The summer heat in recent years has been unusually intense. If you want to escape such intense heat, Lake Kawaguchiko at the foot of Mount Fuji , which is over 800m above sea level, is the perfect place. A writer who has lived in Lake Kawaguchiko for 30 years introduces 10 recommended cool spots in the nature-rich Lake Kawaguchiko , which is easily accessible from Tokyo in just 90 minutes.
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We will be sharing fascinating information about the northern foothills of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, including Mt. Fuji itself — a symbol of Japan recognized and admired around the world — as well as the World Heritage sites associated with it. The Fuji Five Lakes region, located on the northern side of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, is an area rich in natural beauty. It includes Lake Motosuko, Lake Shojiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Lake Yamanakako. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site "Fujisan, Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration" consists of various cultural assets, including historic shrines such as Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine, Kawaguchi Asama-jinja Shrine, and Fuji Omuro Sengen-jinja Shrine, as well as the natural monument Oshino Hakkai and other component sites extending into Shizuoka Prefecture. The foothills of Mt. Fuji, a popular tourist destination, offer attractions throughout all four seasons. In spring, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the five-story Chureito Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park. During summer, Oishi Park serves as the main venue for the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival. In autumn, the Lake Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor offers beautiful scenery featuring Mt. Fuji and vibrant autumn leaves. During winter, Fujiten Snow Resort provides skiing and snowboarding with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. In recent years, activities such as trekking, cycling, and camping in the magnificent natural surroundings of Mt. Fuji have also become increasingly popular. Based around the Lake Kawaguchiko area in the northern foothills of Mt. Fuji, our company operates several attractions and facilities, including Fuji Subaru Land, a theme park surrounded by the natural beauty of Mt. Fuji; Fujizakura Heights Beer, an award-winning craft beer brewed using natural spring water from Mt. Fuji; Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen, a natural hot spring sourced from 1,000 meters underground at the foot of Mt. Fuji; and Fujiten Snow Resort, where visitors can enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding with magnificent views of the mountain. From the Lake Kawaguchiko area at the northern foothills of Mt. Fuji, we will continue sharing the ever-changing beauty of Mt. Fuji throughout the seasons.
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Table of Contents
- Summer temperatures at Lake Kawaguchiko
- What to wear in summer at Lake Kawaguchiko?
- 1. Fuji Subaru Land: Fun for the whole family
- 2. Saiko Bat Cave:Ccool even in summer
- 3. Ryugu Doketsu (Lava Cave):The most powerful power spot
- 4. Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen:Magnificent view of Mt.Fuji from the bath
- 5. Roadside Station Narusawa: Home of Highland Vegetables
- 6. Fujiten Resort: Cool even in summer at an altitude of over 1,200m
- 7. Mt.Fuji 5th Station:At an altitude of 2,300m! It's cool even in midsummer
- 8. Mount Fuji Radar Dome Museum Experience the cold at the summit of Mt. Fuji
- 9. Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks Festival: Lighting up the Summer Night Sky
- 10. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba :View the Original Japanese scenery
Summer temperatures at Lake Kawaguchiko
It is generally said that the temperature drops by 0.6 degrees Celsius for every 100 meters of altitude gain.
The average summer temperature in Lake Kawaguchiko is a high of 28°C, a low of 18°C, and an average day-night temperature of 23°C. (According to the Japan Meteorological Agency website) Also, because it is located at a high altitude, the breeze is refreshing!
Also, because Lake Kawaguchiko is located at an altitude of 800m, the temperature is 4.8℃ lower than on the plains, so even when it is 35℃ in Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchiko is only around 30℃!
What to wear in summer at Lake Kawaguchiko?
It's cooler than the lowlands, but because it's at a high altitude, the UV rays are strong, so be sure to use sunscreen , a hat , and a parasol . Also, temperatures can drop below 20°C at night and in the early morning, so bring a light jacket or cardigan to wear over your clothes. Furthermore, there are many places with uneven ground, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes when exploring!
While it may be possible to get by without air conditioning during the day, temperatures can drop sharply at night and in the early morning. Please be careful not to sleep with the windows open, as you may feel cold. (For reference: The average temperature in the early morning at the foot of Mount Fuji is between 15°C and 17°C, below 20°C, so please take care not to catch a cold.)
Since Lake Kawaguchiko is located in a place rich in nature, it's a good idea to bring insect repellent spray .
1. Fuji Subaru Land: Fun for the whole family
Fuji Subaru Land is a theme park surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Fuji. There are many attractions, including athletics created using the natural beauty of Mount Fuji, Roll Gliding, which takes you through the red pine forest, and Buggy Land.
In the summer, there are also activities like "beetle hunting" and "splash pools"! Why not make some summer memories at Fuji Subaru Land, where it's cool even in summer?
2. Saiko Bat Cave:Ccool even in summer
The Aoki Hara Cave is a cave located in the Lake Saiko forest. With a total length of 350 meters, it is the largest cave at the foot of Mount Fuji. Don't worry, even though it's called a "Bat Cave," there are no actual bats in it! The inside of the cave is cool even in summer, making it a great place for sightseeing in the summer. In addition, at the adjacent Kunimasu Exhibition Hall, you can see the miraculous fish "Kunimasu," which was once thought to be extinct.
3. Ryugu Doketsu (Lava Cave):The most powerful power spot
Along with the Lake Saiko Bat Cave, you should also visit the Ryugu Doketsu (Lava Cave), a national natural monument. The Ryugu Doketsu (Lava Cave) was created when the high temperature and pressure of lava flow during the eruption of Mount Fuji turned into gas, creating a cavity, and in recent years it has become famous as a power spot. The cave is cool, and you can feel a sacred atmosphere that is different from that on the surface. It is located in the Aoki Hara forest, where ancient nature remains, but you can get close by by car.
4. Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen:Magnificent view of Mt.Fuji from the bath
Enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs while gazing at the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen. In addition to the open-air bath with its superb view of Mount Fuji, you can also enjoy a cave bath, a carbonated spring, and a Yusui from the sacred mountain. It is also said that soaking in a hot spring is especially good for preventing summer fatigue. Relax and soothe your travel fatigue while enjoying the view of Mount Fuji.
5. Roadside Station Narusawa: Home of Highland Vegetables
Roadside Station Narusawa is located just a one-minute walk from Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen.
At the product center, you can purchase souvenirs such as Narusawa Village's specialty Highland vegetables, as well as manju, oyaki, and unusual cabbage wine. On the premises, there is also the Mount Fuji Museum where you can learn about the history of Mount Fuji , and a restaurant where you can try local cuisine at reasonable prices.
6. Fujiten Resort: Cool even in summer at an altitude of over 1,200m
Fujiten is a ski resort in the winter and a place where you can enjoy various outdoor sports in the summer. Because it is located at an altitude of 1,200m to 1,500m, it feels very cool even in the summer. With the majestic Mount Fuji in the background, you can enjoy activities such as mountain karting, mountain biking, and mountain boarding.
7. Mt.Fuji 5th Station:At an altitude of 2,300m! It's cool even in midsummer
The fifth station of Mount Fuji is 2,300 meters above sea level. It is 13.8 degrees lower than the plains. For example, even if it is 35 degrees in Tokyo, the fifth station of Mount Fuji is only about 21 degrees, and if the wind blows, you will feel chilly in short sleeves.
At the 5th station of Mount Fuji , you'll find the Komitake Shrine, restaurants serving popular Mount Fuji Mount Fuji cuisine, and shops selling unique souvenirs only available at the 5th station. During periods of private car restrictions, you cannot drive your own car to the 5th station and will need to transfer to a shuttle bus at the Fujisan Parking. However, by using Fujikanko Travel's sightseeing taxis, you can make the most of your time and enjoy sightseeing at the 5th station of Mount Fuji!
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8. Mount Fuji Radar Dome Museum Experience the cold at the summit of Mt. Fuji
The Mount Fuji Radar Dome Museum is a fun place to learn about the history of Mount Fuji and weather observations.
It is conveniently located next to the Fujiyoshida Roadside Station, and is easily accessible by bus from Kawaguchiko Sta. and Fujiyoshida Station. The "Fuji Summit Cold Experience," where you can experience the sunrise and blizzards, is an extremely immersive exhibit that combines wind, images, and sound. You can experience Mount Fuji Mount Fuji it or go to the fifth station.
9. Fuji Five Lakes Fireworks Festival: Lighting up the Summer Night Sky
At the Fuji Five Lakes, fireworks displays are held every night until the 5th, starting with the Houko Festival on August 1st. The Kojo Festival, held at Lake Kawaguchiko on August 5th, features one of the largest fireworks displays in Yamanashi Prefecture, and has been held over 100 times. There are also many food stalls lined up, so you can enjoy food along with the fireworks.
August 1st Yamanakako Hoko Festival・Fireworks
August 2nd Saiko Ryugu Festival・Fireworks
August 3 Motosu Sinko Festival・Fireworks
August 4th: Shojiko Ryoko Festival・Fireworks and Lake Shojiko Music Festival
August 5th Kawaguchiko Kojo Festival・Fireworks
10. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba :View the Original Japanese scenery
At Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, you can see the original scenery of Japan. The scenery created by the houses with thatched roofs that have a nostalgic feel is striking. In each of the 20 houses in the thatched roof village, you can experience things like "crepe paper crafts," "kaleidoscope making," and "incense making."
You can also relax at "Kutsurogi-ya" and enjoy the sounds of the many windmills that decorate the veranda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Lake Kawaguchiko really cool in the summer? Is air conditioning necessary?
Because Lake Kawaguchiko is located at an altitude of approximately 800m, the temperature is about 5°C lower than in the lowlands, and the breeze is refreshing. In fact, many local households do not have air conditioning, and on most days it is comfortable to spend the daytime without it. On the other hand, the temperature drops below 20°C at night and in the early morning, and on some days it can get so cold that you feel chilly if you sleep with the windows open.
Q2. What kind of clothing should I wear when visiting Lake Kawaguchiko in the summer?
The daytime is pleasant with a nice breeze, but the high altitude means the UV rays are very strong. Be sure to take precautions against UV rays, such as using sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella. Also, it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings, and at spots like "Mount Fuji 5th Station" and "Lake Saiko Bat Cave," so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or cardigan that you can easily put on.
Q3. Is it possible to visit the listed tourist spots even without a car?
A. Yes, it is possible! Convenient bus routes (Green Line, Blue Line, etc.) operate from Kawaguchiko Sta., circulating to various tourist spots. However, there are areas with limited bus service and places like "Mount Fuji 5th Station" where private cars are restricted, so if you want to make the most of your time, we recommend using a sightseeing taxi or rental car departing from Kawaguchiko Sta.. Also, many facilities operate free shuttle buses, so please check the facility's website.
Q4. Is Lake Kawaguchiko crowded in the summer?
A. During summer holidays, especially on weekends and during the Obon period, surrounding roads and major tourist spots become extremely crowded. Traffic jams are common, especially during the daytime, so it's recommended to make good use of local sightseeing buses or tourist taxis that can get you to the 5th station smoothly even when private cars are restricted. Also, when visiting popular spots, starting your activities in the relatively less crowded "early morning hours" will allow you to avoid the crowds and enjoy sightseeing comfortably.
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