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Kawaguchiko in December: Best Things to Do Near Mt. Fuji
Why bother going to the Fuji Five Lakes in December just to see Mount Fuji when Tokyo’s got the view too?
Well, this was the most asked question before and after we spent 24 days in Japan!
Seeing it up close is a different game altogether. Imagine a snow-capped Fuji mirrored in calm lakes—there are five of them, including Kawaguchi and Saiko.
These lakes are surrounded by charming villages with traditional houses and shrines.
And here’s a secret—December is the best month to catch Mount Fuji’s views due to clear skies and chillier weather.
After two days exploring Kawaguchiko in December, we’ve got your winter Fuji Five Lakes itinerary covered—best things to do, must-see photo spots of Mount Fuji, lovely gardens, shrines, and traditional villages.
We’ve also packed in all the travel tips and info you’ll need!
2-Day Plan for Kawaguchi and Surroundings in December
The Fuji Five Lakes area—Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko—spans a massive 50 km and is known collectively as Fujigoko.
Covering it all in just two days? Forget it! You will need a week to see all 5 lakes + other places near Mount Fuji .
There are at least 50+ things to do around Kawaguchi—seriously, grab a Fujikyu Sightseeing bus map and see for yourself!
That’s why we’re zeroing in on Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko—the best mix of Fuji views and traditional vibes.
Our 2-day itinerary hits all the must-see spots like Chureito Pagoda, Oishi Park, Iyashi no Sato – Healing Village, Tenku no Torii, and a stroll through Kawaguchi’s neighbourhood – All by the cheap and best Omni Bus!
1. Chureito Pagoda
you’ve probably seen that iconic shot of Mount Fuji behind a traditional Japanese pagoda. Yep, that’s Chureito Pagoda—the unofficial icon of Japan tourism!
It’s not just a pretty view though; the pagoda is a peace memorial honouring locals who died in wars from the 1800s to WWII – It isn’t just Hiroshima that suffered in world war!
I know —being one of the most famous tourist attractions, not just in the Fuji Five Lakes area but across Japan, might make you think it’s overcrowded and overrated.
Fear not! If you’re around Kawaguchi in winter, Chureito Pagoda isn’t crowded.Even when it gets crowded, Japanese have a knack for maintaining a serene ambiance with their manners, even in crowded places.
Sure, the cherry blossoms have their own magic, but December’s pastel shades are no less beautiful.
I have a lot more to share about getting to Shimoyoshida station to start climbing Chureito Pagoda’s 400 steps, alternatives if you’re not up for hiking, and about Arakurayama Sengen Park, where the pagoda is located.
2. Oishi Park
Oishi Park, up on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, is one of the best spots to catch stunning views of Mount Fuji near Kawaguchiko in December.
Picture this: walking along winding paths surrounded by almost 100 different types of flowers. Though in December, Oishi park is more like an orange and yellow palette with tall grasslands and a bit of green.
But the real showstopper? Mount Fuji reflecting perfectly on the calm lake waters glowing in gold—it’s like a living postcard.
I even ran into a local guy standing knee-deep in the freezing water, fishing for “rainbow trout.” We didn’t speak the same language, but with some epic hand gestures, he made it clear that it’s a local delicacy they turn into taco-like dishes!
And here’s a random bit—eating ice cream at 5°C? Yep, it’s a thing to do at Oishi park in December.
Trust me, it’s oddly satisfying to munch on ice cream while taking in those breathtaking Fuji views.
As much as you’d love to lose track of time (and yourself) here, watch out for the cheeky squirrels—they’re always on the lookout for an unattended snack!
To get here, just hop on the Red Line Omnibus, which makes Oishi Park an easy addition to your Kawaguchiko winter itinerary.
3. Lake Kawaguchiko Shoreline
Lake Kawaguchiko got 17.5 km shoreline and is amazing for a quiet walk in winter.
In December, while everyone flocks to the ropeway or those odd swan boats, you can find a peaceful spot with uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji.
Pick a section of the trail and enjoy the view as Fuji’s reflection changes with the light.
The Kawaguchi Ohashi bridge cutting through the lake looks stunning when the sun hits it just right.
Plus, the benches scattered along the shore are perfect for just sitting down with a hot coffee and taking it all in.
But my favourite bit? The statue of the two sister goddesses. They’re supposed to bring eternal love, peace, and prosperity.
Standing there, watching the sunset behind them, felt like something out of a storybook.
4. Walk in the Kawaguchiko neighbourhood
If you’re like me and imagined Japan as a land of skyscrapers, the small town of Kawaguchiko will surprise you.
