Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
507 reviews
Excellent
219
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215
Average
70
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Guillaume A
Shizuoka, Japan2,089 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
One of the five lakes located around Fuji San. The light and views of Fuji San are always different based on the weather. Many restaurants, shops, hotels, bnb, campgrounds located alongside or in the mountains a short drive a away. Nice trail going around the lake, perfect for q stroll or bike ride. Bike rental a available as well as boats.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krocchi
Singapore, Singapore2,239 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
One of Fuji Five Lakes, and I think that this is the most beautiful lake out of the five. It is better than Kawaguchiko because you can get a better look at Mt Fuji. If I were to stay here again, I'll definitely pick to stay by this lake instead.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hiey
Tokyo, Japan22 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
When Mt.Fuji is seen clearly over the lake, we feel so happy. The view is excellent. If it's clear enough, you can see a nice view of Mt.Fuji over the roof of Seven Eleven.
It has been a nice summer resort for people run away from disgustingly hot and busy cities in and around Tokyo. Compared with Kawaguchiko, it is much quiter. However, we have noisy jet skiers here...Pity. Additionally, you may experience sudden big noise from Mt.Fuji. Don't get surprised to hear gun fires by the Self Defense Forces. It happens from time to time.
There are nice shops and restaurants around the lake. Generally the prices are rather high, though. Bad influence of the big city where guests come from. If you don't want to spend too muych for food, go for Udon or Hoto.
There is an esplanade along the lake and we can enjoy walking, running and cycling. It's cool even in Summer, so, don't forget to bring a cardy or a jacket. In winter it is really cold. Be careful and get ready if you go there by car in Jan and Feb. It does snow.
It has been a nice summer resort for people run away from disgustingly hot and busy cities in and around Tokyo. Compared with Kawaguchiko, it is much quiter. However, we have noisy jet skiers here...Pity. Additionally, you may experience sudden big noise from Mt.Fuji. Don't get surprised to hear gun fires by the Self Defense Forces. It happens from time to time.
There are nice shops and restaurants around the lake. Generally the prices are rather high, though. Bad influence of the big city where guests come from. If you don't want to spend too muych for food, go for Udon or Hoto.
There is an esplanade along the lake and we can enjoy walking, running and cycling. It's cool even in Summer, so, don't forget to bring a cardy or a jacket. In winter it is really cold. Be careful and get ready if you go there by car in Jan and Feb. It does snow.
Written July 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabrielle I
Jakarta, Indonesia10 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
I went here for a quite unexpected trip. I chose Yamanaka over Kawaguchi simply because I want to go to *cheaper* onsen with the view of mount Fuji and Yamanaka has it (Benifuji no Yu)! I went from Tokyo station by bus in mid March at about 8 PM and reached the lake at about 11.30 PM. There was a traffic jam on the way there. By the time I reached the lake, it was almost totally dark. I imagined those cafes by the lake would open until midnight, but I couldn't see any cafes open from the bus stop. So I walked to my hotel in complete darkness, but it's totally fine because it's quite near. I stayed in Zero-Project Japan Guesthouse.
The next morning, I could clearly see piles of snow everywhere. It was almost spring already but the weather is still quite chilly. I would suggest people to go at this period up to mid of April. Since the snowy top of Fujisan would still be there, but the weather would not be so cold. I also think you should really pay attention to the weather when you go here to Fujisan, as it would really affect your experience. Me and my friend have a totally different experiences just because of the weather! I was lucky to have a perfect weather on the 2nd day. Blue sky and puffy clouds. I never saw sky so blue like what I saw that day. I rent a 500 yen folding bike at my hostel to explore the lake. Approx. 3 hours to go along the lake side path by bike, including stoping few times to take photos (there are many swans on the lake!), explore cafes and eat lunch @ Denny's by the lake. If you want to capture Fujisan with clear skies, I suggest you to go before 11 AM.
All the things I saw and found along the way were so vintage. It seems like the time there stopped at the middle of 90s or late 80s. I don't really know what makes me think that way, but maybe the combination of the ambience and the things I saw like duck boats, closed villas and small ramen stores, the architecture of the buildings and cafes, the existence of abandoned museums and buildings (a lot of it!). If you enjoy this kind of thing, I would really suggest you to come here! It's a kind of time travels as for me. Not many tourists, considering I went in spring break, yet I can still meet people along the way. Just perfect, at least for me.
