Kawaguchiko: 16 Things to Do and Must-visit Nearby Attractions
Kawaguchiko is a small, dreamy village in Japan, located just a few hours from Tokyo where serene and timeless beauty is adorned. This place invites you to immerse yourself in its scenic landscape, leaving the bustling city behind.
You can delve into its tranquil aura, come for the cherry blossoms, and fall asleep in the hot springs while gazing upon the majestic Mount Fuji.
Furthermore, cycling around this peaceful village will allow you to learn more about Japanese culture and traditions.
This article explores 16 things to do in Kawaguchiko, annual festivals, nearby must-visit places, opulent hotels, and everything you need to stay and explore.
Interesting Facts about Kawaguchiko
- Summers are cool in Kawaguchiko, and winters are extremely chilly.
- It has the most extensive shoreline among the five lakes in Fuji.
- In 2013, Kawaguchiko was listed on the World Heritage List as an important element of the Fujisan culture.
- This is the oldest lake among the 5 lakes and is approximately 50,000-60,000 years old.
- Around 10 million tourists visit these 5 lakes every year.
- Lake Kawaguchi connects directly to the metropolitan areas of Tokyo via a significant highway.
- Boasting a resort vibe, this is a well-liked weekend getaway destination for Tokyoites, only a few hours distant from the capital of the city, Tokyo.
- The best time to visit: is Spring to enjoy cherry blossoms and Autumn to enjoy fall (April–November).
Why is Kawaguchiko famous?
Lake Kawaguchi 河口湖 simply means ‘Estuary Lake’. It is situated close to Mount Fuji in the town of Fujikawaguchiko, Japan.
There are a total of 5 Fuji Lakes that offer an opportunity for tourists to enjoy traditional Japanese culture, infrastructure, lakeside hotels and cruises.
This is a bustling hub for those who desire to ascend Mount Fuji. The climbing season happens between July and August.
Kawaguchiko is a small village located on the lake’s edge. You can hop on a tourist bus and visit major tourist attractions and sightseeing spots in the area.
Do you want to take a dip into paradise? Enjoy a soothing soak in the natural hot springs in the area that are famous for their vantage points and therapeutic qualities.
There are numerous bath options available at the majority of the Ryokan and hotels in the vicinity.
You can use bathtubs by paying a few hundred yen, as the majority of the hotels offer to tourists.
16 Things to Do in Kawaguchiko
Here are some of the most visited places in Kawaguchiko, including must-do activities that you should not miss:
1. Fuji-Q-Highland
This is the perfect spot for everyone fond of amusement parks.
Fuji-Q Highland will give you an adrenaline rush, and you will be intrigued!
Who wants to miss a roller coaster ride that offers a magnificent view of Mount Fuji? No one absolutely!
- Ticket: adult- 4,100～5,900 and children- 3,500～4,100yen
2. Oishi Park
Oishi Park has lavenders in early summers, along with beautiful, stunning fall-coloured cypress.
With over ninety different kinds of flowers that bloom all year round, oh! Not to forget, and it has Mount Fuji in the background.
It is a well-known location for taking pictures of Mount Fuji with the lake in front.
- Best time to visit: spring and summer
- Ticket: free
3. Kawaguchi-ko Music Forest
This is a garden with a European aesthetic that features live music, an antique music box museum, and vintage instruments.
The largest dancing organ in the world puts on an amazing dynamic automatic performance.
This place is frequently used to shoot movies or music videos and is a very popular location with exquisite ballroom-style décor.
- Ticket: 1,500 Yen
- Timing: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Closed: Tues-Wed
4. Katsuyama
Numerous cultural landmarks may be found in the Katsuyama area.
Among them is the World Heritage Site-designated Fuji Omuro Sengen-jinja Shrine on the top of Mount Fuji.
Strolling along the coastline at Michi-no-Eki Katsuyama is a popular tourist activity.
5. Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
One of the most popular activities in Kawaguchiko includes the Mount Fuji panoramic ropeway.
It is a small cable car ride that takes you to the top and offers a jaw-dropping view of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji.
