Fuji Five Lakes
Fuji Five Lakes
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Formed As Streams And Dams Were Clogged By Volcanic Ash And Lava
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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.
4.0
39 reviews
Excellent
16
Very good
16
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Rp55555
London, UK19 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
For a day trip from Tokyo take the bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko for 1750 yen (one way) it takes 2 hours and the stops are on the screen at the front of the bus.
From Kawaguchiko station you can either take the bus (retro bus and red line are the same if you've read other reviews) or you can walk 20 minutes following sign posts to the lake, until you reach the cable car which takes you up Mt Tenjo for incredible views of Mt Fuji. It's not advertised in English but if you take the steep road between the cable car and the cheesecake cafe(!), then turn right, you can walk up to the top in about 45 mins at a steady incline. It's a very nice walk through the trees with great views on a clear day. It takes about 30 minutes on the way back down or you can continue walking for 6 hours to the next mountain but we didn't have time for that!
From the bottom of the hill by the cable car you can pick up the bus or continue walking - a little further along a signposted path appears along the edge of the lake. It takes about an hour for a leisurely walk from here to the bridge where you can cross and head back towards Kawaguchiko, have a drink at a cafe with a view of Mt Fuji, and take the bus back to Tokyo.
From Kawaguchiko station you can either take the bus (retro bus and red line are the same if you've read other reviews) or you can walk 20 minutes following sign posts to the lake, until you reach the cable car which takes you up Mt Tenjo for incredible views of Mt Fuji. It's not advertised in English but if you take the steep road between the cable car and the cheesecake cafe(!), then turn right, you can walk up to the top in about 45 mins at a steady incline. It's a very nice walk through the trees with great views on a clear day. It takes about 30 minutes on the way back down or you can continue walking for 6 hours to the next mountain but we didn't have time for that!
From the bottom of the hill by the cable car you can pick up the bus or continue walking - a little further along a signposted path appears along the edge of the lake. It takes about an hour for a leisurely walk from here to the bridge where you can cross and head back towards Kawaguchiko, have a drink at a cafe with a view of Mt Fuji, and take the bus back to Tokyo.
Written October 26, 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.
TokyoSusanne
Tokyo5 contributions
Saiko is the least developed of the five lakes. At its south-western shore, there is Aokigahara, the Sea of Trees, a primeval forest growing on old lava flows. There are nice hiking trails going through and several lava caves (Bat Cave, Ice Cave and Wind Cave).
Just NEVER take the Retro Bus (a tourist loop bus). It takes an enormous amount of time, making a full circle which takes half an hour on the way back to Kawaguchiko, serving several stops twice on the same way, and is twice as expensive than the normal bus!
Just NEVER take the Retro Bus (a tourist loop bus). It takes an enormous amount of time, making a full circle which takes half an hour on the way back to Kawaguchiko, serving several stops twice on the same way, and is twice as expensive than the normal bus!
Written August 11, 2010
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.
totomai martinez
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates296 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
If you are really want to go to the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, the best way is to join a one-day bus tour. This is way more convenient than doing it by yourself because some of the lakes are not accessible to public transportation.
Also, continue to monitor the weather prior to your trip or you will end up disappointed if Mount Fuji will not show up.
Usually, the route of the tour is Lake Yamanakako, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko.
My favorite is Lake Shojiko since the lake was frozen at that time. Lake Kawaguchiko is the most developed so expect lots of people there.
Also, continue to monitor the weather prior to your trip or you will end up disappointed if Mount Fuji will not show up.
Usually, the route of the tour is Lake Yamanakako, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko.
My favorite is Lake Shojiko since the lake was frozen at that time. Lake Kawaguchiko is the most developed so expect lots of people there.
Written January 26, 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.
Hannah Ishael T
Manila, Philippines84 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
You can visit this place even without a tour package. There are buses and trains leaving from Tokyo's Odakyu station going straight for the Five Lakes. Once you get to the FIve Lakes station, there is a hop on, hop off bus that goes around the scenic area so you can explore the place on your own even without a tour guide. NOTE however, that Mt. Fuji isn't visible at all times, especially during the cloudy or rainy days. Make the most out of your visit and see stunning views of Mt. Fuji by checking the weather first before going.
Written July 4, 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.
blandimportscom
Surfers Paradise, Australia171 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
Many paintings of Mount Fuji exist from centuries of adoring artists. Probably the most photographed Icon in Japan. Never miss Mt. Fuji if you go to Japan. There are many places to go by train and see Fuji. Even on a one day trip from Tokyo.
I stayed 5 days in Fujikawaguchiko. I arrived by local train from Nagano. The lake views and the view of Mt. Fuji from my Hotel window were terrific. Even seeing it as the sun rolled over and set was amazing. So tranquil and beautiful. I took the cable car the lookout. It was clear and sunny. I have great photos and video. Going to Mt. Fuji was on my bucket list. I'm so happy to have seen it.
Be warned.. If booking a Hotel make sure it has BLD. Some small Hotels don't have Breakfast and don't have bar fridges.
