How to Spend 2 Days in Lake Kawaguchiko | The Perfect Itinerary

If you’re reading this, it means you’re likely considering 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko – and I couldn’t be more excited for you! 😍 

When people think of Japan, they often picture futuristic, high-tech cities like Tokyo or historic temples. But here’s the thing… Japan goes far beyond that. From the vibrant chaos of the biggest cities to the most gentle calmness of small towns, this country couldn’t be more diverse.

I strongly recommend experiencing the wonderful duality of this country, which is why spending a couple of days in Lake Kawaguchiko (Fujikawaguchiko) is simply a must.

Perfect for first time visitors, this itinerary includes everything from the best ryokan to stay in, to the best things to do, where to eat, answered FAQs, and more. Get ready for breathtaking nature, iconic views of Mount Fuji, and a relaxing atmosphere.  

Without further ado, here is how you can spend the perfect 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko! 👇 

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The Perfect 2 Days in Lake Kawaguchiko

As one of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko, is famous for having the most beautiful views of Mount Fuji. It’s the most easily accessible of the 5 lakes and is part of the quaint Fujikawaguchiko town, which is full of beautiful gems to be enjoyed.

While this town can easily be treated as a day trip from Tokyo, I highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko. This gives you enough time to settle and thoroughly enjoy Japan’s natural and serene side – think onsens, lakes, and breathtaking parks.

Without further ado, here is how you can spend the perfect 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko! 

Day 1 in Lake Kawaguchiko | Explore the Lake and Town

Start your day by arriving at Kawaguchiko Station in the morning. This way, you have two full days to explore this beautiful town. With the Fuji Excursion train, the earliest you can arrive is 9:30 AM, and the latest is 12:30 PM.

Once you arrive at Kawaguchiko Station, head straight for the station’s luggage lockers – where you can drop off your belongings at a very affordable rate. This allows you to start your adventures right away, hassle-free!

Breakfast or Lunch?

Depending on the time you arrive, it could be a great time to have breakfast or an early lunch. This day is about to be full of adventures, so I recommend relaxing and eating something once you arrive.

For a delicious coffee and yummy breakfast, head to Hao Stay Coffee, which is only a 5-minute walk from the station.

If you’re ready for lunch, head across the station for Shaw’s Sushi Bar & Dining – a restaurant I’m still dreaming of to this day. This is a family-owned business that catches their own fish and is gluten-free friendly.

If you’re not in the mood for sashimi, head to Hotou Fudo for the traditional Hotou Noodles, or
Koushuya for a delicious beef cutlet!

Rent a Bike at Fujisanbike Kawaguchiko

Now that you’re fueled up, it’s time to begin your adventures around Lake Kawaguchiko!🚲

Kawaguchiko is a fairly big and spread-out town. Having a bike is a great way to get around. By renting a bike, you will be able to reach all the must-sees faster, which consequently gives you more time to slow down and enjoy your surroundings.

This bike rental store has many bike options to satisfy different clientele and different budgets. Check them out!

If you are not able to go biking, no worries. Some parts of Kawaguchiko are walkable, and there are great transportation methods to help you get around!

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The first destination of your bike ride is none other than the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. This ropeway takes you to the top of Mt. Kachikachi in 3 minutes. From there, you’ll take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko, and, on sunny days, the Southern Alps.

The general ticket price is 1,000 yen (about $6) for a round-trip ticket and 600 yen for a one-way ticket.

[Fall] Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor / Momiji Kairou

If you’re visiting Lake Kawaguchiko in the fall, stop by the beautiful Maple Corridor – a spot famous for its vibrant foliage. In Japanese, this site’s name is Momiji Kairou. 🍁

Every year, from the end of October to mid-November, there is the Momiji Matsuri festival. This festival celebrates the beautiful red leaves with road stalls and beautiful night illuminations.

If you’re visiting Japan during the fall, make sure not to miss out on the beautiful sight of Mount Fuji surrounded by vibrant red leaves.

