Tokyo 2025 – Kawaguchiko/Mt Fuji

Mt. Fuji: Japan’s Iconic Peak

Mt. Fuji, an active volcano, stands as the unmistakable symbol of Japan, renowned for its symmetrical, snow-capped summit. With an impressive elevation of 3,776 meters, it is Japan’s highest peak. The mountain’s grandeur dominates the landscape surrounding the Five Lakes region, and on days when the skies are clear, its majestic presence can even be observed from Tokyo.

Despite its prominence, Mt. Fuji is often shrouded in mist and clouds due to frequent high humidity. As a result, clear views of the mountain are limited to only about 70 to 80 days each year. For those hoping to witness its iconic snow-covered peak, the most favorable viewing periods are from late autumn to winter. The snow cap is typically visible between November and May, offering a breathtaking spectacle for visitors and locals alike.

Planning Our Mt. Fuji Visit

Given Mt. Fuji’s notoriously limited visibility, every trip to see this iconic peak requires careful planning. Many travelers have left disappointed because the weather did not cooperate, making it essential to monitor forecasts closely. For our Tokyo itinerary, the highlight was undoubtedly our planned visit to Kawaguchiko, with the hope of witnessing Mt. Fuji in all its glory. This was especially significant for my sons, son-in-law, and second daughter, as none of them had seen Mt. Fuji in person before.

Weeks before our trip, I started checking various weather apps to track long-term forecasts for Kawaguchiko. This was necessary since we needed to book Highway Bus tickets in advance to secure our seats. However, I soon realized that each week brought different predictions, and certainty was elusive. I ultimately decided to book the bus tickets just a few days before our trip, hoping that the forecast of low precipitation and minimal cloud coverage would hold true.

Since we were not staying overnight, I opted for the earliest reasonable departure time—6:30 am—for the nearly two-hour journey from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko. This allowed us to maximize our day without feeling rushed. For those traveling from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by bus or train, a helpful tip is to sit on the left side, as this is where you can catch views of Mt. Fuji during the ride. Our prayers were answered: we were greeted with a clear winter day and an almost cloudless view of Mt. Fuji, making the experience truly unforgettable.

Kawaguchiko: Gateway to Mt. Fuji

Kawaguchiko is the most popular starting point for travelers wishing to visit Mt. Fuji. This picturesque town is nestled around Lake Kawaguchiko and is known for its small-town atmosphere and nostalgic, old-school charm. The town offers a relaxing environment with stunning views of Mt. Fuji, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both natural beauty and a peaceful experience. From Kawaguchiko Station, visitors have easy access to nearby attractions. One convenient option is to take a 20-minute train ride to Shimoyoshida, allowing travelers to explore even more of the scenic region surrounding Mt. Fuji.

Arakurayama Sengen Park and Chureito Pagoda Visit

After arriving at Shimoyoshida station, we embarked on a brief ten-minute walk to reach Arakurayama Sengen Park. This park is renowned as the location of the iconic five-storey Chureito Pagoda. To access the top of the park, visitors have two options: either ascend the strenuous 400-step stone stairway or take the longer, wheelchair-friendly sloping path, which offers a gentler climb.

Once at the summit, we were greeted by one of the most celebrated views in Japan—Mt. Fuji framed by the striking Chureito Pagoda. It is important to note that this area often attracts large crowds of tourists, especially during peak seasons. After taking some time to recover from the climb, we carefully selected our vantage point and patiently waited for our turn to capture photographs. We then took a moment to rest, fully immersing ourselves in the breathtaking panoramic scenery before beginning our descent to return to Kawaguchiko.

A Day Exploring Kawaguchiko and Oishi Park

Upon arriving back in Kawaguchiko, we decided to make the most of our visit by purchasing a day pass for the Kawaguchiko sightseeing bus. This convenient pass allowed us unlimited rides throughout the day, letting us easily explore the area’s notable attractions. The Kawaguchiko bus system consists of three lines—green, blue, and red—each following a different route around the region. For our outing, we selected the Red Line, which would take us directly to Oishi Park.

