Kawaguchiko 河口湖

Kawaguchi, a popular observation point

Less than 2 hours by bus from Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi ( ko meaning "lake" in Japanese) offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. When you arrive at the station, you can choose to rent a bike and set off around Lake Kawaguchi (about 20 kilometers) to find the best viewing angle for your souvenir photos.

The north shore is the most popular with walkers, especially when the cherry trees are in bloom or the maple trees are blushing. But the sacred mountain is mysterious. Its seductive beauty is for those who are patient as the mountain reveals its splendor. 

• Read also: Views of Mount Fuji, 5 places to see it better

Find the best point of view on Kawaguchiko

Rise early to optimize your chances of viewing Fuji-san as during the day, it often disappears over the clouds ... If you want a panoramic view, head to Mount Kachi Kachi. This onomatopoeia would refer to an old Japanese tale featuring a hare and a tanuki (the Japanese raccoon) and would refer to the sound of twigs catching fire. To climb this mountain, two options: the cable car or hike.

• The cable car

The cable car is taken from Kohan station in the southeast of the lake and costs 700 yen ($6/5€) round trip per adult. In just three minutes you will reach Fujimidai station and its observation platforms. On a clear day, you will see the Japanese Alps in the distance.

• Hiking

On foot, it takes 30 min. to reach the first station and 45 min. if you choose to extend to the Komitake Shrine, over 1000 meters above sea level. Kawaguchiko is also the rallying point for Mount Fuji climbers during the summer period. From the train station, take a bus that will take you to FujiSubaru Fifth Station (sometimes called Kawaguchiko). In an hour and for a 2,700yen ($24/21€) round trip, you will be very close to the Yoshida trail leading to the peak of Mount Fuji. This path is very busy because of its ease of access and the many lodges along the route.

Kawaguchi city side: between poetry on kimono and music

More culture than nature? The city has many museums including the Kubota Itchiku Museum of Art named after its creator. This renowned dye artist has dedicated his entire life to recreating the kimono dyeing technique called Tsujigahana, used in the Muromachi period (14th to 16th century). The museum features the artist craftsman's ultimate work: The Symphony of Light, a set of 46 kimonos illustrating a landscape changing with the seasons, but only winter and autumn could be completed before the artist's death. He left it to his apprentices to complete the picture by adding representations of summer, spring, and the universe, which brought the collection to 80 pieces. Another curiosity, the Kawaguchiko Music Forest theme park. Taking on European tunes, this museum offers to discover self-winding musical instruments from Europe. The centerpiece? A French organ dating from 1905, 5 meters high and 13 meters wide, performing every half hour!

Whether it is to climb Mount Fuji or simply to observe it from its foot in the water, Kawaguchiko is peaceful and welcoming. Walking, cycling, cultural discovery, and relaxation at the onsens will punctuate your stay in this city near Tokyo.

To go further :

• Mount Fuji, to the 5th station
• Fujigoko: the 5 lakes region
• Top 4 of Hakone summer by our Travel Angel, Daniel