It feels like a Ghibli movie set—tiny houses, super-detailed gardens, and patios that face Mount Fuji. The old folks here have it right with hardly any younger population.
You’ll often spot them on their porches, sipping tea, chatting away, and soaking in the view of Fuji – which they have been doing since ages.
As you walk away from Kawaguchi station, it gets even quieter. It’s almost like the town’s holding its breath.
You’ll stumble upon a small Shinto cemetery—stone monuments, flowers, and maybe even a few cute statues right in the middle of rows of graves. It’s peaceful but also a bit eerie in its own way.
And then there’s the famous Fuji view at the Lawson store. The iconic photo spot!
But let’s be honest, we didn’t go just for the view. We were there for our Banana Castella and Ichigo Sando
Unfortunately, the locals got fed up with all the tourists, and in May 2024, they blocked the view with a mesh.
So, sorry Instagrammers, the Fuji view at Lawson is no longer your go-to snap spot!
What’s it like in Kawaguchiko during a winter night?
Pretty deserted, to be honest. And we liked it! We had landed in Kawaguchiko in December after a full week of exploring Tokyo. The emptiness was such a contrast to the Shibuya vibe, and we literally loved it!
One evening, we decided to take a stroll a bit outside town.
The streets were empty, and not a soul in sight. As we passed a small mansion, a guy came out, smiled, and asked what we were doing out so late.
I told him how excited I was about spotting rabbits and deer around the area.
“Oh, that cage isn’t for rabbits… it’s for bears,” he said.
And just like that, we turned back and power-walked straight to our hostel! Nothing like a “bear fact” to speed things up in freezing -2°C weather on Fuji five lakes winter night, right?
4. Lake Saiko
I know I’ve blabbered on and on about Mount Fuji! So let’s take a break from Fuji-gazing and chill on the shores of Lake Saiko.
You won’t see Fuji from most of Saiko’s banks—just a glimpse from its western tip. But the lake’s steep, wooded slopes create a secluded, almost magical vibe
But the lake’s surrounded by steep, wooded slopes, giving it a hidden, secluded vibe. It’s almost like stepping into a quiet forest retreat.
Here’s a cool fact: Lake Saiko was part of a giant lake with Shojiko and Motosuko until a Mount Fuji eruption in 864 split it into three!
That eruption formed the base of the present-day Aokigahara Forest. Saiko’s surface elevation is 900 metres, and it’s the second deepest lake in the Fuji Five Lakes area at 71.7 metres.
The dark forest reflections make the water look bottomless!
Unlike the famous Lake Kawaguchi, Saiko is more rugged, not developed—perfect for hiking, fishing, and camping.
The place reminded me of Ozark with its scattered cabins and parked trailers. I almost expected Ruth or Marty Byrde to pop out!
I saw some brave souls camping and even dipping into the lake when it was nearly 0°C!
There are few shacks like food joints and plenty of vending machines in the middle of nowhere that lend hot coffee which is perfect for cold breeze coming from Saiko lake.
And if you want to explore more, Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba—the beautiful craft village—is just a short bus ride away.
6. Iyashi no Sato – Healing Village
Sometimes, you just need a place to slow down and breathe, right? That’s exactly what Iyashi no Sato is all about! Translating to “Healing Village,” it totally lives up to its name.
Nestled in the scenic Fuji area, this little village of 22 traditional kabuto-zukuri (samurai helmet-shaped) thatched-roof houses looks like it’s straight out the movie “The Tale of Princess Kaguya”
Most tourists rush through here in an hour, but we took our sweet time—solid three hours just wandering around!
The soft sound of a bubbling stream welcomes you, and the line of thatched huts against a bamboo forest backdrop is so calming that it feels like time has stopped.
Some huts are pottery shops; others sell handmade silk. Each one feels like a living piece of Japan’s past. No wonder it’s one of the must-visit spots in the Fuji Five Lakes area!
And the best part? There’s a house that’s been converted into a quirky post office where you can send a postcard to your future self!
We wrote one addressed to ourselves in December 2022, set for delivery in 2025—probably one of the weirdest Japanese souvenirs we’ll receive 3 years later. A kind of time-traveling mail!
But here’s what makes the village truly unique: it was completely destroyed by a mudslide in 1966 caused by a typhoon taking more than 300 lives.
The place you see now was rebuilt in 2006, and the houses are designed to resemble samurai warrior helmets. Kind of a cool but haunting history, don’t you think?
