Discover Lake Yamanakako: Your Ultimate Guide to Mt. Fuji's Closest Lake
Mt. Fuji, which boasts a height of 3,776 meters, is Japan's tallest mountain. The beauty and overwhelming presence of Mt. Fuji, appearing blue in reflection, is beloved as a symbol of Japan.
Mt. Fuji is a mountain that spans across two prefectures, Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture, with beautiful nature spreading around its surroundings. There are many scenic spots where you can appreciate Mt. Fuji while feeling the beautiful nature, making it a popular area among photographers as well.
This time, we will introduce the charm of "Lake Yamanakako" located in "Yamanakako Village," which is closest to Mt. Fuji and where you can feel the power of Mt. Fuji.
Lake Yamanakako is the closest lake to Mt. Fuji among the Fuji Five Lakes
There are five lakes on the north side of Mt. Fuji. These lakes were created by Mt. Fuji's eruptions and are called "Fuji Goko" (Mt. Fuji Five Lakes). Among them, Lake Yamanakako, located 13km from Mt. Fuji, is positioned closest to Mt. Fuji and is also the largest lake among them.
It's also close to Lake Kawaguchiko, where FujiQ Highland and many museums are scattered, but compared to the bustling Kawaguchiko area, Yamanakako is a nature-rich and quiet area. When you come to visit Mt. Fuji or Kawaguchiko for tourism, please be sure to visit Yamanakako as well.
Why is Lake Yamanakako popular? Introducing the reasons why it's beloved by locals along with its charms
You can enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji looming before your eyes and "Diamond Fuji"
At Lake Yamanakako, you can enjoy the dynamic scenery of Mt. Fuji looming right before your eyes. Also, from the north shore, you can view the sight of Mt. Fuji with the lake as a backdrop.
From early November to mid-February, you can enjoy the sight called "Diamond Fuji," where the sun shines like a diamond on the summit of Mt. Fuji. The way the sunlight reflects on the lake is also mystical, and it's beloved by locals as the spot where you can observe the most beautiful Diamond Fuji. Every February, events related to Diamond Fuji are held, attracting many tourists.
Surrounding facilities such as panoramic spots and campgrounds are well-equipped
Around Lake Yamanakako, the surrounding facilities are well-equipped, including panoramic viewing platforms where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, walking paths where you can stroll around Lake Yamanakako, hot springs where you can relax while viewing the spectacular scenery of Mt. Fuji, and campgrounds where you can fully enjoy nature.
Lake Yamanakako also has a cycling road that goes around the lake, allowing you to cycle around Lake Yamanakako in about an hour and a half. We also recommend enjoying cycling while feeling the pleasant seasonal breeze.
At the campgrounds, many facilities offer barbecue experiences that you can enjoy empty-handed and cottage accommodation plans, so if you're interested, please consider adding them to your travel options. The starry sky you can see at night has breathtaking beauty.
You can enjoy various activities such as boats, canoes, sightseeing boats, and swan boats
Source:Yamanaka Lake
One of Lake Yamanakako's popular features is that lake activities are well-equipped, including boats, canoes, adorable swan boats that you pedal with your feet, and sightseeing boats. One of the attractions is that these boats can be easily rented on-site without reservations.
Also, many carp live in Yamanakako. Carp food is sold at the lakeside, and many carp, ducks, and swans gather seeking food. Interacting with the creatures that live in Lake Yamanakako is also enjoyable. Feeding is popular with families, and combined with sightseeing boats, people of various ages can enjoy the activities.
5 Must-Visit Spots Around Lake Yamanakako Picked by a Local Author
Lake Yamanakako Myojinyama Panoramic Platform
Source:Yamanaka Lake
For those who want to view Mt.Fuji around Lake Yamanakako, I recommend the "Lake Yamanakako Myojinyama panoramic viewing platform." You can enjoy the magnificent nature around Yamanakako village and the breathtaking views of Mt.Fuji. On clear days, you can even see as far as Japan's largest mountain range, the "Southern Alps."
In November 2024, the observation deck was renovated, making tourism even more enjoyable. The wooden observation deck harmonizes with nature, featuring transparent glass railings that allow you to enjoy open, expansive views.
