Lake Kawaguchi, called Kawaguchiko in Japanese, is a small town in Yamanashi Prefecture with a population of about 25,000 people. At an elevation of 2,733 feet, it is the highest town in Japan. And they say it has been inhabited as early as 1,000 BC.
The area is known as a hot spring town, and it is the perfect place to see Mount Fuji and stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, soak in an onsen, and experience a kaiseki dinner.
5 Things to Do at Lake Kawaguchi
1. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
Itchiku Kubota was a textile artist famous for reviving the lost art of Tsuji-ga-hana, an ancient textile dyeing technique. There are many of his kimono on display with English explanation and video.
There is also a Japanese garden that you can go for a stroll and a teahouse with views of the garden.
2. Arakura Sengen Shrine
At Arakura Sengen Shrine, you can snap the perfect picture of Mount Fuji behind Chureito Pagoda. It’s a hefty hike of about 400 stairs to reach the destination, but it’s worth it for the beautiful view. It is especially picturesque when there are cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall.
3. Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
If you prefer not to walk up the stairs, there is a panoramic ropeway near Lake Kawaguchi. The ropeway will take you to the top of Mount Tenjo so you can get an unobstructed view of Mount Fuji.
4. Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland is a theme park with views of Mount Fuji. It is particularly famous for its Thomas Land attraction.
5. Aokigahara Forest
Near Lake Saiko is Aokigahara Forest. The suicide forest has been mentioned in anime, manga, video games, and the 2015 film Sea of Trees with Matthew McConaughey.
The forest is very dense, so it is easy to get lost if you stray from the designated path. The ground is hardened lava, which absorbs sound and makes it feel very eerie.
There are three caves that you can visit that were formed during past eruptions – the Narusawa Ice Caves, Fugaku Wind Cave, and Saiko Bat Cave.
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Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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