8 recommended spots for outings with children in Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi spreads out at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The surrounding area is full of spots recommended for families with children, ranging from museums and amusement parks themed around Mt. Fuji to facilities where you can enjoy the nature of the lakeside and local gourmet food. Here, we introduce some of the most popular spots.
1Miharashi-en
For strawberry picking, you can have as much condensed milk and chocolate sauce as you like.
A tourist farm located in Fuefuki City, the home of fruit. You can enjoy various fruit picking throughout the year, including strawberries from late November to mid-May, peaches from late June to mid-August, and apples from late October to late November. Each is an all-you-can-eat experience for 30 to 40 minutes, and strawberry picking is popular with children because they can pick the fruit themselves. You can enter the greenhouse with a stroller and compare five different varieties, such as the sweet "Akihime" and "Beni Hoppe," which has a good balance of sweetness and acidity. In addition to condensed milk, services like a chocolate fountain are also available, which are also popular as they are all-you-can-use.
Grape picking featuring a wide variety of cultivars
The varieties available for grape picking change depending on the season, starting with "Delaware" at the beginning of the season in early August, followed by "Neo Muscat" and "Koshu." There are also times when you can taste high-end grapes such as the "king of grapes," Kyoho, and "Kaiji," which was born in Koshu, so if you have a specific variety in mind, we recommend booking early.
In addition, this farm is located on a hill overlooking the Kofu Basin, offering a spectacular view. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery with the Southern Alps in the background, and from early to mid-April, you can enjoy the peach blossoms blooming all over the area along with strawberry picking.
- Miharashi-en
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240 Tsuchizuka, Ichinomiya-cho, Fuefuki-shi, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP 
Approx. 16 minutes by car from JR Isawa-Onsen Station
8:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:00), "Strawberry Picking" admission reception 9:00–15:00
December 29 – January 4
"Peach picking": 1,350 yen for junior high school students and older, 1,100 yen for ages 4 to elementary school students, free for ages 3 and under
"Apple picking" and "Grape picking": 850 yen for junior high school students and older, 720 yen for ages 4 to elementary school students, free for ages 3 and under
"Premium grape picking": 1,350 yen for junior high school students and older, 1,100 yen for ages 4 to elementary school students, free for ages 3 and under
"Strawberry picking/Peach blossom viewing": 1,250–1,750 yen for adults and elementary school students and older, 750–1,250 yen for ages 3 to under elementary school age, free for ages 2 and under (varies by season)
0553-47-2111
Free
"Premium grape picking" requires a reservation
2Forest Adventure Fuji
Adventure experiences in the heart of nature-filled forests
An outdoor park spread across a forest of about 15 hectares at the foot of Mount Fuji. It is packed with activities that stir the spirit of adventure, such as the "Zip Slide," where you hang from a pulley and glide between trees, and the "Climbing Wall," where you move along a wall using protrusions.
There are three courses depending on age and height. Among them, the "Kids Course" is aimed at children in the third grade of elementary school or younger, and they can challenge themselves with seven activities such as a "Zip Slide" with a height limited to 1-2 meters, tightrope walking, and swings.
Intermediate and advanced courses that families can also enjoy
For those in the third grade of elementary school or older, the "Canopy Course," which adults can also enjoy, is recommended. The difficulty level is higher, with climbs up to 14 meters above the ground, allowing you to experience thrilling activities in the trees. Additionally, the "Adventure Course" is the most challenging course, open to those in the fourth grade of elementary school and up. It features a variety of heart-pounding activities, such as the "Tarzan Swing," where you hang from a rope and jump from a height of 10 meters.
Furthermore, "Laser Tag," a survival game played in the forest using laser guns, is also popular as it can be enjoyed by parents and children together (currently under maintenance. Please check the official website or social media for information regarding its reopening).
- Forest Adventure Fuji
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- 8545-1 Fujisan, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 14 minutes by car from Fujikyu Railway Kawaguchiko Station
- 9:00–15:50 last departure (varies by season)
- December to March
- Adventure Course 3,600 yen, Canopy Course 2,600 yen, Kids Course 2,100 yen, Laser Tag 1,500 yen (20 minutes; 1,000 yen for Forest Adventure Fuji users)
- 090-3345-0970
- Free
- Reservations required by 12:00 PM the day before. Please check the official website for details on participation requirements such as age and height.
3Mt. Fuji Radar Dome Museum
Popular hands-on exhibits. Learn about the Mt. Fuji Radar in a fun way
We exhibit the actual Mt. Fuji Radar Dome, which conducted weather observations at the summit of Mt. Fuji for 35 years until 1999. In 2022, the exhibits were completely renewed, adding disaster prevention content that makes weather observation feel more accessible, in addition to the history of the Mt. Fuji Radar and weather observation. The "Mt. Fuji Summit Cold Experience," where you can experience a "sunrise" as it would be around July or a "blizzard" as it would be around March, is very popular.
