21 Top Tourist Attractions at Lake Kawaguchi! Including Popular Gourmet Spots and Recommended Model Routes

Tourist spots where you can enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi Pleasure Boat

To fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery created by Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji, viewing from the lake itself is recommended. The "Appare" sightseeing boat operates on Lake Kawaguchi. The ship is designed in a pure Japanese style, inspired by the ships from the Sengoku period. It has a unique appearance, which is certain to delight families with small children.

The view from the boat is a stunning 360-degree panorama with nothing obstructing it. On clear days, it's possible to see the "upside-down Fuji" reflected in the lake from the ship's observation deck. Seeing the upside-down Fuji, which only occurs under certain weather conditions, is a rare sight, so those who can catch it are indeed lucky.

On the boat, you can also find brochures with tourist information about the Lake Kawaguchi area, and free rental of fans and Haori (traditional Japanese jackets) for commemorative photos. You can plan your sightseeing after getting off the boat, or enjoy taking photos in the atmosphere of Sengoku warlords.

• Address: Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About a 10-minute walk from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Lake Kawaguchi Mount Fuji Panorama Ropeway

The "Lake Kawaguchi Mount Fuji Panorama Ropeway" connects the lakeside of Lake Kawaguchi to the top of Mount Tenjo, which is 572 meters above sea level. It takes only 3 minutes to reach the top of the mountain. The view of the entire Lake Kawaguchi and the towering Mount Fuji that gradually appears as the altitude increases is spectacular. The season of autumn leaves, when the trees in the mountains start to change color, is the most popular season of the year, attracting many tourists.

The mountain where this ropeway is located, "Mount Tenjo," is said to be the setting for the fairy tale Kachikachi Mountain. Therefore, there are statues of the rabbit and raccoon from the fairy tale here and there, so please find them and enjoy taking commemorative photos.

After getting off the ropeway, there is a spot prepared where you can further enjoy the view of Mount Fuji. Its name is "Kachikachi Mountain Scenic Swing." This large swing is about 3.5 meters high, and when you row it vigorously, it feels like you're flying towards Mount Fuji, providing an exhilarating experience. It's a popular spot on social media, so we hope you will try it when you visit.

• Address: 1163-1 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture Access: About a 15-minute walk from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Yagizaki Park

Yagizaki Park is located on the south side of Lake Kawaguchi and is a park with an area of about 52,000 square meters, equivalent to 1.2 Tokyo Domes. In addition to being able to enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji simultaneously, it's famous as a flower spot and is bustling with many tourists throughout the year.

In spring, you'll find cherry blossoms, hydrangeas in early summer, and lavender in summer. Yagizaki Park is also used as a venue for the "Herb Festival" held from June to July. It's recommended to plan your trip to coincide with this event.

For those who want to see Mount Fuji clearly, the view from the well-maintained lawn is recommended.

Inside the park, you'll also find the "Kawaguchiko Muse Museum," which has a permanent exhibition of works by doll artist Yuki Atae. It's a spot you'll want to visit while sightseeing. These magnificent works, often referred to as cloth sculptures, include about 90 pieces on display.

• Address: 1 Sakaki, 897 Kodachi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About a 7-minute drive from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Popular Tourist Spots in Kawaguchiko

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum is located on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko and offers an experience akin to traveling in Europe. The museum houses numerous music boxes and automatic musical instruments, which you can actually listen to. You can even see an automatic musical instrument that was intended to be installed on the famous Titanic.

Besides the music boxes, a highlight is the automatic performance that you can listen to in the "Organ Hall". Here, you'll find one of the world's largest dance organs, measuring 13 meters wide and 5 meters high, and you can enjoy dynamic and powerful music. This spot has been used for filming movies and music videos, so you might recognize it.

In addition to the musical instruments, you can enjoy a European-style landscape in the rose garden and carillon square. There are plenty of flowers, as well as carriages and objet d'art for photo opportunities.

