5 Best Places to View Mt Fuji 🇯🇵 | Kawaguchiko & Yamanakako Travel, Food & Things to Do

5 Best Places to View Mt Fuji 🇯🇵 | Kawaguchiko & Yamanakako Travel, Food & Things to Do

Join us for a 3-night adventure around the Fuji Five Lakes area as we explore the best spots to view iconic Mount Fuji. We explored the Fuji Five Lakes region using the convenient public sightseeing buses. Although the weather was unpredictable, we were lucky to catch several stunning views of Mount Fuji throughout our trip. We also sampled some of the delicious local cuisine unique to this region. Good afternoon! We just arrived at Mount Fuji Station in Fujiyoshida City by bus. It was around 2 PM, but since check-in was at 3 PM, we left our bags at the hotel first. We stayed at the Fujisan Station Hotel for 3 nights, just a 5-minute walk from Mount Fuji Station. Next to the station, Q-Sta Mall had a basement food court perfect for a quick bite. One must-try local specialty in Fujiyoshida City is Yoshida Udon. This stall offered a wide variety of thick, chewy noodles. Here’s the savory Pork Udon. I added a mix of condiments to enhance the flavor of the noodles. The soup had a light, clear broth with generous pieces of tender pork. Yoshida Udon is unique compared to regular udon noodles. These noodles are thicker, chewier, and incredibly filling. The portion was huge, and I was completely satisfied after finishing it. On the 6th floor of Q-Sta Mall, there’s an observation deck offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji. From here, you can see the nearby residential areas and the thrilling Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. Q-Sta Mall also has souvenir shops, Mos Burger, MUJI, and Daiso for shopping and dining. Since it was still early, we explored the surrounding town a bit more. Just 5 minutes from Mount Fuji Station is the iconic Kanadorii Gate. Built in 1957, the Kanadorii Gate welcomes Mount Fuji worshippers and stands as a landmark of Fujiyoshida City. Fujiyoshida City is peaceful, with a few eateries and a convenience store nearby. After exploring, we returned to the hotel to check in. Our twin room (21 sqm) was spacious, with minimal furniture creating a comfortable stay. We enjoyed views of the neighborhood, surrounding mountains, and Q-Sta Mall from our room. The room included a mini fridge, safe, and slippers, but no complimentary bottled water. The bathroom was standard in size but functional. After settling in, it was time to rest for the evening. Good morning! It was 6:30 AM, and time for breakfast. Breakfast was included at the hotel, so no need to search for morning meals elsewhere. While options were limited, they offered cooked dishes, bread, and cereal. It was forecasted to be a cloudy day, but Mount Fuji peeked through the clouds. Today, we planned to explore the Fuji Five Lakes region by bus. We first visited the bus ticket office next to Mount Fuji Station to buy a Mount Fuji Passport for ￥3,300. The passport covers buses and trains around Fuji Five Lakes for 2 days and must be purchased on the day of travel. We boarded the train from Mount Fuji Station for our first sightseeing stop. The station platform offered a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. Even seats were provided for passengers to enjoy the view while waiting for the train. Our first destination was Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda, taking the train to Shimo-Yoshida Station. Shimo-Yoshida Station is just 2 stops away, about 5 minutes by train. The shrine entrance is a 5-minute walk from the station, well-signposted for visitors. Clear signs ensured we wouldn’t get lost on our walk to the shrine. The first flight of stairs led us up to Arakurayama Shrine. A large red Torii gate marked the entrance to the shrine. Some of the leaves were already changing colors, adding to the scenic view. The shrine sits near the base of the hill, surrounded by nature. To reach Chureito Pagoda, we climbed 398 stairs to the top observation point. The climb took about 20 minutes to reach the top. Chureito Pagoda was built to honor Fujiyoshida citizens who died in wars after 1868. Finally, we reached the famous viewing platform for breathtaking Mount Fuji photos with Chureito Pagoda. It was just 9am, but clouds were already rolling in over Mount Fuji. We found another observation platform offering panoramic views of Fujiyoshida City and the majestic Mount Fuji. Within 15 minutes, Mount Fuji vanished behind thick clouds—the last glimpse of the day. We carefully made our way down the hill, returning to Shimo-Yoshida Station to catch the next train to Kawaguchiko Station, just four stops away. The ride took 14 minutes. The sky had turned so cloudy in such a short time, changing the whole view. I had been craving Hoto Noodles, a famous regional dish from Yamanashi Prefecture. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed for unknown reasons. There was no notice, and I only discovered it online. Really hungry, I stopped by a convenience store and picked up some rice balls as a quick meal. The first was an omurice-flavored rice ball, with a piece of egg folded inside the rice. It wasn’t very strong in chicken and onion flavor, but it was still delicious. Next, I tried a fried rice ball with a small piece of fried chicken in the center. The rice portion was generous and satisfying. Lunch was simple but filling for now. No Mount Fuji views from the Lawson near Kawaguchiko Station either. We returned to Kawaguchiko Station to continue our journey. The station was packed, likely because it was the day after Sports Day, a Japanese public holiday on October 14th. Next, we planned to take the Red sightseeing bus around scenic Lake Kawaguchiko. The line was long, and the bus was crowded, reflecting the holiday crowds. We rode the bus to the final stop, Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre, about 30 minutes from the station. Here we arrived at Oishi Park, a serene spot located along the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. Oishi Park is a large park famous for its seasonal flowers and stunning lake views. In October, the Kochia plants, also called summer cypress, turn vibrant red. The park also features a cozy café and a souvenir store. At the western end, there is a vast patch of Kochia plants perfect for photography. We could also walk right up to the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, where the water was crystal clear. Unfortunately, thick clouds blocked views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains. We caught the next bus back to Kawaguchiko Station, then transferred to another bus heading to Oshino Hakkai. The ride between Kawaguchiko and Oshino Hakkai took about 30 minutes. This area was once Lake Oshino, the sixth lake at the base of Mount Fuji. Over time, Lake Oshino dried up, leaving a basin with several spring-fed ponds. The eight most famous ponds are called “Hakkai,” meaning “eight seas.” Waku-ike Pond is known for its crystal-clear spring water and is a favorite spot for photography against a blue sky—cloudy days less so. Kagamiike Pond, also called Mirror Pond, can reflect Mount Fuji under perfect conditions. Shobuike Pond is surrounded by irises, but unfortunately, we weren’t visiting during bloom season. Okama-ike Pond is the smallest in Oshino Hakkai but impressively clear with bright blue water. Choshiike Pond is named after a sake bottle, linked to a local legend of a bride jumping into the pond, symbolizing good marriage. The artificial Nakaike Pond is surrounded by charming thatched-roof houses and a waterwheel, creating an ideal photography scene. Inside one of the houses is a souvenir shop selling local snacks. One specialty is Kusa Mochi, a freshly grilled red bean pastry with a subtle grassy taste and mild