You can take hiking trails if you are a sports enthusiast.
- Ticket: ¥900 per person round-trip.
- Timing: 8:00 AM-5:30 PM
6. Kubota Itchiku Art Museum
This is a museum honouring textile designer Itchiku Kubota, featuring views of Mount Fuji, a tea parlour, and a garden.
It was elegantly designed and made by the artist himself to showcase his collection of hand-painted and dyed kimonos.
The hall’s architecture is inspired by the traditional Japanese style.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Ticket: adult-1300 yen and; teenager-900 yen
7. Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor
An event is celebrated honouring the fall foliage of the maple trees along a canal, enhanced with views of Mount Fuji.
The Maples Corridor has become one of the most well-liked locations in Japan for admiring crimson leaves.
The ideal time to see Mount Fuji is early in the morning, between 6-7 am.
8. Arakurayama Sengen Park
Arakurayama Sengen Park ranked among the Top 100 locations in the Kanto area where you can view Mount Fuji, is home to this famous landscape.
Starting from the foot of Mount Arakurayama, the park extends up the mountain, leading up to a 398-stair trek.
It offers breathtaking views of Fujiyoshida City’s skyline and the spectacular Mt. Fuji rising above.
- Ticket: free
9. Lake Kawaguchiko
One of the best locations to see the famous Mount Fuji is Lake Kawaguchiko.
This volcano is 3776 meters high and is the largest peak in Japan. It appears dreamy in the winter season as it is covered in the snow.
Mid-April is the ideal time to visit to indulge in the cherry blossoms.
10. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba
Redesigned Japanese village where guests can rent traditional attire and tour the homes.
Winter is usually the best time of the year to view the magnificent Mount Fuji as there won’t be any clouds in the sky.
11. Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda is located in Arakurayama Sengen Park.
It is a must-visit location to view the most iconic scenery of Mount Fuji or probably the whole country.
The trees have vibrantly changing leaves in the fall, and in the spring, they are bursting with cherry and Sakura blooms.
- Ticket: free
12. Lake Shōji
Among the five lakes in Fuji, Lake Shōji is the smallest.
It is quite undeveloped and has a few options for hotels on the northern coast with fantastic views of Mount Fuji.
You can enjoy around the lake, and go for thrilling water sports like jet skiing, water-skiing, and boating, as outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, and fishing are popular.
13. Sightseeing boat
The Mount Fuji boat or a cruise is a great way to explore Kawaguchiko Lake on a trip.
For the best photos and capturing an amazing view of Mount Fuji, ride on the top deck.
- Month: April-July and August-November
- Ticket: adult- ¥1000 and children- ¥500
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 AM
14. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
The famous Mount Fuji is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
The remote and magnificent volcanic mountain dominates the skyline from every angle and has had a big impact on the way people live in the area.
Mount Fuji is said to be the essence of Japan from ancient times.
You can take a hot spring bath, visit lava tunnels, and stroll through ageless forests within the park.
Off the southern Izu islands, you can even go swimming with dolphins.
- Ticket: free.
15. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is a well-known cultural icon, a spiritually famous site, and a geographical treasure.
It has the highest peak in Japan at 3,776 meters and is the product of eruptions that started about 100,000 years ago.
Now, tourists enjoy outdoor activities like camping and hiking at Mount Fuji and its nearby spots.
16. Mt Fuji Hot Spring
There are many bathing options to immerse yourself in a variety of baths, such as the open-air spa facing Mt. Fuji and the cave bath.
Unwind in a natural hot spring after ascending Mount Fuji to experience the cultural custom of a Japanese onsen.
Onsen is famous for providing a soothing and refreshing approach to ease tight muscles and recover with volcanic mineral water, found in the volcanic region surrounding Mount Fuji.