• Address: 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About a 10-minute drive from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Saiko Iyashino-Sato Nenba

Saiko Iyashino-Sato Nenba is a popular tourist spot where houses with traditional thatched roofs line the area, offering a glimpse into the pristine landscapes of Japan. Located around the lush Lake Saiko, you can enjoy the changing seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.

For Japanese visitors, this place feels nostalgically familiar even on the first visit. The forest bathing also provides excellent relaxation.

After enjoying the scenery, we recommend dining at "Teuchi Soba Mizumo" for delicious soba noodles. You can enjoy stone-ground soba in the calm atmosphere of a tea-room-inspired interior. One of the must-try menu items is "Saiko Soba", a local dish where thin radishes and soba noodles are boiled together, then dipped in a noodle sauce. The crispy texture of the radish is addicting.

• Address: 2710 Saiko Nenba, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About a 25-minute drive from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Narusawa Ice Cave

The Narusawa Ice Cave was formed over 1,000 years ago in 864 AD due to the eruption of Mount Fuji. There's a circular tourist path inside, with a total length of 150 meters that can be toured in about 15 minutes.

As the name implies, the average annual temperature inside the cave is about 3 degrees Celsius, keeping it cool even in summer. As you venture further into the cave, the temperature drops and you can see icicles that took a long time to form. The growth peak is in April, when they can grow up to 50 cm in diameter and 3 meters in height.

The cave is lit up, so you can explore with an adventurous spirit. It is recommended for families as a field trip during summer or winter vacation. Don't forget to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes when you visit.

• Address: 8533 Narusawa, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About a 20-minute drive from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Enjoyable Hot Spring Spots around Lake Kawaguchi

Fujikyu Highland Hot Spring

Fujikyu Highland Hot Spring is a facility where you can enjoy a day trip to a hot spring, located right next to the popular amusement park, Fuji-Q Highland. The highlight of this place is its bathhouse, the largest pure wooden bathhouse in Japan. The hot spring covers an area of about 1,000 square meters for both men and women, and the ceiling height is 12 meters, which will surely impress any visitor. It is built using zelkova trees, some of which are said to be 200 years old, making the hot spring atmospheric.

In addition to the main bathing facilities, there is also a facility where you can enjoy a stone sauna. The "Mt. Fuji Observation Stone Sauna" offers a unique experience of a stone sauna while enjoying a view of Mt. Fuji, which is only possible at the Fujikyu Highland Hot Spring. Of course, there is also a regular "Lie-down Stone Sauna".

One feature of this hot spring is the well-equipped relaxation room available after enjoying the hot spring. With hammocks and massage chairs, you can relax at your favorite spot.

There is also a dining area inside the building, making it a hot spring facility where you can stay and enjoy the whole day.

• Address: 4-17-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 7 minutes by car from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Fuji Tohbo no Yu Yurari

Fuji Tohbo no Yu Yurari is a hot spring where you can enjoy 16 types of baths using natural hot springs that spring up from 1,000 meters underground at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

The "Panorama Bath" is recommended if you want to enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji while soaking in a bath. Not only can you have a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji from the bath, but the open-air bath without a roof also offers a feeling of overwhelming openness.

For those who want to enjoy the changing scenery created by the four seasons and Mt. Fuji, please try the "Sacred Mountain Open-Air Bath". In this spacious stone bath, the trees growing around it create various sceneries according to the seasons. The lit-up night view is also very beautiful, so you will want to enter this hot spring at least twice in the morning and evening.

In addition to the hot spring, the dining area is also well-equipped. At "Okariba", which has private rooms, you can enjoy the famous products of Yamanashi in a private space. They offer a unique service of delivering your meal to your room by an SL (Steam Locomotive), which will further enhance the mood of your trip.

• Address: 8532-5 Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 20 minutes by car from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Fujisaiko Onsen Izumi no Yu

Fujisaiko Onsen Izumi no Yu is a hot spring facility located inside the HAMAYOU Resort. The HAMAYOU Resort is a facility where you can enjoy water activities using Lake Saiko, which is next to Lake Kawaguchi. You can easily experience overseas-originated activities such as SUP and pedal boards.

