A lake town with the best views of Mount Fuji. Clear mornings in autumn and winter are best.
Worth a day?
Maybe. Kawaguchiko gives a close view of Mount Fuji across a lake, with a park, a lake cruise and a ropeway nearby. It is a poor choice for anyone who needs a clear view of the mountain on a set day, because cloud often hides it.
Pick your pace
Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji works as a slow day or a full one. Choose the pace that fits yours and the stops that suit it come first. Nothing is removed.
Not sure? Start with Easy.
A day in 3 stops
In the order that suits your pace.
- 2 hMorning
Kachi Kachi Ropeway Fuji view 富A short cable car to a hill with a wide view of the lake and Mount Fuji. Go in the morning.
- 1.5 hMorning
Oishi Park and the lake shore 花A flower park on the lake shore with Mount Fuji behind. Flowers change with the season.
- 1 hAfternoon
Hoto noodle lunch 麺A local dish of flat noodles and vegetables in a warm miso soup.
How to get there
FastestJR East and Fujikyu Railway, Fuji Excursion Limited Express (JR Chuo Line and Fujikyu Railway Line) → Kawaguchiko
- Time
- 113 min
- Changes
- None
- Seat
- Reservation needed
- Board the Fuji Excursion at Shinjuku. Book a reserved seat first, because the express seats are reserved.
- Get off at Kawaguchiko Station on the lake shore.
- Walk or take transport to Oishi Park on the north shore. The walk time is not confirmed by these sources.
A cheaper way
The JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then the Fujikyu Line, takes about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, and a JR Pass does not cover the private Fujikyu Line.
Coming back. Check the timetable for the last northbound train from Kawaguchiko, because the sources list departures near 15:00 and 17:00 but do not confirm the last train.
Typical times. Check the timetable before you go.
Stay a night
Sleep in Tokyo and come by train, because the Fuji Excursion takes under two hours. A night at the lake suits people who want an early morning view of the mountain.
Stays link to partner sites. A commission never changes our advice.
Read more
Posts that help you plan this day.




