Lake Kawaguchi

Take in the beauty of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji

Lake Kawaguchi and snow-covered Mt. Fuji are icons of Japan made even more beautiful each winter. Experience some of the best winter vistas from the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, which climbs 400 meters up Mt. Tenjo to an observation platform 1,000 meters above sea level. From that elevated perch, take in panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchi below and Mt. Fuji towering just behind.

Mt. Tenjo is famous for being the setting of Dazai Osamu’s folk story “Kachi Kachi Yama,” for which the ropeway is named. Sculptures of various characters from the famous tale decorate the ropeway and platform.

Stroll to the northern bank of Lake Kawaguchi at Oishi Park to see Mt. Fuji reflected in the water’s mirror-like surface. This view is known as “upside-down Fuji” or “double Fuji.” For a few days each winter, the sun aligns in such a way that Fuji’s peak is illuminated as the sun rises and sets. This phenomenon, called "Diamond Fuji," is particularly striking when reflected on the lake.

How to get there

Take a train to Kawaguchiko Station on the Fuji Kyuko Line. There are some through services from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. Highway buses also run directly from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station in about two hours.

Find Hotels