Lake Yamanakako

Lake Yamanakako

Lake Yamanakako (山中湖) is one of the five lakes that make up the Fuji Five Lakes, located at the northern base of Mt. Fuji in Japan. It is the highest in elevation among the five lakes and is known for its crystal-clear waters, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreational activities.

The lake offers a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, and kayaking. It is also surrounded by several walking and cycling trails, including the 8-kilometer-long Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park Cycling Road, which offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding countryside.

While not directly on the lake, a popular nearby attraction is Oshino Hakkai (忍野八海), a group of eight natural springs located in Oshino village, known for its traditional Japanese village setting and beautiful gardens.

Another popular nearby attraction is the Panorama-dai observatory (パノラマ台), located on the border between Oshino village and Yamanakako village, which offers panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area. Visitors can reach the top of the observatory by cable car and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

In addition to outdoor activities, Lake Yamanakako also has several museums and cultural attractions, including the Yamanakako Hananomiyako Flower Park, which features a variety of seasonal flowers, and the Yamanakako Mount Fuji Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Mt. Fuji area.

Getting there

By Bus

From Shinjuku Station (Tokyo):

  • Take a highway bus to Yamanakako Asahigaoka
  • Journey time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Cost: Around 2,000 yen one way
  • Frequency: Hourly service

From Tokyo Station:

  • Take a highway bus to Yamanakako Asahigaoka
  • Journey time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cost: Around 2,500 yen one way
  • Frequency: Multiple departures daily

By Train and Bus

From Tokyo:

  1. Take JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station
  2. Transfer to Fujikyu Railway to Fujisan Station
  3. Take a Fujikko bus to Lake Yamanakako
  • Total journey time: About 3 hours
  • Cost: Approximately 3,300-4,000 yen one way

By Car

From Tokyo:

  • Drive via Tomei Expressway to Gotemba IC, then take Route 138
  • Journey time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Distance: Approximately 125 km