For the food suggestions, I think eating "Hoto" is a must. There is also a cute cafe called Papermoon worth to be visited. The Denny's restaurant by the lake is also vintage looking and worth to be visited.
The next morning, I could clearly see piles of snow everywhere. It was almost spring already but the weather is still quite chilly. I would suggest people to go at this period up to mid of April. Since the snowy top of Fujisan would still be there, but the weather would not be so cold. I also think you should really pay attention to the weather when you go here to Fujisan, as it would really affect your experience. Me and my friend have a totally different experiences just because of the weather! I was lucky to have a perfect weather on the 2nd day. Blue sky and puffy clouds. I never saw sky so blue like what I saw that day. I rent a 500 yen folding bike at my hostel to explore the lake. Approx. 3 hours to go along the lake side path by bike, including stoping few times to take photos (there are many swans on the lake!), explore cafes and eat lunch @ Denny's by the lake. If you want to capture Fujisan with clear skies, I suggest you to go before 11 AM.
All the things I saw and found along the way were so vintage. It seems like the time there stopped at the middle of 90s or late 80s. I don't really know what makes me think that way, but maybe the combination of the ambience and the things I saw like duck boats, closed villas and small ramen stores, the architecture of the buildings and cafes, the existence of abandoned museums and buildings (a lot of it!). If you enjoy this kind of thing, I would really suggest you to come here! It's a kind of time travels as for me. Not many tourists, considering I went in spring break, yet I can still meet people along the way. Just perfect, at least for me.
For the food suggestions, I think eating "Hoto" is a must. There is also a cute cafe called Papermoon worth to be visited. The Denny's restaurant by the lake is also vintage looking and worth to be visited.
Written February 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy_Sinha
Kolkata (Calcutta), India2,371 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
One of the Fuji five lakes, Yamanaka Lake offers wonderful views of Fuji-San and is one of the closest view points of Mount Fuji. The lake is also famous for the Diamond Fuji. Me and my Friend visited the place in February 2017.
Access to Lake - From Tokyo (Shinjuku) , we took the highway express bus to Yamakanako and got down at the Fuji View Hotel. One can also reach the lake by taking a bus from from the Kawaguchiko station / Fuji Station.
It is wise to plan a visit on a bright sunny day as the views of the surrounding areas and the Mount Fuji are spectacular.
The Lake has many boating options and the Swan cruise.
Access to Lake - From Tokyo (Shinjuku) , we took the highway express bus to Yamakanako and got down at the Fuji View Hotel. One can also reach the lake by taking a bus from from the Kawaguchiko station / Fuji Station.
It is wise to plan a visit on a bright sunny day as the views of the surrounding areas and the Mount Fuji are spectacular.
The Lake has many boating options and the Swan cruise.
Written March 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheMartians
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia248 contributions
Dec 2016
You will enjoy a nice walk along the lake and have great local and international cuisines. It's amazing!
Written December 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globetrotter
Dubai, United Arab Emirates1,513 contributions
Dec 2019
We enjoyed the Quiet, peaceful hike around the 16km lake.
Gorgeous snowscape, mountainscape and lakescape!!!!
Got to view Mount Fuji from different angles and also stay to watch the “diamond Fuji sunset “
Gorgeous snowscape, mountainscape and lakescape!!!!
Got to view Mount Fuji from different angles and also stay to watch the “diamond Fuji sunset “
Written December 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe_Fong
Singapore, Singapore251 contributions
Nov 2017 • Family
Similar to an earlier traveller Carol, we chose to go Yamanakako instead of Kawaguchiko as it is less crowded, and I understood it is physically nearer to Mt Fuji. We caught an express bus (hourly intervals) from Mishima station after arriving there by Shinkansen from Tokyo.
The bus dropped us at the northern shore of the lake. To get a good view of the lake and Mt Fuji, we had to walk eastward, i.e. in clockwise direction.
There is nothing much to do apart from the swan boat cruise and the hippo ride, both which we did not do. Something which kids would like is to feed fishes, ducks and swans with food which could be bought at JPY 100.
We took a local bus to Oshino Hakkai from the bus stop opposite the swan cruise pier which is near Denny's restaurant.