And , Iyashi no Sato in December is even more magical! With Mount Fuji peeking in the background and the crisp winter air, it’s like you’ve got the whole place to yourself.
Food Tip: Just outside the healing village, we stumbled upon Cha Sho Momoya—a gem for delicious Udon noodles!
Ashrith went for the Udon with chicken, while the chef whipped up a seaweed and mushroom Udon for me with some fresh spring onions. Unlike the pricier options inside the Iyashi village, Cha Sho Momoya is budget-friendly and totally worth it!
Getting There: From Kawaguchiko Station, hop on the Green Line Bus straight to the village. Entrance fees were 350 yen per person . The village is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM in winter.
7. Tenku no Torii
You’ve probably seen loads of torii gates across Japan—like the endless red ones at Fushimi Inari or the one Tori that looks like it’s floating on water in Miyajima.
But Tenku no Torii is in a league of its own—it literally feels like it’s floating in the sky!
I was a bit sceptical about visiting since every tourist on my Omni Bus wouldn’t stop raving about it. But guess what? They were totally right!
The Tenku-no Torii was built in 2019 as a place to worship Mount Fuji from afar, and the view is nothing short of spectacular.
The bright red gate looks like it’s standing there all boss-like, perfectly framing Fuji’s snowy peak against a clear blue sky.
It’s like the whole scene has been painted with insane precision—green hills below, Fuji towering above, and the tiny red torii smack in the middle like it’s been placed there on purpose.
You won’t get the massive crowds like in Arashiyama where bamboo paths are blocked by kimono-clad tourists, but do expect a small wait—maybe 15 minutes to get that perfect shot
There are a few rules, though: no tripods, and if you want to use a professional camera, you’ll need to shell out 500 yen for an annual license. But don’t worry, smartphone shots are totally fine!
Getting There: The Blue Line Omnibus takes you to Kawaguchi Shrine Asama. From there, it’s just a 30-minute uphill walk to the torii. No entrance fees!
How to Get to Fuji Five Lakes Area
Getting to the Fuji Five Lakes area is fairly straightforward. You can get there from Tokyo, Kyoto, or buzzing Osaka via buses or trains.
Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station are the main bus and train stations which are gateway to Fuji Five Lake areas.
Tokyo to Kawaguchiko
By Bus
The fastest way to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo is by highway bus. Buses depart from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku every 45 minutes, taking less than 2 hours and costing somewhere between 1,800 to 2,000 yen.
We took a bus from Tekko Building Bus Terminal at Tokyo Station just 30 minutes before departure—this works well on weekdays and during December, which is off-season for tourism in Japan.
However, it is best to book the bus in advance, especially during other seasons.
By Train
From Shinjuku in Tokyo, take the Fuji Excursion direct limited express train to get to the Fuji Five Lakes area. It stops at Mount Fuji, Fujikyu Highland, and finally at Kawaguchiko Station.
The journey takes just under two hours and costs 1600 – 2000 yen one way.
Can I go to Kyoto from Kawaguchiko?
Yes, you can take a direct night express highway bus or the Fujikyuko Express Bus to Mishima and then catch a bullet train to Kyoto that drops you at Kyoto JR Station.
From there you can catch a Kyoto city bus to get to your hotel in Kyoto.
Like bosses, we thought we could grab a night bus ticket on the spot at Kawaguchiko Station on the first day we arrived—turned out all seats were filled.
So, we took the evening Fujikyuko Express Bus at 5:30 pm to Mishima Station and then took the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
Osaka to Kawaguchiko
Take a night highway bus directly from Kawaguchiko to Osaka. If you prefer not to take the bus, you can travel to Mishima Station by Fujikyuko Express bus and transfer to a bullet train to Osaka.
Heads up : Thinking of buying a JR Pass for your Tokyo-Fuji Five Lakes or Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka trip?
t’s not always necessary as it’s pricey. We only got a 7-day JR Pass for our 3-week trip, saving 44,000 yen per person by planning our itinerary wisely.
Getting Around the Fuji Five Lakes Area
The main transport hubs are Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station, both on the Fujikyu Railway Line. From these stations, Omni buses provide easy access to the lakes and nearby attractions:
Best Pass for Fuji Five Lake Area for tourists
The Unlimited Ride Pass is the best option for tourists spending two days in the Fuji Five Lakes area, regardless of the season.
It costs us about 2300 yen for adults and allows unlimited rides for consecutive two days on the Red, Green, and Blue Omnibus lines.
This pass can be purchased at the Kawaguchiko Station ticket office or directly from the bus drivers.
