

Mt. Fuji (a World Heritage Site)
One of Hokusai's paintings
At 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji is the highest peak in Japan. Perpetually covered by snow, its beautiful form has captivated people since ancient times and is revered and loved as a symbol of Japan. Among the works of notable Japanese ukiyo-e painter Katsushika Hokusai are the series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," which capture the beautiful shape of the mountain, a symbol of Japan loved by people of all ages.
With the goal of reaching the highest point in Japan, many visit in summer to climb Mt. Fuji. During the mountain-climbing season from July 1 to the last part of August, the slopes bustle with people from around Japan and around the world.
Around the base of Mt. Fuji are five lakes. One in particular, Lake Kawaguchi, provides many excellent viewpoints for gazing at the mountain. In 2013, Mt. Fuji was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that Mt. Fuji provides. It’s not that far away.
Depart from Kawaguchiko Station on the Lake Kawaguchi Excursion Retro Bus or the Saiko Aokigahara Excursion Retro bus, convenient ways to visit all the best locations of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
A two-day pass is also available for convenient, unlimited rides. Use it to take walks in the Lake Kawaguchi area. (Bus fare is not included in the price of the Mt. Fuji Round Trip Ticket. Purchase the two-day bus pass or pay for rides separately.)
The symbol of Japan, Mount FujiMt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan. Its figure is truly majestic when viewed from close up. We recommend Lake Kawaguchi as an excellent destination from the Tokyo area. Located at the base of the mountain, the lake has many great viewpoints.
From mid-June to mid-July, a profusion of lavender plants come into bloom in Oishi Park at the lake, creating a purple-dyed landscape for enjoying Mt. Fuji in a different way.
(10 minutes on foot from Kawaguchiko Station, accessible on the Fuji Kyuko Line from Otsuki Station)
Journey to the top of Japan's tallest peak, Mt. FujiAs spectacular as Mt. Fuji is when viewed as part of the scenery, scaling its heights is a challenge everyone should take on at least once in their lifetime. The mountain-climbing season runs from July 1 to the last part of August.
With many mountain cottages along the way, the Kawaguchiko route provides a sense of security and is a popular way to climb. On average, it takes approximately six hours to ascend the mountain and approximately three and-a-half hours to descend.
(55 minutes to the Kawaguchiko route fifth station by Fuji Tozan (Climbing Mountain) Bus from Kawaguchiko Station, accessible on the Fuji Kyuko Line from Otsuki Station)
A Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing pleasure cruiseIn addition to many viewpoints for looking at Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi has parks, art museums, hotels, hot springs and many other facilities nearby. A sightseeing pleasure boat takes passengers on a trip around the lake to enjoy superb views of Mt. Fuji from the decks.
(10 minutes on foot from Kawaguchiko Station, accessible on the Fuji Kyuko Line from Otsuki Station)
Admire Mount Fuji's beauty from a natural hot springFive hot springs are located at Lake Kawaguchi: Reiho-no-Yu, Tensui-no-Yu, Reisui-no-Yu, Fuyo-no-Yu and Shurei-no-Yu. The hot spring water includes chlorides of calcium, sodium and other minerals, and is praised for curing nerve and muscle pain, poor circulation, fatigue and other ailments.
(Kawaguchiko Station, accessible on the Fuji Kyuko Line from Otsuki Station)

Click here for recommended Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing itinerary
Yoshida udonFujiyoshida city is the home of Yoshida no udon, a thick, handmade udon with lots of body. More than 60 udon shops line the streets, selling this popular dish. Each location has a different flavor, and seeking out your favorite shop is a fun, gourmet way to experience the town.
Kappa meshiKappa meshi is a dish of pickled cucumber, nagaimo yam, finely chopped nori and sesame served on rice. Named for the mythical kappa believed to live near water, kappa meshi has become a popular dish at Lake Kawaguchi. People find the light, simple taste has them wanting seconds (and thirds). Approximately 50 locations near Lake Kawaguchi offer this wonderful dish.
HoutouThe local cuisine of Yamanashi is made from flat noodles, and lots and lots of kabocha squash and other fresh vegetables simmered in a miso broth. During the Warring States period (the sixteenth century), the military commander Takeda Shingen is said to have selected it as the food for his troops, and there is no doubt that it kept their bellies full.
Wild gameAn approach to cooking growing in popularity these days is the use of wild game. Deer curry, a specialty of Lake Motosu and Lake Shoji, is lighter in flavor than beef, and higher in protein while having fewer calories, a great combination.