Kawaguchiko, the second largest of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, is located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture. For this trip to Kawaguchiko, we’ll be taking it slow, spending two days and one night. We’ll be soaking up the atmosphere of the autumn leaves festival, which I happened to visit in early November. We’ll also be hunting for the best views of Mount Fuji, and even venturing into the infamous suicide forest. And explore famous caves like the Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave, which are like natural refrigerators with real ice inside, and also take a ropeway to the top and chill out in a public park with a backdrop of Mount Fuji.
Let me tell you, visiting Kawaguchiko is like going on a quest to collect views of Mount Fuji for your memory bank. Almost everywhere you go in Kawaguchiko, you can see almost all of Mount Fuji. So, let’s go explore together!”
Let’s get to know Kawaguchiko first.
Kawaguchiko is one of the closest points to Mount Fuji and offers a clear view of the mountain. It’s one of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, the second largest of all, and has the longest shoreline. This makes it a hotspot for hotels and resorts. In 2013, Kawaguchiko, along with the other four lakes, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the most famous and popular of the lakes, especially during the climbing season when people flock here to ascend Mount Fuji and explore its summit.
The most popular season to visit Lake Kawaguchiko is during the cherry blossom season (March-May), when people gather to witness the blooming sakura that transforms the area around Lake Kawaguchiko into a vibrant pastel pink. It’s one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, which can be seen from almost any point. It’s also popular during the autumn foliage season (October-November) when there’s a festival for viewing the red leaves. Amidst the warm and romantic atmosphere, it’s one of the most beautiful times, rivaling the cherry blossom season.
Kawaguchiko is a natural beauty spot, a lake amidst the view of Mount Fuji. It’s a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, ideal for nature lovers. I can assure you that anyone who visits Kawaguchiko will undoubtedly fall in love with it. Let’s go hunt for views of Mount Fuji together!
Kawaguchiko Travel Plan
For this trip to Kawaguchiko, we planned for 2 days and 1 night. This trip is like a hunt for Mount Fuji across various attractions. Anyone planning to visit Kawaguchiko to collect landmarks with beautiful views of Mount Fuji can follow my plan.
⚡️ I must mention that in this review, I rented a car for the trip, I didn’t use public transportation like trains and buses. So, those who drive can follow my route. But if you’re using public transportation, you might need to do some homework and adjust the plan accordingly.
Day | Attractions in Lake Kawaguchiko |
1 | – Momiji Corridor Lake Kawaguchi – Oishi Park |
2 | – Chureito Pagoda – Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park – Tenku-no Torii – Aokigahara Narusawa Ice Cave + Fugaku Wind Cave |
Accommodation | – The Garden Resort & Condominium |
OAT Discount | ส่วนลด Klook ส่วนลด Agoda ส่วนลด Booking ส่วนลด Expedia ส่วนลด Hotels |
Recommended Hotels in Lake Kawaguchiko
If you’re looking for accommodation in Lake Kawaguchiko, I recommend staying at a hotel where you can see Mount Fuji directly from your accommodation, or even better, from your bedroom. So, I will list hotels and accommodations where you can see Mount Fuji. I will categorize them according to the budget for each night’s stay. For those who love camping, the area around Lake Kawaguchiko is full of Glamping accommodations with great views of Mount Fuji. Choose what you like and what’s convenient for you. Check out the recommended hotels I’ve selected for you.
🏨 Check out recommended accommodations in Lake Kawaguchiko from Tripadvisor / Agoda / Booking.com
1. Accommodation with a View of Mount Fuji
Choosing accommodation in Kawaguchiko is special because it involves Mount Fuji. As I said, if you can afford it and are willing to pay, I would like you to try choosing accommodation and a room where you can see Mount Fuji directly from your bedroom. It’s incredibly fulfilling and heartwarming.
