Lake Kawaguchi Spring Solo Travel Guide in Late March
- MaiRie
- Mar 27, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 27, 2024
If you're planning a Tokyo - Yamanashi (Lake Kawaguchi) - Shizuoka trip to get a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, this blog post will give you an idea of what the area looks like during late March.
The Lake Kawaguchi area is located at the base of Japan's most famous landmark, Mt. Fuji. It is one of five lakes in the area and is the second largest, with the other lakes being Lake Motosu, Lake Shojiko, Lake Saiko, and Lake Yamanaka. There are also various popular tourist destinations with many attractions for visitors to enjoy all year round.
Yamanashi, being my 35th prefecture, my ultimate goal this year was to visit all 47 prefectures instead of just seeing the pink blossoms around Lake Kawaguchi. However, my trip has been postponed because of the consistent rain and the poor visibility of Mt. Fuji from the hotel. I had to wait until the night before to ensure that the weather was perfect and that I could catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. When visiting, I recommend checking the area's live cameras and the weather forecast to ensure the possibility of seeing Mt. Fuji. There's no point in going there if you can't see its majestic beauty!
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Access: Getting to Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo
From Shinjuku
Highway Bus: 2 hours (¥2000)
The journey was incredibly comfortable, and the price and travel time balance were excellent. However, please note that as the bus will be using the expressway, the travel time may vary depending on traffic congestion. During peak seasons, the buses can be fully booked, so it's essential to reserve your seat ahead of time.
Fuji Excursion Express: 1h52m (¥4,060)
It is only a few minutes quicker than the bus, but the arrival time is more reliable. You will have to book your ticket in advance as it is reservation-only. Tickets are available one month prior to the departure date of the ticket.
Where to stay: Stay at an accessible in with Mt. Fuji view
As I made a last-minute booking, I stayed at Lake Kawaguchi-ko, the most affordable and closest accommodation available. Although the inn was old, it was clean and comfortable. I opted for a tatami room, which was very relaxing after a long day. Initially, I had low expectations; I was pleasantly surprised to witness one of the most beautiful views of my life while soaking in a hot bath the following day.
If you're looking for a reasonable place to stay with a great view, I highly recommend this place. They also have a mountain view room, so you can adore Mt. Fuji while taking a break. It is also a convenient place to stay, especially if you have to leave early in the morning.
Website: http://www.st-inn.com/en/
Explore: Visiting the photogenic spots of Mt. Fuji
During the trip, I relied solely on local transportation and learned an important lesson - it's common for buses to arrive late, which can be particularly confusing when you're at the bus stations. If you have a driver's license, renting a car or hiring a private cab to get around is the best option.
Lake Kawaguchi
This location offers a picturesque view of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko, which is frequently featured in brochures and guidebooks. It is also where you can capture Mt. Fuji while standing under the Ohashi Bridge. The serene scenery was stunning, and I enjoyed watching ducks floating by.
Access:
Bus - Kawaguchi Station to Ubuyagasaki 8min (¥230)
Car - 6min
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Arakura Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine is located in the scenic Arakurayama Sengen Park. Don't forget to visit the shrine before heading to its pagoda. There's also an area nearby where you can take a break or even grab some food and drinks after a hike.
Chureito Pagoda
The pagoda is about a five-minute climb away from the shrine. Although it was too early to see cherry blossoms, I was grateful to see the Pagoda complimenting the beauty of Mt. Fuji. By noon, clouds hovered the mountain. I tried to stay a little bit longer, just like the other visitors, hoping it would pass by. But it was impossible. A local told me it's usually best to see early morning.
If you're coming to see the cherry blossoms, I recommend visiting from early to mid-April. However, take note that the timing may vary due to temperature and weather conditions. Make sure to check the cherry blossom forecasts and updates of your destinations.
Access:
Bus - Kawaguchi Station to Shimoyoshida Station via Fujikyuko Line (¥310)
Car - 10 min by car
Fujisan View Express
I was fortunate enough to catch the Fujisan View Express while returning to Kawaguchiko Station. This train is popular among hikers who climb Mt. Fuji, and it starts at Otsuki Station, which is also connected to the JR Chuo Line that runs through the southeastern part of Yamanashi prefecture. The interior gave off a luxurious vibe and was very comfortable.
I noticed that there are several cute trains in the area. It is probably because of Fuji-Q's collaborations, such as Naruto, Thomas Train, Gaspard and Lisa. Train enthusiasts or fans of these shows will definitely enjoy their trip here.
Although this Yamanashi trip wasn't fancy, the sight of Mount Fuji was luxurious and undoubtedly the highlight of my journey. As I stepped off the bus from Shinjuku, I remember being mesmerized by the mountain's majestic beauty and forgot about my itinerary. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this quick trip and hope to explore it more on my next visit.
Join me in my next blog post as I travel down to Shizuoka to glimpse the cherry blossoms!
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