Local Guide
 8 recommended sightseeing spots around Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchi was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2013 as part of the "Mt. Fuji - Object of Faith and Source of Art" component. Fuji and many other scenic spots in nature around this area. In this issue, we will introduce eight recommended sightseeing spots, ranging from such scenic spots to rest areas where you can stop by during your trip.

A scenic power spot where melted snow water from Mt.

Fuji World Heritage Site in 2013, Oshinohakkai is a spring-fed pond whose source is subterranean water from Mt. In the past, there was a lake called Lake Oshino in this area. Fuji erupted many times, and after a long period of time, Lake Oshino dried up, but there remain several spring ponds that are fed by subterranean water from Mt. Fuji, and water that has flowed underground for several decades has gushed out from the surface of the rocks.

8 springs with various landscapes

 The clear melted snow water from Mt. Fuji has been selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan.
The clear melted snow water from Mt. Fuji has been selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan.

Fuji is clearly reflected on the surface of the water and a magnificent "upside-down Fuji" can be seen. Fuji is clearly reflected on the surface of the water when the conditions are right.

Fuji from Oshino is called "Oshino Fuji," and the thatched-roof buildings with Mt. Fuji in the background are now popular photo spots. Fuji. In addition to being photogenic, Oshino Fuji is also known in recent years as a power spot, attracting many tourists not only from Japan but also from overseas.

Local Guide Comment
The spring water, so clear you can see the bottom, is indescribably beautiful. Because of the clean water, soba and udon noodles are delicious!
Oshino Hachikai
  • Address YamanashiOshinomura, Minamitsuru-gunOshinogusa1514 MAP
  • Bus Direction Fuji Station, take the Fuji Kyuko Bus bound for Uchino, and get off at the Ebisuya-mae stop (approx. 16 min.).
  •  Admission Fee Free of charge
  •  TEL 0555-84-4221
  •  Parking No parking (There is a private parking lot nearby.)

Fuji and the Aokigahara Sea of Trees.

Momijidai is located on the ridge of Ashiwada Mountain on the north side of Mt. Momijidai, located about 10 minutes from the Momijidai Iriguchi bus stop, is reached by a 30-minute uphill walk from the entrance of the hiking course. From the observatory, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the "Aokigahara Sea of Trees" stretching from its foot. Fuji and the Aokigahara Sea of Trees that stretches from the foot of the mountain. On the other side, you can see Lake Nishiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes.

As the name "Momiji-dai" suggests, this area is famous for its autumn foliage. During the fall foliage season, the contrast between the northern foot of Fuji, which gradually turns red from the foot of the mountain, and snow-covered Mt.

Local Guide Comment
You will be impressed when you see the vastness of the sea of trees! It is a magnificent view that makes you want to look at it forever.

Family sightseeing is also recommended

 Sanko-dai
Sanko-dai" where you can look over three lakes while taking a rest.

A 20-minute walk up the mountain from Momiji-dai is Sankodai, where you will find Lake Saiko and Lake Motosuko. Here, you can look out over Lake Saiko, Lake Motosu, and Lake Shojin. If you are tired from walking, it is recommended to take a rest at the plaza here.

The course from "Momiji-dai" to "Sankodai" and beyond to "Gokodai" is a gentle trail along a ridge, perfect for family hikers. This course is part of the Tokai Nature Trail, which connects the Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park in Tokyo and the Meiji no Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park in Osaka.

Momijidai (Momijidai Rest House)
  • Address YamanashiNarusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun MAP
  •  Direction From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fuji Kyuko Bus bound for Motosuko Rest House (approx. 25 min.), alight at Momijidai Iriguchi and get off at Momijidai Iriguchi (approx. 40 min.).
  •  TEL 0555-85-2312(Narusawa Village Office)
  •  Parking Use the Momijidai Rest House Parking Lot and Momijidai Drive-in Parking Lot.

Feel a sense of adventure in a pit-shaped cave! Mysterious Ice World

Narusawa Ice Cave, located at the eastern entrance of the Aokigahara Sea of Trees, is one of the representative lava caves at the foot of Mt. Stepping into the cave, you will feel the cool, chilly air. The cave was so named because the average temperature inside is as low as 3 degrees Celsius and it is covered with ice all year round.
The circular cave is like a natural adventure world. Some of the caves have ceilings as low as 91 cm, and walking through them makes you feel like an adventurer.

Local Guide Comment
It is not a well-maintained cave, so it is a bit like an exciting attraction!

Don't miss the huge natural icicles!

 This is a recreation of the storage facility that was once used as a warehouse.
This is a recreation of the storage facility that was once used as a warehouse.