Recommended Accommodations and Hotels
- Top-luxury-boutique hotels (more than $300/night): FUFU Kawaguchiko (⭐️ Mt. Fuji view + private onsen in every room) / Shuhokaku Kogetsu (Mt. Fuji view in every room) / Kukuna
- Good with affordable hotels ($150-$300/night): Mizno Hotel / The Garden (real stay review at the end of this review, click) / La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko
- Budget-friendly hotels and hostels (less than $150/night): HAOSTAY / HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort / Megu Fuji 2021 / Hostel Fujisan YOU (hostel)
2. Glamping Accommodation with a View of Mount Fuji
If you want to try the experience of sleeping in a camping feel in the wild mountains, along with a stunning view of Mount Fuji, you must try glamping accommodation. But I must say that this type of accommodation is much more expensive than usual (really expensive). Personally, I have never stayed here, but I know that Kawaguchiko is one of the places famous for this type of accommodation. If you like it, book it right away. I highly cheer for it, especially ‘HOSHINOYA Fuji’, it’s the top one.
Recommended Glamping
- Top-luxury-boutique glamping (more than $1,000/night): HOSHINOYA Fuji (⭐️)
- Second top glamping, the price is lower ($300-$1,000/night): Glamping Villa Hanz Kawaguchiko / Dot Glamping Fuji
- Nice glamping with a good price (less than $300/night): Mount Fuji Panorama Glamping / Kawaguchiko Country Cottage Ban
How to Get to Lake Kawaguchiko
There are several ways to travel to Lake Kawaguchiko, and I will base the journey starting from Tokyo, as most tourists, who go to Lake Kawaguchiko, usually land in Tokyo and then start traveling to various cities. As for traveling to Lake Kawaguchiko, it’s very convenient because they have comprehensive public transportation. I have compiled all the ways to travel below, so you can choose whichever you prefer.
How to Travel from Tokyo <-> Lake Kawaguchiko
1. Train (⭐️⭐️ Recommended): Traveling by train is the most recommended way to visit Lake Kawaguchiko. There are several train lines available, differing in travel time and price. So, let’s see what lines are available.
- Fuji Excursion: This is the fastest special express train to Lake Kawaguchiko, taking only 2 hours, and it’s also the most expensive at 4,060 yen (~$32). You can board at Shinjuku Station. Each day there are only 6 trips, and you must book a Reserved Seat in advance.
- Those using the JR TOKYO Wide Pass can use the pass to board the Fuji Excursion Express without any additional charge.
- Those using the JR Pass or JR East Pass (Tohoku area), (Nagano-Niigata area) will have to pay an additional 1,870 yen (~$13) for the Ōtsuki Station > Kawaguchiko Station section because this part is not a JR company line but a connecting line of the Fujikyu Railway company.
2. Bus: For those who are budget-conscious and prefer a one-way, long journey, traveling by bus is another great option to visit Lake Kawaguchiko. However, be aware that sometimes bus travel may be later than the scheduled time due to traffic conditions.
- From Shinjuku Station: Bus companies like Fujikyu Bus and Keio Bus offer services, departing every hour, taking about 2 hours, and the ticket price is 2,000 yen ($14). *Some buses also extend to Lake Yamanakako.
- From Tokyo Station: Bus companies like Fujikyu Bus and JR Kanto Bus offer services, departing every hour, taking about 2 hours, and the ticket price is 2,000 yen ($14).
3. Car Rental (⭐️⭐️ Recommended): For those who prioritize convenience and don’t want to waste time waiting for public transportation, the best way to travel is to rent a car. You can rent from any city in Japan, and you can drive around as you please. If you are a good driver, I recommend this method.
4. Taxi: You can take a taxi from Tokyo, which can be hailed from anywhere in the city. Taking a taxi to Lake Kawaguchiko takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic at the time, but the price is very high, ranging from 28,000-34,000 yen (~$195-$236).
Recommended Pass for Traveling around Lake Kawaguchiko
- Mt. Fuji Pass: This is the most comprehensive pass for touring all five lakes around Mt. Fuji, including Lake Kawaguchiko. You can choose from 1, 2, or 3-day passes, with prices starting at 5,500 yen (~$38) [Buy through Klook] [Buy through KKday]
- Unlimited travel on all Fujikyu buses and trains (covering the train from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station).
- Free access: ‘Appare’ sightseeing boat on Lake Kawaguchiko / Kawaguchiko Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway / Swan Lake boat at Lake Yamanakako / Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave / Grinpa amusement park.