Kubota Itchiku Art Museum

The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum is a traditional Japanese museum that showcases Itchiku Kubota’s beautiful art. 👘

Itchiku Kubota was a Japanese textile artist, famous for reviving, and in some ways reinventing, Tsujigahana. Tsujigahana is a textile dye technique from the 15th and 16th centuries’, which had been lost. Itchiku has made it his main focus to bring this dye technique back to life.

With that said, in this art museum, you will find his mesmerizing masterpieces – 104 kimonos using his own Tsujigahana method, the Itchiku Tsujigahana.

Lake Bake Cafe

Now that your eyes have been feasting, and your body pedaling, take a break at the lovely Lake Bake Cafe. This is a French-style cafe that offers delicious baked goods and drinks, along with stunning views over Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko.

Here you will find everything from scones to different types of breads, breadsticks, and more baked goods! 🥖

If you are celiac, this cafe does not have gluten-free options. During your Japan travels, always make sure to have some food with you!

Nagasaki Park & Oishi Park

Now get back on the bike, it’s time to explore Kawaguchiko’s beautiful parks! 🚲

On your way to Oishi Park from Lake Bake Cafe, you will pass Nagasaki Park. This beautiful park is overshadowed by Oishi Park, making it a hidden gem worth visiting. Oishi Park receives many visitors, so Nagasaki Park is especially wonderful if you want a quieter and less crowded park.

Oishi Park is famous for its mesmerizing and vibrant flowers, which add an extra layer of wonder to the Mount Fuji views. This park is absolutely worth a visit, once you’re done with Nagasaki.

Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center

Okay, this is a place you simply cannot miss out on!

The Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center is a place where you’ll find wonderful local souvenirs, and yummy products – including hand-made blueberry jam and blueberry ice cream. Not only that, but there are jam making classes, fruit picking, and cafes & restaurants!

I don’t know about you, but I think saying you went blueberry picking or went to a jam making class in Japan is so unique and iconic! 🫐

Fujiomurosengen Shrine

Now that you’ve biked around the entire Lake Kawaguchiko, you’ll end the sightseeing with the Fujiomurosengen Shrine.

This is the oldest shrine in Mount Fuji, and it’s believed to have been created in 699 AD! Since 2013, this shrine has been a constituent asset of the “Mount Fuji World Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO.

Back to Kawaguchiko Station

What a long day full of adventures and mesmerizing sights!! Head back to Kawaguchiko Station and the bike rental shop to grab your belongings and head to your stay.

I personally stayed in Togawaso, which is a traditional and budget friendly ryokan that sits right in front of Lake Kawaguchiko. It’s a short walk from Kawaguchiko Station, and I cannot recommend staying here enough.

If you’re looking for a higher-end ryokan experience that offers private onsens, Konansou is the perfect stay!

Day 2 in Lake Kawaguchiko

Now that you’ve explored Lake Kawaguchiko in its entirety, it’s time to venture off the beaten path and explore more of Fuji! These are the best things to do for your second day in Kawaguchiko.

Chureito Pagoda and Arakurayama Sengen Park

If you’re having a good weather day, head to the world-famous Chureito Pagoda.

This Japan icon, which is a part of the Arakura Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine, is located within the beautiful Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can take peaceful strolls and enjoy the Japanese nature and views of Mt. Fuji.

The Chureito Pagoda is famous for the iconic photo it offers, but its importance comes from being a peace memorial. As a memorial, it commemorates people of Fujiyoshida who died in wars starting in the mid-1800s to the Second World War.

The shrine, on the other hand, dates back to the 8th century and is dedicated to the goddess Konohanasakuya, the supposed deity of Mount Fuji. Given it’s a religious site, make sure to follow proper Japanese etiquette, including being respectful and dressing modestly.

The Chureito Pagoda and the Arakurayama Sengen Park are both free to enter; there are no fees. The only thing you may encounter price-wise is a fee to park, should you be renting a car in Japan.

