Five lakes region - Regione dei cinque laghi

Five lakes region (富士 五 湖 Fujigoko, literally "Fuji Five Lakes") is a sub-region belonging to the region of Chūbu and within the Yamanashi Prefecture, in Japan.

To know

Etna and Fuji

Etna (left) and Fuji (right) The Orientalist Fosco Maraini having lived both in Sicily that in Japan compares the two volcanoes with a poetic description, so much so that one brings to mind the other (at least for an Italian). Thus he describes them: "L'Etna it has the air of old age; the Fuji instead it is the image of youth, its lines suggest movement, momentum. Etna is mighty, it makes you think of a wise giant, sometimes it is terrible, but even then it seems to shake its chains with the mysterious inevitability of a nocturnal destiny; the Fuji is agile, proud as a sword, invites you to dare. Etna is profoundly male, it is the patriarch of crops, of villages, of the tuna peoples in the deep waters at its feet; Fuji makes you think of a virgin, not for nothing the beautiful Daughter of the god of the mountains lives there, or of an adolescent warrior who has pure faith in an idea. Therefore Fuji is also close to love and death, to all the great follies; Etna, on the other hand, is time populated by endless shadows. The olive tree, the chestnut tree, the broom are suitable for Etna, plants linked to the fortunes of civilization and the dreams of poets, the vine with the sweet languors it gives to men is also suitable, Etna is always fully of this world ; on the other hand, the wild pines of Ki no kai, of the "Sea of ​​trees" that lame the north side, and then ashes or snow, are suitable for Fuji; Fuji, like poetry, yearns for heaven, you never know for sure whether it belongs to this world or not; "Maybe it's a mysterious kami."

The lakes are famous above all for the views they offer over the latter.

The five lakes follow Japanese grammatical specificities. The suffix "ko" (湖) which means "lake" is added. For example, you can find the name "Yamanakako" as the name "Yamanaka Lake".

Geographical notes

The Five Lakes Region is located at the northern end of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Nature Park in Yamanashi Prefecture. Here are five lakes in the midst of various mountain ranges and volcanoes that were created during an eruption of Fuji-san. Previously there was a single large lake that the lava flows divided into several pieces. South of these lakes is the majestic Mount Fuji.

The region is dotted with Unesco sites all relating to Mount Fuji.

Territories and tourist destinations

City

Destinations

How to get

Accessing the area usually involves passing through the small town of Fujiyoshida (富士 吉田), located between Kawaguchi and Yamanaka lakes. A useful diagram on the links with the region can be found here.

Pass

For foreign tourists, various discounts are possible:

• Fuji Hakone Pass. adults 9090 ¥, children 3250 ¥ (Aug 2019). valid for 3 days. Allows you to travel for 3 days in the five lakes area and ad Hakone using public transport departing from Shinjuku. You can use the Odakyu lines for a single journey with the train arriving at Odawara station and a single journey with the Chuo Highway Bus that arrives at Kawaguchiko station, Fujikyu-Highland station or Fujisan station. Tickets can be taken for the outward or return journey. While in the lakes area of ​​Hakone, travel is unlimited for 3 days. Discounts are also available for attractions and restaurants. 
• Fujigoko Enjoy Ticket. travel by bus 3500 ¥, omni bus or Fujikko 1500 ¥. valid for up to seven days. This ticket combines a round trip bus trip from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko or Yamanakako with a 2-day pass for omni or Fujikko buses. The ticket can be purchased at the Shinjuku bus terminal. 
• Fujisan Fujigoko Passport. Two versions are available: one includes the entire Fujikyu railway line (¥ 3550) and one that includes Fujikyu trains only between Kawaguchiko and Shimoyoshida station (¥ 2550).. This ticket provides unlimited use of Fujikyu buses at the five lakes. It can be purchased at Fujikyu ticket offices at Kawaguchiko, Fujisan, Mishima, Shin-Fuji, Fujinomiya, Gotemba and Asashigaoka / Yamanakako station. 

On the train

• 35.498333138.7686111 Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖 駅, kawaguchiko-ek). From Shinjuku, it takes about 2 hours by express train.

Take the express train Azusa or Super Azusa on the JR Chūō Line for Ōtsuki (1 hour), then change to the private line Fujikyuko that crosses Fujiyoshida and ends at Kawaguchiko (¥ 1,140 this route is not covered by the JR Pass).  