sweetness. There is also a small round pond in the center, though cloudy weather muted its vibrant color. Visitors can purchase empty bottles to fill with fresh Mount Fuji spring water. After exploring, we headed to the bus stop for the ride back to Fujiyoshida City. It was already 4:40pm, and the buses were crowded with people heading home. We stopped two bus stops before Mount Fuji Station for dinner. I was excited to try Katsu-an today. Here, orders are served using a robot, adding a futuristic twist to dining. I chose the Pork Loin Cutlet combo (120g), which came with rice, salad, and soup. The crispy batter and tender meat made it irresistible. After dinner, we walked back to the hotel to rest for the night. The hotel was only 15 minutes away, but the streets were dark after sunset, so caution was advised. Good morning again! Hotel breakfast buffet was similar to yesterday, but I also tried the beef curry this time. After a quick breakfast, it was time to head out for more sightseeing. It was forecasted to be cloudy again, but thankfully Mount Fuji was still visible in the morning sky. We decided to revisit Oshino Hakkai for a quick photo stop with Mount Fuji as the backdrop. Buses to Oshino Hakkai ran about once an hour, and the ride from Mount Fuji Station took roughly 30 minutes. Arriving around 9:30am, Oshino Hakkai felt much calmer than the previous day. This time, Mount Fuji graced the view at Nakaike Pond, perfect for photos. Waku-ike Pond also offered stunning reflections of Mount Fuji. Next, we visited Nigori-ike Pond, located right beside Waku-ike Pond—one we missed yesterday. Kagamiike Pond, the Mirror Pond, reflected Mount Fuji beautifully on a clear day. Shobuike Pond, surrounded by irises, added a splash of green with the mountain in the background. We skipped Sokonashiike Pond, which required an entrance fee, and Deguchi-ike Pond, which was farthest away. Oshino Hakkai felt peaceful and relaxing with far fewer crowds this morning. After exploring, we returned to the bus stop to continue our sightseeing around Lake Yamanakako. We boarded the bus at approximately 10:15am for the scenic ride. Our first stop was Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park, only 10 minutes from Oshino Hakkai. This large park features seasonal flowers with stunning views of Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Another 10 minutes on the bus brought us to Lake Yamanakako, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes. Buses around Lake Yamanakako run clockwise or anti-clockwise, offering full lake tours. Our bus went anti-clockwise, first passing the Southern Shore of Lake Yamanakako. Buses in the same direction run only once every two hours, so staying on was convenient. We decided to enjoy the full bus tour around Lake Yamanakako. There were no Mount Fuji views from the Southern Shore, but the scenery was still lovely. Autumn had arrived, and leaves were turning from green to vibrant orange. As we reached the Eastern Shore, Mount Fuji appeared again, offering spectacular photo opportunities. After the Yamanakako Hirano stop, the bus continued along the Northern Shore of the lake. The Northern Shore provided some of the best views of Lake Yamanakako with Mount Fuji in the background. We passed Nagaike Water Park, which stretches along the lakeside, perfect for a leisurely stroll. We were lucky to spot a reflection of Mount Fuji shimmering on the lake’s surface. The bus ride concluded at Lake Kawaguchiko Station at 12:20pm. It was a long two-hour journey, but the scenery made it worthwhile. Clouds began forming around the tip of Mount Fuji. We enjoyed Hoto Noodles at Hoto Fudo today since it was finally open. The restaurant was almost empty, so we got a seat quickly. Besides Hoto Noodles, the menu included other main dishes and sides, with English and Mandarin translations. I ordered Hoto Noodles, served in a hot metal pot with a savory miso soup base—a hearty and satisfying portion. The dish was meat-free, with cabbage, carrot, mushrooms, and tofu—perfect for vegans. Hoto Noodles are thick, similar to udon noodles, with a slightly chewy texture. They were less chewy than Yoshida Udon but still wonderfully satisfying. The portion was huge, but I managed to finish every last bite. Next, we debated whether to revisit Oishi Park or explore another lake. We chose Oishi Park again, as Mount Fuji was still visible in the afternoon light. Many visitors were outside the Lawson near Kawaguchiko Station, a spot popular on social media. From the Eastern Shore, Lake Kawaguchiko offered a stunning view. We could even spot Mount Fuji reflected beautifully in the lake. Finally, we arrived again at Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre to capture photos and videos of Mount Fuji that we missed the previous day. Afterward, we took the bus back to Kawaguchiko Station and rode a train to Fuji-Q Highland Station. It was only one station away, just a quick three-minute journey. Fuji-Q Highland Station is right next to the famous Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. Entrance to Fuji-Q Highland is free; you pay only for the rides you take. The park is world-famous for thrilling, record-breaking roller coasters. Roller coasters were too intense for me, so I explored the park on foot instead. Eejanaika, a “4D” roller coaster, with seats that rotate in every direction as it zooms along the track. Just watching this roller coaster made me feel dizzy—definitely not for the faint-hearted! Takabisha was once the world’s steepest roller coaster, featuring a jaw-dropping 121-degree drop. Fujiyama held the title of tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1996. Zokkon, the newest roller coaster in Fuji-Q Highland, opened in 2023 and thrills riders with high-speed twists. Other attractions included the Tondemina Giant Frisbee, Tekkotsu Star Flyer, and a scenic Ferris wheel for a more relaxed ride. After exploring Fuji-Q Highland amusement park on foot, we returned to Kawaguchiko Station to continue our evening. We picked up some rice balls for a quick supper at the convenience store before heading back to Mt Fuji Station and our hotel to rest. Good morning! It was our last morning in Fujiyoshida. Breakfast looked similar to the previous two days but was still a good start to the day. It was much cloudier today, and sadly, Mount Fuji was hidden behind thick clouds. After checking out, we made our way to Mount Fuji Station to buy tickets for the train to Tokyo Station. We first boarded the local Fujikyuko Line train heading to Otsuki Station. The train departed right on time at 9:07am, starting our scenic ride back. Taking the local train required two transfers and cost slightly more than the bus, but seats were easier to find without reservations. The train slowly descended through charming suburbs and small towns, giving a glimpse of rural Japan. After 47 minutes, we arrived at Otsuki Station at 9:54am. Here, we switched to the JR Chuo Line for the next leg of our journey to Tokyo. At Otsuki, travelers can choose either the local train, which requires a transfer, or the limited express with no transfers to reach Tokyo. We took the local Chuo Line train departing at 10:19am, then transferred at Takao Station to continue toward Tokyo Station. Our train arrived at Tokyo Station around 12:11pm, completing the approximately 3-hour journey. We planned a short stopover in Tokyo to explore before heading to the airport for our flight home. Thanks for joining our journey! See you in the next video.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mount Fuji in the Fuji Five Lakes region! Join us on a 3-night adventure as we explore the top 5 spots to view Mt Fuji, try delicious local Japanese food, and enjoy scenic lakes, iconic shrines, and cultural landmarks.