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park

If you’re into amusement parks, this is the best way to spend your second day in Kawaguchiko! 🎢

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park is home to world-record-breaking rides, present and past ones. Here you will find Fujiyama King of Coasters, the world’s largest and most intense coaster, Takabisha, the steepest roller coaster, and Ejanaika, the roller coaster with the most revolutions in the world.

Along these world-record-breaking rides, there is so much more to be enjoyed, making this a day-long experience.

I mean, how freaking cool is it to go on a roller coaster that overlooks Mount Fuji? 😍 This is a popular park, so be sure to book your tickets here! 👇

[Mid-April – May] Fuji Shibazakura Festival

If you’re visiting Kawaguchiko between mid-April and late May, or early June, and love flowers – this is a festival you CANNOT miss!

The Shibazakura, often called moss phlox or pink moss, is a traditional Japanese flower. At the yearly Fuji Shibazakura Festival, you will be surrounded by an ocean of pink moss, created by over 800,000 stalks of Shibazakura.

To make this festival even cooler, the flowers are planted strategically to create visual effects and designs. For example, there are checkered flower areas, hearts, and a Shibazakura Mount Fuji! Can you spot it in the picture above?

This park is, in a way, dedicated to Peter the Bunny, so you will see several characters scattered around! 🥹

This festival is a 40-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station, and the average visit is around 2 hours maximum. With that said, this is a perfect activity to start or end the day, with time for other activities.

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine

You’ll probably see many Shrines during your travels in Japan, and likely think – What’s special about this one? Well, let me tell you… 😍

The Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine is believed to have been founded in 100 A.D., starting as a small shrine. When it was first built, it was to celebrate the visit of a prince, Yamato Takeru-no Mikoto. Then, in 788, an altar was added to “enshrine Sengen God” to stop the frequent Mount Fuji eruptions (Visit Fujiyoshida).

In 2013, this historic shrine became an asset to the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site, joining many other landmarks. ⛩️

[July – September] Climb Mount Fuji!!

If you are a hiker who’s visiting Japan between July and September, why not hike Mount Fuji? 👀

I’m no hiker, but I’m pretty sure that hiking Mount Fuji gives you lifetime bragging rights! 😂😍 Hikers, please confirm or deny this statement in the comments. 🧐👇

There are 4,000 daily slots for the Yoshida Route, Mt. Fuji’s most popular, and a 3,000 yen entry fee. Out of the 4,000 daily slots, 3,000 can be booked online, while 1,000 are spared for same-day entries. With that said, it may be best to book online!

Depending on your skills, you can climb Mount Fuji in a day, or split it up into 2 days by staying in a hut. This is a great activity if you have more than 3 or more days in Kawaguchiko.

As someone who doesn’t climb, I will reroute you to this article to grab all the information needed on climbing Mount Fuji! 😊

Things to Know Before Visiting Fujikawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is a destination that’s become famous on Instagram, specifically the infamous Lawson (convenience store) picture with Mount Fuji in the background.

Before we dive into the more “factual” things to know, I want to share the most important note and reminder of all: when you visit, you are a guest and should behave as such – respecting the locals, the culture, and local spaces.

I’ve seen far too many tourists who didn’t bother to follow cultural etiquette, simple rules like “don’t litter”, or instructions on how to correctly dispose of trash. Lake Kawaguchiko is not a theme park; it’s a real destination that deserves to be treated with complete respect.

How to Get from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

There are four different ways to get to Lake Kawaguchiko and Fuji from Tokyo. Based on this 2-day itinerary, I highly recommend the Fuji Excursion train or a Highway Bus.

These methods of transportation will bring you directly from Tokyo straight to Kawaguchiko Station. The difference between the two is that theFuji Excursion train is faster, and the Highway Bus is more affordable. Both are great methods of transportation, with very little difference in commute and price.

Want more options? Read my guide on the 4 best ways to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo.