- One free ride at FujiQ Highland amusement park.
Let’s start exploring!
Day 1: Momiji Corridor Lake Kawaguchi
Upon arriving at Kawaguchiko on the first day, we headed straight to the Momiji Corridor Lake Kawaguchi. This is one of the most popular spots for viewing autumn leaves in Japan. We were fortunate to visit during the Momiji Matsuri (Autumn Leaves Festival), which is held from late October to mid-November each year. The area around the corridor is bustling with stalls selling food and crafts. At night, the area is beautifully illuminated until 10 PM. If you’re visiting during the autumn season, this festival is a must-see. It’s especially romantic if you’re with your partner, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
The Momiji Corridor is a small canal lined with maple trees, creating a beautiful tunnel-like effect. The term “Momiji” means ‘red leaves’. The best time to visit is in November when the maple leaves on both sides of the canal turn bright red and orange, creating a stunning maple leaf tunnel.
The highlight of the visit is taking photos with the canal and the maple tunnel in the background. One spot is at the beginning of the corridor that you can take photo directly to the small bridge at the end of the canal, which offers a stunning view of the entire canal surrounded by bright red maple leaves. Another spot is on the bridge itself, offering a view of the canal with the backdrop of the maple leaf tunnel.
For those who love a romantic atmosphere, filled with the beauty of bright red and orange maple leaves, the Momiji Corridor Lake Kawaguchiko festival during the autumn leaf season is a must-visit. Personally, I was quite impressed. The event is bustling as many Japanese vendors set up small stalls, turning the area into a mini-market, making it a fun place to explore. It’s definitely a great experience.
Oishi Park
One of the most serene and picturesque public parks I’ve ever visited is Oishi Park. This park, located on the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, offers an unobstructed and breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. It’s one of those places in Kawaguchiko that you simply can’t afford to miss.
For those who prefer to drive, like me, there’s ample parking space available at the park. And if you get hungry during your visit, don’t worry! Oishi Park has a variety of eateries, cafes, and even an ice cream shop to cater to your cravings. In addition, there are shops where you can buy famous souvenirs such as fragrances made from blueberries and homemade blueberry jam. These are special products and souvenirs from the local people here. They also have a variety of Fuji-themed souvenirs. I myself bought a pair of Fuji-patterned socks, they’re so cute!
The main highlight and a must-see at Oishi Park is the ‘Flower Road’. This is a roughly 350-meter-long path that looks like a typical bicycle lane or pedestrian walkway. What makes it special, however, is the variety of flowers that line both sides of the road, blooming in different seasons, with the backdrop of Mount Fuji. The sight I was most eager to see was the red Kochia bushes, which I have seen photos on social media many times. Unfortunately, during my visit, the Kochia had already turned into brown, dry bushes. Oh well!
Despite the change in color, this area still offers stunning photo opportunities, with the majestic Mount Fuji in the background. Especially if you visit in the afternoon to evening, you’ll see the golden sunlight reflected on the lake’s surface, enhancing the mood of the place by 300%. While taking photos, you’ll see locals and tourists cycling along the lakeside road, amidst the mountainous and forested surroundings.
If you visit in other seasons, they plant different types of flowers. In late April, there are tulips, narcissus, and rapeseed. In early May, you’ll see bright pink and purple Phlox. June to early July is the season for lavender. Late June to early October is filled with Begonia. And from mid-October to November, you’ll see fields of bright red Kochia. So, depending on which flowers you want to see, you can choose the time of your visit accordingly.
DAY 2: Chureito Pagoda
If you’ve been looking for reviews of places to visit in Japan, especially Mount Fuji, I bet you’ve seen pictures of a five-story red pagoda situated on a high hill, with the backdrop of Fujiyoshida city and the stunning Mount Fuji. This place is none other than the Chureito Pagoda, one of the famous landmarks of Kawaguchiko that you must visit. Especially if it’s your first time visiting, this landmark is worth experiencing and seeing with your own eyes.
The Chureito Pagoda is part of the Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine, one of the ancient shrines in Japan, established in 705. People often come here to pray for family happiness, ward off evil, and safe childbirth. The Chureito Pagoda was built later in 1963 as a peace memorial for the city.