By bus

From Tokyo it is certainly more convenient to use a bus service (since it is less expensive than the train and faster) from the station Shinjuku with Kawaguchiko station e Yamanakako. The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs ¥ 1,750 (in 2019) with the company Keio Bus Higashi (the site is in Japanese only), with the company Fujikyuko with departures also from the station of Akihabara. The JR runs from Tokyo station although the ticket is slightly more expensive 2000 ¥. There are many races that intensify in the tourist season (the same company also makes connections with Osaka is Kyoto). The buses are equipped with toilets and baggage compartments and a seat will be assigned. There are also buses from Tokyo station.

There are also links from the Kawaguchiko area to Hakone is Odawara and up to Shinjuku by company bus Japanican. For the first two locations, connections are daily until 1pm at a cost of ¥ 5,500 (May 2019), while for Shinjuku only Monday and Friday at a cost of ¥ 8,000 (May 2019). The same company also organizes excursions to nearby locations.

Roads that pass through the Five Lakes Region

Otsuki ←	No.  S.	→ end
to ←	No.  S.	→ end
end ←	No.  S.	→ Gotemba → Hakone
Okutama ← Otsuki ←	No.  S.	→ Fujinomiya → Fuji
end ←	No.  S.	→ Minobu
end ←	OR  IS	→ Doshi → Sagamihara

How to get around

By public transport

• Retro-bus / Omni-bus. The service runs from 9:00 to 17:00. The red line starts at 9:00 am and ends at 5:45 pm, the green line at 9:10 am and ends at 4:40 pm, the blue line from 9:35 am to 3:35 pm. There are 3 lines: the red, the green, the blue and the brown. All lines have their terminus at Kawaguchiko station except the brown one which makes a loop connecting Kawaguchiko station with Mount Fuji station.

These small tourist buses go around the lakes having Kawaguchiko station as their terminus (note that it says "Sightseeing Bus" on the bus and the bus stop).

• There blue line it reaches the Shojiko lake and then stops at the Motosuko lake and returns.
• There Red line serves the eastern half of Lake Kawaguchiko, giving access to many tourist attractions such as museums or parks. A bus every 30 minutes.
• There green Line pass by the shore of Lake Kawaguchi before taking a tour of Lake Saiko (one bus per hour). It also stops at the caves to the west of this lake. 

• Yamanaka lake bus. 1500¥. valid for two days. These buses only serve Lake Yamanaka. They always leave from Kawaguchiko station and cover the main attractions of the lake and its surroundings. There are three lines: C, F and A. 

A bus service also runs from Kawaguchiko Station to Kawaguchi Fifth Station (in about 50 minutes), the most popular place to start climbing the Mount Fuji. Please note that this excursion is not recommended outside the official season (July and August) and that the buses only run during the day. Therefore, if you want to climb you will need to book a taxi and leave early in the morning or late at night to reach the fifth station. In September 2009, the trip cost around ¥ 13,000

Pass

There are different combinations to get around the lakes area (excluding buses to Lake Yamanaka) to suit your needs. These can be purchased at Kawaguchiko Station.

• Sightseeing bus pass. 1500¥. valid for two days. allows free circulation on the three bus lines. 
• R coupon. 2800¥. valid for two days. In addition to the three bus lines, it includes the cable car and tourist ferries. 
• V coupon. 1600 ¥. only for the cable car and tourist ferries. 

By taxi

• Fujikyu Yamanashi-Hire Inc., 4-6-29 Matsuyama, Fujiyoshida city, ☎ 81 055-22-1800. This taxi service also allows you to take organized excursions. 

By car

The lakes are well connected and a car can be a good option for getting around the area.

• 35.497707138.7728412 Toyota rent a car, 4657 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, ☎ 81 555-72-1100. Mon-Sun 8: 00-20: 00. Although the Japanese brand is advertised, it is also possible to rent cars of other brands. 

By bike

The roads separating the lakes are not too steep, it can be convenient to rent a bicycle to go from one lake to another without worrying about bus timetables.

• 35.498856138.7682433 Soranoshita, Yamanashi-ken, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Funatsu, 3631-2, 丸 文 ビ ル デ ィ ン グ １F 西側 (In front of Kawagichiko station), ☎ 81 80-5882-8850. bike for one day for ¥ 1500, electric for ¥ 4000. Mon-Sun 9: 00-18: 00. This shop allows you to rent a bike or sports equipment for Mount Fuji and even luggage storage. 
• 35.499146138.7686064 Fujisanbike, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko, Funatsu, 3634-2, ☎ 81 90-5789-3776. Mon-Sun 9: 00-17: 00. Bike rental and luggage storage. 