Learn about the Mt. Fuji Radar while having fun.
In the theater, you can enjoy the documentary film "Construction of the World's Largest Radar," which follows the 9,000 people involved in building the Mt. Fuji Radar, and the introduction to the Mt. Fuji Radar, "Welcome to the World of the Mt. Fuji Weather Station."
Furthermore, we are holding a quiz rally inside the facility where you can receive a "Mt. Fuji postcard." Please enjoy the history of the Mt. Fuji Radar and the world of weather observation and disaster prevention at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
- Mt. Fuji Radar Dome Museum
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- 3-7-2 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 15 minutes by local bus from Fujikyu Railway Fujisan Station, get off at "Fujisan Museum Park-mae," then a 5-minute walk.- 9:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Tuesdays (open if a national holiday, open every day in July and August), year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 1)
- Adults 630 yen, elementary/junior high/high school students 420 yen, preschoolers free
- 0555-20-0223
- Free (shared with "Roadside Station Fujiyoshida")
4Lisa and Gaspard Town
A theme park where you can meet Lisa and Gaspard
A theme park located within "Fuji-Q Highland." You can enjoy the world of the picture books featuring the French-born characters "Lisa and Gaspard."
The center of the park is a fountain plaza featuring an Eiffel Tower and a flower garden. Surrounded by stylish cafes and shops, it feels just like a street in Paris. In addition to a cafe where you can eat freshly baked handmade bread, there is also a tea salon where you can enjoy sweets themed after Lisa and Gaspard while gazing at the superb view of Mt. Fuji.
A full lineup of fun attractions
The park also features attractions such as a merry-go-round. Among them, the mirror maze "Lisa and Gaspard's Mirror Maze: Welcome to the Magic Show" is packed with exciting gimmicks, including doors disguised as mirrors, stained-glass style design arches, and a corner surrounded by countless balls. It is popular for being a place where parents and children can have fun together.
There are also plenty of souvenir spots, including a patisserie where you can get character-shaped cookies and a shop that sells limited-edition merchandise.
- Lisa and Gaspard Town
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- 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
- About a 9-minute walk from Fujikyu Highland Station on the Fujikyu Line
- Same as Fuji-Q Highland (please check the website)
- Same as Fuji-Q Highland (please check the website)
- Free admission, "Lisa and Gaspard's Mirror Maze ~Welcome to the Magic Show~" 800 yen, Eiffel Tower Carousel 800 yen
- None
- Available
- Please check the official website for business hours and regular holidays
5Kawaguchiko Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Enjoy the grand panorama surrounding Lake Kawaguchi and the seasonal scenery
A ropeway that connects Lake Kawaguchi and Fujimidai Station near the summit of Mt. Tenjo in about 3 minutes. At the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the observation deck at an altitude of 1,075 meters, overlooking Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and on clear days, even the Southern Alps. The "Kachi Kachi Yama Superb View Swing," which gives you the sensation of swinging out toward Mt. Fuji, is also popular.
From mid-July to early August, 100,000 hydrangeas blooming on the mountainside are at their best, and from early to mid-November, you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the autumn leaves and the lake.
Both stations can also be reached via a hiking course, and it is recommended to take a leisurely stroll on the way down while enjoying the superb view. The hike takes about 40 minutes, and along the way, you will find hydrangea colonies and the Osamu Dazai Monument.
Fully immerse yourself in the world of Kachi Kachi Yama
Mount Tenjo is the setting for Osamu Dazai's version of "Kachi-Kachi Yama." The "Gorieki Hiroba" (Good Fortune Plaza) at the summit area also embraces this world, featuring a variety of hands-on good luck experiences, such as the "Rabbit Shrine" dedicated to a rabbit deity, "Kawarake-nage" (earthenware throwing) to ward off evil, and the "Kachi-Kachi Big Catch Omikuji," where you can fish for your fortune with a rod.
At the "Tanuki Chaya" rest area, you can enjoy light snacks like "Tanuki Dango" and purchase souvenirs themed around Mount Fuji and the story.
- Lake Kawaguchiko - Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
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- 1163-1 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 12-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyuko Line
- 8:30–17:00 (last descent 17:20)
8:30–18:00 from July 20 to August 31 (last descent 18:20)
*Hours may change during busy periods such as consecutive holidays, Obon, and New Year's. Please check the official website for details. - Open every day (closed in case of bad weather)
- Junior high school students and older: 600 yen one way, 1,000 yen round trip / Elementary school students: 300 yen one way, 500 yen round trip
*Free for up to one child under elementary school age per adult - 0555-72-0363
- None (Please use the prefectural parking lot near the lakeside station *Free)
6Narusawa Ore Museum
A mineral museum you can see, touch, and enjoy
Natural stones and ores of various colors and shapes collected from all over the world are on display. You can enjoy the unique world of stones up close, from large raw stones to beautiful crystals that will captivate your attention.