The Unlimited Ride Pass allows you to hop on and off to explore major attractions around the lakes. However, keep in mind that this ticket isn’t valid for Chureito Pagoda and Oshino Hakkai Village.
We bought it, and it was totally worth it! With the ticket, you’ll receive a timetable showing when buses arrive at each stop.
The buses run on time, so switching between lines is easy when you check the schedule.
Car Rental and Driving Tips
Car rentals are available, but parking is limited near popular spots, and some roads may be closed in winter.
Keep in mind that Japan is expensive for travellers—car or cab rentals can become very pricey in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Unless you’re driving to remote places like Yamanakako or Motosuko, you won’t really need a car in and around Kawaguchiko.
Cycling and Walking
Many accommodations rent bicycles, which is a great way to explore the Fuji Five Lakes area, especially in the sunny yet chilly December weather. Most trails are well-marked, and walking paths around the lakes offer amazing views.
If you’re planning to cycle, make sure to spend at least 5 days. Spending just two days cycling around Kawaguchiko will limit the number of places you can visit!
Travel tips for Kawaguchiko
- Buy your train or bus tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Kawaguchiko station has luggage lockers : You need not carry your luggage around after checking out from your hotel. Paid lockers are available in Kawaguchiko station.
- Charge your cameras, phones and power banks : Most places to see in Fuji Five Lake areas are nature related, You hardly find any place to charge your e-devices.
- December weather can get cold, so dress in layers for Japan winter and keep heat packs handy.
- Start early to catch clear views of Fuji as the mountain tends to hide behind clouds later in the day.
- Have a local Japanese SIM with a data plan: Many parts of the Fuji Five Lakes area are remote, so staying connected is essential.
Things Not to Do in Kawaguchiko in Winter
Momiji Corridor (Maple Corridor): This spot is famous for autumn colours, but in winter, it’s just a bare, empty canal with no leaves to admire.- We went there only to get disappointed
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway: The chilly winter winds make the ride uncomfortable and gets too crowded. The view of Fuji from Chureito pagoda and Tenku no Torii are way better.
Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat: Too touristy, crowded, not worth in cold weather.
Fujiyama Onsen and Fuji Yurari Hot Spring: These places tend to get overcrowded during winter evenings. Nagano has better Onsen experiences. If you are not going to Nagano, then you can try these expensive Onsen options.
Museums : There are several museums such as Itchiku Kubota Art Museum – Traditional kimonos and textile art and Fujiyama Museum- Amusement park history and displays. They may not be worth your time if you’re only there for a short visit.
Ideal Time to Spend in Fuji Five Lakes
Two days is a good start, but a third day would allow more time for cycling and relaxing by the lakes. To see all five lakes of Mount Fuji, you will need a week.
Best Time to Visit Fujigoko:
The best time to visit is in December when skies are clearer. Official statistics show a 77% chance of seeing Mount Fuji without clouds during this month.
Aim to visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best views.
Making a Day trip to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo
You can make a day trip to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo if you’re short on time. However, Mount Fuji’s moodiness makes it risky as clouds may obstruct your view. If a day trip to Kawaguchiko is your only option due to time constraints, it’s better to book a tour.
Avoiding Crowds at Famous Tourist Spots
Visit popular spots like Chureito Pagoda and Oishi Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Consider visiting less popular spots like Saiko for a quieter experience.
How to Make the Most of Your Day Trip
Don’t put yourself under pressure to tick everything off your list. Choose a few key spots and take your time. If you’re not into museums, skip them. If you’ve seen shrines in Kyoto, you can skip some here too.
Oshino Hakkai or Iyashi no Sato?
Oshino Hakkai is ideal for a quick stop with picturesque ponds and local snacks. It can be covered in 1–1.5 hours. Iyashi no Sato offers a deeper cultural experience with traditional crafts and history and can take 2–3 hours to explore.
Accommodation
There are options for every budget—choose hostels for budget stays, mid-range hotels for comfort, or premium stays with onsen . There are plenty of Minshuku near the lakes for local experience.
Stay close to Kawaguchiko Station or Lake Yamanakako for easy access.
We picked private room in a hostel “K’s House Mount Fuji“, closer to Kawaguchi lake and it was perfect. However not everyone would love to stay in Kawaguchiko itself
Food Options in Fujigoko
Food is expensive in the Fuji Five Lakes area, and options are limited compared to other places we visited in Japan over 3 and a half week.