How To Get Around in Kawaguchiko
| Bus | For tourists, omnibuses are a convenient way to get around. In addition to Tokyo Station and Kawaguchiko Station, there are several bus stops that provide connectivity to the five lakes and other destinations. |  |
| Train | There are some trains that go straight to Kawaguchiko Station. It costs approximately 4000 yen for one side and takes about two hours. |  |
| Car | Renting a car is additionally an easy way to travel, particularly if you’re going anywhere outside of Kawaguchiko’s city centre. There are a few car rental agencies close to Kawaguchiko Station. |  |
| Bicycle | Renting a bicycle could also be a fun way to move around. Even if there are a lot of busy highways in the area and there are a lot of lakes to choose from. |  |
Kawaguchiko Annual Festivals You Should Not Miss
1. Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks
Mark this event on the top of your bucket list!
Thousands of people gather each year to witness the brilliant fireworks in the flawless winter skies.
- Month: Jan to Feb
- Days: Only Saturday-Sunday
- Time: 8:00 PM to 8:20 PM
- Duration: 20 minutes
2. Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival
Enjoy the mesmerising view of Mount Fuji on the northern coast along with 200 Someiyoshino cherry trees.
These trees are simultaneously planted a mile long along the shore.
- Month: 30 March–21 April
3. Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Shibazakura is one of the greatest and well-liked events. Pink moss is its name in English, in the Fuji Shibazakura Festival.
800 thousand pairs of seven varieties of Shiba-Sakura begin to bloom at the base of Mount Fuji.
- Month: April- May
- Days: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Time: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Ticket: adult-1,00yen to 1,30yen and children 500yen – 700yen.
4. Kawaguchi Asama shrine
The shrine at Kawaguchi, Asama, is listed as a worldwide cultural heritage site.
The celebration known as “Magomi Matsuri” takes place on April 25 of each year.
An ancient dance called “Chigo-no Mai” is performed to calm natural disasters like earthquakes and Mount Fuji eruptions.
The locals perform a traditional dance and ask God to remain calm and not to stifle calamities.
- Month: April
5. Momiji Autumn Leaves Festival
The “Momiji Corridor” is the main attraction of Fujikawaguchiko-town’s Momiji Autumn Leaves Festival.
Around 400-500 autumn leaves on the shoreline of Lake Kawaguchi produce picturesque scenery.
Numerous activities take place, mostly in the nearby facilities, and the autumn leaf corridor hosts an amazing light show.
- Month: Oct-Nov
- Days: Everyday
- Time: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
10 nearby places in Kawaguchiko you Must Visit
Kawaguchiko, a scenic town near Mount Fuji, offers stunning attractions perfect for a visit.
Discover natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and family-friendly spots that make this region a must-see.
Ashikaga Flower Park
This place is located around 2 hours away from Kawaguchiko.
Ashikaga Flower Park has been becoming famous for its wisteria tree that’s 150 years old.
Thousands of visitors and tourists come to view this stunning tunnel of white wisteria that goes for 80 metres long.
Wisteria simply means “fuji”, this flower holds a special place in Japanese culture and its people.
- Ticket: adult:1,100-2,200 Yen and children: 600-1,100 Yen
- Timing: 10 AM-5 PM
Kamakura
Kamakura is a Japanese coastal city located south of Tokyo.
Today’s Kamakura, the political hub of ancient Japan, is a well-known destination for vacation, home to numerous Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines.
The area’s most famous feature is the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple. Roughly, this 13-meter-tall bronze statue survived the tsunami that struck in the fifteenth century.
Karuizawa
Japan’s Karuizawa is a tourist attraction located in the mountains close to Nagano.
Its temperate summers are well-known for being ideal for outdoor activities like golf.
Places like Kumoba Pond and Shiraito Falls, the surrounding forests have walking and cycling pathways.
In the winter, natural hot springs and skiing are popular activities.
Hakodate
Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, is home to several major cities, including Hakodate.
Mount Hakodate, which is 334 meters high, towers over the town.
Aerial ropeway gondolas can take you to the pinnacle of the mountain, which gives breathtaking views at night.
Motomachi, a district of steep streets and early 20th-century houses in the Western style sits at its base.
Do not miss out on the magnificent Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, constructed in 1910, which is a city icon.
