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

There are many different wanders that represent Japan. From the vibrant chaos of the biggest cities to the most gentle calmness of the small towns. The state-of-art technology to the delicate and traditional objects. From the tallest skyscrapers and waves of buildings, to the oceans of mountains and cherry blossoms. This is a never ending list, of everything that must be experienced in Japan.

For your upcoming, or current, Japan travels – I strongly recommend experiencing the wonderful duality of this country. If you’re visiting the vibrant and hectic Tokyo for 3 days or more, balance it out with a day trip or 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko!

This 2 days itinerary for Lake Kawaguchiko shares everything you need to know about this magical town – from the best things to do and see, to best hotels and onsens, and tips. Keep reading to discover your perfect 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko!

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The Perfect 2 Days in Lake Kawaguchiko

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

Kawaguchiko can both be a day trip, or an overnight, or longer stay. Depending on how much time you have in Japan, I highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko to really enjoy this country’s natural and more serene side.

In Kawaguchiko you can explore all the Fuji Five Lakes, relax at Onsens, explore the surrounding areas including Hakone, and even climb Mount Fuji! In other words, Kawaguchiko is both a great place to visit and great homebase to visit Fuji’s surroundings.

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 to 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 to Kawaguchiko Station, head straight for the station’s luggage lockers – where you can drop off your belongings, for a very affordable rate. This allows you to start your adventures right away and 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 fishes 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, so having a bike is a great way to get around town. 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 travel deeper.

If you are not able to go biking, no worries – Kawaguchiko is walkable and has great transportation methods to help you out!

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

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The first destination of your bike ride is none other than the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. This ropeway, in the span of 3 minutes, brings you to the top of Mt. Kachikachi. 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 1000 yen (around $6) for a round trip and 600 yen for one way.

[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 it’s 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 this beautiful sight – Mount Fuji and 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’, that had been lost. Itchiku’s 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 works of art – 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 beautiful parks!🚲

On your way to Oishi Park from Lake Bake Cafe, you will pass the 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 it’s mesmerizing and vibrant flowers, that add an extra layer of wonder to the Mount Fuji views. This park is absolutely worth the 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 the most iconic thing possible.🫐

Fujiomurosengen Shrine

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

This is the oldest shrine in Mount Fuji, and it’s believed to have been enshrined 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.

Day 2 in Lake Kawaguchiko | Venture Off

Now that you’ve explore Lake Kawaguchiko in it’s entirety, it’s time to venture off and explore more of Fuji! Because there are so many things to see and do, I will list 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 shot 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 goddess Konohanasakuya, the supposed deity of Mount Fuji. Given it’s a religious site, make sure to be respectful and dress 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 for a parking spot, 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 while looking over Mount Fuji (weather permitting)?😍 This is a popular park, book your tickets asap!👇

[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 out on!

The Shibazakura, often nicknamed moss phlox or pink moss, is a traditional Japanese flower. At the yearly Fuji Shibazakura Festival you will surround yourself in 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 while having room 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 born 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 sites.⛩️

[July – September] Climb Mount Fuji!!

If you are a hiker who’s visiting Japan between July and September, why not go 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 Yoshida Route, Mt. Fuji’s most popular, and a total of 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. Therefore, this activity could be great to do if you have closer to 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

How to Get from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko

There are 4 best ways to get to Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Based on the 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 into Kawaguchiko station. The difference between the two is that the Fuji Excursion train is faster and Highway Bus is more affordable. Both are great methods of transportation, with very little difference in commute and price.

Book your Fuji Excursion train hassle free with Klook!

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 visit around Mount Fuji. Overall, 2 to 3 full days in Lake Kawaguchiko is the perfect amount to slow down and enjoy most of its attractions.

Best Hotels in Fujikawaguchiko with Onsens

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

If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind sharing space with fellow travelers, this Ryokan is truly the best place possible! I’ve personally stayed here, and couldn’t have been happier with my stay. This Ryokan sells out FAST and well in advance, so make sure to save your spot now or asap!👇

If you have a larger budget and want to enjoy a luxurious experience with private onsens, you will love THIS best hotel and onsen ryokan in Fujikawaguchiko. 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

This depends on what you wish to see and do!

If you’re planning to climb Mount Fuji, visit between July and September for the climbing season.🗻

The most popular seasons to visit Lake Kawaguchiko are the Spring to enjoy the cherry blossom blossoms, and the Fall for the vibrant red foliage.

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

Lake Kawaguchiko FAQs

Which is better Hakone or Lake Kawaguchiko?

Both are wonderful places to visit, but Lake Kawaguchiko is the best place to base yourself in!

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 place I cherish the most.

What is the weather in Kawaguchiko?

During the winter months, Kawaguchiko is cold but has the clearest skies. In the later Spring and Summer time, Kawaguchiko receives a hefty rainfall and often has high humidity levels, and high chances of cloudy/foggy skies.

Temperature wise, Kawaguchiko goes through all the seasons and is not particularly extreme in either cold or hot temperatures.

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Read more on Japan

• 23 ESSENTIAL Tips + Things to Know Before Visiting Japan
• Do’s and Don’ts in Japan: Etiquette Guide for New Visitors
• How to Spend the BEST 3 Days in Tokyo, Japan
• How to Best Visit Mount Fuji from Tokyo | Tips, Tours, & More
• Best Day Tours from Tokyo

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