You can enjoy wonderful scenery at any time of day, but my recommended time is during sunset. You can enjoy dramatic sunsets with Mt.Fuji as the backdrop. In autumn, pampas grass spreads across the area, making the surroundings glow golden. This observation deck offers various attractions throughout the year - beautiful greenery in summer and snowy landscapes in winter.
<Basic Information>
Address: Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanakako-village, Hirano 514
Business Hours: Always open
Closed: None
Phone Number: 0555-62-9977
Official Website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10348
Nagaike Water Park
Source:Yamanaka Lake
"Nagaike water park" is a park located on the north shore of Lake Yamanakako. The magnificent view of Mt.Fuji spreads out directly in front of the lake, making it a representative Mt.Fuji viewing point of Yamanakako village.
While you can enjoy beautiful scenery at any time of day at this park, I recommend the early morning hours right after sunrise. When weather conditions are good, you can witness the "Reflection of Mount Fuji," where Mt.Fuji reflects like a mirror on the lake surface. Such scenery can only be seen on days with low temperatures and little wind, but witnessing the Reflection of Mount Fuji with your own eyes will be a memorable experience. Additionally, from early November to mid-February, you can also enjoy "Diamond Fuji."
<Basic Information>
Address: Around Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanakako-village, Hirano 3323
Business Hours: Always open
Closed: None
Phone Number: 0555-62-9977
Official Website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10351
Swan Lake at Lake Yamanakako
Source:Official website
For those who want to cruise Lake yamanakako, I recommend "Swan lake boarding." You can enjoy an elegant 20-minute cruise around the lake.
The swan-shaped pleasure boat has a unique appearance, and when it swims on the lake, it looks like a real swan swimming. The interior designed using oak wood is warm and provides a comfortable cruise experience. There are steering wheels in front of the passenger seats, so you can enjoy feeling like a captain.
While Lake Yamanakako has many rental shops for pedal boats and rowing boats, this is a recommended activity for elderly people who find it difficult to row boats themselves, or families with small children. The world viewed from within the lake will allow you to discover charms different from those on land.
<Basic Information>
Address: Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanakako-village, Hirano 506
Business Hours: March-November 9:30-16:30 / December-February 9:30-15:30
Closed: None
Fee: 1,100 yen
Phone Number: 0555-62-0130
Official Website: https://www.yamanakako-yuransen.jp/
Oshino Hakkai
Around Mt.Fuji, there are numerous "spring water" spots scattered throughout where snow accumulated on Mt.fuji emerges as underground water. Among these, the most representative spot is "Oshino hakkai."
"Hakkai" means "eight ocean." As the name suggests, eight spring water spots are concentrated in Oshino village, where 230,000 tons of water spring forth daily.
The spring water pools at Oshino hakkai have crystal-clear transparency, and the water bubbling up from the ground with a "blub-blub" sound has a beauty that makes you want to watch forever. Please experience Japan's beauty in this townscape where nostalgic rural landscape remains.
<Basic Information>
Address: Around Yamanashi Prefecture, Minami tsuru-gun, Oshino-village, Shibokusa 360
Business Hours: Always open
Closed: None
Phone Number: 0555-84-4222
Official Website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10486
Lake Yamanakako Onsen Beni Fuji no Yu
Source:Official website
After enjoying a day of sightseeing at Lake Yamanakako, be sure to visit a hot spring! At "Beni Fuji no yu," you can enjoy magnificent views of Mt.fuji while soaking in the hot springs.
Beni fuji no yu offers two types of baths: an inner bath where you can soak in warm water and an outdoor bath where you can feel nature. Large windows are installed even indoors, so you can see the open, magnificent views of Mt.fuji from either bath.
In winter, depending on the time of day, you can sometimes see Diamond fuji. Diamond fuji while soaking in pleasant hot springs is the best!
There are also saunas and a restaurant, so please heal your day's fatigue at Beni fuji no yu!
<Basic Information>
Address: Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanakako-village, Yamanaka 865-776
Business Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00-19:00 / Weekends and holidays 11:00-20:00
Closed: Tuesdays (open on holidays)
Fee: 900 yen
Phone Number: 0555-20-2700
Official Website: https://www.benifuji.co.jp/
When Should You Visit Yamanakako Lake? Introducing the Charm of Each Season
Spring at Yamanakako Lake Where Spring-like Flowers Bloom in Full Glory
When the snow melts and temperatures begin to warm at yamanakako lake, you can see beautiful flowers. The representative flower that tells us of spring's arrival in Japan is the cherry blossom. From Nagaike Water Park, you can enjoy the beautiful collaboration of cherry blossoms and Mt.Fuji.
