A 3-day travel itinerary for Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan, planned by [email protected].
A curated 3-day escape to Fujikawaguchiko, immersed in stunning lake views, cultural landmarks, local flavors, and peaceful hot springs. Stay at the scenic Ubuya ryokan and discover the best of Kawaguchiko—ropeways, excursion boats, artisan cuisine, and the awe-inspiring presence of Mt. Fuji make this a perfect introduction to Yamanashi’s natural and cultural riches. Being able to see Mt. Fuji is not easy however. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your trip. 1. November-February is your best bet to see Fuji. Fuji is visible about 80% of the time here vs 20% in the summer months. 2. Cross reference visibility and weather guides. First the general Fuji visibility chart, this will give you a general idea on what to expect. It is most accurate around 8 days prior to your stay. Next is the Japan Meteorology site, which will give you accurate local weather results. Third is the live Fuji webcam that you can check for couple days before your trip. If you expect sun and you see clouds around 3-4 days before your trip, that is a GOOD sign meaning that cloud cover may soon pass. Lastly use Acuweather and check historical weather around the dates of your stay to see when to go. 3. DO NOT sleep through the mornings. That is when the skies are most clear and the waters calm. This is the best time to see the symmetrical Fuji reflection. It may be likely that this is your only window throughout the entire day so make the most of it!
Arrival to Lake Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko Station
With your suitcases and all, the first thing you want to do is to take the shuttle to Ubuya! Ubuya provides a free shuttle to their hotel and back to the station. You'll want to call them a bit before your bus arrival to Kawaguchiko station, that way they'll be ready to pick you up as soon as you arrive. If you're lucky, you'll see Fujisan! Otherwise don't worry, we'll be here for 2 nights.
Ubuya
Check in to your luxurious stay at this well renowned lakeside ryokan. Because Mr. Fujisan is quite shy around the evening, try to make the most of the hotel activities. There's a beautiful lounge area with complimentary matcha and cakes. There's massage chairs, selfie studio, ping pong rooms, and of course, their amazing onsen. Take a break and enjoy their dinner while you prepare to wake up early tomorrow. Check out this full YouTube review here! https://youtu.be/fFkQEvDfKzo
Adventure & Relaxation
Ubuya
This is it! Wake up early to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji.
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Aerial lift ascending to an observation deck with wide-open vistas of Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi. Did you know that you can also buy a combined ticket to have a boat ride on the lake afterwards?
Fujiyama cookie
The famous Fuji shaped cookie store is right below the entrance to the ropeway. Buy some while waiting for the boat excursion.
Ensoleille Excursion Ship Pleasure Boat Kawaguchiko
If you bought the combined ticket, ride this boat on the beautiful Lake Kawaguchiko to further enjoy Mt. Fuji's majesty. If you haven't gotten your fill, I highly recommend renting a paddle boat nearby for a more leisurely pace in the lake.
Restaurant Konami
Ubuya doesn't have a shuttle back to the hotel but who cares to walk back with such beautiful scenary! Stop by this local restaurant to enjoy Hoto style food among other traditional Japanese fare. The restaurant is spacious and staff is friendly.
Ubuya
This hotel is half the reason you're here. Make sure you're spending at least half your time there! Enjoy the many facilities or have a soak in your private onsen before dinner.
Nature & Local Specialties
Ubuya
Wake up early once again to savor the view of Fuji. Hopefully you are not "Fuji-ed out" by now as everything in your life may seem to revolve around Mt. Fuji.
Chureito Pagoda
Iconic pagoda on a hilltop facing Mt. Fuji in Arakurayama Sengen Park, reached via 398 steps. Get there early to get the best views! Highly recommend having Ubuya book you a taxi to get there.
Ubuya Check Out
It's time to say good-bye to our beloved Ubuya Hotel. Pack up your things and have your suitcases locked up via their self-serve luggage storage. Make sure you have a working IC card because you'll need to to lock and storage your suitcases. We aren't done yet exploring the area so let's go make one final trip around the lake! Have the hotel help you with how to take the local bus and let's do a bus loop to some popular sites!
Oishi Park
Park on Lake Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji views, fields of lavender. This place also has a main cafe at the center where you may see a huge line for ice cream but I'm going to recommend a different place in the same area that I personally enjoy more.
Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace
This cute cafe in the Oishi park area sells various things such as cakes, parfaits, ice cream, coffee, and more. I like to aim for their seasonal grape parfait though the strawberry one is good too.
Kubota Itchiku Art Museum
This is an optional stop you can make on the bus route back to the hotel. I say optional because it is small and the content there may not interest everyone. I personally found it enjoyable to walk through the gardens here and see the art dedicated to textile artist Itchiku Kubota.
Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
I highly recommend stopping here on the bus route back to enjoy the beautiful garden and the music live performances. The antique automatic music playing machines is something definitely out of the ordinary for me! I was able to see a coin operated machine that played 5 violins simultaneously among many other interesting things! There is also a very cute restaurant there which has a menu items based on classical composers like Chopin. Although the food is passable, the experience makes it memorable.
Ubuya
Return to the hotel by bus. Pick up your suitcases and have the hotel help you arrange a taxi or their shuttle back to Kawaguchiko station. We hope you enjoyed our guide!
Things to do in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, Japan
- Kawaguchiko Station
- Ubuya
- Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
- Fujiyama cookie
- Ensoleille Excursion Ship Pleasure Boat Kawaguchiko
- Restaurant Konami
- Chureito Pagoda
- Ubuya Check Out
- Oishi Park
- Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace
- Kubota Itchiku Art Museum
- Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum