“I want to see Mt. Fuji, but where can I get the best view?” “I want to efficiently visit the scenic spots around Lake Kawaguchi on a day trip from Tokyo!”
If you feel this way, we recommend exploring Lake Kawaguchi by rental bicycle.
Around Lake Kawaguchi, there are many highlights such as scenic spots where you can see both Mt. Fuji and the lake together, parks with beautiful seasonal flowers, cafes, and museums. Compared to traveling by bus or on foot, cycling allows you to move at your own pace and easily stop by any place that catches your interest.
You can reach Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo by train or highway bus, making it possible to visit on a day trip. In this article, we will introduce a one-day sightseeing model course that starts at Kawaguchiko Station and takes you around by rental bicycle. We will also introduce recommended bicycle rental shops and accommodation areas if you plan to stay overnight, so please use this as a reference when planning your trip to Lake Kawaguchi.
💡For a sightseeing base around Lake Kawaguchi, we recommend “Tourist Base Kawaguchiko”! 👉Click here for details
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[Basic Access Information] Where are Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi located?
Location of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
Mt. Fuji is Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters, straddling Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture. Lake Kawaguchi is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji on the northern side, in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and is known as a scenic spot where you can view Mt. Fuji across the lake.
Especially from the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, you can enjoy a view of both the lake and Mt. Fuji right in front of you. Depending on the season, you can enjoy different scenery such as cherry blossoms, lavender, and autumn leaves together with Mt. Fuji, which is one of the unique charms of Lake Kawaguchi.
If you start your sightseeing from Kawaguchiko Station, it is easy to get to the main spots along the lakeshore, making it ideal for touring by rental bicycle.
Access from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi
You can reach Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo by train or highway bus.
If you take the train, the limited express “Fuji Excursion” runs directly from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station, arriving in as little as 1 hour and 54 minutes. If you take the highway bus, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station. Highway buses to Kawaguchiko Station also depart from major stations such as Tokyo Station and Shibuya Station, as well as from Haneda Airport, and cost around 1,400 yen to 3,300 yen one way (as of August 2026).
Since it takes about two hours to travel from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi, a day trip is definitely possible if you leave early in the morning. If you want a more reliable travel time, take the train. If you want to save money, the highway bus is a good option. Choose the transportation that best fits your travel style.
[Day Trip OK] Lake Kawaguchi One-Day Sightseeing Model Course by Rental Bicycle
If you want to explore Lake Kawaguchi efficiently, try using a rental bicycle. The lake is about 20 kilometers in circumference. It can be tough to visit all the lakeside spots on foot, but with a bicycle, getting around becomes part of the sightseeing experience itself.
Another advantage is that you do not have to worry about bus schedules and can stop whenever you find a view that catches your eye. Especially on the route from Kawaguchiko Station toward the north shore, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji as you ride along the lakeside. If you are concerned about hills or long distances, choosing an electric-assist bicycle will give you peace of mind.
📚Check out this map of Lake Kawaguchi for cycling!
🚲 Sample Schedule
10:00｜Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station & Rent a Bicycle
Once you arrive at Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo, head to a rental bicycle shop. There are several rental shops around the station, so making a reservation in advance will make things smoother. If you use a shop that offers luggage storage, you can start sightseeing with your hands free.
10:30｜Cross the Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge to the North Shore
After renting your bicycle, cross the Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge and head for the north shore of the lake. As you ride along the lakeside, enjoy the changing views of Mt. Fuji. This cycling route is unique to Lake Kawaguchi, where you can enjoy both the lake and Mt. Fuji at the same time. If the weather is good, you will be treated to a magnificent view with a blue sky backdrop.
11:00｜Enjoy Mt. Fuji and Seasonal Flowers at Oishi Park
Continue along the north shore to Oishi Park, a classic sightseeing spot at Lake Kawaguchi. This park offers views of Mt. Fuji across the lake, and you can enjoy the combination of seasonal flowers and Mt. Fuji. Especially from late June to mid-July, the lavender is in full bloom, creating a beautiful scene of purple flower fields with Mt. Fuji in the background.
12:30｜Lunch Near the Lake
For lunch, we recommend trying "Hoto," one of the most famous local dishes of Yamanashi. This dish features wide noodles and vegetables simmered in a miso-based broth, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a meal unique to Yamanashi. Popular restaurants around Lake Kawaguchi include "Hoto Fudou Kawaguchiko North Main Branch", "Koshu Hoto Kosaku Kawaguchiko Branch", and "Hoto Kura Funari Kawaguchiko Branch".
After your meal, take a break by the lakeside. Be sure to hydrate well in preparation for your afternoon cycling.
14:00｜Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum or Ubuyagasaki
In the afternoon, choose your next spot according to your preference
If you want to enjoy art and the atmosphere of a European town, head to the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. Inside, you can listen to the melodies of music boxes and automatic musical instruments, and in the garden, you can admire seasonal flowers.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy even more spectacular views of Mount Fuji, heading towards Ubuyagasaki is also recommended. On calm days, you may be able to see the famous “Sakasa Fuji,” where Mount Fuji is reflected upside down on the surface of the lake. The best time to catch this phenomenon is when there is little wind and the lake is especially still.
16:00｜Return to Kawaguchiko Station for Souvenir Shopping & Departure
After enjoying sightseeing, head back to Kawaguchiko Station. Look for souvenirs from Yamanashi or relax at a café before heading home.
