 months ahead for festivals.

Safety and Etiquette

The region is safe, but trails like Aokigahara require guided tours for safety. Respect shrines: bow twice, clap twice, pray. No littering—2025 emphasizes no-trace tourism.

• Pro Tip: Carry yen; some shops are cash-only.

Conclusion

The Fuji Five Lakes in 2025 are a scenic masterpiece, blending Mount Fuji’s majesty with serene waters and vibrant culture. From Kawaguchiko’s festivals to Motosuko’s tranquil kayaking, this region offers adventure and serenity. Plan with these tips for a memorable journey, whether chasing Fuji’s reflection or hiking historic trails.

FAQs

What’s the best lake for Fuji views?

Kawaguchiko for accessibility and Oishi Park; Motosuko for the ¥1,000 bill vista.

How do I get to Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo?

JR Chuo Line to Kawaguchiko (~2 hours, ~$20) or express bus (~$25).

What’s the top activity?

Cycling Yamanakako (~$20) or hiking to Chureito Pagoda (free) for iconic views.

When’s the best time to visit?

Spring for sakura, autumn for foliage, winter for clear skies.

What’s a must-try food?

Hoto noodles (~$10) or trout sashimi (~$15) at Oshino Hakkai.