Image source: IG@isnowlife
When it comes to Mount Fuji travel guides for Tokyo beginners, a Lake Kawaguchi day trip is definitely at the top of the list! Along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, you can see cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant autumn leaves, fireworks in summer, and potentially romantic snowscapes in winter. Along the way, you can capture stunning views of Mount Fuji reflected in the lake. Most importantly, whether it’s by foot, bicycle, or bus, it’s easy for beginners to navigate, and renting a car for a self-drive trip is also highly recommended.
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Attractions – Lake Kawaguchi Natural Living Center and Oishi Park
👇 Add “Lake Kawaguchi Natural Living Center” to your itinerary
👇 Add “Oishi Park” to your itinerary
Image source: IG@lisa_photo41
Take the Lake Kawaguchi Sightseeing Bus Red Line and get off at the last stop to reach the Lake Kawaguchi Natural Living Center and Oishi Park. Framed by the lake and Mount Fuji, the seasonal flower fields in Oishi Park look like a romantic carpet carefully laid out by nature. At the Natural Living Center, you can experience making fresh jam, pick fruit, enjoy a Mount Fuji-shaped soft-serve ice cream, and shop for a wide variety of Mount Fuji souvenirs and lifestyle goods.
Image source: IG@imevachen710
Image source: IG@imevachen710
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Attractions – Mt. Tenjo Park and Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
👇 Add “Mt. Tenjo Park” to your itinerary
👇 Add “Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway” to your itinerary
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Ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to the observation deck at the top of Mt. Tenjo for sweeping views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and the lakeside scenery. Taking a deep breath of fresh air in front of Mount Fuji is truly a delight! Besides the summit observation deck, don’t miss the Rabbit Shrine, the Bell of Tenjo, and the scenic Sky Swing. For those feeling peckish, the Tanuki Tea House sells classic Japanese snacks like dango and “Good Fortune” steamed buns, which are both delicious!
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Image source: IG@daisssychiu
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Attractions – Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
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It’s like standing inside a “Sky Torii” with a close-up panoramic view of Mount Fuji behind you. With no obstructions in sight, it’s just you and the mountain. Located on the northern slopes of Lake Kawaguchi, the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine has an open space and a Mount Fuji Worship Site on the hillside behind it, which has become a viral IG hotspot. Furthermore, the shrine itself has a history of over a thousand years, and the sacred trees on the grounds are famous for bringing good fortune in relationships.
Image source: IG@yuehyuehchen
Image source: IG@yuehyuehchen
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Attractions – Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
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Beautiful rose gardens, charming Western-style castles, dreamy fairy tale cottages, and exquisite collections of music boxes and paintings—strolling through here, you’ll find yourself humming along to the soothing melodies. The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum is a stunning garden-style music museum where every corner feels like a scene from a fairy tale. Beyond taking photos, the museum also offers a princess dress-up experience for visitors.
Image source: IG@ingrid272002
Image source: IG@ingrid272002
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Food – Momoyeti (Local Houtou Noodles)
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Koshu Houtou is a specialty dish from Yamanashi Prefecture. It consists of wide, flat noodles with an udon-like texture, paired with pumpkin, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables, all stewed in a miso-based broth. Located near the Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor, Momoyeti features a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of an old Japanese farmhouse. Their signature Houtou set comes with two types of Japanese pickles, cold tofu, seasonal side dishes, and purple rice, offering great value for money.
Image source: IG@ichirolin1117
Image source: IG@ichirolin1117
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Food – Engawa1441 Japanese Bistro
Image source: IG@engawa1441
Trendy and designer-focused, Engawa1441 is an English-friendly Japanese bistro that occasionally broadcasts live sports, capturing the hearts of many foreign visitors around Lake Kawaguchi. The lunch menu features sets like raw beef bowls, fried chicken, and gratin, while dinner focuses on grilled dishes and steaks. Savor some sake or wine while sharing a Wagyu steak or BBQ platter, followed by a bowl of Japanese shaved ice—a perfect way to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.
Image source: IG@engawa1441
Image source: IG@engawa1441
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Food – Sanrokuen Japanese Robata-yaki
Image source: IG@lana5379
Step into a century-old thatched cottage with a spacious, high-ceilinged wooden structure decorated with demon masks and traditional Japanese artifacts. At Sanrokuen, the sounds of laughter and conversation fill the air. Each table is centered around a traditional square Robata-yaki hearth. Kneeling on tatami mats by the pit, you can grill an array of mountain delicacies, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. Each set also includes a pot of Houtou noodles, making for an incredibly filling and satisfying meal.
Image source: IG@satori_jplife
Image source: IG@lana5379
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Accommodations – HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort
For budget-conscious travelers, HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort is the top choice for Lake Kawaguchi. It offers great convenience and high value for independent travelers. Located just a 5-minute walk from Fuji-Q Highland Station and a 15-minute walk from Lake Kawaguchi Station, the rooms feature large floor-to-ceiling windows. Most rooms offer views of Mount Fuji, Fuji-Q Highland, or the seasonal scenery of Yamanashi. The seventh floor features an open-air natural hot spring bath and a large communal bath with direct views of Mount Fuji.
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Accommodations – HOSHINOYA Fuji
Stroll through the hillside overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and enjoy the trendiest form of luxury outdoor glamping. HOSHINOYA Fuji is Japan’s first luxury glamping resort. Each room is a standalone cabin designed to face the stunning view of Mount Fuji directly. With the half-board stay plan, you can enjoy DIY campfire dinners and breakfast boxes. The resort also offers various recreational activities such as early morning yoga, forest terrace afternoon tea, and campfire bar drinks. You can also participate in nature excursions like trekking in the Aokigahara forest, canoeing on Lake Kawaguchi, or horseback riding by the lake, making it perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends.
Beginner’s Guide: Recommended Accommodations – FUFU Kawaguchiko
A boutique resort focusing on a Lake Kawaguchi forest theme and Mount Fuji views, FUFU Kawaguchiko preserves traditional Japanese aesthetics with meticulous butler hospitality and seasonal fresh cuisine. Even the tableware and displayed photography are carefully selected masterpieces, making it highly favored by Japan’s high society. Each room is equipped with a semi-open-air private hot spring bath, a stone sauna, an eco-friendly fireplace, blankets, and hammocks or lounge chairs for a luxurious time looking out at Mount Fuji. Additionally, the resort incorporates natural materials like zelkova wood, stone, rattan, and greenery, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into a world of understated luxury and high-privacy forest life.
AloJapan.com