In the past, ice was brought here from the lake in the winter and used as natural storage in the summer. Some of this is still recreated in the cave.
The most impressive feature is the natural icicles formed by water drops seeping through the ceiling and freezing. Every year, depending on the year, these icicles can be as large as 50 cm in diameter and 3 m in height. This beautiful natural art is created every winter and spring, and can be seen until early autumn.
In 1929, the site was designated as a natural monument by the Ministry of Education, and is considered globally valuable in the field of geology.

Narusawa Ice Cave
  • Address YamanashiNarusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun8533 MAP
  • Bus Direction From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Bus bound for Motosuko Rest House or Shimobe Hot Spring Resort, 25 minutes, alight at Hyouana (ice cave), 5 minutes.
  •  Hours of operation 9:00-17:00
    Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
    *Opening hours may be earlier or extended depending on the season.
  •  Closed Closed for about 10 days in winter for cave safety inspections.
  •  Admission Fee Adults 350 yen, elementary school students 200 yen, children under elementary school age free
  •  TEL 0555-85-2301
  •  Parking Free of charge

Take a relaxing break at the roadside station while enjoying the view of Lake Kawaguchi

Michi-no-Eki Katsushima, located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi, is a popular rest spot where you can take a breather on the way to sightseeing.
At the Restaurant in the cute building with a clock tower, you can taste "Itoriki Curry," an authentic Japanese-style Indian curry that contains no salt or flour and is exquisitely flavored with a variety of spices.
A circular observation deck on the second floor of the station building with a view of Lake Kawaguchi and a store where souvenirs and local products can be purchased provide visitors with a fulfilling rest time.

Enjoy a picnic or a stroll in the adjacent Koumi Park.

 Komi Park, which spreads out before your eyes, is a popular resting spot.
Komi Park, which spreads out before your eyes, is a popular resting spot.

In front of the roadside station, you can enjoy the vast grassy "Koumi Park" and Lake Kawaguchi. A picnic with a view of the lake is recommended during the day on sunny days. Walking trails are also maintained along the shore of Kawaguchi Lake, where you can enjoy the poetic waterside scenery and walks in each of the four seasons. The beautiful evening view of the lake at sunset is also indescribably beautiful.

Local Guide Comment
The surface of the lake looks sparkling and shiny, and you can enjoy the wonderful view and relaxing time.
Roadside Station Katsuyama
  • Address YamanashiFujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gunKatsuyama 3758-1 MAP
  •   Direction From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fuji Kyuko Bus bound for Nishiko and get off at "Michi no Eki Katuyama" (Roadside Station) (20 minutes).
  •  Business hours 9:00-17:00
  •  Closed Open all year round
  •  TEL 0555-72-5633
  •  Parking Free of charge

Fuji and the Aokigahara Sea of Trees. Fuji, lakes, and seasonal flowers

Oishi Park, located on the north shore of Kawaguchi Lake, is a spot where visitors can take a rest and enjoy the spectacular view of Mt.
There is a large free parking lot, and it is also a popular resting place for bicycle and motorcycle touring. It is also recommended for families with children, as there are playground equipment such as swings, sandboxes, and slides. There is also a shopping spot within the park. At the "Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsukan" you can buy specialty blueberry products, and at the "Oishiya" agricultural products direct sales shop, you can get fresh local vegetables.

Hana Kaido (flower highway) where you can enjoy the view of the four seasons

 From mid-June to mid-July, the entire area is covered in lavender.
From mid-June to mid-July, the entire area is covered in lavender.

Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers along the 350-meter-long flower highway that stretches along the lakeside promenade. The lavender flowers that bloom from mid-June to mid-July are especially famous, and the "Kawaguchiko Herb Festival" is held every year during this period, attracting many tourists. Visitors can enjoy tulips, rape blossoms, and lawn cherry blossoms in spring, Niagara (begonia) from early summer to fall, and kochia leaves in fall, offering a different view each time they visit.

Local Guide Comment
Various flowers bloom in different seasons and are well worth seeing.
Oishi Park
  •  Address 2525-11 Oishi, Kawaguchiko Town, Fuji MAP
  •  Direction From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Bus "Kawaguchiko Shuyu Bus" (25 minutes), and get off at the last stop, "Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsukan" (1 minute).
  •  Hours of operation Open 24 hours a day
    Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsukan is open from 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:30 in winter from November to March).
  •  Closed No
  •  TEL 0555-72-3168(Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division)
  •  Parking Free of charge

A Commercial Property Surrounded by Nature that's Fun Just to Walk Around

Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace" is located adjacent to Oishi Park. Stores selling sweets, souvenirs, and Japanese sundries produced in Yamanashi Prefecture line the grounds filled with greenery and flowers. It is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing or to look for that special Yamanashi souvenir.

Fuji and the lake, as well as the history and culture of the Kawaguchi lakeside scenery, the white exterior walls and stone pavement create a charming atmosphere. The deck offers a spectacular view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt.

Local Guide Comment
The location is also a great place to enjoy shopping! Pets are welcome on the terrace of the cafe.

