Lake Kawaguchiko Electric Mini-Car Guided Tour

Overview

This three-hour guided tour lets you drive a small Japanese electric car around Lake Kawaguchiko, the most visited of the Fuji Five Lakes. After a transfer from Kawaguchiko Station and a safety briefing, you follow your English-speaking local guide in a small convoy for about 20 kilometres along the lakeshore, stopping at four to six scenic spots for photos of the water, the flower parks and, when the weather allows, Mount Fuji. Most cars are single-seaters, with a few two-seaters, and drivers need a valid International Driving Permit; children and non-drivers ride in the guide's car. It is a fun, different way to see the lake for couples, friends and families, with tours in the early morning, late morning and afternoon.

Highlights

• Drive your own small electric car around Lake Kawaguchiko
• About 20 kilometres of lakeside roads with Mount Fuji views when clear
• Four to six scenic photo stops chosen by your local guide
• English-speaking guide leading the convoy, with help taking photos and videos
• Safety briefing before departure and quiet, eco-friendly electric cars
• Transfer from Kawaguchiko Station to the start point and back included
• Non-drivers and children can join as passengers in the guide's car

Itinerary

1. Meeting at Kawaguchiko StationMeet your guide at bus stop 10 outside the tourist information centre at the start time you chose.
2. Transfer to the start point in OishiAbout 20 minutes by car to the north shore.
3. Safety briefingAbout 20 minutes to check licences, learn the controls and review the route.
4. Guided drive around Lake KawaguchikoAbout two hours and 20 kilometres in convoy, with four to six photo stops and a short break.
5. Return to Kawaguchiko StationAbout 20 minutes back to the meeting point, where the tour ends after around three hours.

What's included

• Electric mini car (mostly single-seat; a few two-seaters)
• Safety briefing before departure
• English-speaking local guide
• 4 to 6 scenic photo stops around Lake Kawaguchiko
• Help with photos and videos
• Transfer from Kawaguchiko Station to the start point and back

Not suitable for

• Drivers without a valid International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva booklet format (they can ride in the guide's car instead)

Meeting point

Meet at bus stop 10 outside the tourist information centre at Kawaguchiko Station, at the start time you choose (06:00, 10:00 or 14:00; from December to March the tour runs once a day, 11:30 to 14:30). A short transfer to the start point and back is included. Bring your passport, your national driving licence and your International Driving Permit. The tour ends back at the station.

Important information

• Drivers must bring a passport, a national driving licence and a valid International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva booklet format); cards are not accepted.
• Children and non-drivers ride in the guide's car; please tell us when booking so we can reserve a seat.
• Most cars are single-seaters, with only a few two-seaters, so couples usually drive one car each.
• Japan drives on the left; the convoy stays together and follows the guide.
• Mount Fuji views depend on the weather and are never guaranteed.
• From December to March the tour runs only once a day, from 11:30 to 14:30.
• Meals and entrance fees are not included; smoking is not allowed during the tour.
• Dress warmly in the cooler months, as the open-sided stops by the lake can be cold.