If you drive here like me, you can park your car in the parking lot at the bottom of the shrine. To get to the top for a picture with the pagoda, you have to walk up a winding road along the hill or climb about 400 steps. Along the way, you can enjoy the nature on both sides, especially during the fall when the entire area is covered with red leaves lining the hill. As you climb higher and look back, you’ll start to see the beautiful view of Mount Fuji.
Once you reach the top, you’ll find the base of the red pagoda, which is not very large. This pagoda, also known as the ‘Fujiyoshida Cenotaph’, was built to commemorate the people of Fujiyoshida city who died in wars from the mid-1800s (from the first Sino-Japanese War in 1868) to World War II.
If you’ve reached the base of the pagoda and are wondering why it doesn’t look like the pictures in the reviews, you have to walk a little further up the hill to the viewing platform behind the pagoda. There’s a viewing area built for tourists to take pictures and enjoy the view, which has improved a lot. Six or seven years ago when I visited, this area didn’t have a viewing platform like this. But now, it’s great that we can sit or stand to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and Mount Fuji. If you come on a clear day, you’ll get a full view of Mount Fuji. But when I went, the fog and clouds obscured the view of Mount Fuji, and we could hardly see it. Oh well!
Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park
Next on our journey is Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park, a small public park nestled on the slopes of Mount Tenjo. This spot is considered one of the best in town for its commanding location atop a hill. The elevated position offers a clear, spectacular view of Mount Fuji and the surrounding Lake Kawaguchiko town.
To reach the park, you have two options walk or ride. If you’re someone who relishes the immersion in nature during the hike up, there’s a walking path just for you. However, as a self-confessed lazybones, I preferred the alternative: taking the ‘Kawaguchiko Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway.’ Tickets are available at the counter with no advance booking needed.
The prices for the ropeway ride vary, starting from a single trip ticket at 500 yen ($3.5) to a round trip ticket at 900 yen ($6.25). If you fancy a boat ride on the lake or even a bus tour, there are combo tickets available for additional savings.
The advantage of taking the cable car is the expansive view of Lake Kawaguchi it provides. You’ll see trees in vibrant shades of red and bright orange all around, and the mountainscape seems to envelop you in a warm embrace. It’s one of the most memorable and impressive views. So, my advice to those taking the cable car ride is to secure a spot next to the window as soon as you board. It guarantees a stunning 360-degree panorama that will take your breath away.
After a short cable car ride, you’ll reach a pleasantly sized park with a constant breeze rustling through the trees. Up here, there are restaurants and souvenir shops. The second floor of the shop offers an open terrace where you can view the town, Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, and the calm lake with tiny waves gently hitting the shore. It’s a serene and incredibly cozy atmosphere. Of course, there’s also a view of Mount Fuji. But as I mentioned earlier, when I visited, the sky was so cloudy that it completely hid Mount Fuji. So, during this visit, I didn’t get even a glimpse of Mount Fuji. 🥹
Another popular activity here is trying out dangos, a type of Japanese dumpling and sweet made from mochiko (rice flour). The shops offer two flavorful varieties, one smothered in sauce and another dusted with crushed peanuts. Trust me, these dangos are delicious! The dough is perfectly chewy, and each piece is incredibly large, filling you up in no time. What’s more, they also serve another treat with curry filling inside, whose name I can’t recall, but it’s heavenly! If you ever visit, make sure to grab some snacks and enjoy them while relaxing in front of the shop. Once you’re done eating, you can take a leisurely stroll, taking pictures with the raccoon and plump bunny mascots, which are massive statues positioned on the hill. If you look closely, you’ll notice that ever since we took the cable car up, the ascent path and the gardens below feature small figures of raccoons and bunnies. These two characters have their own tale, too!
The adorable raccoon and bunny come from the fairy tale “Kachi kachi Yama” or “The Farmer and the Badger” written by Dazai Osamu. The raccoon, called “Tanuki” in the tale, used to create chaos in an elderly couple’s farm. One day, the couple caught Tanuki, intending to cook him. But when the old man wasn’t home, Tanuki begged the old woman to spare his life, who, moved by compassion, let him go. The moment she released him, he cooked her instead, impersonating her when the old man returned home. He served the old man his meal made from his wife and then ran away. When the old man discovered the truth, he was heartbroken.