Regards,
Larry B
I stayed 5 days in Fujikawaguchiko. I arrived by local train from Nagano. The lake views and the view of Mt. Fuji from my Hotel window were terrific. Even seeing it as the sun rolled over and set was amazing. So tranquil and beautiful. I took the cable car the lookout. It was clear and sunny. I have great photos and video. Going to Mt. Fuji was on my bucket list. I'm so happy to have seen it.
Be warned.. If booking a Hotel make sure it has BLD. Some small Hotels don't have Breakfast and don't have bar fridges.
Regards,
Larry B
Written July 14, 2014
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.
Margaret B
Sydney27 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We spent 4 days at Lake Kawaguchiko in early June, staying in a private home booked through Air B&B. We are familiar with the Japanese lifestyle so sleeping on a futon on the floor was no problem and we enjoyed the traditional bath.
We used the Highway Bus to go from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko and the Retro Buses to travel around the lakes. The buses are cheap and tickets last for 2 days. They go to all the popular places. When we go back in November we'll be staying longer - for a whole week. I recommend allowing at least 4 days to get a feel for the area and have a chance to see Mount Fuji, which is often hidden behind clouds.
We used the Highway Bus to go from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko and the Retro Buses to travel around the lakes. The buses are cheap and tickets last for 2 days. They go to all the popular places. When we go back in November we'll be staying longer - for a whole week. I recommend allowing at least 4 days to get a feel for the area and have a chance to see Mount Fuji, which is often hidden behind clouds.
Written September 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.
Alexa L
46 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
We found a great Airbnb host in this area who showed us around. He took us around the lakes and around the town. The views were absolutely breathtaking. It was actually easier to get to than we expected as well. Only 2 train transfers from Osaka, and nly one train transfer going to Tokyo.
Written June 1, 2018
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.
juelsM
Sydney, Australia160 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
We waited for a beautiful day, which ended up being a sunday. It was great but the buses were booked out. We got there by railway. It was long 3hrs and we had to change a few times. The view from the train was only slightly interesting. The local train from otsuki was dull. No great views other than people's messy back yards. We got there about 1pm. There is a restaurant opposite the train station with a nice view of Mt Fuji, that serves reasonably priced and good egg noodle dishes.
After lunch, we walked to the lake Kawaguchiko and took a 20min boat ride on the lake. What a great view and there is a sheltered warm compartment - it was winter and cold. 980yen. worth it. We did not take the tourist bus which is about 1200yen. Walked back to the train/bus station. Had no trouble getting a bus back. Heated, comfortable, free wifi and only 1.5hrs to Shinjuku station. Good views from the road as we were leaving.
After lunch, we walked to the lake Kawaguchiko and took a 20min boat ride on the lake. What a great view and there is a sheltered warm compartment - it was winter and cold. 980yen. worth it. We did not take the tourist bus which is about 1200yen. Walked back to the train/bus station. Had no trouble getting a bus back. Heated, comfortable, free wifi and only 1.5hrs to Shinjuku station. Good views from the road as we were leaving.
Written February 22, 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.
Faux-gourmet
London37 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
It will basically take the whole day if you are visiting from Tokyo, and you have to wake up very early. Ideally, take the train to Otsuki by 7am. From there you will need to take another train which doesn't operate very frequently. But with passion and determination (and some help from others) everything is possible! The locals are so incredibly helpful. A very nice gentleman approached us on the train to Otsuki. He asked us if we were going to see Mount Fuji, drew us a map and even followed us through to the connecting train to make sure that we don't miss it!!! We obviously could not thank him enough.
Tip: make sure it is going to be a sunny day, otherwise you will not be able to see much :(
Tip: make sure it is going to be a sunny day, otherwise you will not be able to see much :(
Written April 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.
Jayne J
Mackay, Australia2,633 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
We arrived at this touristy destination and had lunch by the lake, also known as swan lake. After lunch we took the 20 minute boat ride and could not believe my eyes, as only meters from the jetty, uiu look back and there is Mt Fuji in all it's glory! A fantastic opportunity to photograph this magnificent mountain.
Written June 3, 2018
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.
bendrum72
Melbourne, Australia
yes was think of spending say 3 days around the lakes district and doing some hiking and cycling around lakes. where would be good sto stay at a reasonable price but access to doing day tours/hiking?
Written September 25, 2017
We used Air B&B in June and will use it again in November when we go back for the autumn colours. Some accommodations have bikes to hire but the Retro Bus service will take you to most of the best places. Three days may not be enough to experience all the good things in the area.
Written September 29, 2017
Hi, does anyone know whether it is feasible (and convenient) to drive around the lakes? We're thinking of spending 2 days to take a deeper look at the lakes.
Thanks! :)
Written August 22, 2017
It's possible and the roads are generally good. Parking can be problematic in some places and at some times.
Written September 29, 2017
Do we need to reserve tickets to go to Fujigoko from Shinjuku?
Written November 17, 2016
Hello Totomai,
Thank you for your review on Fuji Five Lakes. Do you have any tour agency to recommend for this place? Thanks so much
Written April 6, 2016
関西から一泊だと、時間が限られるので押さえるポイントを教えて下さい。ちなみに富士山と周辺の自然をしっかり見たい希望があります。
Written June 27, 2015
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