The museum is lined with numerous ores, allowing both children and adults to observe the wonders of colors and shapes created by nature.
Gem hunting that captivates both children and adults
Beyond just looking, you can also enjoy "gem hunting," where you search for ores with your own hands. The museum offers different ways to enjoy the experience, including the "Wanpaku Course" for children to easily try, the "Adult Gem Hunting" for adults to take their time, and a unique experience where you operate a radio-controlled vehicle to find ores.
It is an experience that makes you feel closer to the ores, accompanied by the excitement of the moment you find them.
- Narusawa Ore Museum
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- 8532-64 Jiragonno, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
- Take the Fujikyuko Bus bound for "Fuji Midori no Kyukamura" from Kawaguchiko Station for about 25 minutes, and get off at "Midori no Kyukamura" and walk for 7 minutes
- 9:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30) *Mid-December to mid-March: 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
- Open all year round
- Free (gem hunting is paid)
- 0555-20-5600
- Free
7Kawaguchiko Comprehensive Park
Features a lawn plaza and a wide variety of playground equipment
A comprehensive park with a large lawn area. The lawn area is located in the center of the park and is perfect for children to spend time freely, whether having a picnic or running around to their heart's content. There is an abundance of playground equipment, such as "rope climbing" where you climb a mountain made of woven ropes, large composite play equipment with slides, and swings, as well as a sandbox that small children can enjoy.
There is also a circuit path of about 700 meters, which is just the right distance for a leisurely stroll while enjoying a forest bath. Part of it is a wooden boardwalk, which is maintained to be easy for even small children to walk on.
A relaxing spot where you can feel close to nature
You can enjoy the scenery of each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush green trees in summer, and autumn leaves in fall, and on clear days, you can even see a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji. The area is full of nature, and you will often encounter insects like rhinoceros beetles and wild birds.
The park also features the "Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater," an outdoor music hall that can accommodate over 3,000 people, hosting a variety of events such as concerts, plays, and film screenings. Modeled after ancient theaters still existing in Greece, it is designed to provide natural sound resonance. In addition to its excellent acoustics, the view of Mt. Fuji spreading out behind the stage is also highly acclaimed.
- Kawaguchiko Comprehensive Park
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- 5558 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
- Take the Fujikyuko Bus bound for "Mt. Fuji 5th Station" from Kawaguchiko Station for about 4 minutes, and get off at "Visitor Center" (19-minute walk).
- 0555-72-3168 (Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism Division)
- Free
- Restrooms and water fountains are unavailable in winter, and strollers are not permitted on the wooden boardwalks (you can still walk around the park using other paths). Please check the official website for details on "Kawaguchiko Stellar Theater"
8Roadside Station Katsuyama
Boasts a lake view of Lake Kawaguchi, perfect for a break
It is in a prime location with Lake Kawaguchi and "Koumi Park" spreading out right in front of you. There is a specialty shop, a restaurant, and a free space with tourist information, making it perfect for a break during your sightseeing. There is also an observation deck where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lakeside.
On days with good weather, be sure to head to the lakeside. At "Koumi Park," children can run around freely in the grassy area against a backdrop of open scenery. Furthermore, there is a 1.6 km long promenade along the lake where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll.
The restrooms at the roadside station are available 24 hours a day, which is a reassuring point when traveling with small children.
Enjoy a peaceful holiday by the lake with a rich soft-serve ice cream in hand
At the restaurant, you can taste dishes such as "Houtou Nabe" (hot pot), "Tonkatsu Set Meal" using "Koshu Fuji-zakura Pork," and the locally originated specialty gourmet "Itoriki Curry." The soft-serve ice cream is also popular for its rich flavor, made with plenty of raw milk from Hokkaido. It is not too sweet, leaving a refreshing aftertaste.
The specialty shop is lined with fresh local bounty, such as seasonal fruits like grapes and peaches, and vegetables from Kawaguchiko. You can also find unique souvenirs here, including Yamanashi confectionery, local beer, prefecture-produced wine, and handicrafts.
- Michi-no-Eki Katsuyama
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- 3758-1 Katsuyama, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture MAP
- From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyuko "Saiko Sightseeing Bus" for about 20 minutes, and get off at "Michi-no-Eki Katsuyama," then walk for 1 minute.
- 9:30–16:00 (subject to change depending on the season)
- Open all year round
- 0555-72-5633
- Free
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Minami HidaTravel Creator
HOSHINOYA Fuji
Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture
Japan's first glamping resort nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji. Enjoy a glamorous camping experience while taking in the nature by the shores of Lake Kawaguchi.
Access Approx. 20 minutes by taxi from Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥28,182