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Berlin to the foot of Mount Fuji: Lake Kawaguchi

Berlin → Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi
"Lake Kawaguchi Panorama.jpg" by DXR, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Skyscrapers of Shinjuku 2009 January (Tokyo)
Photo: Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fuji reflections and lakeside walks Best season (general guide): Oct–Feb, Apr–May

A few hours from Tokyo, the lakes on Mount Fuji's northern side give the classic views of the mountain, framed by water, pagodas and autumn leaves. This route spends five nights at Lake Kawaguchi. From Berlin you'll fly to Tokyo, then take the highway bus or train. Lake Kawaguchi lies in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes and has the longest shoreline.

How to pace it: Spend days one to five at Lake Kawaguchi: day one, bus from Tokyo; day two, lakeside walk and the ropeway; day three, Chūreitō Pagoda; day four, Saiko and the lava caves; day five, rest day by the lake.

At about 800 metres above sea level, it has relatively cool summers and often icy winters. The lake is within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Mount Fuji, at 3,776 metres, is Japan's highest mountain. It was added to the UNESCO list in 2013 as a sacred place and a source of artistic inspiration, a listing that includes the Fuji Five Lakes.

The five-storey Chūreitō Pagoda, on a hillside above Fujiyoshida, is one of the most photographed views of the mountain. To the west, the forest of Aokigahara grows on lava from an eruption in 864, and it hides lava caves that can be visited. Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park at the foot of the mountain, is known for its roller coasters.

Late autumn and winter give the clearest views of Fuji, and spring brings blossom; summer is often hazy. Hōtō, thick flat noodles stewed with pumpkin and vegetables in miso, is the local dish of Yamanashi. Lake Kawaguchi is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes.

It is the most popular of the five lakes with tourists, and photographers come for its views of Mount Fuji across the water. Wakasagi, a small smelt, was introduced to the lake in the Meiji period, and sport fishing is popular. Staying several nights at the lake gives you more chances to see the mountain free of cloud.

Practical notes: The official climbing season on Mount Fuji runs only in summer, from July to early September. During the climbing season in July and August, the lake is a hub for people heading up Mount Fuji.

Safety: Canada's advice for Japan is to take normal security precautions (updated 29 Sep 2026), and the US rates Japan Level 1 (15 May 2025).

Suggested outline

  1. Berlin

    Start

  2. Lake Kawaguchi

    By air · 5 nights suggested

    The best-known of the Fuji Five Lakes.

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Lake Kawaguchi — Arrive; bus from Tokyo· Berlin → Tokyo (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day, then Tokyo → Lake Kawaguchi (overland)
  2. Day 2 · Lake Kawaguchi — Lakeside walk and the ropeway
  3. Day 3 · Lake Kawaguchi — Chūreitō Pagoda
  4. Day 4 · Lake Kawaguchi — Saiko and the lava caves
  5. Day 5 · Lake Kawaguchi — Rest day by the lake
  6. Day 6 · Lake Kawaguchi — Travel home from Lake Kawaguchi· Lake Kawaguchi → Tokyo (overland), then Tokyo → Berlin (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Lake Kawaguchi

Nearest airport: Tokyo Search fares · Tokyo ↗

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