Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest peak and is one of the top attractions for visitors on their first trip to the country. Many people go to Hakone, but another great option is staying in the charming lakeside town of Fujikawaguchiko in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Booking 1-2 nights here is plenty of time to see the town and get a view of the mountain. Here's what we did and how I recommend spending your one full day in Fujikawaguchiko.
How To Get To Fujikawaguchiko From Tokyo
Getting to Fujikawaguchiko from Tokyo is easy but takes a bit of time. There are multiple route options to choose from depending on whether you prefer to travel by JR train or bus. The journey takes approximately 2-2.5 hours and costs on average 2000 Japanese Yen per person for the bus. Travelling by JR train requires a connection and costs close to double the price.
From Tokyo Station: Fujikyu and JR Kanto Bus (to Kawaguchiko Station)
From Shibuya Station: Fujikyu Bus (to Kawaguchiko Station)
From Shinjuku Station: JR Chuo Line (Train) to Otsuki Station, then Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station
From Kawaguchiko Station, you can take a taxi to your hotel or, if you're staying near the station in one of the hostels, you can simply walk.
Where To Stay Near Fujikawaguchiko
Fujikawaguchiko is a charming town that is known for its views of Mount Fuji and incredible onsens. Onsens are Japanese hot springs. Public onsens are communal spaces where everyone baths together naked (separated into male and female baths) and there are also private options you can book for yourself or as a couple. If it's within your budget, I really recommend splurging on accommodation with an onsen while in Fujikawaguchiko. Nothing beats soaking in the hot water with a view of Mount Fuji.
La Vista Fujikawaguchiko
We chose to stay at an upscale hotel in Fujikawaguchiko and this was our only accommodation of this calibre during the trip (I literally slept on the floor for a night in Tokyo - worth it for this hotel). It's worth doing this in Fujikawaguchiko because the town is small and quiet so you'll be glad to stay somewhere that you don't mind spending time in during the evenings. La Vista Fujikawaguchiko is gorgeous and has a buffet breakfast included in the price, free Ramen noodles at night, and access to private onsen facilities. There was also an onsen on the balcony with a view of Mount Fuji which was a dream come true.
Backpackers Hostel K's House Fuji View
For a budget option in Fujikawaguchiko, I think K's House is a great hostel to stay at. I've never been, but we almost booked this place before deciding to go all out and stay at La Vista Fujikawaguchiko so I did my research on it. It's very reasonably priced compared to other accommodations in the area, is centrally located, has amenities, offers views of Mount Fuji, and is very well-reviewed. If I ever go back to Fujikawaguchiko, this is where I would stay.
The Perfect Day Near Mount Fuji
With only one full day in Fujikawaguchiko, it's possible to hit all the highlights of this town and still have time to soak in the onsen at your hotel. Here's how!
Breakfast At Your Hotel
Booking accommodation with a complimentary breakfast is a great idea in Fujikawaguchiko because it's a small town so depending on how early you want to start your day, your options may be limited. We indulged in the all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast at our hotel which fueled us until well into the afternoon. If you're on a shoestring budget, get a FamilyMart breakfast to-go in town.
Hike Up To Chureito Pagoda
The Chureito Pagoda is one of the most iconic sites to visit in Fujikawaguchiko. This pagoda is where everyone goes to take a photo of Mount Fuji. Unfortunately, it's hard to predict cloud cover so Fuji was hiding when we went up but the view is still incredible. There are 400 stairs to the top so be sure to wear sensible and comfortable shoes.
Ride The Scenic Ropeway
The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway offers you a chance to ride in a cable car and get a beautiful view of Mount Fuji without having to do any hiking. The ascension is 400 meters from the Eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi to the observation deck.
Rent a Pedal Boat or Bicycle in Town
After taking in the views of Mount Fuji, take some time to enjoy Lake Kawaguchi itself. Rent a pedal boat and get out on the water or rent a bicycle in town and ride around the lake to appreciate the scenery. Stop for some ice cream in the summer to cool off or a coffee in the spring or fall to warm up.
Have Tempura For Lunch
Fujikawaguchiko has plenty of delicious tempura restaurants so take advantage of the selection by dining at one for lunch. Fuji Tempura Idaten is a highly rated spot to visit in the town. They have a similar menu to the place I tried while in Fujikawaguchiko (in 2019), which has since closed.
Relax In Your Hotel Onsen
After a day of exploring the area around Lake Kawaguchi, it's time to retire to your hotel or hostel for the evening to take advantage of their onsen. Some hotels require you to book your spot in the private onsen at check-in to ensure you get a time slot since spaces are limited. If your hotel or hostel doesn't have an onsen, you can visit a public bath house like Fuji Yurari Onsen.
For more information about visiting Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, check out my YouTube video about our time at Mount Fuji.