Vegetarian options are super rare in Kawaguchiko and when available, tend to be pricey. However, convenience stores like 7/11 and Lawson are great for a quick bite.
The best and most affordable food joints near Mount Fuji are:
- Alladin Indo Restaurant near Kawaguchi Lawson: We had dinner here one night. It’s run by a Nepali who serves Indian veg and non-veg food. (It was the only option available for us at 8 PM).
- Tetsuyaki, 350m from Kawaguchiko Station: Tasty Teriyaki chicken varieties. (Ashrith tried Chicken Cheese Teriyaki, and I had stir-fried vegetables).
- Cha Sho Momoya, Iyashi no Sato Traditional Village near Saiko Lake: The best traditional Udon noodles we ever had (Ashrith had chicken Udon and I had veg Udon with Sea weed and mushroom).
Kawaguchiko Trip Cost in December
If you visit Kawaguchiko in December, expect to spend around 40000 to 45000 yen for a 2-day trip per couple.
We spent about 34400 yen in December 2022. Here’s the breakdown:
- Transport cost approx to and fro for two: 10400 yen ( approx)
- Unlimited Ride Pass for Two: 4000 yen
- Total entrance fees to monuments for two: 5600 yen
- 3 Meals at 7/11 for Two: 3600 yen
- 3 Meals at Restaurants for Two: 7200 yen
- Private Room for Two in Kawaguchiko Hostel: 8000 yen
FAQ
Is it better to visit Hakone or Kawaguchiko?
Hakone offers more tourist facilities and distant views of Mount Fuji, but if you want closer views of Fuji and rural Japan experience, choose Kawaguchiko.
Can you do Hakone and Kawaguchiko in one day?
Hakone and Kawaguchiko are less than 60 km apart. Technically, you can visit both in one day, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Each town has its own vibe and plenty to see. Spending at least two days in each town is better than rushing through just to tick them off your list.
Is it worth visiting the Fuji Five Lakes in December?
Yes, December is the best month to visit as there’s a higher chance of seeing Mount Fuji without clouds. But remember, you won’t get the Sakura views that happen from April to May or the hydrangeas that bloom from mid-July to late August.
Can you see Mount Fuji if it’s cloudy?
If it’s cloudy, visibility will be low. Your best bet is to try in the early morning or plan for a second day in the area to increase your chances.
Found our Kawaguchiko in December blog useful? let us know in the comment section below.
Thanks so much for your entertaining and informative article. I’planning a couple of days in this region with my family and found this super helpful!!
Dear Kristen, I am glad we could help you with whatever we know. Have a nice time in Fuji 🙂
hello!!! stumbled across your page during our very confusing search for our Japan winter trip idea (still confuse by now hahahaha which cities / places to go to avoid the crowded tourist-y places)…. and oh my! we are glad to find your blog, it is very interesting, informative, and entertaining at the same time…. thank you!!! By the way, if you don’t mind, we would like to ask a few things…we were reading somewhere that lake Yamanaka is a less crowded option than lake Kawaguchi…do you think it is best option? or since it is less crowded, the attraction is also less? how about the local people, how welcoming are they to foreigners who do not speak the language?
Hi Lisa 🙂 I’m glad you found it useful. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like. In rural Japan, older Japanese people are kind and talkative. Most younger people tend to keep to themselves or stay on their electronic devices. They aren’t unfriendly, just reserved. Almost everyone speaks only Japanese – So you really need Google translate app most times. The signboards come in english and are very detailed. So catching a train isn’t tough. The railway/bus officers are super kind and help you a lot when you seek assistance.
Regarding Lake Yamanaka, we initially planned to visit, but opted for exploring Kawaguchi instead. Early December is off-season for tourists in Japan, making it the best time to view Mount Fuji, as you probably know. Kawaguchi itself was less crowded, which suited us as we’re used to crowds in India. We wanted to avoid feeling alone and deserted at Yamanaka. However, if you prefer quieter places, Yamanaka is better. Mount Fuji is closer to Kawaguchi than Yamanaka, but some who’ve been to both say you can get better views from Yamanaka. Hope this helps you decide
hello again!! feeling happy to see the prompt reply….. again, very very insightful and informative…. we will read your Japan posts, and try to make our itinerary based on your trips information / tips. Do you mind if we e-mail you about other questions regarding Japan? this will be our first time trip to Japan, and we are unsure on which cities to go and which places to visit because we read and hear from a lot of sources that Japan tourism is blooming to the point of over-tourism at the popular places. Many thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Lisa 😊Sure. I will try to answer and help you as much as possible