Izumi no Yu is part of the resort and can be used for day trips, so you can enjoy it as a hot spring only.

The Black Tide Bath, which uses natural sea salt said to be effective for mental stability, and the large open-air bath with a full sense of openness are popular. The Black Tide Bath is one of the rare facilities in Japan where you can experience the same components as the famous salt therapy center in France.

After enjoying the bath, please enjoy the "Suppon Houtou Meal" using soft-shelled turtles raised in the hot spring. This is a specialty dish made with a valuable ingredient that has been carefully raised. They also offer local sake from Yamanashi Prefecture, so those who like alcohol can order it along with the meal.

• Address: 987 Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru County, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 20 minutes by car from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Activities Around Lake Kawaguchi for Kids to Enjoy

Forest Adventure・Fuji

This facility is recommended for those who want to enjoy activities while moving their bodies in nature. Using wires stretched out in the forest, you can experience thrilling activities such as zip-lining and walking between trees.

Three courses are prepared according to height and age to ensure everyone can enjoy:

Adventure Course (for 4th grade elementary students or above, or those over 140cm in height, up to 110kg weight) Canopy Course (for those over 110cm in height, up to 110kg weight) Kids Course (for those over 90cm in height up to 3rd grade elementary students) There are various courses suitable for different physical conditions and ages, so it's a facility where a family traveling with children can enjoy together.

When visiting, it is recommended to dress comfortably and in clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Also, in the summer, it's more comfortable if you prepare insect repellent spray.

• Address: 8545-1 Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 15 minutes by car from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Fuji-Q Highland

Fuji-Q Highland is a recommended spot for anyone who feels a normal amusement park isn't enough! The park features scream-inducing rides like the Dodonpa with a speed of 180 km/h, Takabisha with a maximum fall angle of 121 degrees, and FUJIYAMA, a terrifying roller coaster holding four world records.

In addition to the scream-inducing attractions, there are many popular attractions such as the 900-meter-long haunted house "Senritsu Meikyu - Jikyu General Hospital" and "Fuji Flight Company," where you can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji in a virtual space. Therefore, even those who don't like roller coasters can enjoy this amusement park.

The park also has plenty of dining facilities where you can enjoy burgers, ramen, pizza, and other unique dishes. Snacks and light meals are also abundant, and it's recommended to go around and eat at each shop.

• Address: 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 8 minutes by car from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Kawaguchiko Craft Park

Recommended for those who want to experience handmade crafts is the Kawaguchiko Craft Park. You can experience over 10 different types of crafts in one place, such as wreath making, sandblasting, and gel candle making. It's suitable for those who want to learn how to do it from professionals before starting it as a hobby, or for children's independent research projects.

The appeal of these experiences is that you can easily participate during your trip, taking anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. Some experiences require advance reservations, so please contact the facility before visiting.

In addition to craft experiences, the facility also offers unique experiences like barbecue, mochi-making, and ninja meal experiences, which is one of the reasons for its popularity.

You can participate in any of the experiences empty-handed, so feel free to join in if anything catches your interest.

• Address: 3118 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru County, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 10 minutes by car from "Kawaguchiko Station"

Enjoying Seasonal Events Around Lake Kawaguchi

Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival

The "Fuji Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival" is held annually in early April, centered around the Kawaguchiko Circular Hall. Here, you can enjoy approximately 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted along a kilometer-long path. On clear days, the view of the pink cherry blossoms, the blue sky, and the dynamic spectacle of Mt. Fuji with its remaining snow offers a breathtaking experience for many. At night, the cherry trees are illuminated, offering a different yet equally beautiful view of the cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji.

During the festival, there are numerous food and goods stalls, so you can enjoy local delicacies and shopping while walking under the cherry trees. There are also numerous cherry blossom spots in the area around Lake Kawaguchi. After enjoying the cherry blossoms at the main venue, why not visit other spots? From various angles around Lake Kawaguchi, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and take many different pictures.

