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If you’re looking for a family-friendly escape from the bustling city of Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchiko is the perfect destination. Nestled in the Fuji Five Lakes region, this picturesque area offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, serene landscapes, and activities that cater to both kids and seniors.
How to Get from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko
Traveling from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko is straightforward, with multiple transportation options:
- Train: Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway.
- Highway Bus: Direct buses from Shinjuku Station to Lake Kawaguchiko are an affordable and convenient choice.
- Car: Renting a car offers flexibility to explore the area at your own pace
Driving from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguichiko
Since we were traveling with a large group, we opted to rent three cars instead. We arranged for a 7-seater and two sedan cars through Tocoo Japan , spanning a rental period of 5 days. We picked up the vehicles from the Shinjuku outlet which is near where our hotel was and planned to return them at the Odawara outlet since we will be staying near there at Hakone. From there, we intended to take the shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto. The 7-seater rental came to approximately SGD$1000 for the entire 5-day duration.
Rest Stop: Expasa Dangozaka Tomei Expressway
Approximate location: Dangozaka, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
We checked out of Hotel Groove Shinjuku at noon and started on our road trip!! With kids and elderly on board, we decided to take a rest stop at Expasa Dangozaka to stretch our legs, grab a snack, and recharge before continuing our journey. The rest area’s serene surroundings and facilities offered the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate, ensuring that everyone remained comfortable and refreshed for the remainder of the trip. The drive from Shinjuku to Expasa Dangozaka took around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.
Expasa Dangozaka, located along the expressway outbound from Tokyo, serves as a convenient rest area for travelers embarking on longer journeys. It provides a welcome respite from the road, offering various amenities such as restrooms, dining options, and vending machines. As rest areas are situated along highways, they don’t typically have traditional street addresses like buildings or landmarks. Instead, they are identified by their names and locations along the expressway. When traveling, look for signs indicating the exit or entrance to the rest area to ensure you don’t miss it.
Pit Stop: Fuefukigawa Fruit Park
Address: 2312 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko Town Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0304
Contact: Phone: +81 553-23-4101
The journey from Expasa Dangozaka to Fuefukigawa Fruit Park typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. This fruit park promised a delightful hands-on experience, allowing visitors to pluck ripe fruits straight from the trees. However, our excitement was dampened when we arrived, only to learn that there were no more strawberries to harvest as the season was over when we arrived in early May. Luckily, the boys were very understanding even though they were disappointed. We should have called ahead to check on the harvesting status.
For Fuefukigawa Fruit Park, , the recommended months for fruit picking can vary depending on the specific fruits grown at the park. However, here is a general guideline:
- Strawberries: December to May
- Cherries: Late May to June
- Blueberries: June to August
- Peaches: Late June to August
- Grapes: Late August to September
These are approximate months, and the exact timing may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and the specific varieties grown at Fuefukigawa Fruit Park.
Checking in at Lake Kawaguchigo Shuhoukaku Kogetsu
Lake Kawaguchigo Shuhoukaku Kogetsu (逆富士 秀峰閣湖月)
Address: 401-0304, 山梨県南都留郡富士河口湖町河口2312
It was close to 6pm by the time we checked in. Situated on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, Shuhoukaku Kogetsu boasts breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding natural beauty. Check out this post for our hotel review. This is the best accommodation (and the most expensive) throughout our Japan trip, but worth every penny!
