ทะเลสาบคาวากุจิ
ยามานาชิ· Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is a barrier lake at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture — one of the Fuji Five Lakes (5.7 km², up to 15 m deep, surface 833 m above sea level). Formed by lava flows from Mt. Fuji's eruptions over the last 12 million years (the most recent in 1707), it is the only one of the Five Lakes to host an island, Uno-shima, at its center. As the most famous spot for the «inverted Fuji» mirror reflection, the views from Oishi Park, Ubuyagasaki, and Yagisaki Park on the northern shore have been replicated worldwide as iconic Japanese imagery. With spring cherry blossoms, the Kojo Festival fireworks of August, an autumn maple corridor, and snow-capped Fuji in winter, it changes with the seasons; the Fujikyu Kawaguchiko Station area offers ample lodging, hot springs, and cafés.
Highlights
- Inverted Fuji — requires a windless mirror surface at dawn (6–8 AM); Oishi Park and Ubuyagasaki on the northern shore are the classics
- Oishi Park — the most popular north-shore spot, with lavender (July) and kochia (autumn red) paired with Mt. Fuji
- Momiji Corridor (November) — the autumn maple tunnel on the north shore; evening illumination paired with snow-capped Fuji
- Cherry-Lined North Shore (April) — Ubuyagasaki and Yagisaki Park, with blossoms framing Mt. Fuji
- Snow-Capped Fuji in Winter — December–February, with the clearest air at dawn and peak lake transparency
Quick Answers
What is Lake Kawaguchi?
One of Yamanashi's Fuji Five Lakes — a barrier lake of 5.7 km² spreading at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji. As the most famous spot for the «inverted Fuji» reflection, it is globally renowned, varying its faces season by season — cherry blossoms, fireworks, autumn colors, and snow-capped Fuji — the sacred ground for Mt. Fuji photography.
Best spot for the inverted Fuji reflection?
Oishi Park and Ubuyagasaki on the northern shore are classics. Aim for windless mornings 6–8 AM when the lake mirrors. Winter offers the clearest air and best transparency — ideal conditions occur a few times a month. From Fujikyu Kawaguchiko Station, Oishi Park is 15 minutes by car — a rental car is recommended.
Best season?
Cherry blossoms with Fuji in early April, fresh greenery in May, lavender with Fuji in July, autumn colors with Fuji in November, snow-capped Fuji December–February. The inverted Fuji has the highest success rate in calm winter-to-spring weather; the night Milky Way with Fuji at the new moon in winter is sublime.
How do I get there?
From Shinjuku Bus Terminal, ~2 hr to Kawaguchiko Station, ¥2,200. By train: JR Otsuki Station, transfer to Fujikyu Line, ~3 hr, ¥3,500. A rental car (available at Kawaguchiko Station) gives the best mobility around the lake. Weekend Chuo Expressway traffic is heavy — leave very early during cherry (April) or autumn (November) seasons.
Recommended lodging?
High-end: Fuji View Hotel (lakeside, from ¥25,000/night, indoor open-air bath with Fuji), Shuhokaku Kogetsu (all rooms with Fuji view). Mid-range: Sunny Day Village, Korakuen Onyado Fujiginkei (~¥20,000). Budget: Hotel Mt. Fuji, Best Western (from ¥8,000). For best photography access, stay around Oishi Park.
Lake activities?
①Sightseeing boat «Ansoleil» (20 min, ¥1,000, Fuji from the water) ②Mt. Tenjo Ropeway (top-of-mountain inverted Fuji + townscape) ③Kayaking/SUP (summer, 360° Fuji from lake center) ④Smelt fishing (winter, from a houseboat). Combine with photography for a full day.
Practical Information
- Access
- Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Line). Take the local sightseeing «Omni Bus» from the station.
- Parking
- Free parking at various lakeside spots. Oishi Park is best-equipped.
- Admission
- Lake tour and parks are free. Sightseeing boats from ¥1,000.
- Duration
- Half day to full day for the major spots.
- Best Time
- Early morning 6-8 a.m. when winds are still; winter offers peak clarity.
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