Fuji Five Lakes Scenic Drive Course

Scattered across the northern foot of Mount Fuji are Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji and Lake Motosu, together called the Fuji Five Lakes. Each differs in size and atmosphere, and the charm is enjoying Mount Fuji from a different angle at every lake. With a car you can tour all five in a day. Set off on a scenic drive that stars Mount Fuji.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Lake Yamanaka The largest of the five lakes, Yamanaka. Begin your trip gazing at the spacious lakeside scenery and Mount Fuji reflected on the water. It is a calm lake where swans glide.

10:30 Sightseeing and food at Lake Kawaguchi The most visited of the five lakes. Stop by a lakeside cafe or art museum, and lunch on the local houtou noodle hotpot is recommended.

12:30 Enjoy quiet nature at Lake Sai Not overly developed, Lake Sai is a quiet lake surrounded by primeval forest. You can relax to the songs of wild birds.

14:00 See the child-cradling Fuji at Lake Shoji The smallest of the five lakes, Shoji. Its charm is a unique composition in which Mount Fuji appears to cradle a smaller mountain in front.

15:30 Finale at Lake Motosu With its high clarity, Lake Motosu is famous as the Mount Fuji scene printed on the thousand-yen note. End the drive gazing at Fuji across the lake.

Highlights

The main attraction is how Mount Fuji looks different from each of the five lakes. The vast Yamanaka, the lively Kawaguchi, the hushed Sai and Shoji, and Motosu famous from the banknote. Along the roads that link the lakes spread natural wonders unique to Fuji, such as the sea of trees and lava caves.

Access and Tips

This loop relies on your own car or a rental. The Kawaguchiko interchange on the Chuo Expressway is a convenient starting point. The roads connecting the lakes are easy to drive, but they can be congested in the tourist season. Looking up viewpoints and parking at each lake in advance keeps things smooth.

A Quick Tip

The upside-down Fuji reflected on a lake is best caught in the windless early morning. Drivers should not be too distracted by the scenery and must put safe driving first. Take frequent breaks as you enjoy the tour of the five lakes.