Kawaguchiko is a small town that is a major stopover for travelers who want to climb the majestic Mount Fuji, but there is much more to enjoy than just visiting Japan’s highest peak. The mountain is located around Lake Kawaguchiko and has plenty of hiking and biking trails, making it a beautiful place to visit. The town looks like something out of a Japanese movie.
Kawaguchiko is a small town but a major destination for travelers who want to climb majestic Mount Fuji, but there is much more to enjoy than just visiting Japan’s highest peak.
While many travelers don’t stay more than a day or two, I spent four days in Kawaguchiko. It goes without saying that Mount Fuji is the main attraction of this town, although for non-trekkers, there is plenty here to keep you busy.
Sacred symbol of Japan: Mount Fuji
At 3,776 meters high, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak and an iconic natural landmark. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Fuji has been revered for centuries as a powerful symbol of its beauty, power, and spiritual significance.
Seeing Mount Fuji up close is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and Kawaguchiko offers some of the clearest and most dramatic views of the mountains.
Where Is Kawaguchiko Located?
Kawaguchiko is one of the five lakes of Fuji, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, 100 kilometers west of Tokyo. It is the most accessible lake in the region and a great base for a trip to Mount Fuji. It is an ideal day or night trip with direct bus or train connections from Tokyo.
Things To Do in Kawaguchiko
Most people who come to Kawaguchiko want to see Mount Fuji, but there is so much more to do in the area. The best views of Mount Fuji can be seen from the top of the mountain, and there are plenty of lakes, temples, shrines, and parks, including Mount Fuji, to make your time in Kawaguchiko an interesting experience.
Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchiko is so clear that it is famous for its mirror-like reflections during the day. Visitors can enjoy lakeside walks, cycling trails, boat trips and peaceful picnic areas. The north shore has some of the best photo spots, which become one of the most unforgettable photo opportunities in Japan during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage.
Kachi Kachi Ropeway
The Kachi-Kachi Ropeway offered incredible views of the peak. A short retro bus ride took me to the ropeway station at the foot of Mount Tenjo. The line was long, stretching two stories. The ride’s mascots were a rabbit and a tanuki (Japanese raccoon) everywhere.
They were characters from the folk tale Kachi Kachi Yama, after which the facility was named. The story is based on Mount Tenjo and describes how the rabbit takes revenge by burning and drowning the tanuki. Not very comfortable, but the cartoon characters made it much lighter.
Mount Fuji Viewing Tips
For the best views:
- Visit early in the morning
- Choose winter or early spring
- Stay overnight to increase viewing chances
- Check weather forecasts before travel
Tour plans flexible schedules to maximize visibility.
Day trips and night trips
A day trip to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo is popular and convenient, but an overnight stay allows travelers to enjoy sunrise and sunset views, the peaceful atmosphere, and the local hot springs. Ryokan are traditional inns and lakeside hotels that offer comfortable accommodations with mountain views and authentic Japanese hospitality.
Kawaguchiko food
The entire west wall of Depachika, along the Plats d’Epicerie and the Grand Artisan Isle, is lined with delicacies such as caviar, truffles, Italian fine dried fig desserts and biscuits, honey, Hediard teas and baked goods, Fortnum & Mason teas, Pierre Harm’s colorful macarons, a variety of products from The Peninsula Boutique and Café, Baumkuchen and cookies from Hollandische Kakao-Stube, and the luxurious confections of chocolatier Jean-Paul Hevin. I recently sat down to a perfectly balanced, rich cup of hot chocolate at Jean-Paul Hevin’s for about ¥1,300 or $8.00 USD.
