Fuji Five Lakes (Fujikawaguchiko)富士河口湖
The Fuji Five Lakes resort area in Yamanashi, the classic place to see Mount Fuji up close: Lake Kawaguchi's mirror-still reflections, the much-photographed Chureito Pagoda, the spring-fed ponds of Oshino Hakkai and the record-breaking coasters of Fuji-Q Highland. Easiest explored by rental car or the local sightseeing buses.
nature fuji-views family photography
Neighbourhoods
Lake Kawaguchi
The most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes and the area's resort heart — a north shore of Fuji-view parks, museums and lakeside cafés, with the ropeway and sightseeing boats. On a calm clear morning the mountain doubles in the water as the famous 'upside-down Fuji'. Practical note: the station area and the Funatsu strip hold the region's supermarkets, drugstores and roadside stations — the natural place to stock up on supplies or return a rental car before leaving.
Fujiyoshida & Chureito Pagoda
The old textile town at Fuji's foot, famous for the five-storey Chureito Pagoda framed against the mountain, the cedar-lined Sengen shrine where climbers once set out, and retro streets that line Fuji up between the shopfronts. Home, too, of the chewy local 'Yoshida udon'.
Oshino Hakkai
A small farming hamlet between the lakes, built around eight crystal-clear spring ponds fed by Fuji's snowmelt, with thatched houses and the mountain rising behind. A compact, photogenic half-stop — touristy at its core but lovely early or late, and best reached by car or bus.
Fuji-Q Highland
The big amusement park at the foot of Fuji, famous worldwide for record-breaking roller coasters — and, for younger families, the gentle rides of Thomas Land. A full day on its own, with Mt Fuji looming over every loop; right beside its own station.
Where to stay
Lake Kawaguchi
The main lakeside resort and transport hub — most hotels and ryokan (many with Fuji-view onsen), the station, buses and boat. The best all-round base.
Fujiyoshida & Chureito Pagoda
The town below Chureito Pagoda — cheaper, more local, with retro Fuji-view streets and quick access to Fuji-Q and the climbing routes.
Getting there
Kawaguchiko Station (Fuji Excursion / Fujikyu Railway)
The direct 'Fuji Excursion' limited express runs Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko in ~2h; otherwise take the JR Chuo line to Otsuki and change to the Fujikyu Railway.
Fujikyu / Keio Highway Bus (Shinjuku & Tokyo Station)
Frequent direct buses from Shinjuku's Busta terminal reach Kawaguchiko in ~1h45 and are often cheapest. A rental car is ideal here — the lakes, Oshino Hakkai, Chureito and Fuji-Q are spread out and well served by roads with parking.
FAQ
What is Fuji Five Lakes (Fujikawaguchiko) best for?
Fuji Five Lakes (Fujikawaguchiko) is best for nature, fuji-views, family, photography. The Fuji Five Lakes resort area in Yamanashi, the classic place to see Mount Fuji up close: Lake Kawaguchi's mirror-still reflections, the much-photographed Chureito Pagoda, the spring-fed ponds of Oshino Hakkai and the record-breaking coasters of Fuji-Q Highland.