We were fortunate to reach there on a clear day. If we had been there earlier, we won't see Mt Fuji as it was overcast, so much so that we did not see it at all when we travelled on the Shinkansen to Tokyo.
While the journey to/fro was long, the majestic view of Mt Fuji made it all worthwhile.
The bus dropped us at the northern shore of the lake. To get a good view of the lake and Mt Fuji, we had to walk eastward, i.e. in clockwise direction.
There is nothing much to do apart from the swan boat cruise and the hippo ride, both which we did not do. Something which kids would like is to feed fishes, ducks and swans with food which could be bought at JPY 100.
We took a local bus to Oshino Hakkai from the bus stop opposite the swan cruise pier which is near Denny's restaurant.
We were fortunate to reach there on a clear day. If we had been there earlier, we won't see Mt Fuji as it was overcast, so much so that we did not see it at all when we travelled on the Shinkansen to Tokyo.
While the journey to/fro was long, the majestic view of Mt Fuji made it all worthwhile.
Written November 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tejinder S
San Jose, CA301 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
It's one of the five lakes where we can have a view of Mt. Fuji, however, it needs to be a clear sunny day for that. There's lot of options for water sports such as boating, kayaking or bike rental around the river. Lots of guesthouse, hotels around the lake and Mt. Fuji is just 50 mins drive away. I highly recommend staying here if you're in the area..
Written September 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gianluca Guidotti
Magadino, Switzerland88 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
Less known lake Yamanaka is less developed hence more authentic than his neighbouring Lake Kawagaciko.
Perfect spot for walks and pick-nicks, jogging and boat rides.
Perfect spot for walks and pick-nicks, jogging and boat rides.
Written June 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
รบกวนแนะนำหน่อยคะ
จาดtokyo จะ ไป Lake Yamanaka
แนะนำวิธีการเดินทางให้หน่อยคะ
ตั้งใจจะไปรถบัสคะ
และที่จุดชมวิวสวยๆจุดไหนบ้าง
อยากจะไปหมู่บ้านน้ำใสด้วยคะ
เป็น1Day trip
Written April 8, 2019
Hi guys, we are looking to stay in Hakone for the hot springs, but looking to do some cycling at Lake Yamanakako, can anyone advise the best way to get up there? If it’s renting a car, please let me know where best to get this from, and if its public transport how does this work?! Going in April/May for 4 days. Please help! Thanks so much in advance.
Written January 13, 2019
Hey! I guess it’s the best way to go there by car or private taxi or „guided tour bus“. I am not sure but we couldn’t make by public transport 🤔🤷🏻♀️ so we decided to go there with a private guided shared bus. But we booked it in a travel agency in Hong Kong.
Written January 29, 2019
Hi, are the paddle boats available for rent in December?
Written November 5, 2018
Please help with travel options (cost and time) from Shinjuku area in Tokyo to the Marriott Lake Yamanaka - can’t seem to figure out if bus or train is best (we won’t be starting our JR pass for this journey)
Written November 3, 2018
I would like to know how to get from Asakusa, in Tokyo for a day trip to Lake Yamanakako , as I had been considering going to Kawaguchiko , but having read your review I would prefer the tranquility of this place -not so toumany tourists there.
Written August 14, 2018
no - at our time - no tourists - only some photographers... we had great private time there !
Written September 25, 2018
Reading all these reviews, I find Lake Yamanaka is both closer and quieter than the much popular town of Hakone.
Did anyone feel that one night at Yamanaka is too short or just enough? Two nights at most?
I would really just like to be able to see Mt. Fuji and take wonderful pictures!
Plan on traveling mid November. Thank you in advance!
Written June 29, 2018
I didn’t stay there we just went for the day & it was Beautiful we went on the Swan Ferry ride which is a 45 minute ride and it has an Awesome view of Mt Fuji from the water, I would suggest to stay 2 nights & that way you will have 2 chances of seeing Mt Fuji on a clear day, there are a lot of eateries in the town & a 7 eleven store, try & go up to the 5th station it is beautiful scenery along the way, Have Fun 🤗
Written June 30, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
Hi,
Can I know how do I get to this lake from Odawara station?
Written October 26, 2016
I went there on a Tour but if you contact one of the hotels at Lake Yamanaka via e mail I am sure they can let you know 😊
Written July 2, 2018
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