How long to spend in Lake Kawaguchiko?

Lake Kawaguchiko is both an amazing place to visit and a perfect home base if you plan to see Mount Fuji. Overall, 2 to 3 full days in Lake Kawaguchiko is the perfect amount of time to slow down and enjoy most of its attractions.

Best Hotels in Fujikawaguchiko with Onsens

There are two amazing hotels in Fujikawaguchiko with onsens. Their difference boils down to budget and privacy.

If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind sharing space with fellow travelers, Togawaso is truly the best!😍

I personally stayed at Togawaso, and couldn’t have been happier. This Ryokan sells out FAST and well in advance, so make sure to save your spot now!👇

If you have a larger budget and want to enjoy a luxurious experience with private onsens, you will love Konansou.

At Konansou, you’ll get to experience everything from amazing amenities to XX and so much more. Make sure to book your stay here well in advance!👇

Best Time to Visit Lake Kawaguchiko

When you should visit Lake Kawaguchiko depends on what you wish to see and do!

If you want to climb Mount Fuji, visit between July and September, during the climbing season. 🗻

The most popular time to visit Lake Kawaguchiko is in the Spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms, and in the Fall for the vibrant red foliage.

If you want to get the clearest skies and views, and have very few crowds, visit in the winter months! ✨

2 Days in Lake Kawaguchiko FAQs

Is Lake Kawaguchiko worth it?

Abso-freaking-lutely it is! Out of all the places I’ve visited in Japan, this was my favorite place and the one I cherish the most.

Not sure how to insert Fujikawaguchiko into your itinerary? Check out my 10 day Japan itinerary – perfect for first time visitors!

What is the weather in Kawaguchiko?

During the winter months, Fujikawaguchiko is cold but has the clearest skies. In late spring and summer, Fujikawaguchiko receives heavy rainfall, often has high humidity, and has a high chance of cloudy/foggy skies.

Temperature-wise, Kawaguchiko experiences all seasons and is not particularly extreme in either cold or hot weather.

Can you do Lake Kawaguchiko as a day trip?

Roughly 2 hours away, Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the best and easiest day trips from Tokyo!

As I mentioned earlier, I think that experiencing the duality of Japan is one of the things you can do for yourself – especially if it’s a first trip! With that said, I really do think that you should spend at least 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko.

However, if you’re short on time, a day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko is better than not visiting at all! 

It’s quite easy to reach on your own, but if you’re looking for the ultimate experience – the one where you get to sit back and simply focus on enjoyment rather than logistics, you should go for a guided tour!

My #1 recommendation, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends, is to book this best-rated, private tour with a personal guide! This experience allows you to have private, direct transportation from Tokyo and decide what you want to see and do on this day trip.

Read my curated list for more incredible and best-rated guided tours from Tokyo.

Can I use a Suica card in Kawaguchiko?

Yes, the Suica and Pasmo cards can both be used in Kawaguchiko! This applies to the Fujikyu buses, the Kawaguchiko Station, and places like 7/11, which accept payments from these pre-paid, IC cards.

One important note, if you’re planning to go on the Fuji Excursion train from Tokyo, it’s strongly recommended to book your seats in advance. This means you might need to book your ticket separately.

What to wear in Lake Kawaguchiko

What you wear in Lake Kawaguchiko mainly depends on the month you visit, and the weather. 

With that said, because of all the nature and being a small town, I do recommend wearing more relaxed and comfortable clothing. I personally would avoid heels, and focus on comfortable shoes. 

Because it’s such a small town with lots of open space and air, I also recommend having a layer in case it gets windy or rainy.

Feeling overwhelmed planning your Japan trip? Download my FREE Japan e-Checklist to stay organized and feel confident every step of the way.

Want more help with your Japan travels? Check out my other posts!

• The Ultimate 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• 11 Best Places to Visit in Japan in 2026
• Do I really need a JR Pass in? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

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