Destinations

Kawaguchiko

“I'll never forget my first day at Kawaguchi. Backpacking alone in 2007, after a long day on trains I relaxed in my hotel's communal bath which overlooked Mount Fuji. As the wispy clouds cleared to reveal the mountain's summit, I knew that there was nowhere in the world I'd rather be."

Maddy Rodell - Travel Consultant

Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the Five Lakes that are found in Yamanashi prefecture on the Northern side of Mt Fuji or Fuji San as she is known to the Japanese. Just a couple of hours from the capital, this is a popular weekend get away for Tokyoites and has a resort atmosphere.

An area full of natural beauty, this is THE place to get that perfect shot of the sacred mountain as she dominates the skyline. There are many observation points in the area but the best has to be from Mount Tenjo which is easily accessed by cable car.

Kawaguchiko itself is a small village on the banks of the lake and boasts a wide range of accommodation from small family run pension to large ryokan hotels. There is a regular tourist bus that does a loop around many of the main sightseeing spots in the area and a free pass can be purchased so that you can hop-on and off at will.

Why not take a relaxing bath in one of the areas many hot springs which are famed for their healing properties as well as their location. Most of the ryokan and hotels in the area have a great many baths to choose from, some with views over the lake and to Fuji San. Most hotels will allow the public to use their baths during the day for a few hundred yen.

If you wish to make the pilgrimage to the top of Mt Fuji then this is the ideal base. Buses run from Kawaguchiko to the fifth station and from here you can climb to the summit in around 6 hours. Although the climbing season is only during July and August. It is well worth making the trip to the fifth station at other times of year as again you will be treated to magnificent views.

As well as the amazing views and hot springs, Kawaguchiko also boasts a number of other attractions such as art galleries, water sports, museums, caves and hiking. Last but not least, Kawaguchiko is home to the amusement park Fuji Q High Land, featuring one of the world's tallest roller coasters and other thrilling rides with Mount Fuji as backdrop.

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Products featuring Kawaguchiko...

Self Guided Adventure

Mt. Fuji, Kyoto & the Japanese Alps

Take a leap off the tourist track and discover the crisp mountain air and clear blue skies of Japan’s little known Alpine region, an area of outstanding natural beauty with walks and hikes for all abilities. Add to this stays in Tokyo, Kyoto and and you have a wonderfully varied journey to savour.

14 Nights: £2240

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