5 Places to Visit in Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji Lakes + Things To Do

The lakeside town of Kawaguchi-ko offers one of the most beautiful views of Mount Fuji. This resort area is 1.5 hours away from Shinjuku via express train. It’s a popular day tour destination from Tokyo, but with all the cool spots to go and fun things to do in Kawaguchi-ko and the surrounding area, spending a night or two is a good idea too!

1. Chureito Pagoda

Location: 3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan. Save on Google Maps.

Perhaps the most photographed spot in all of Japan, Chureito Pagoda offers a majestic view of Mount Fuji with the iconic five-story pagoda. The best time to go is early morning before clouds come rolling in. It is common not to see a view of Mt. Fuji because of heavy cloud cover. There’s a good chance of seeing Mt. Fuji in the late afternoon hours as well. To get the picture-perfect shot you’ll need to walk 400 steps uphill at Arakurayama Sengen Park. The nearest train station is Shimoyoshida Station.

Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Scenic Spots Day Tour from Tokyo

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Marcos with Mount Fuji view, from Chureito Pagoda, near Kawaguchi

To make your trip planning easy, I added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. I’ve also shared photos from my Instagram feed. Feel free to use Instagram’s save feature for quick access later.

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2. Oishi Park

Location: Kawaguchi-ko Lakeside. Save on Google Maps.

Perfect for enjoying a view of Mount Fuji together with peaceful lakeside ambiance and flower garden. There are seats scattered about and coffee, cake & ice-cream from the gift shop. Go early morning or late afternoon to catch the beautiful soft light and a higher chance to see a clear view of Mount Fuji.

Mt Fuji Classic Route Day Tour from Tokyo with Matcha Experience

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Mt Fuji Day Tour from Tokyo

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3. Fugaku Wind Cave

Fuketsu (Wind Cave) near Kawaguchi & Mt. Fuji

Location: Aokigahara Forest, | Near Saiko Lake, Narusawa-mura Yamanashi. Save on Google Maps.

Surrounded by towering trees of the Aokigahara forest, the Fugaku Wind Cave is a 201-meters lava-created cave that features chambers filled with naturally-frozen icicles. In the olden times, it was used by the locals as a natural refrigerator, to store silkworm eggs and seeds. If you’re looking for interesting places to visit in the area other than viewpoints of Mt. Fuji, do check out the the Fugaku Wind Cave, and nearby Narusawa Ice Cave.

4. Fuji Tempura Idaten

Shrimp (Ebi) Tempura at Fuji Tempura Idaten, Kawaguchi

Location: 3486-4 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko. Save on Google Maps.

I enjoyed a meal at this popular restaurant near Kawaguchiko train station. For a gastronomic Mt. Fuji experience, try the Fujisan Tendon, their specialty dish inspired by the iconic volcano. With 6 big shrimps likened to cone-shaped Mount Fuji, green peppers likened to “Jukai” Fuji forest, Salmon roe likened to Mount Fuji’s lava and eggplants likened to Mount Fuji’s crater.

5. Fujikyu “Thomas the Train” ride

Thomas & Friends-themed train in Mt. Fuji Station

I was able to ride the Thomas-themed train on my way to Fuji-Q highland, a theme park which is home to a ‘Thomas Land’ area. This is sure to excite fans of the train-themed kid show, Thomas & Friends.

Where to go near Kawaguchi-ko

Shiraito Falls

Location: Fujinomiya, Shizuoka near Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji Five Lakes area. Save on Google Maps.

If you’re a big waterfall chaser, don’t miss Shiraito Falls, one of the prettiest in Japan! It’s located in the foothills of Mount Fuji and can be reached as a day trip from Kawaguchi-ko. Shiraito no Taki literally means “the waterfall of white threads”, which aptly describes its appearance, as multiple streaks of water drape over the surface forming what seems like a white curtain. I went here during summer & enjoyed the lush greens. If you want a more colorful view, I recommend going during the autumn season.

Mt. Fuji Pass

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Gotemba Premium Outlet Shopping Mall

Gotemba Premium Outlets near Mount Fuji, Japan

Location: Shizuoka near Mount Fuji. Save on Google Maps.

With over 200 stores, the Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan’s largest outlet malls. On a clear day, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. Gotemba Premium Outlets is a popular stopover of organized Fuji day tours from Tokyo. You can also visit while you’re on your way between Kawaguchi-ko and Hakone.

Hakone

Location: Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, Japan. Save on Google Maps.

Hakone is another quiet lakeside town blessed with a view of Mount Fuji. It is farther away compared to Kawaguchi-ko but closer to the Tokyo-Osaka Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train route. On a day trip, I enjoyed the Pirate ship boat ride across Lake Ashi, ropeway to the Owakudani sulfur mine, and got to see the iconic Torii at Hakone Shrine.

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Kawaguchiko that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Kawaguchiko

Kawaguchi-ko tourist spots, things to do in Kawaguchiko, where to go in Kawaguchiko & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

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