Japan Guide
Around Tokyo
Fuji Five Lakes
The best reason for heading 100km west from Tokyo towards the area known as FUJI FIVE LAKES is to climb Mount Fuji, Apart from Fuji-san, the single most interesting sight is the wonderfully atmospheric shrine Fuji Sengen-jinja in the area's transport hub of Fuji-Yoshida. During the summer, the five lakes – the large Yamanaka-ko, south of Fuji-Yoshida, touristy Kawaguchi-ko to the west, and the smaller lakes of Sai-ko, Shōji-ko and Motosu-ko – are packed with urbanites fleeing the dust and grime of Tokyo. The best lake to head for is Kawaguchi-ko: as well as being a popular starting point for climbing Mount Fuji, it features a kimono museum and the easily climbable Mount Tenjō, with its outstanding views of Fuji-san and the surrounding lakes.
The easiest way to reach the Fuji Five Lakes area is to take the bus (¥1700) from the Shinjuku bus terminal in Tokyo, on the west side of the train station; in good traffic, the trip takes around one hour and 45 minutes, and during the climbing season there are frequent services. Fuji-Yoshida and Kawaguchi-ko have plenty of good places to stay, including youth hostels and hotels. Fuji climbers could consider overnighting in one of the mountain huts, but the claustrophobic should stick to the roomier accommodation at the base of the mountain. There are also several campsites around the lakes. During the climbing season you can buy snacks and stamina-building dishes, such as curry rice, from the huts on Mount Fuji.