Spend several days exploring this resort town in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji, with Lake Kawaguchi as a serene backdrop.
Thoroughly enjoy the Fuji Five Lakes region while you visit the resort town of Fujikawaguchiko. The popular destination is a jumping-off point for a trek on Mount Fuji. Appreciate numerous hot springs, several renowned museums and access to beautiful Lake Kawaguchiko.
To tackle Mount Fuji, plan to hike the Yoshida Trail. It traditionally starts from the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, but also offers a shorter route with an alternative trailhead at the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station. Of the four main routes up Mount Fuji, Yoshida is the easiest and most popular. Don’t overlook the shrine, even if you don’t start your trek there. This is one of more than a thousand Fuji Sengen shrines throughout the country dedicated to Princess Konohanasakuya.
Explore Lake Kawaguchiko and its surroundings, including hot spring baths. Many located along the lake’s northeastern shore are open to the public. If visiting during spring, head to the seaside promenade near the Kawaguchiko Music Forest for the best cherry blossom viewing. In autumn, drive the Momiji Tunnel, a section of road along the north shore that is studded with red-leafed maple trees.
For different views of Mount Fuji and the lake, ride up the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to access the summit of Mount Tenjo. Take a photo at the heart-shaped Heaven Bells area and enjoy a matcha green tea float at the teashop.
When the weather is less than ideal, visit one of Fujikawaguchiko’s intriguing museums. Stop at the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum to listen to a unique sand art concert. It also has displays of large music boxes that were intended to be on the Titanic. A highlight of the region, the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is a must for its collection of kimonos decorated in the ancient silk-dyeing technique of tsujigahana.
Reach Fujikawaguchiko in 2 hours from Tokyo via express trains from Shinjuku. With Mount Fuji views, hot springs and outdoor recreation activities, the area is a popular destination when in the Fuji Five Lakes region.