Lake Kawaguchiko is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes with train and direct bus connections to Tokyo. As a hot spring resort town, it attracted many tourist to travel here for the scenic views of Mt Fuji.
While most people visit Mt Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo and some people even combine it with Hakone in a day, I feel that this area has much more to offer. Hence I prefer to explore the area in a relaxing manner. Furthermore, Mt Fuji is not easily seen as one would have thought to be. I was told that all it takes is a single cloud to float over to obscure the entire view of Mt Fuji. I would not let any chance slipped away like that and hence decided it was best to stay for 2 nights at Lake Kawaguchiko.
While most people visit Mt Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo and some people even combine it with Hakone in a day, I feel that this area has much more to offer. Hence I prefer to explore the area in a relaxing manner. Furthermore, Mt Fuji is not easily seen as one would have thought to be. I was told that all it takes is a single cloud to float over to obscure the entire view of Mt Fuji. I would not let any chance slipped away like that and hence decided it was best to stay for 2 nights at Lake Kawaguchiko.
Anyway, we decided to pamper ourselves for our retreat at Lake Kawaguchiko and went big on our accommodation. We booked an open bath Japanese room facing Mt Fuji at Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konansou Hotel which is strategically located 15mins drive from the Kawaguchiko train station. The hotel provides shuttle bus services and hence it is advisable for you to call the hotel for a pick-up when you arrived at the train station.
Since we traveled from Nagano Station after our day trip from Mt Tateyama, we arrived late at the station at 11pm after a grueling 5hrs train ride. The hotel staff was kind enough to wait for us and picked us up from the train station late at night. By then, it was almost 11.30pm but the staff had politely showed us to our room and even patiently explained to us the room facilities and amenities. Their services were indeed impeccable.
Direction to Lake Kawaguchiko from Tokyo-Shinjuku Station, catch the JR Chou Line - Limited Express towards Minami Otari. Disembark the train at Otsuki Station. At Otsuki, jump onboard Fujikyoku Line (which is a cute Thomas train) bound for Kawaguchiko, ride for another 50 mins to reach Lake Kawaguchiko Station.
This onsen hotel features both tatami-matted rooms with the most comfortable futon beds and western style rooms, hotspring (both indoor and outdoor) as well as a footbath on the roof terrace overlooking Mt Fuji. We opted for guestroom with private outdoor bath so that we need not squeeze with other guests in the public onsen, just in case it gets too crowded.
We also visited their public onsen which was equally amazing and honestly, I should have just choose the room with Mt Fuji view without the private bath as it would cost much cheaper. Anyway, for experience wise, it's still worth it as we can easily go into the tub anytime we want. FYI, there would be an extra bath tax charge at this hotel.
I love the Japanese styled room we stayed in as it was really spacious. The design of the room was cosy and the bathing and makeup area was separate. I like this concept as I can blow my hair dry with ease. The toilet area was also in a separate room and guess what, the toilet bowl was automated, including the lights on the ceiling. It was really amazing to see the toilet bowl cover flipped open as we stepped into the room and hence we need not use our hands (which I thought was a plus point as it was more hygienic).
Other than the great amenities in the room, we had an outdoor hot bath with the perfect Mt Fuji view. It was really relaxing to soak ourselves in the tub while looking up at Mt Fuji. The view at the roof terrace was even more spectacular as we had an unobstructed view of the entire Mt Fuji before us.
Breakfast at the hotel was great with a variety of choices ranging from Western to Japanese food. We were totally spoil with the variety of choices and even contemplated whether to have ice-cream for dessert in the morning!
Breakfast at the hotel was great with a variety of choices ranging from Western to Japanese food. We were totally spoil with the variety of choices and even contemplated whether to have ice-cream for dessert in the morning!
This was by far the best ryokan hotel that I've stayed in Japan and though pricey, we really had a wonderful stay at Lake Kawaguchiko.
Among the wide range of other tourist attractions available around Lake Kawaguchiko are hot spring baths, various museums, the Fuji Q amusement park, boat tours and a ropeway leading onto a small mountain next to the lake. Kawaguchiko is also a base for climbing Mt Fuji.
The best way to explore Lake Kawaguchiko is perhaps via the hop-on and hop-off sight-seeing bus. Tickets were sold for $2,500 yen per person.
We took the bus to Oishi Park and then to the Musical Forest. The Oishi park is located on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. From the park, we can enjoy a beautiful view of Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. The park features a 350m walking path with many flowers planted along it. This has got to be the nicest park that I've ever been. However, this place was a little crowded and hence not really peaceful to have a quiet stroll.
We then took the bus to the Musical Forest and visited the beautiful rose garden as the entrance to it was free. We did not visit the Musical Forest since we did not want to pay for the entrance fee.
We then took a walk along the lake to catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji which was slowly fading behind the clouds. The best time to view the entire Mt Fuji was early in the morning or towards the evening. Afternoon was however the worst timing to catch Mt Fuji.
Alternatively, you can also rent the cute swan boats and paddle out to the lake, sound pretty fun isn't it. For us, we really enjoy the bus rides as well as strolling by the lake. Near to our ryokan, there are plenty of shops selling souvenirs and we even chanced upon a shop selling delicious cheese cake.
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