Fuji Five Lakes Views in Mount Fuji and Hakone
Part of the Mount Fuji and Hakone travel guide — see every topic in All Mount Fuji and Hakone Guides.
The Fuji Five Lakes sit at the northern foot of Mount Fuji, in Yamanashi Prefecture. On a clear day the mountain rises right above the water. Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest to reach and has the most hotels. This guide covers the main viewpoints around the lakes, how to get between them, and the rules at the busiest photo spots.
Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is the most visited of the five lakes. Kawaguchiko Station is the main hub, with buses, hotels and bike rental. Sightseeing buses run in loops around the lake, so you can hop on and off. The north shore gives the classic view of Fuji across the water. Oishi Park on the north shore has flower beds that change with the seasons, with lavender in early summer and red kochia bushes in autumn. Near the station, a short ropeway climbs a small hill for a high view over the lake and the mountain. Boat rides on the lake also run in good weather.
The Chureito viewpoint
The most famous postcard view of Fuji shows a red five-storey pagoda in front of the mountain. This view is in Arakurayama Sengen Park, in Fujiyoshida city. The closest station is Shimoyoshida on the Fujikyu line, a few stops before Kawaguchiko. From the station it is a short walk to the park, then a climb of about 400 steps up the hill. At the top, a viewing deck faces Fuji. The park has many cherry trees, which usually bloom around mid-April. It is very crowded at blossom time and at sunrise. Stay on the paths and do not climb onto private land for photos.
Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai
Lake Yamanaka is the biggest of the five lakes, on the east side of Fuji. It is quieter than Kawaguchi and has wide views of the mountain over open water. In winter, on some days, the sun sets right on the top of Fuji when seen from here. Between Kawaguchi and Yamanaka lies Oshino Hakkai, a small village with eight clear spring ponds. The water comes from snow on Fuji that has filtered through the rock for many years. The ponds are bright blue and very clear. The village is small and gets busy by late morning, so visit early.
The Lawson photo spot
A Lawson convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko town became famous online, because Fuji seems to sit right on top of its roof. Large crowds caused traffic problems, litter and trouble for local people. In May 2024 the town put up a large black screen to block the view from the busiest spot. Rules here may change. Do not stand in the road, block the pavement or enter private land for a photo. Follow signs and staff. Many similar views of Fuji above the town are easy to find nearby with no crowds. A quiet lakeside spot at sunrise is often the better photo.
Getting around the lakes
Buses link the lakes, but some lines run only every hour or less. Check the last bus times, because they can be early in the evening. The retro buses around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Sai are the easiest for visitors. A bus pass covers these loops. Bikes are good around Lake Kawaguchi, which has a flat road along the shore. A car gives the most freedom, but parking near popular spots fills up on weekends. Weekday mornings are the best time to visit any viewpoint. The air is often clearest early in the day, and the crowds are smaller.
Fuji Five Lakes Views at a glance
| Getting there | Kawaguchiko Station by train or highway bus from Shinjuku; Shimoyoshida Station for the Chureito viewpoint |
|---|---|
| Hours | Viewpoints open all day; buses stop early in the evening |
| Cost | Most viewpoints free; fees for the ropeway, boats and bus passes |
| Best time | Clear mornings from about November to February; cherry blossoms around mid-April |
| Tip | Respect barriers and private land at busy photo spots |