This incident reached the ears of the couple’s dear friend, a rabbit, who vowed to avenge Tanuki’s actions. The cunning rabbit befriended Tanuki, proposed a camping trip together on the mountain, and tricked him into carrying a bundle of hay on his back. Seeing the hay, the rabbit ignited a fire by rubbing stones and tossed it into Tanuki’s bundle, setting it ablaze. Still, Tanuki survived, only to be further tortured by the rabbit who applied a chili sauce to him.
Later, they decided to have a boat race across a lake. The rabbit smartly crafted a boat from sturdy wood, while the naive Tanuki made one out of clay. As expected, Tanuki’s boat disintegrated mid-journey, drowning him. Before Tanuki died, the rabbit announced that he was the close friend of the old couple whom Tanuki had harmed, marking his successful revenge. This delightful tale, Kachi Kachi Yama, weaves an interesting backdrop to our visit.
Mount Tenjo, where this public park is located, is said to be the place where Tanuki and the little rabbit set up camp. The scene where the rabbit set Tanuki’s hay bundle on fire supposedly happened on this mountain. So, no matter where you go, you’ll see statues and figures of Tanuki and the little rabbit all around. I couldn’t resist taking cute pictures with these two adorable characters! After satisfying my desire for photos, having had my fill of delicious food, and enjoying the wonderful scenery, it was time to descend the mountain. I chose the same way I came up – by cable car, definitely not by foot, LOL!
Tenku-no Torii
Tenku-no Torii is a famed sightseeing location, known for the iconic large red Torii gate perched on a solitary hill with the backdrop of the up-close Mt. Fuji. This mesmerizing view has driven countless visitors to Kawaguchiko to capture this famous snapshot, and of course, I had to join the bandwagon, too!
Before jumping into the actual atmosphere, let me give you a rundown on how to get there. If you’re driving like me, you can simply type its name ‘Tenku-no Torii’ in Google Maps and head over. However, you’d have to drive up a hill on a newly developed route which isn’t particularly smooth, and the road can be quite narrow and steep at times. For those in sturdy vehicles, it should be a comfortable ride, but remember to proceed with caution and drive slowly. The destination might direct you to park in the middle of the hill which feels like a construction site, but my suggestion is to drive up a little more until you see the Torii gate, then you can park by the roadside and walk down a bit. For those without a car, you can start from Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and then take a slow walk up the hill, which will take you around 30 minutes.
Looking at the state of things when I visited at the end of 2022, they seem to be in the process of making the area more tourist-friendly. There was a food truck at the entrance and even a small café for anyone feeling peckish or wanting to chill and enjoy the Mt. Fuji view. And if you want to go in and take photos with the Torii gate, there’s a donation box at the entrance as this is a private area owned by the shrine. You can contribute as per your goodwill, and there’s no specific amount required.
Tenku-no Torii is a part of the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and was established in 2019 as a sacred place to worship Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of cherry blossoms and the deity of Mt. Fuji.
As you can see, the view from here is truly captivating – the barren hill with the majestic Tenku-no Torii, accompanied by a panorama of the lake, the city, and of course, the grand Mt. Fuji. Sadly, the day I visited, clouds shrouded the whole area from the Chureito Pagoda onwards, so Mt. Fuji was hidden behind them. All I could capture was the Torii gate and the city below. Such a pity!
Drawing from my personal experience, your visit here might be subject to some luck regarding whether the sky will unveil Mt. Fuji or not. But I believe, if the sky is clear and nothing obstructs the view of Mt. Fuji, it will be breathtakingly beautiful. Moreover, visiting during the right season could enhance the beauty, for instance, during the Sakura season or the autumn foliage. Anyway, if you get a clear sky on your visit, the drive uphill will definitely be worth it. But if it’s a cloudy day, I would recommend skipping it.