• Address: 3026-1 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 11 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station.

Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival

The "Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival," the largest moss phlox festival in the Tokyo metropolitan area, is held from mid-April to late May. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, about 500,000 moss phlox spread out, forming a carpet of pink and white. On clear days, Mt. Fuji appears beyond the moss phlox, creating a dynamic view.

In 2022, a new "Audio Guide Service" was introduced where you can learn about the language of flowers and trivia about flowers while exploring the park. This new service, which allows visitors to gain various knowledge rather than just looking at flowers, has been popular. The festival also offers takeout gourmet food. Unique dishes inspired by the moss phlox and Mt. Fuji are available for your enjoyment.

• Address: Motosu, Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 35 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station.

Winter Fireworks: Dance on the Lake

The "Winter Fireworks: Dance on the Lake" is a fireworks display that takes place every Saturday and Sunday from mid-January to mid-February, with the stage set on Lake Kawaguchi. During the event, about 2,000 fireworks are launched each day. Unlike summer fireworks, the fireworks shine brightly in the clear winter air.

While the main venue for the fireworks display is Oike Park, you can watch from anywhere around Lake Kawaguchi. A recommended way to enjoy the fireworks is to reserve a room with an open-air bath in the Kawaguchi area and watch the fireworks while soaking in the hot spring. For those who want to get even closer to the fireworks, a plan to enjoy the fireworks from the pleasure boat "Ensoleille" is also available. Viewing the fireworks from the lake, where you can feel the light and sound up close, is definitely an exhilarating experience.

• Address: Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
• Access: About 10 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station.

Here are some recommended accommodations around Lake Kawaguchiko

Fuji Onsen Bessho Sasa

Fuji Onsen Bessho Sasa is a high-class ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) where you can enjoy the ultimate luxury. Every room comes with a private outdoor hot spring bath and a dining area. There are three types of rooms available, some of which allow you to enjoy a view of Mount Fuji from the open-air bath.

Room 441, a 'Fukuchi A-Type', is equipped with a terrace from where you can enjoy views of both Mount Fuji and the garden while soaking in the outdoor hot spring.

In addition to the rooms, the inn also boasts excellent facilities. For instance, there is a private lounge on the fourth floor where you can enjoy coffee sourced from 60 countries around the world. The lounge also houses a library of books about Mount Fuji and massage chairs that you can use while enjoying the view.

• Address: 9-1-18 Kamiyoshida Higashi, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi
• Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station

Fufu Kawaguchiko

Situated in the woods of Lake Kawaguchiko, Fufu Kawaguchiko is a resort hotel offering the ultimate weekend stay with all-suite rooms.

All six types of rooms offer a panoramic view of Mount Fuji, and are equipped with a natural hot spring bath made from the lava of Mount Fuji and a bioethanol fireplace. The furniture and furnishings in the rooms are primarily wooden, adding to the warm atmosphere.

The Tokiwa Premium Suite can accommodate up to four people, making it a great option for families.

The in-house 'Yama no Ha' restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner, with a menu primarily composed of Japanese dishes made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

• Address: 2211-1 Mizuguchi, Kawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
• Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station

Hoshinoya Fuji

Hoshinoya Fuji is the first glamping resort in Japan, run by the Hoshino Resorts, which operate inns and hotels nationwide. Encircled by a coniferous forest, this resort features four types of sophisticated cabins.

In the glass-walled D Cabin, you can monopolize the view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. The terrace living room gives you a sense of openness as if you were outdoors even while in your room. In spring, you can also enjoy cherry blossom viewing as there are cherry trees planted near the cabins.

One of the highlights of Hoshinoya Fuji is the wild dinner featuring game meat. Depending on the season, the chef cooks the game meat to bring out the best flavor. There are three types of restaurants to choose from depending on the scene, so be sure to check the official website for details.

