After taking our time to enjoy the breakfast and the views at our hotel, we proceeded to explore Lake Kawaguchiko!
A short sharing on Fuji Five Lakes. The Fuji Five Lakes, also known as Fujigoko, are a group of picturesque lakes located at the northern base of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Each lake offers its own unique charm and attractions, making them popular destinations for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are the five lakes:
- Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko): Lake Kawaguchi is the most famous and easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes. It offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, especially during clear weather. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, lakeside walks, hot springs, and various cultural attractions in the surrounding area.
- Lake Yamanaka (Yamanakako): Lake Yamanaka is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area. It’s known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and camping. The lake also offers excellent views of Mount Fuji, especially from the eastern shore.
- Lake Sai (Saiko): Lake Sai is the deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes and is surrounded by lush forests and volcanic landscapes. It’s a popular destination for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore hiking trails, caves, and lava formations in the area.
- Lake Shoji (Shojiko): Lake Shoji is the smallest and least developed of the Fuji Five Lakes, making it a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. It offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and lakeside picnics. The pristine surroundings and panoramic views of Mount Fuji make it a favorite spot for photographers.
- Lake Motosu (Motosuko): Lake Motosu is known for its clear blue waters and stunning views of Mount Fuji. It’s a popular destination for camping, fishing, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can also explore hiking trails and enjoy scenic drives around the lake.
You can check out this website which shares with you the different way to gets to Fuji Five Lakes from Tokyo. The two major transportation hubs in the Fuji Five Lake region are Kawaguchiko Station and nearby Fujisan Station, both located along the Fujikyu Railway Line. From these two stations, buses depart into all directions, providing access to the five lakes and other attractions. As we have rented a car, we did not have the opportunity to take the public buses. As time is limited, we decided to focus on exploring areas near Lake Kawaguchiko.
Unveiling the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway Experience
The ropeway is located near Lake Kawaguchi and offers a unique opportunity to ascend Mount Tenjo, a smaller peak adjacent to Mount Fuji. From the summit, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and the surrounding landscape. We parked our car at the open air carpark opposite the Gondola station.
Lake Kawaguchi Free Parking
Refer to map
After enduring approximately 45 minutes in line, we finally boarded the gondola which lasted about 15 minutes to reach the top. It was quite cramped inside the gondola and i would suggest moving towards the bottom part of the gondola for a clearer and more expansive view of the surroundings.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll find a souvenir and snack shop along with three viewing platforms to explore. Of these platforms, prioritize visiting the highest one first, as it provides the most exceptional view of Mount Fuji with fewer crowds.
For those seeking further adventure, there’s a hiking track available for additional exploration and we did not attempt to climb as we are travelling with such a big group.
Don’t forget to hold on to your tickets, as they are necessary for your return journey. We spent approximately 2 hours for the visit.
Oshino Hakka
We had our lunch at one of the restaurants near the Ropeway station. We then proceeded to Oshino Hakkai, or the Eight Seas of Oshino, are a set of eight ponds located in the Fuji Five Lakes area, on the site of a former sixth lake that dried out several centuries ago. Oshino Hakkai are part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, designated in 2013
🌸 Crystal Clear Springs: Oshino Hakkai is renowned for its crystal clear springs, which bubble up from the depths of the earth and flow into a series of tranquil ponds. These eight sacred ponds, known as “hakkai,” are fed by the snowmelt from Mount Fuji and are revered for their purity and clarity. Take a leisurely stroll along the pathways that wind through the village, and marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of these natural wonders.
You’ll find the ninth pond, Naka-ike, located right next to the souvenir shops at Oshino Hakkai. Unlike the other ponds, Naka-ike is artificial. Its water is so clear and blue that the bottom is visible! Additionally, a small fountain resembling a waterfall can be found on the walkway to Naka-ike, dispensing the legendary spring water of Oshino Hakkai. We saw many people filling their bottles and we followed suit too! The shops do sell empty bottles if you do not have one.
🏯 Historic Architecture: The streets were lined with traditional thatched-roof houses and ancient shrines.
🍜 Local Cuisine: Sample traditional dishes such as “hoto,” a hearty noodle soup made with vegetables and miso broth, or freshly-picked fruits and vegetables from local farms.
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🌳 Nature’s Playground: The area was quite vast like in a countryside with Mount Fuji in the background. Needless to say, the boys were running around!
We opted to wrap up the day and return to the hotel to indulge in some relaxation. After unwinding in the onsen and freshening up, we eagerly awaited our kaiseki dinner.