Aokigahara (Suicide Forest)
Narusawa Ice Cave + Fugaku Wind Cave
Aokigahara, or as it’s more widely known as, the ‘Japanese Suicide Forest’, is situated towards the northwest of the iconic Mount Fuji. This forest has a reputation steeped in history as the home of ‘Yūrei’, spirits of death in Japanese folklore. Since the 1960s, the number of people coming to this forest to end their lives has gradually increased, earning it the English name ‘Suicide Forest’. Despite the passage of time, this forest remains one of the most popular suicide spots worldwide. You’ll notice numerous signs along the trails, urging individuals to think of their families, and offering contact information for suicide prevention organizations.
Though the introduction might seem a bit eerie, the places I’ll guide you to are not as daunting as they sound. Our target locations are two fascinating caves located within this forest, namely the Narusawa Ice Cave and the Fugaku Wind Cave. Don’t worry! We won’t be venturing deep into the forest. So, you can relax!
The Narusawa Ice Cave
The first spot on our tour is the Narusawa Ice Cave. Inside, you’ll find an array of enchanting ice formations. From the entrance itself, you can see vivid backdrops adorned with long, icy stalactites. This sight naturally builds your expectations for the upcoming icy spectacle. Grab your tickets to the ice cave, and let’s delve in! If you’re planning on visiting both the ice and wind caves, you can opt for a combo ticket at a slightly discounted rate.
The first spot on our tour is the Narusawa Ice Cave. Inside, you’ll find an array of enchanting ice formations. From the entrance itself, you can see vivid backdrops adorned with long, icy stalactites. This sight naturally builds your expectations for the upcoming icy spectacle. Grab your tickets to the ice cave, and let’s delve in! If you’re planning on visiting both the ice and wind caves, you can opt for a combo ticket at a slightly discounted rate.
he journey through the cave stretches about 156 meters. As you venture further inside, you can gradually feel the temperature dropping. Along the walls and various parts of the cave, you start to see encrustations of ice. The coldest point dips to 3 degrees Celsius. The Narusawa Ice Cave was formed by the eruption of Mt. Naga in 864, as the flowing lava carved out channels that eventually formed this cave. It is one of the three major caves on the northern slope of Mount Fuji, the other two being the Fugaku Wind Cave and the Lake Saiko Bat Cave. All three were declared natural monuments of Japan in 1929.
Moreover, during the Edo period (1603-1868), the Narusawa Ice Cave served as a natural refrigerator. It’s said that food was stored in the depths of the cave, and ice from the cave was cut and distributed to the shogunate and his followers for various uses.
Once you’ve reached the end of the cave, what strikes you the most are huge ice formations, standing undissolved. They seem to be encasing the rocky layers. Besides this, there are icicles clinging to the cave walls to observe. However, that’s pretty much all there is to see in this cave. From here, we have to loop back out. So, was it good inside the cave? I’d say it’s okay. After getting back and doing some research, I found that there are indeed icicles, but they only appear during the winter season.
Fugaku Wind Cave
From the Narusawa Ice Cave, we could actually walk to the Fugaku Wind Cave, but I chose to drive and park close to the cave entrance. After leaving the car, we had to walk through a portion of the suicide forest before reaching the cave entrance situated amidst lush greenery. The Fugaku Wind Cave is about 201 meters long, slightly longer than the previous one.
As I walked in, the grey-black, unusual rock walls of the cave caught my eye, differing from the Narusawa Ice Cave. I took a moment to snap some photos. The stone we’re looking at is ‘basalt,’ a fine-grained rock formed by the rapid cooling of lava on the earth’s surface.
Venturing deeper, the increasing cold and the growing number of icicles clinging to the cave walls became more evident. From the Edo period to the Meiji period (around 1600-1900), this cave was used as a storage for silkworm eggs.
Today, you can still see the boxes used to store silkworms displayed for visitors. Apart from silkworm cocoons, various seeds were also stored. The cocoons and seeds were kept in a constantly cold point to maintain their quality and allow for future planting. Walking through the cave, I was reminded of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, the world’s largest collection of plant seeds, as both places have similar purposes.
After a delightful stroll and some photo-taking, I found myself heading back to the entrance. All things considered, I believe that the Fugaku Wind Cave offers a bit more to see than the Narusawa Ice Cave. Not only are the pathways longer, but there’s also a variety of objects inside to observe. This cave really allows us to catch a glimpse of how people from the past lived. If you have some spare time in Kawaguchiko, I definitely recommend paying these caves a visit. They are a unique experience that’s well worth your time.