Takayama
In Japan’s mountainous Gifu Prefecture sits the city of Takayama.
Many tiny museums can be found lining the narrow lanes of the Sanmachi Suji historic neighbourhood, which is home to wooden merchant homes.
The city has been known for its twice-yearly Takayama Festival, which celebrates spring and fall with parades that include elaborate, gilded floats and puppet acts.
Kofu
Kofu is a city, located in the centre of Japan. Takeda Shrine is found in its centre, on the location of the old residence of a highly revered general from the 16th century.
You can visit the hot springs and spas near the ruins of Kofu Castle.
You can take a trail that leads up to the Sengataki Waterfall. Or you can hop on a cable car to reach Mount Rakanji, to enjoy views of Mount Fuji.
Itsukushima
Itsukushima is a small island. It is located in the Hiroshima Bay, on the western side of Japan.
It is famous for its lush forests, historical temples, and an iconic entrance for the Itsukushima Shrine, built in the 12th century.
Nikko
Nikko is an isolated town located in the mountains of the northern region of Tokyo in the Tochigi Prefecture of Japan.
It is the location of Toshogu, a well-known Shinto shrine built in 1617 as an opulent tribute to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The tomb itself, a major sanctuary situated in a cedar grove, and the gilded Yomeimon Gate make up the temple.
Aokigahara forest
Aokigahara has an eery backstory and is symbolized by suicide.
It was named the “suicide forest” in English and gained fame as one of the most popular suicide places in the world.
It’s a beautiful dense forest woodland with trails, wildlife and trees.
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai, a village located at the base of Mount Fuji, is famous for its eight crystal-clear spring water pools.
It is roughly thirty minutes away from Kawaguchiko.
The tourists find this a very lovely location, as it is covered in cherry blossoms in the springtime.
Crimson leaves in the autumn season make it a stunning location.
Top 5 Hotels in Kawaguchiko
Here are some of the best accommodation options for the Kawaguchiko trip:
Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel Konansou
10 Best Dining Options in Kawaguchiko For Japanese Delicacies
| Restaurants | Famous for | Food |
| Houtou Fudou Kawaguchiko | Houtou |  |
| Tetsuyaki | Tempura |  |
| Moose Hills Burger | Burger |  |
| Torikko | Chicken BBQ |  |
| Sanrokuen | Japanese cuisine |  |
| Kosaku Kawaguchiko | Hoto noodle soup |  |
| Hoto Tempura Wakana | Tempura |  |
| Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko | Authentic Japanese cuisine |  |
| Restaurant Konami | Japanese, Asian and salmon |  |
| Amano Japanese Restaurant | Sushi |  |
4 Things You Should Avoid in Kawaguchiko
4 things you should avoid doing when visiting Kawaguchiko are:
- Don’t Litter: Kawaguchiko is known for its natural beauty, including the iconic view of Mount Fuji. don’t litter the streets and make sure to dispose of it properly.
- Don’t Make Excessive Noise: Kawaguchiko is a popular spot for relaxation and enjoying nature. Don’t make noise, or disturb others in public places or residential areas.
- Don’t Enter Private Property: There are many private properties and restricted areas around Kawaguchiko. Respect signs and boundaries to avoid trespassing.
- Don’t Miss Local Etiquette: Japanese people are polite and stick to their traditions and values. Be polite, and show respect to local residents and other visitors.
FAQs
Is Kawaguchiko worth visiting?
Yes! It’s a beautiful small town in Japan. You can explore the traditional Japanese culture, annual events, Majestic Mount Fuji, relax in hot springs, nearby towns, cherry blossom season and shrines.
Which is better, Hakone or Kawaguchiko?
This is an ideal getaway to relax in a hot spring with an iconic view of Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko is the perfect place to immerse in tranquillity and Japanese traditions.
What is Kawaguchiko known for?
In Japan, Kawaguchiko is becoming a bustling destination for tourists, as it’s home to the iconic Mount Fuji, 5 lakes, cherry blossom season and more. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, museums shrines, geographical wonders and Japanese culture.