• Address: 1408 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
• Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Station

【By Length of Stay】Model Courses for Kawaguchiko Tourism

Day Trip Model Course for Kawaguchiko Tourism

If you're on a day trip with limited time, we recommend a sightseeing route that efficiently visits classic spots.

Your journey begins at Kawaguchiko Station, the gateway to Kawaguchiko tourism. The place to go in the morning is the Fuji Mountain Panorama Ropeway, where you can view the entire Lake Kawaguchiko. It's within walking distance from the station, so it's easily accessible. Ride the ropeway to the summit, take commemorative photos at the photo spot. You can enjoy light meals at the "Tanuki Teahouse" located at the summit. Please feel free to stop by if you get a little hungry from the early departure.

After descending the mountain, have lunch at "Miharashi-tei" located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi. At this restaurant, you can enjoy the local cuisine "Houtou Pot".

After lunch, take a pleasure boat and enjoy Lake Kawaguchi from the water. Enjoy the views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji, which are different from those viewed from the summit.

After finishing sightseeing by pleasure boat, go shopping for souvenirs. We recommend a shop called "Fujiyama Cookie". You can buy popular cookies shaped like Mount Fuji. The cute colors such as pink and green are also a popular point.

One Night, Two Days Model Course for Kawaguchiko Tourism

For a one-night, two-day trip, you can enjoy a more fulfilling trip by adding a stay at a hotel and sightseeing the next day to the day trip plan.

For your night's stay, we recommend "Fujisan Onsen Bessho Zenzan". It is about a 20-minute taxi ride from Kawaguchiko Station. If you're coming from Fujikyu Fujisan Station, you can also use the dedicated shuttle bus. Relax in the hot spring in your room after enjoying daytime sightseeing. Then, enjoy the kaiseki cuisine that the chef is proud of. Breakfast is a style that can be eaten in the room, which is also nice for those who like to sleep in.

After finishing breakfast, head to "Saiko", next to Lake Kawaguchi, for a little longer trip on the second day. At Saiko, enjoy water activities. At Saiko, you can enjoy various experiences such as SUP and canoeing, even for beginners. Moving your body in the great outdoors has an outstanding relaxing effect.

After you've thoroughly moved your body, it's time for a slightly late lunch. At "Cafe & Dining Sakura", you can enjoy voluminous sandwiches and homemade drinks. There are also places where you can enjoy your meal outdoors while overlooking Lake Saiko, giving you a picnic feeling.

After lunch, head to Kawaguchiko Craft Park for memory making. You can create a unique piece of sandblasting or stained glass. After the experience, it's snack time at "Kannon Mountain Fruit Parlor" in the facility. You can enjoy delicious parfaits using lots of fresh fruits.

Two Nights, Three Days Model Course for Kawaguchiko Tourism

If you're staying for two nights and three days, we recommend staying at a different lodging for the second night. For the second night, we recommend "Hoshinoya Fuji", where you can enjoy the trendy glamping. In addition to sophisticated rooms, you can enjoy various activities such as firewood chopping and campfires. The recommended dinner is a camp menu using a Dutch oven. We hope you can experience the "Hunting Meat Dinner" such as venison.

After finishing breakfast on the third day, head to "Fuji-Q Highland", a popular amusement park said to be among the top five in Japan. There are numerous attractions, such as the world's top roller coasters that have won several Guinness records, and haunted houses that will make your hair stand on end. We hope you can enjoy it for a whole day here.

Enjoy the finest moments at the foot of Mount Fuji, a pride of Japan

How did you find it? We have introduced recommended sightseeing spots and hotels around Lake Kawaguchiko. We hope you understand that the area around Lake Kawaguchiko is full of spots where people of all ages can enjoy, such as sightseeing spots where you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji, activities utilizing the great outdoors, and amusement parks.

Furthermore, one of the reasons for Lake Kawaguchiko's popularity is that you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons and events specific to each season. Even if you've visited once, changing the season can provide new ways to enjoy and discoveries.

For those who are planning to visit the Lake Kawaguchiko area in the future, we hope this article will be a helpful reference in planning your travel itinerary.

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