Beyond Kawaguchiko: Explore the Famous Five Lakes around Mt. Fuji
Kathrine
12-May-2025

 

For many first-time visitors to Japan, Mt. Fuji is a must-see— and one of the most popular spots to view it is Kawaguchiko. But here’s something you might not know: Kawaguchiko isn’t the only place where you can enjoy a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. Today, let our Tabigo local show you even more hidden gems beyond Kawaguchiko.

Located in southeastern Yamanashi Prefecture, the famous Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖, Fujigoko)— Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko— each offer a different angle of Mt. Fuji. And sometimes, if Mt. Fuji is hiding behind the clouds at Kawaguchiko, you might just have better luck catching a clear view from one of the other lakes!

Kawaguchiko

The most accessible lake from Tokyo and the heart of Fujigoko sightseeing. A bus takes visitors to spots like the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, famous for its kimono collection. The only downside? It can get overcrowded.

Saiko

Known for hiking and caves, Saiko is perfect for nature lovers. Explore trails, the warm Saiko Bat Cave, and the icy Narusawa Ice Caves—even in summer.

Yamanakako

The largest of the five lakes, Yamanakako is located near Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village known for its hot springs fed by Mt. Fuji’s underground water. It’s also part of Mt. Fuji’s World Heritage site.

Shojiko

The smallest lake, Shojiko, offers a peaceful view from the Eboshi-dake Panorama Platform. It's also famous for the Kodaki Fuji Viewpoint, where a smaller mountain stands beneath Mt. Fuji, almost like a mother cradling her child. “Kodaki Fuji” translates to “Fuji cradling a child.”

Motosuko

Motosuko is the deepest and clearest of the lakes, famous for the iconic "Upside-down Fuji" view seen on the former 1,000 yen bill, captured from the Nakanokura Pass Observatory.

While Kawaguchiko is the easiest lake to access, getting to the other lakes is also simple. From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take the Omni buses:

  1. Red Kawaguchiko Line (every 15 minutes) for Lake Kawaguchiko
  2. Green Saiko Line (every 30 minutes) for Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko
  3. Blue Narusawa Shojiko Motosuko Line (every 1-2 hours) for Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko

In addition to these tourist buses, there’s a regular bus network connecting the lakes. However, renting a car or using chartered services is often the easiest way to explore all five lakes around Mt. Fuji! You may also check out our Mt Fuji tour here.

Let Tabigo Japan help you enjoy a smooth trip to Japan from Malaysia!