What see

• 35.47414138.575551 View of Mount Fuji on 1000 yen bills (千 円 札 の 富士山 or Kodaki view point) (From Kawaguchiko station, take the blue line bus and get off at stop n ° 119 Kodaki (about 30 min journey).). The image of Mount Fuji on the reverse of the 1,000 yen note was taken here on the northeastern shore of Lake Motosuko.  

• 35.504996138.6614872 Ancient village of Iyashinosato (西湖 い や し の 里根 場), Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Saiko, 根 場 2710 (Green line stop "Saiko Iashi-no-Sato Nenba" n ° 68), ☎ 81 555-20-4677. Full ¥ 350, reduced ¥ 150. March-November: Mon-Sun 09: 00-17: 00; December-February: Mon-Sun 9.30-16: 30. A village rebuilt according to the traditional techniques of using wood. 

• 35.47138.6196113 Aokigahara Forest (青木 ヶ 原; Jukai (樹 海, the ocean of trees)). This forest surrounding Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko lakes grew on the ancient lava flow that transformed an ancient primitive lake into three (giving birth to Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko). This forest is known as the place where hikers are easily lost (you can understand this if you follow the paths), as well as a very popular suicide spot (more than 70 bodies found each year). However, with its atypical basalt terrain, it offers a pleasant and unusual environment. You can find some caves, some of which are described below and can be visited. Visiting this forest is subject to precautions (see below).  

• 35.5259138.76234 Momiji corridor (も み じ 回廊, Momiji kaitei) (on the north coast, a few minutes' walk from the Kawaguchi Konohana Museum heading west. By bus, red line, stop n ° 19). Another famous place for viewing the trees. A variety of beautiful trees, including maples and gingkos, line a small river on a gentle slope. The trees are illuminated at night during the fall tree viewing season. 
• 35.3125138.5888895 Shiraito waterfalls (白 糸 の 滝 Shiraito-no-taki), 273-1 Kamiide, Fujinomiya-shi, ☎ 81 544-54-2880.  

Caves

• 35.494011138.6716956 Cave of the bats (西湖 コ ウ モ リ 穴), 2068 Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun (By bus green line stop n ° 66 Saiko Bat Cave), ☎ 81 555-82-3111. Mon-Sun 09: 00-17: 00. 
• Lava cave. A small cave where it is possible to observe some ice stalagmites and olivine crystals on the basalt that makes up the walls. 
• 35.47745138.657337 Fugaku wind cave (富 岳 風 穴), 青木 ケ 原 -2068-1 Saiko, 富士 河口湖 町 Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun (By bus green line n ° 71 Fugaku Fuketsu (Wind cave)), ☎ 81 555-85-2300. Mon-Sun 09: 00-16: 30.  
• 35.474778138.6665288 Narusawa ice cave (鳴 沢 氷 穴, Narusawa Hyōketsu), Minamitsuru District, Narusawa (Other), 8533 (By bus blue line n ° 116 Narusawa Hyoketsu (Ice cave)), ☎ 81 555-85-2301. Mon-Sun 09: 00-17: 15. A cave with beautiful ice stalagmites (but unfortunately hidden behind a horrible fence), 156 m long and with an average temperature of 3 ° C.  

These caves are west of Saiko, they can be reached by taking the Saiko line of the retro-bus. There are many other caves hidden under the ocean of trees but, being hidden caves it can be very dangerous to try to explore them.

Events and parties

During the cherry blossom there are many areas near the lakes where you can walk among the lakes. The best suggestion, as there are many, is to get information from tourist agencies and hotels.

• 35.443475138.6008925 Shiba-sakura festival, Fuji Motosuko Resort, ☎ 81 0555-89-3031. ¥ 600 adults, ¥ 250 children.. from mid-April to the end of May. Floral festival with thousands of colorful flowers. 
• Sakura festival, Arakurayama Sengen Park. March April. 

What to do

• 35.5038138.7741 Mount Tenjō cable car (天上 山 公園 カ チ カ チ 山 ロ ー プ ウ ェ イ tenjōyama kōen kachikachiyama rōpuwei) (East of Lake Kawaguchi, by red line bus stop n ° 11). One way 500 ¥, children 250 ¥. Round trip 900 ¥, children 450 ¥ (May 2019). This small cable car takes you to a lookout point near Mount Tenjo. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake below and Mount Fuji, and drink tea and eat dango (glutinous rice balls).  
• Excursions. The site is full of hiking trails. You can go around the lakes, climb the mountains that surround them or walk in the Aokigahara Jukai. A section of the Tokai Nature Path, a long walk through the center of Japan through many sites of historical or aesthetic interest, traverses the region. Hiking trails often connect points where Fuji offers its most beautiful views. It is worth going to the local tourist office to get a map of the available trails and views available. 

