Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic symbol, draws countless travelers year-round, and one of the best places to view its majestic form is the Fuji Five Lakes area. Located in the southern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, these five lakes—Kawaguchi, Yamanaka, Sai, Shoji, and Motosu—offer stunning views of Mount Fuji from different angles. With the changing seasons and varying weather, the mountain reveals a new face each time you visit.
From Shinjuku, it takes approximately two hours by express bus, making the area easily accessible for a day trip or a one-night getaway. Kawaguchi and Yamanaka are the most popular destinations, both offering numerous viewpoints and accommodations with picturesque Mt. Fuji views—ideal even for first-time visitors.
Among them, Lake Kawaguchi serves as the most developed base for sightseeing. Strolling along the lakeshore at places like Oishi Park and Yagizaki Park, visitors can enjoy breathtaking contrasts between colorful seasonal flowers and Mount Fuji. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the mountain; in summer, lavender fields bloom; and in autumn, fiery foliage offers a vivid contrast. On calm mornings, you might be lucky enough to witness Sakasa-Fuji—an upside-down reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake’s surface—making early morning walks truly special.
Accommodations here often emphasize their Mt. Fuji views, with many traditional inns and hotels offering rooms or open-air baths that look out over the mountain. At hot spring ryokan, you can soak in warm mineral water while watching the sunset transform Fuji’s colors—a serene, luxurious experience. In recent years, the area has also seen a rise in stylish options like Scandinavian-inspired glamping sites and private villa-type lodgings, offering a variety of ways to enjoy your stay.
Dining is another highlight not to be missed. The region offers a rich variety of locally inspired cuisine, including hōtō—a hearty noodle stew native to Yamanashi—grilled dishes featuring Fujizakura pork, and locally produced Yamanashi wines. Many lakeside restaurants and cafés feature terrace seating with panoramic views of Mount Fuji, turning each meal into a memorable part of your journey.
The area is also full of outdoor activities. You can cycle around the lake on a scenic route, enjoy views of Mount Fuji from a pleasure boat, or visit Fujimidai, a high-elevation observation spot that offers sweeping vistas. For families, the nearby Fuji-Q Highland amusement park provides thrills and entertainment in a spectacular setting.
What makes the Fuji Five Lakes area truly special is that it’s not just a place to “see” Mount Fuji—it’s a place to spend time with it. The calm of the lakes, the purity of the air, the harmony of architecture and nature, and the focus on local, seasonal cuisine all work together to create a deeply restorative and immersive experience.
When you’re seeking a short escape from daily life, this region—just two hours from Shinjuku—offers the perfect combination of stunning landscapes and soul-soothing tranquility. It’s a destination where Japan’s natural beauty and cultural richness come together in perfect harmony.