Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Oishi Park & Oshino Hakkai Day Tour from Tokyo

Lake Yamanaka

Lake Yamanaka is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and the highest, at about 980 metres above sea level, and it is the first stop on the tour after roughly two hours on the coach. On a calm morning the lake surface can act like a mirror, and Mount Fuji appears reflected in the water.

Visibility depends on the weather, and clouds often cover the summit, especially in summer and in the afternoon, so the view cannot be guaranteed. Winter and early spring are usually the clearest seasons for Fuji views, and morning is better than afternoon. Your guide will help you pick a good spot along the shore.

Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a village with eight spring-fed ponds, where snowmelt from Mount Fuji filters through volcanic rock for decades before rising in crystal-clear pools. The springs are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Fuji, and carp swim in the water beside thatched-roof houses and small shrines.

You have about an hour here, including lunch at your own expense at a village restaurant or stall. Try freshly grilled rice cakes, tempura or a Fuji-themed dessert. The village is one of the most photogenic places near Mount Fuji, and the paths are flat and easy to walk.

Oishi Park and Lake Kawaguchi

Oishi Park sits on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi and is known for its flower beds facing Mount Fuji. The blooms change with the seasons: tulips and moss phlox in spring, lavender in early summer, and cosmos and autumn colours later in the year. A lakeside path gives you a wide, calm view of the mountain.

If you are searching for the best place to photograph Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi, this park is a strong choice. Time here is about forty minutes, and there are small shops selling local souvenirs and snacks. Weather can change quickly around the lake, so bring a light jacket.

Lawson Kawaguchiko Station and the Hikawa Clock Shop

Lawson at Kawaguchiko Station became famous online because a Lawson convenience store sign frames Mount Fuji directly behind it. It is a short stop for photos and a snack, and it can be crowded, so your guide will show you where and how to take your picture within local rules.

Nearby, the Hikawa Clock Shop in Fujiyoshida stands at the end of a long straight street that points at the mountain, with retro shop signs and lamp posts that give the scene a Showa-era feel. Both stops are short, about twenty minutes each, and are best enjoyed when the sky is clear.

Arakurayama Sengen Park and the Chureito Pagoda

Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the most famous views in Japan. A stone stairway of about 400 steps climbs the hillside to an observation deck, where the five-storey Chureito Pagoda appears in front of Mount Fuji and the town of Fujiyoshida below. It is especially beautiful in cherry blossom season in April and in the autumn colours in November.

The climb takes about fifteen minutes, so wear comfortable shoes. You have about an hour at the park, which allows time to reach the top, take photos and come back down. The stairs are steep, and the park may be busier at weekends and public holidays, so allow for delays.