Look out for the objects hidden inside the Property!

 An objet d'art of an endangered species
An objet d'art of an endangered species "kogamo" duck

Another feature of Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace is that "hidden objects" lurk here and there throughout the Property. It is a playful spot where visitors can enjoy walking around while paying attention to objects hidden in various places, such as stone pavement with the "Koshu Hachinka" mark, which is a collective name for eight representative fruits of Yamanashi Prefecture, including grapes and peaches, objects of endangered animals, heart-shaped stones and plants, and artists' works made from wood.

Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace
  • Address YamanashiFujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gunOishi1477-1 MAP
  •  Bus Direction From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyuko Bus "Kawaguchiko Shuyu Bus" (25 minutes), and get off at the last stop, "Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsukan" (2 minutes).
  •  Business Hours Varies by store
  •  Closed Varies by store
  •  TEL 0555-72-9110
  •  Parking Free of charge

One of the best viewpoints of Mt. Fuji in the area

The Yamanakako Panorama-dai, located on the prefectural road leading from Yamanakako to Mikuni Pass, is a famous observation deck from which visitors can view Lake Yamanaka below and Mt. Fuji. Depending on the weather, you can even see as far as the Southern Alps, and more and more people visit the observatory to take pictures.
Depending on the time of day and weather conditions, you may be able to see a scene that is unique to that day, but the most beautiful time to visit is at dusk. The lake's surface turns bright red at dusk, creating a magical moment.
When the weather is nice, it is recommended to walk up the mountain from the shore of Lake Yamanaka. From Lake Yamanaka, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Panorama-dai. Autumn, when the entire area is covered with silver grass, is also a great time to take a walk.

Local Guide Comment
Fuji can be seen from fall through winter.
Lake Yamanakako Panorama Stand
  • Address Yamanashi Yamanakako Village Hirano, Minamitsuru-gun MAP
  •  Bus Direction From Fuji Station, take the bus bound for "Doshi Shogakko-mae" (35 minutes), get off at "Hiranoya-mae" (40 minutes walk).
  •  TEL 0555-62-9977(Tourism Division, Yamanakako Village Office)
  •  Parking Free of charge

Large lawn and ample playground equipment for parents and children to enjoy

 The spacious lawn park is a favorite resting spot for men and women of all ages.
The spacious lawn park is a favorite resting spot for men and women of all ages.

Kawaguchiko Sogo Koen (Kawaguchiko Comprehensive Park) has a large lawn area that is loved by locals. The park has a wide variety of playground equipment for children and parents to enjoy together, including a large playground complex with a slide, climbing rope, and a large sandbox. A wooden boardwalk that winds around the edge of the park allows visitors to walk through the large trees and enjoy a relaxing moment in nature.

Local Guide Comment
Fuji can be seen beautifully if the weather is clear. Stella Theater, located on the same site, is a full-scale outdoor music hall where many concerts are held.
Kawaguchiko General Park
  • Address YamanashiFujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gunFunatsu5558 MAP
  •   Direction From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fuji Kyuko Bus bound for "Mt. Fuji Fifth Station" (approx. 4 min.), get off at "Visitor Center" (19 min.).
  •  TEL 0555-72-3168(Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division)
  •  Parking Free of charge

After enjoying sightseeing, head to HOSHINOYA Fuji, a hillside glamping resort built in a national park overlooking Lake Kawaguchi. Spending time by the fire, enjoying meals in the forest, and the exhilaration of exercising in nature are all extraordinary experiences that everyone instinctively feels comfortable with, but that are difficult to experience in modern city life.

Enjoy outdoor experiences in the vast forest

 Lake view cabin. The open terrace living room allows you to feel the outdoors even when you are indoors.
Lake view cabin. The open terrace living room allows you to feel the outdoors even when you are indoors.

HOSHINOYA Fuji is Japan's first glamping resort, located on a hillside overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes lying at the foot of Mt. Glamping masters who know nature inside and out will help you to move your body in nature and enjoy glamping more deeply. Activities range from those that are easy to participate in to those that are a real challenge under the supervision of a professional instructor. Our glamping masters will make the best suggestions.
Meals are prepared by a chef who loves the wild life. The meals are prepared using Dutch ovens and other equipment, making the most of the ingredients that nature has to offer, such as game (game meat). You can enjoy the pleasure of cooking together with your friends and feel the breeze as you eat. Please spend a luxurious time enjoying the great outdoors at HOSHINOYA Fuji.

HOSHINOYA Fuji
  • Address YamanashiFujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru-gunOishi1408 MAP
  •  Direction Approx. 18 min. from JR Kawaguchiko Station by car
  •  TEL 0570-073-066(Reservation)
  •  Parking Available
  •  Memo Click here for reservations
    HOSHINOYA Fuji Reservation Site
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.