In this video, you’ll discover:
✔️ Breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako
✔️ Must-try dishes like Yoshida Udon and Hoto Noodles
✔️ Scenic bus tours and lakeside walks around Lake Kawaguchiko & Lake Yamanakako
✔️ Iconic photo spots: Chureito Pagoda, Oshino Hakkai, and Oishi Park
✔️ A fun walk around the thrilling Fuji-Q Highland amusement park

Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply love breathtaking mountain views, this guide covers everything you need for a memorable Fuji Five Lakes adventure!

Timestamps:
00:48 Q-Sta Mall (Yoshida Udon, observation deck)
02:26 Kanadorii
02:49 Fujisan Station hotel
05:16 Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
05:53 Chureito Pagoda
08:06 Oishi Park
09:34 Oshino Hakkai
12:51 Oshino Hakkai (revisit with Mt Fuji Views)
13:58 Lake Yamanakako
15:17 Hoto Noodles
16:50 Oishi Park (revisit with Mt Fuji Views)
17:43 Fuji-Q Highland amusement park
19:36 Getting from Mt Fuji Station to Tokyo Station

* Google Translate was used to translate English subtitles to multiple languages. So there might be some errors in those languages.
* Although I try my best to be accurate, but some information on the video may not be 100% correct or subject to changes over time.

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