Do you want to climb Mount Fuji, the highest and most iconic mountain in Japan? If so, you need to find a good place to stay near the mountain that offers easy access, comfortable accommodation, and scenic views.
In this article, we will introduce you to the Kawaguchiko area, one of the best locations for your Mount Fuji adventure. You will learn about how to get there, how to climb the mountain, where to eat, where to relax, and where to stay. Read on and discover the beauty and charm of this area.
- Introduction to the Kawaguchiko area for Mt.Fuji Climb
- Access to Mt. Fuji from the Kawaguchiko area
- Fujikawaguchiko Area Hotels
- Gourmet spots in the Kawaguchiko area
- Day-trip hot springs in the Kawaguchiko area
- Places to go after Mt.Fuji Climb Near Fuji-Kawaguchiko Machi
- Hotels in Fuji-Kawaguchiko Machi For Mt.Fuji Climb Wrap-up
Introduction to the Kawaguchiko area for Mt.Fuji Climb
Kawaguchiko is a town in the northern part of Yamanashi Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Fuji. It is one of the five lakes that surround the mountain and is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy the scenic views, nature, and culture of the area. It has many attractions such as Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge, Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, and Kawaguchiko Herb Hall.
Access to the Kawaguchiko area
From Tokyo
You can take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, and then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station. The total travel time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes . You can also take a direct bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station. The bus takes about 2 hours and costs 1,800 yen one way. You can check the bus timetable and reservation system on this website: https://highway-buses.jp/fuji/
From Kansai
You can take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Mishima Station, and then transfer to the Fujikyu Bus to Kawaguchiko Station. The total travel time is about 4 hours and 30 minutes . You can also take a direct bus from Osaka Station or Kyoto Station to Kawaguchiko Station. The bus takes about 8 hours and costs 6,600 yen one way. You can check the bus timetable and reservation system on this website: https://willerexpress.com/en/
Access to Mt. Fuji from the Kawaguchiko area
Mt.Fuji Yoshida Trail
The Kawaguchiko area has one of the trails to climb Mt. Fuji, called the Yoshida Trail. It is the most popular and crowded trail among the four trails (Yoshida Trail, Subashiri Trail, Gotemba Trail, and Fujinomiya Trail). It starts from the 5th station at an altitude of 2,300 meters and takes about 6 hours to reach the summit . You can take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to the 5th station during the climbing season (early July to mid-September) .
Other trails for Mt.Fuji Climb
To access the Subashiri Trail, the Gotemba Trail, or the Fujinomiya Trail from the Kawaguchiko area, you need to take a bus or a taxi to the respective 5th stations of those trails. The bus service is only available during the climbing season (early July to mid-September). The taxi service is more expensive and may not be available in bad weather.
According to 1, the bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Subashiri Trail 5th Station takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs 2,100 yen one way. The bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Gotemba Trail 5th Station takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes and costs 2,100 yen one way. The bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station takes about 2 hours and costs 2,600 yen one way. You can check the bus timetable and reservation system on this website: https://www.fujikyu.co.jp/en/leisure/leisure.php?ca_id=1
Fujikawaguchiko Area Hotels
Here are some affordable accomodations in the Fujikawaguchiko-cho(Fujikagawaguchiko Machi) area.
- Kawaguchiko Hotel: This is a classic resort hotel that offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji from its hot spring bath and a lakeside location overlooking Kawaguchiko. It has a history of more than 80 years and provides comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The official website is https://www.kawaguchikohotel.com/.
- Hotel Asafuji: This is a Japanese-style inn that boasts a stunning view of Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko from its rooms and hot spring baths. It offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and free pick-up service from Kawaguchiko Station. The official website is https://www.asafuji.jp/en/.
- Kawaguchiko Country Cottage Ban: This is a glamping resort that features cozy cottages with wooden decks and hammocks, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mount Fuji and the natural surroundings. It offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and barbecue facilities. The official website is https://www.ban-cottage.com/en/.
- Fuji View Hotel: This is a luxurious hotel that is surrounded by a lush Japanese garden with cherry trees and offers a splendid view of Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko from its rooms and hot spring baths. It has been renovated in 2018 and offers free Wi-Fi, free shuttle service, and a buffet restaurant. The official website is [Official] Fuji View Hotel.
- Kosuien: This is a traditional Japanese inn that is located on the shore of Kawaguchiko and offers a serene view of Mount Fuji and the lake from its rooms and hot spring baths. It offers free Wi-Fi, free shuttle service, and Japanese cuisine. The official website is https://www.kosuien.net/en/.
- Rakuyu: This is a modern hotel that is situated on a hilltop overlooking Kawaguchiko and offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji and the lake from its rooms and hot spring baths. It offers free Wi-Fi, free shuttle service, and Western-style breakfast. The official website is https://www.rakuyu.jp/en/.