Also, when it comes to flower spots that represent yamanakako lake, there's the "Flower Park in Yamanakako" located in the northern area. Spring is especially the season when many flowers begin to bloom, and you can view dynamic flower fields across the vast grounds, including 110,000 tulips and nemophila.
For those who want to enjoy the beautiful collaboration of flowers and Mt.Fuji, visiting yamanakako lake in spring is recommended.
Summer at Yamanakako Lake with Refreshing Fresh Greenery and Cosmos as Attractions
Summer at yamanakako lake is my favorite time of the year. From mid-May, the foothills of Mt.Fuji are covered in beautiful green, creating a fresh world.
While flat areas like Tokyo record scorching temperatures of 35°C (95°F) or higher in July and August, the area around yamanakako lake remains cool at 24°C (77°F) even during the day.
With low humidity as well, summer is cherished as a popular tourist area in Japan as a summer resort. Taking a walk along the lakeside while feeling the coolness is also one of my favorite ways to spend time.
In September, you can enjoy 3 million cosmos flowers at Flower Park in Yamanakako. For those who want to escape the heat of the city and tour comfortably, please visit yamanakako lake in summer.
Autumn at Yamanakako Lake Where Fall Foliage Colors the Scenery
In the nature-rich area around yamanakako lake, you can see beautiful autumn foliage in fall. Around Mt.Fuji, many deciduous trees such as maple and zelkova that shed their leaves in winter grow naturally, so the surrounding mountains turn red and yellow. From the previously introduced Myojinyama Panoramic Viewing Platform and Nagaike Water Park, you can view the beautiful autumn foliage scenery around Mt.Fuji.
Also, "Asahigaoka Lakeside Parkland" located on the south shore of yamanakako lake is a representative autumn foliage scenic spot in the Yamanakako area, and a foliage festival is held during the season.
At night, illumination is conducted so you can also enjoy the warm autumn foliage scenery. For those who want to see beautiful autumn foliage in Japan, please consider yamanakako lake as a candidate!
Winter at Yamanakako Lake Where Ice Trees and Frozen Lakes Create a Fantastical Scene
Winter at yamanakako lake is cold, with an average temperature as low as 3°C (37°F), so heavy snowfall is often seen. Sub-zero temperatures are frequently recorded, and there are many days when you can see the frozen lake and ice trees.
On snowy days, the entire surrounding area is wrapped in a beautiful snow world. On snowy days, at dawn or evening, sunlight reflects off the snow, and you can see the phenomenon called "Rouge Fuji" where Mt.Fuji turns crimson. In winter, because the air is crystal clear, you can clearly view distant scenery and see beautiful Mt.Fuji.
Also, dramatic phenomena such as Diamond Fuji and Reflection of Mount Fuji can only be seen during this time. For those who want to enjoy the mystical charm of Mt.Fuji, please visit yamanakako lake in winter.
For Those Who Want to Tour the Mt.Fuji Area Efficiently, the "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car" is Also Recommended!
For those who want to tour around Mt.Fuji, the recommended tour is the "Mt. Fuji Nature meets Culture Tour with a Private Hire Car" hosted by Magical Trip.
In the tour, you'll visit spots around Mt.Fuji together with a local guide who has detailed knowledge about Mt.Fuji.
At the beginning of the tour, you'll visit a farm that produces wasabi, an essential condiment for sushi that grows in beautiful water. After that, you'll visit Oshino Hakkai introduced in this article, and visit shrines at Mt.Fuji's climbing entrance and shrines where you can view spectacular Mt.Fuji. This is a recommended tour for those who want to fully enjoy the charm and culture around Mt.Fuji.
Around Mt.Fuji, buses and trains run infrequently, and spots that are difficult to access individually can be efficiently enjoyed around Mt.Fuji with a tour. Lunch and cafe time at popular spots recommended by the guide are also included in the tour, so you can enjoy a fulfilling day!
・Meeting point: Shinjuku or hotel pickup
・Tour area: Mt.Fuji area
・Start time: 8:00