My Hotel Stay in Lake Kawaguchiko
The Garden Resort & Condominium
During my visit to Lake Kawaguchiko, I had a clear-cut criterion for my accommodation choice: it had to offer a view of Mount Fuji right from the room. With this in mind, I chose to stay at The Garden Resort & Condominium, a modern minimalist establishment just 600 meters from Kawaguchiko Station. The white building with balconies all facing Mount Fuji is perfect for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring view of the iconic mountain.
As the name suggests, The Garden Resort & Condominium is not a hotel, so don’t expect hotel-type services. There’s no breakfast, swimming pool, or fitness facilities. However, they do offer free parking and a common area, which is great if you feel like having a barbecue. What truly makes this place shine is that every room has been constructed to offer a full view of Mount Fuji, meaning no matter which room you stay in, you get the full experience!
I opted for the Deluxe Room with Mt.Fuji View, a 40-square-meter space on the second floor that can sleep up to 6 people, though we were only four. The nightly rate was $240, which split among four is pretty reasonable for the spectacular view. The room was spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped with all the necessities, including free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a kettle, a kitchen, bedding, towels, and a full range of bathroom amenities.
What I loved about the Deluxe Room with Mt.Fuji View on the second floor was the clear, unhindered view of Mount Fuji from the large glass balcony. Rooms on the ground floor don’t offer such an unobstructed view due to the balcony partition, but if that doesn’t bother you, you can opt for one of these rooms at approximately $145 per night for two people.
There’s something incredibly uplifting about waking up to the grand sight of Mount Fuji as soon as you open your eyes. It’s awe-inspiring, heart-stirring, and absolutely made my day. Such an experience heightens your emotions and sets an incredibly fulfilling tone for the day. Staying so close to Mount Fuji, though, does require some luck – on some days, the view might be obscured by clouds. But on a clear day, the view of the mountain is stunning. Luckily, I seemed to have enough good luck during my stay, as I woke up to a full, unobstructed view of Mount Fuji without a single cloud in sight. It was absolutely magnificent!
In summary, if you’re wondering whether the cost of staying in this price range, I’d say it’s definitely worth it! But if you ask if it’s expensive, for those who don’t come up to 4 people, it might be pricey. If you plan to stay at The Garden Resort & Condominium for the view of Mount Fuji, it’s highly recommended. The price is at a point that when divided among your group, it’s bearable. But if you want comfort, a swimming pool, an onsen, and breakfast, this might not be the first place to consider. If you ask for my recommendation, I would suggest this place. It’s a beautiful accommodation with a great atmosphere, and the most important thing is the awesome view.
As for the trip to Lake Kawaguchiko
My 2 days and 1-night trip to Kawaguchiko might not have covered all the landmark attractions due to some unfavorable weather conditions. The fog and clouds were covering Mount Fuji several times. But it’s still ok and I consider myself lucky because I managed to see the beautiful Mount Fuji at some points. Especially if you come during the autumn leaf season, the mood is so warm and romantic.
