What could be more iconic in Japan than Mt.Fuji? It would be Mt.Fuji in autumn season! Mt.Fuji with snow caps, lush of green trees as it's carpet, the blue water of Kawaguchi lake below it and finally the colorful autumn leaves. It is truly breathtaking! I could say that the photo capture is not enough to really capture the magnificence of its beauty.
Mt.Fuji could be seen clearly from the Fuji Five Lakes. Among these, Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖 Kawaguchi-ko) is the 2nd largest and the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of tourists, and has the most developed tourist infrastructure.
I visited Kawaguchiko 2 times, first was in October 2018 and the 2nd was last Mid-November 2019. The first time, I did not see Mt. Fuji (zero visibility), autumn leaves are just starting to change, definitely not the best experience but a learning one. The 2nd time, I did more preparations, and finally - I was rewarded with an awesome view of Mt.Fuji!
So here goes the saying, "If you don't succeed at first try, try again", but next time learning from experience because experience will be your great teacher.
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Tips on Mt. Fuji Viewing
1. Do a weather check.
During my first time travel to Kawaguchiko, I thought that Mt. Fuji could always be viewed clearly or at least it will show up some time during the day. I realized I was wrong when Mt.Fuji did not show the whole day during our trip.
Shot at Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center
Check the weather forecast for the day you intended to travel. There are many application and websites where you could check the status of Mt. Fuji.
2. Plan your mode of transport.
There are many ways to go to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo. You could check out the guide below for details:
On my first trip I tried going to Kawaguchiko through bus at Shibuya Expressway Bus Terminal. Going by bus is still the most convenient way for transportation since there is no need to transfer many times and generally much cheaper. The one way journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours and costs 2000 yen (last year it was just 1,750).
If you are going for a day trip, it is better to have a bus reservation beforehand. Most of the tickets going early to Kawaguchiko are already sold out so even if you arrive at the station early, you will still board on bus at a later time.
During my 2nd trip, I go by train option. It is not that convenient since it requires many transfers but our time is more controlled. (It is easier to cancel our plan if the weather is not good) . I spent at most 2,500 one way using the local trains to Kawaguchiko Station.
3. Decide if you need a Bus Pass
Travel pass could bring you huge discount if used properly. If you will spend at least 2 days for sightseeing in Mt.Fuji, I recommend you get the bus pass, otherwise check first how many places you plan to go within the limited time you have in a day.
"The Omni buses are generally the easiest way for tourists to get around. There are three lines starting from Kawaguchiko Station: the red Kawaguchiko Line (buses every 15 minutes) runs along the eastern and northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko while the green Saiko Line (buses every 30 minutes) runs along the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko and around Lake Saiko. The blue Narusawa Shojiko Motosuko Line (buses every 2 hours) serves Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko. A pass for unlimited use of all three lines on two consecutive calendar days costs 1500 yen."
Since I only planned to visit three places during my 2nd visit, I did not use a bus pass costing me only 1,100 yen instead of 1,500. You also need to consider the traffic and the time of waiting for the bus. If the spots are close to each other, better just walk it.
4. Search for the Best Spots
Plan ahead to make your trip worthwhile. If possible, bring your best camera to capture the memorable moments you have with Mt. Fuji.
Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center
Entrance Fee: Free
Bus : Red Kawaguchiko Line
Bus Stop #20
Momiji Tunnel
Entrance Fee: Free
Bus : Red Kawaguchiko Line
Bus Stop #20, Walk about 15 minutes from Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center
Maple Corridor
Entrance Fee: Free
Bus : Red Kawaguchiko Line
Bus Stop #17
Lake Kawaguchiko
Entrance Fee: Free
Bus : Red Kawaguchiko Line
Bus Stop #17 (Stroll along Kawaguchiko lake)
Oike Park
Entrance Fee: Free
Bus : Red Kawaguchiko Line
Bus Stop #5
5. Have a Back-up Plan
Despite of all preparations, unexpected events are still bound to happen. In this case, it is better to have a back-up plan. Getting a clear view of Mount Fuji and viewing it at the peak of autumn could be considered as real luck. In case you are not lucky enough, you could consider the activity below.
Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
Entrance Fee: 1500 Yen
Bus : Red Kawaguchiko Line
Bus Stop #15
" Kawaguchiko Music Forest is a one of a kind musical them park, designed with a “European Alps” atmosphere standing beneath a superb view of Mt. Fuji. It holds a world-class collection of automatic musical instruments, including the world's largest "dance organ and doll orchestra" and the Philharmonic Performance Orchestra designed for the Titanic. Stroll through the seasonally themed, art, and rose gardens, or take in the scenery from the comfort of the restaurant-cafe and shops. With the price of admission, you can also enjoy various musical experiences throughout the day. Particularly interesting are the automatic instrument demonstrations, and one of a kind live performance of musicians and opera singers. Also, experience the sand art storytelling artists backed by live musicians. This park is for all ages, enjoyable in all seasons, rain or shine. "
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