Recommended Rental Bicycle Shops for Touring Kawaguchiko’s Attractions
There are several convenient rental bicycle spots around Kawaguchiko for sightseeing.
Tourist Base Kawaguchiko
Tourist Base Kawaguchiko is a sightseeing hub facility located about a 1-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, which also serves as a free Mount Fuji viewing spot and café. You can rent bicycles or electric kickboards here.
Rental fees are 600 yen per hour or 2,000 yen per day for regular bicycles, and 1,500 yen per hour or 6,000 yen per day for electric kickboards. Electric kickboards can be used without a license if you are 16 years or older. Advance reservations are also available.
👉Click here to reserve an electric kickboard
Tourist Base Kawaguchiko
- Address: 3F & 4F, Maruso Building, 3636 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: 1-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station
- Business hours: 8:45–17:00 *Night hours from 17:00–19:30 are also available in July and August
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Official website: https://touristbase.jp/ (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Thai, Simplified Chinese)
- Official Instagram here
Soranoshita Kawaguchiko
Soranoshita Kawaguchiko, located very close to Kawaguchiko Station, is a rental bicycle shop within walking distance from the station. In addition to regular bicycles, they also offer electric-assist bicycles, cross bikes, and bicycles with child seats.
Rental fees are 1,500 yen per day for regular bicycles and 4,000 yen per day for electric-assist bicycles. If you want to make sure a bike is available, advance reservations are recommended.
Soranoshita Kawaguchiko
- Address: Marubun Building 1F, 3631-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: 1-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station
- Business hours: 9:00–17:00 (Lunch break from 13:00–14:00)
- Closed: None
- Official website: https://www.soranoshita.net/kawaguchiko-jp/ (Japanese, English)
fujisanbike Kawaguchiko
fujisanbike Kawaguchiko is located right near the Kawaguchiko Herb Hall, which you can reach by sightseeing bus from Kawaguchiko Station. They offer rentals for regular bicycles, electric-assist bicycles, and cross bikes.
The rental fee is 1,500 yen per day for a standard bicycle and 3,000 yen per day for an electric-assist bicycle. If you want to be sure you can use one, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
fujisanbike Kawaguchiko
- Address: 6713-19 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, Inside Shiki-no-Yado Fujisan, Front Desk
- Access: 8 minutes by Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus from Kawaguchiko Station, a short walk from Bus Stop No.5 Kawaguchiko Herb Hall
- Business hours: 9:00–18:00
- Closed: None
- Official website: https://fujisanbike.com/ (Japanese)
[For an Overnight Stay] Recommended Areas to Stay in Kawaguchiko for Spectacular Views
Kawaguchiko can be enjoyed as a day trip, but if you have extra time, staying overnight is also recommended.
Why is staying overnight in Kawaguchiko recommended?
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Kawaguchiko is being able to enjoy Mount Fuji in the morning. The appearance of Mount Fuji changes depending on the weather and time of day. Especially in the early morning, the air is clear and on calm days the surface of the lake becomes like a mirror, allowing you to see the “Sakasa Fuji” (upside-down Mount Fuji reflected on the water).
On a day trip, your time is limited, but if you stay overnight, you can take a walk along the lakeshore in the morning and then enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Not only can you “see Mount Fuji,” but you can also “wake up in a place with Mount Fuji”—an experience unique to an overnight trip.
🔎Check rates and availability for accommodations in Kawaguchiko
Recommended Areas to Stay Around Kawaguchiko
When choosing where to stay, it is best to decide on an area according to your purpose.
If you want the best views of Mount Fuji, the North Shore Area of Kawaguchiko
The north shore has many accommodations with views of Mount Fuji across the lake, and some places allow you to see Mount Fuji from your room or open-air bath. You can open the curtains in the morning and see Mount Fuji right in front of you. This area is recommended for those who want to spend such a luxurious time.
If you value convenience and price, the Area Around Kawaguchiko Station
The area around the station is home to hotels, ryokan, and restaurants, making it easy to get around after arriving by train or bus. If you want to use a rental bicycle the next morning, staying near the station is also convenient. It is perfect for those who want to focus on sightseeing.
List of Hotels in Kawaguchiko
Recommended hotels in Kawaguchiko are picked up at the link below, so please check it out as well.
Enjoy Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko by Rental Bicycle!
If you want to enjoy both Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi in a single day, renting a bicycle is highly recommended. By starting from Kawaguchiko Station, you can visit popular spots such as Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge, Oishi Park, lakeside cafes, and the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum at your own pace.
Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for cycling
- In summer, protect yourself from UV rays with a hat and sunscreen
- Bring drinks to stay hydrated
- It is best to reserve your rental bicycle in advance
- Check the return time for your bicycle and the schedule for your train or bus home
- If you want to see Mt. Fuji, be sure to check the weather forecast
At Lake Kawaguchi, just cycling along the lakeside while gazing at Mt. Fuji is enough to make you feel like you are on a real journey. Even though it is close enough for a day trip from Tokyo, you can enjoy the magnificent nature, local Yamanashi cuisine, art, and even hot springs, which is part of its charm.
On your next day off, why not take a train or bus to Lake Kawaguchi, switch to a rental bicycle, and set off on a journey to discover Mt. Fuji?
🚅Book your Shinkansen ticket with NAVITIME Travel! 👉 Click here
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😄Enjoy a more convenient trip to Japan with NAVITIME eSIM!👉Click here
👉Book Hotels & Ryokan on JAPANiCAN🏨
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