I’d say Kawaguchiko is one of the cities in Japan suitable for relaxing and chasing the real view of Mount Fuji. If you’re into traveling in Japan, love nature, the calm atmosphere of the lake, and are fascinated by Mount Fuji, I must say that Kawaguchiko is one of the must-visit cities for a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji at least once in your life
อ่านรีวิวเมืองนี้จบแล้ว
อ่านรีวิวเมืองอื่นในญี่ปุ่นต่อกันเลย 🤗
ญี่ปุ่นเป็นประเทศไม่กี่ประเทศที่นี่รู้สึกว่า ไปกี่ครั้งก็ไม่น่าเบื่อ ไปแล้วไปอีกได้ตลอด และยังประเทศที่ตัวเองตั้งมิชชั่นว่า อยากจะเก็บให้หมดทั่วประเทศ ฮ่าา เอาเป็นว่า HASHCORNER นี่ก็มีรีวิวญี่ปุ่นให้อ่านและตามรอยเยอะพอสมควร ทั้งหมดนับแล้วเกือบ 50 รีวิวแล้ว เยอะโคตร ใครที่มีแพลนไปเมืองไหนในญี่ปุ่นที่มีชื่อเมืองตามลิสด้านล่าง สามารถคลิกลิงค์อ่านต่อได้เล้ย
ภูมิภาคคันโต (Kanto Region)
1. รีวิว โตเกียว (Tokyo)
2. รีวิว โตเกียวดิสนีย์แลนด์ (Tokyo Disneyland)
3. รีวิว โตเกียวดิสนีย์ซี (Tokyo DisneySea)
4. รีวิว Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
5. รีวิว โยโกฮาม่า (Yokohama)
6. รีวิว คามาคุระ (Kamamura)
7. รีวิว นิกโก้ (Nikko)
8. รีวิว ฮาโกเน่ (Hakone)
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ภูมิภาคคันไซ (Kansai Region)
9. รีวิว โอซาก้า (Osaka)
10. รีวิว Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
11. รีวิว เกียวโต (Kyoto)
12. รีวิว นารา (Nara)
13. รีวิว โกเบ (Kobe)
14. รีวิว ฮิเมจิ (Himeji)
15. รีวิว อิเสะ-ชิมะ (Ise-Shima) กำลังเขียน
16. รีวิว อิกะ อุเอโนะ (Iga Ueno) กำลังเขียน
17. รีวิว อะซุกะ (Asuka) กำลังเขียน
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ภูมิภาคชูบุ (Chubu Region)
18. รีวิว คานาซาวะ (Kanazawa)
19. รีวิว ชิราคาวาโกะ (Shirakawa-go)
21. รีวิว ทาคายาม่า (Takayama)
21. รีวิว คาวากุจิโกะ (Kawaguchigo)
22. รีวิว สวนสนุก Fuji-Q Highland
23. รีวิว ยามานากะโกะ (Yamanakako)
24. รีวิว ชิซึโอกะ (Shizuoka)
25. รีวิว อิซุ (Izu) กำลังเขียน
26. รีวิว คาวาซึ (Kawazu)
27. รีวิว อิโต (Ito) กำลังเขียน
28. รีวิว อาตามิ (Atami)
29. รีวิว คารุอิซาวะ (Karuizawa)
30. รีวิว นากาโน่ (Nagano)
31. รีวิว มัตสึโมโตะ (Matsumoto)
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ภูมิภาคคิวชู (Kyushu Region)
32. รีวิว ฟุกุโอกะ-ดาไซฟุ (Fukuoka-Dazaifu)
33. รีวิว นางาซากิ (Nagasaki)
34. รีวิว ยูฟูอิน (Yufuin)
35. รีวิว คุมาโมโตะ (Kumamoto)
36. รีวิว ภูเขาไฟอะโสะ (Mount Aso)
37. รีวิว ทาคาชิโฮ (Takachiho)
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ภูมิภาคโอกินาว่า (Okinawa Region)
38. รีวิว โอกินาว่า (Okinawa)
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ภูมิภาคฮอกไกโด (Hokkaido Region)
39. รีวิว ซัปโปโร (Sapporo)
40. รีวิว โอตารุ (Otaru)
41. รีวิว อาซาฮิกาวะ-บิเอะ (Asahikawa-Biei)
42. รีวิว อะบาชิริ-คุชิโระ (Abashiri-Kushiro)
43. รีวิว ฮาโกดาเตะ (Hakodate)
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ภูมิภาคชูโกกุ (Chugoku Region)
44. รีวิว ฮิโรชิม่า (Hiroshima)
45. รีวิว เกาะมิยาจิม่า (Miyajima)
46. รีวิว โอคายาม่า-คุราชิกิ (Okayama-Kurashiki)
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แนะนำโรงแรม / พาสรถไฟ
47. แนะนำที่พักในโตเกียว (Tokyo)
48. แนะนำที่พักในโอซาก้า (Osaka)
49. แนะนำที่พักในฟุกุโอกะ (Fukuoka)
50. แนะนำที่พักในนิกโก้ (Nikko)
51. เรื่องต้องรู้ก่อนซื้อ JR PASS
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