- Hotel New Century: This is a cozy hotel that is located on the lakeside of Kawaguchiko and offers a beautiful view of Mount Fuji and the lake from its rooms and hot spring baths. It offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and buffet-style meals. The official website is https://www.new-century-hotel.com/en/.
- Lake Hotel: This is a simple hotel that is located on the lakeside of Kawaguchiko and offers a lovely view of Mount Fuji and the lake from its rooms and hot spring baths. It offers free Wi-Fi, free shuttle service, and Japanese-style meals. The official website is English|Fujilake Hotel .
- Hotel Koryu: This is a charming hotel that is located in the Mount Fuji area and offers a hot spring bath with a view of Mount Fuji and Otsuki Mountain Range. It also offers private baths for an extra fee, free parking, and free shuttle service from Kawaguchiko Station.
The official website is https://hotel-koryu.jp/ - Villa Ensoleille: This is a stylish villa that offers a splendid view of Mount Fuji from its spacious rooms with kitchenettes and terraces. It also offers barbecue facilities for an extra fee, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. The official website is
Gourmet spots in the Kawaguchiko area
The Kawaguchiko area is famous for its local specialty, hoto noodles. It is a thick noodle soup with vegetables and miso broth. It is said to have originated from farmers who cooked wheat flour with hot water in a pot. You can find many restaurants that serve this dish in the town . Another popular food in the area is yamanashi fruit. The area is known for its production of grapes, peaches, plums, cherries, and other fruits. You can enjoy fresh fruit picking or buy fruit products such as jams, juices, and wines.
Day-trip hot springs in the Kawaguchiko area
After a long day of sightseeing or climbing Mt. Fuji, you might want to relax in a hot spring. The Kawaguchiko area has several hot spring facilities that you can enjoy for a day trip. One of them is Yurari Hot Spring Village, which is located near Lake Saiko. It has indoor and outdoor baths with natural hot spring water that has various effects such as beautifying skin and relieving fatigue. You can also enjoy a buffet restaurant, a foot bath, a massage, and a souvenir shop . Another option is Fujiyama Onsen, which is located near Fuji-Q Highland. It has indoor and outdoor baths with natural hot spring water that is rich in minerals and has a smooth texture. You can also enjoy a sauna, a relaxation room, a restaurant, and a shop .
Places to go after Mt.Fuji Climb Near Fuji-Kawaguchiko Machi
- Fuji-Q Highland: A famous amusement park with thrilling roller coasters and attractions, such as Fujiyama, Eejanaika, and Takabisha. There are also themed areas based on popular anime and manga, such as Evangelion and GeGeGe no Kitaro. You can enjoy a whole day of fun and excitement here.
Fuji-Q Highland is about 10 minutes by car from Lake Kawaguchiko. You can also take a free shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station or Fuji-Q Highland Station. If you stay at the Highland Resort Hotel & Spa, you can get a discount on the admission fee and enter the park 15 minutes earlier than the regular opening time. - Aokigahara Forest Tour: A tour that lets you explore the Aokigahara forest at the foot of Mount Fuji with a guide, where you can experience the mystery and history of nature. There are also options such as cave exploration and cycling.
- Chureito Pagoda: A five-storied pagoda located in Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can see the beautiful contrast of Mount Fuji with cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. It is a must-see spot for photographers.
- Kachi Kachi Ropeway: A ropeway that takes you to Tenjoyama Park at the southeast corner of Lake Kawaguchiko. From the observatory, you can see Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. The name of the ropeway comes from the folk tale “Kachi Kachi Mountain”.
- Fuji Subaru Land: A natural theme park at the foot of Mount Fuji, where you can enjoy Tarzan ropes, tightrope walking, and playing with dogs. There is also a discount one-day passport if you buy in advance.
- Highland Resort Hotel & Spa: A hotel directly connected to Fuji-Q Highland, with facilities such as hot springs, pools, and esthetics. The lunch buffet is also delicious.
- Yamanashi Gem Museum: A gemstone specialty museum that exhibits more than 2,000 gems from around the world, where you can learn in detail about the birth and history of gemstones. Don’t miss the huge crystal weighing 1270kg.
- fujisanbike Lake Kawaguchiko: A rental bicycle that is indispensable for sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchiko, with electric-assisted bicycles and cross bikes. Run freely along the lake and feel the wind.
- Lake Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum: A building inspired by European castles, where you can appreciate artistic works such as music and paintings. The collection of music boxes and automatic musical instruments is also wonderful.
Hotels in Fuji-Kawaguchiko Machi For Mt.Fuji Climb Wrap-up
We hope this article has given you some useful information and inspiration for your Mount Fuji adventure. Climbing Mount Fuji is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will reward you with breathtaking views, unforgettable memories, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you choose to stay in a cozy guesthouse, a modern hotel, or a glamping resort, you will find a comfortable and convenient base in the Kawaguchiko area. Don’t miss this chance to explore the beauty and culture of this region and challenge yourself to reach the top of Japan’s most sacred mountain.