Mount Fuji Area and Beautiful Lakes
Mt. Fuji is probably the most famous landmark of Japan. It is the highest mountain with the height of 3,776m in Japan, but it may not be the reason why people love this mountain. Mt. Fuji has very beautiful shape!
There are several lakes surrounding Mount Fuji. Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako are well known tourist spots among them. Those are not only beautiful lakes but also there are many souvenir shops at lakeside. It is fun to walk around those shops.
Some Recommended Spots
- The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station
- Lake Yamanakako
- Lake Kawaguchiko
- Oshino-Hakkai
The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station
The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station lies at approximately the halfway point of the Yoshida Trail to the summit of Mount Fuji and its altitude is 2,305m. The station is reached by the Subaru Line that begins in Kawaguchiko Town. There are some restaurants and shops that sell souvenir related to Mount Fuji.
Lake Yamanakako
Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes. There are good views of Mount Fuji from around the lake, especially from along its less developed northern shore.
Lake Yamanakako is popular enjoying boating, fishing, water skiing, wind surfing and other water sports on the lake, as well as camping, tennis and other activities along its shores.
A public hot springs bath “Benifuji no Yu” around the lake's western end is with good views of Mount Fuji from its baths.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes. There are various tourist attractions and the best views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the lake's northern shores. We can enjoy beautiful views during the cherry blossom season around mid April and the autumn colors around the first half of November. The Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway so called “Kachi-Kachi-Yama Ropeway” ascends to an observation point with an altitude of 1,075m near the lakeside, from where Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji can be seen.
Oshino-Hakkai
This is one of popular touristy area near Mount Fuji for foreign travelers. It is with eight ponds fed by snow melt from Mount Fuji. It is located between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako. The word “Hakkai” means “eight ponds”. Those ponds are fed by snow melt from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous layers of lava for over 80 years, resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by the locals. There are many restaurants, souvenir shops and food vendors around the ponds which sell vegetables, sweets, pickles, crafts and other local products.