I did a day trip from Tokyo catching the Fuji express from Shinjuku to Otsuki (approx 1 hour) and then a local train to Kawaguchiko (approx 1 hour with 18 stops). You can catch a pleasure boat at the lake which departs every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour for a 20 minute ride, getting good views of Mt Fuji from the lake. The cost of the ride is 1,000 Yen

There are few ways for this day trip from Tokyo. Since we've stayed close to Tokyo station – the best option for us was the express bus , departed from the bus terminal next to Tokyo station's Yaesu side. We've reserved tickets in advance. The ride itself is about two hours per direction – depend on traffic conditions. We've left the bus at Kawaguchiko bus station , and took the red Kawaguchiko Line (buses every 20 minutes , Suica Welcome card is valid also here) that runs along the eastern and northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko. We left the bus at Oishi Park station , the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. Short walk to MOMIJI TUNNEL – to see the Mount Fuji without tourist crowds around. Also Oishi Park provides spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

Pros: Beautiful lake & surrounded by beautiful views of Mt Fuji. Visit during the autumn period you will be greeted by autumn foliages as well. Cons: Too crowded during the autumn festival weekend. Unless you walk, prepare to be stuck in traffic. Snaking queues for ropeway, public buses are packed. Restaurants seem smaller and those that don’t take reservations may require you to wait. We arrived at one eatery at 5.30pm, waited 1hour for our seats while waiting half the time in the shivering cold.

Took the train from Shinjiku to Lake Kawaguchiko. Booking it through can be a tad confusing, but ultimately, you JR pass on takes yu to Otsuki (half way) and then you have to pay for the rest of the remaining stations to Lake Kawaguchiko. Did only a day trip, so skipped the Fuji-Q attraction (which we were offered free to enter but pay to ride). Arrived at the station, bought the two day unlimited bus ticket which gives you access to the red bus mainy that bring you to places of interest. My recommendation, the Mt.Fuji Panaromic Ropeway to Tenzo Park. Beautiful view of Mt.Fuji at the top and the other was taking the red bus to the last stop (Stop 20) - Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre. Again another stunning view beside the lake!

It's a nice short trip away from Tokyo, nice scenic walk around the lake, can go on cable car ride or hiking up and down to get better view of Mt Fuji. Best way to get there from Shinjuku if you have big suitcases is to take the bus because you won't need to drag the luggage back and forth the train to find room when crowded and designated luggage area fill up fast. We took bus to there and train ride back, make sure to book train ahead of time and reserve seats, could get very busy.

A gorgeous area that is known for its stunning views of Mt Fuji. And it did not disappoint at all. Do the Rope Way (cable car) and take the boat ride on the lake for some wonderful views of the majestic Fijusan...... Early morning seems to be your best opportunity to see Fuji without clouds. We got lucky, with a gorgeous (albiet cold) morning criuse. The lake was like glass and Fujisan was there in all his splendour.

Convenient, low-cost and frequent bus access (highway-buses.jp) from Shinjuku station. Perfect place to view Mt Fuji, especially on the clear day we had. The jaded bus/train station area has little to offer but a walk down and round the lake makes up for that. Beware inflexibility to reschedule after bus departure time.

Excellent vantage point for getting great shots of Mt Fuji and the lake. We opted out of the ropeway, due to the lines. We did take a speed boat (Fuji Marine) for additional great shots of the mountain. We also stopped for lunch nearby.

On a sunny day in April, you can easily capture photos of Mount Fuji that rival the most beautiful professional shots. Rent a bike from one of the hotels by the lake and ride about 20 km along the lakeside roads. Along the way, you'll want to stop at least 10 times to take an even better picture than the one you just took 5 minutes ago. Just look at the 3 attached photos. They're quite nice, aren't they? There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, and even a fruit market, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink along the way.

Was at Kawaguichi from 27-29 Mar 2024 before heading back to Tokyo .... strongly recommend renting a car either locally or even driving under 2 hrs from Tokyo. Explore and enjoy Kawaguichi at leisure pace amd many places of interest .. and have nice meals independent of public transport especially for dinner with only option of taxi since buses does not run late. Given a choice, autumn would be my preferred season visit but this trip was for Sakura in Tokyo.