Oishi Park is situated on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, in the Oishi district. The park is open to the public free of charge and is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the shimmering lake. Carefully maintained gardens, alive with seasonal flowers, add to the park’s serene and picturesque atmosphere. A promenade lines the park, featuring a variety of souvenir shops and restaurants, as well as cozy cafés where visitors can relax and take in the scenery.

After a leisurely stroll through the gardens and capturing photos of the stunning landscape, we made our way to the promenade. Despite the freezing weather, we treated ourselves to coffee and ice cream, finding comfort in the simple pleasure of enjoying good company, the crisp air, and the spectacular view. We lingered for a while, chatting and soaking in the peaceful ambiance, before eventually catching the next bus back to the main district of Kawaguchiko.

Kawaguchiko Lunch and Afternoon Exploration

We decided to get off the bus along the main road of Kawaguchiko because our intention was to have lunch at Ramen Kaneyuki. This food truck is known for its delicious ramen, which my wife and I had previously enjoyed during our visit in 2024. However, upon arrival, we discovered that Ramen Kaneyuki was unable to accommodate us as they had run out of both ramen and broth, and it would take some time for them to prepare more. Disappointed, we chose to look for other lunch options in the area. After exploring nearby choices, we finally settled on Jukusei Tonkotsu Ramen Sodashi, a popular ramen chain in Yamanashi. The ramen there was good, but it did not quite match the quality of Ramen Kaneyuki.

Following lunch, my eldest daughter joined me for a walk so I could take photos around the area, while the rest of the family went to Ogino Supermarket. We agreed to reconvene at Kawaguchiko Station before our bus was scheduled to arrive for the trip back to Shinjuku.

Exploring Kawaguchiko’s Main Area

The main area of Kawaguchiko offers a unique blend of commercial activity and relaxed atmosphere. Despite the presence of a large road running through the district, the vibe remains laid back, inviting visitors to take their time and soak in the surroundings. Mt. Fuji’s massive presence is unmistakable, dominating the landscape and providing a sense of awe that can be felt everywhere in the area.

The entire region has a charming, picturesque, old-school feel, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists. As we made our way along the main road, we eventually arrived at the first Lawson convenience store. This particular Lawson, much like the one near Kawaguchiko station, is extremely popular among tourists. Many visitors stop here to take photos before catching the bus to the station.

Upon reaching Kawaguchiko station, my daughter and I took the opportunity to wander around and capture more photos of the area, including the famous Lawson near the station. At times, the influx of tourists and their enthusiastic behavior became so overwhelming that the city decided to erect a fence across the street. This measure was taken to prevent tourists and photographers from crowding the area and taking pictures of the store with Mt. Fuji as its backdrop. The fence covers weree removed during a storm during summer and the city has opted to take a wait and see approach to decide whether to cover it back up once more.

In reality, it’s simply a Lawson convenience store with Mt. Fuji looming behind it. While the station-side Lawson draws a lot of attention, I personally preferred the one located along the main road for its atmosphere and setting.

Winding Down at Kawaguchiko Station

After taking several additional photos around Kawaguchiko station, we sought some warmth from a vending machine, grabbing hot coffee to ward off the freezing temperatures. As we waited for the bus that would transport us back to Shinjuku, fatigue set in, but it was accompanied by a deep sense of happiness and gratitude. We felt truly blessed by the Lord to have been given the opportunity to visit this area and witness Mt. Fuji, brilliantly clear and capped with snow.

This day stood out as one of the most memorable highlights of our trip, leaving us with lasting impressions and heartfelt appreciation for the experience.

Thus ended Day 3 of our Tokyo 2025 trip. As always, I thank you for visiting and taking time out to read my thoughts and browse through my photos. If you like contents like these, please do give a like/thumbs up, and share to your friends to help my blog grow. Share your feedback with me to help me improve. Thanks and God bless.

All photos in the blog were taken with the Sony A7C2 + Sony 24-50mm f/2.8G lens and with the Ricoh GR IV. All the Sony shots were shot in jpg , while the Ricoh GR IV shots were shot RAW. All were edited via LR Classic.