Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Lake Kawaguchi. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Private Tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone (Fully Licensed Operator)

• Mount Fuji Full Day Sightseeing Tour From Tokyo

• Discover Mt. Fuji Area and Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Day Tour

• Mt. Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo With English-Speaking Driver–Guide

• Mt. Fuji Hidden Gem Custom Car Tour with Licensed Guide & Driver

There’s no cost to visit Lake Kawaguchi independently, but you may want to visit on a guided tour from Tokyo to eliminate the hassle of coordinating public transportation. Expect to pay about US$60-US$100 for a group day tour that includes several other attractions in the Mt. Fuji area, such as places to get good views of the mountain, and at least US$280 for a private tour.

Yes, Lake Kawaguchi is definitely worth visiting while you're sightseeing in the Mt. Fuji area. It's the most developed of the Fuji Five Lakes, so there are plenty of attractions as well as accommodation and eateries by the lake. You can visit independently, but if you're short on time in Tokyo, taking a guided day tour is most convenient as you'll visit many places in one day and learn more about the lake's significance.

Per one customer who booked the Discover Mt. Fuji Area and Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Day Tour, "This tour was a welcome break from our busy days in Tokyo. The bus was comfortable and cool even in the warm Japanese summer. And the staff was amazing. Our tour guide, Anju, was both professional and welcoming as she guided us around the different mountain communities and provided us numerous recommendations on where to get good food and coffee, (of) which there was plenty."

The main attractions around Lake Kawaguchi include the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, which showcases antique music boxes and has a European-style garden. There’s also Oishi Park, the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, and the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. Another great pick for art fans is the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum.

To get to Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo, you can get the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, which takes around an hour. From there, you can transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station. Alternatively, you can get a bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station in around two hours.

The best time to visit Lake Kawaguchi is in spring (April to May) for cherry blossoms and fall (October to November) for colorful fall foliage. These seasons offer mild weather and stunning natural scenery. Summer is ideal for outdoor activities, while winter provides clear views of Mount Fuji.

Activities at Lake Kawaguchi include boat trips, swan pedal boat rentals, fishing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. You can take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway cable car above the lake and walk along a scenic forest trail for great views. The area also offers cycling and hiking opportunities.

Yes, you can see spectacular views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi on clear days. Popular viewing spots include the lake's northern shore and the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. If you have time to venture further afield, a 20-minute train ride takes you to another popular viewing spot—the Chureito Pagoda.

Yes, there are several hot springs (onsen) near Lake Kawaguchi. Some popular options include the Fujiyama Onsen, near Fuji Q Highland amusement park, and the Fuji Yurari Hot Spring. There are also several onsen hotels, such as the Hotel Mifujien, Kaiun no Yu, and the 5-star hotel of Ubuya.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Lake Kawaguchi. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Fujikawaguchiko-machi:

• Aokigahara Forest 

• Lake Motosu

• Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine

• Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

• Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Fujikawaguchiko-machi.