• 35.48749138.780192 Fuji-Q Highland (Bus brown line stop A or B.). One of the largest amusement parks in Japan. You will find Fujiyama (1996), one of the largest roller coasters in the world, and the Dodonpa (2001), which was the fastest built.  
• Climb on the Mount Fuji. officially open, from July to mid-September. The ascent to the roof of Japan, a 6-12 hour round trip walk, is covered on the page dedicated to it. Many climbers climb Fujisan at night to watch the sunrise from its summit. 
• 35.503798138.7705133 Ensoleille Excursion Ship Pleasure Boat Kawaguchiko (河口湖 遊 覧 船) (red line bus stop n ° 11), ☎ 81 555-72-0029. 950 ¥. Mon-Sun 09: 00-16: 30. This boat takes frequent 20-minute walks on Lake Kawaguchi throughout the day. A little expensive for such a short walk, but the views of Mount Fuji are excellent, and it's a good chance to get a better view of the lake. Tickets are on sale at a vending machine near the pier; an attendant will also be there to answer questions. 
• Photographing Mount Fuji. One of the greatest attractions is photographing Mount Fuji from various angles, the area is very suitable for photos with reflections from the lakes or during the cherry blossom. 

• 35.476255138.6917134 Fuji Chobo-no-Yu Yurari onsen, 8532-5 Narusawa, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-85-3126. Mon-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. This onsen offers a splendid view of the volcano and two types of open-air pools. You can spend a whole day in wellness activities. 
• 35.483844138.7794055 Fujiyama onsen, 4-chōme-17-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, ☎ 81 555-22-1126. 

Shopping

• 35.507379138.7618781 Kawaguchiko Herb Hall, 6713-18 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-72-3082. Mon-Sun 9: 00-18: 00. Japanese tea and souvenir shop 

How to have fun

Shows

• 35.456788138.818011 Oshino Ninja Village (Oshino shinobi no sato), 2845 Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-84-1122. Mon-Sun 10: 00-16: 30. Village with ninja shows. 

Where to eat

The area is famous for its udon noodles according to the regional variant called Hōtō.

Moderate prices

• 35.492036138.6045181 Fujimi café, Shōji, Fujikawaguchiko. 

Average prices

• 35.52266138.7737872 Houtou Fudou, 707 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-76-7011. Mon-Sun 11: 00-19: 00. In this restaurant, Hōtō is prepared. 

Where stay

Moderate prices

• 35.505786138.7607381 K's House mt Fuji, Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District (It is a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Train Station and a 2-minute walk from the shore of Lake Kawaguchiko.). from ¥ 2,500 for a bed in a dormitory. In this hotel there is a kitchen with dishes (which must be washed after use, of course!), Internet access, washing machines and discounts for various local attractions (onsen, caves, ...). The quality / price ratio is excellent. 
• 35.498857138.7693732 Kawaguchiko Station Inn, ３６３９−１２ Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-72-0015. Small inn / hostel directly opposite the train station, very convenient location. Single rooms available. Clean, cozy place with shared bathrooms on each floor, free internet, Japanese showers / laundry / toilets on the top floor, small restaurant. 
• 35.50639138.7626563 Fuji Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko (ロ イ ヤ ル ホ テ ル 河口湖), Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, 船津 ６７１３−２２, ☎ 81 555-73-2228. Most reasonable hostel with hot spring in Kawaguchiko area. 

High prices

• 35.504112138.7665644 Fuji Lake Hotel, 1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-72-2209. Guests can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji from both the bedroom and the bathroom. Barrier-free open-air baths are also popular. 
• 35.512861138.7688875 Kozantei Ubuya (湖山 亭 う ぶ や), 10 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-72-1145. A high-class Japanese-style inn with views of Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko from both bedrooms and large bathrooms. The bathrooms also have an open-air bath. 
• 35.503321138.7687336 Kasuitei-Ooya, 4025 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-72-1212. Kasuitei Ooya is a contemporary Japanese-style inn located right on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi. It has renovated rooms with private outdoor bathrooms and observation bathrooms. Guests can enjoy multiple hot springs. 
• 35.508477138.7384927 Fuji-View Hotel (富士 ビ ュ ー ホ テ ル), ５１１ Katsuyama, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, ☎ 81 555-83-2211. Fuji View Hotel is located right on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi. Guests can appreciate the natural beauty including the garden on the hotel property. The garden hosts a beautiful view of the blossoms of over 300 cherry trees in over 99,000 square meters. 
• 35.525215138.7618138 Shuhokaku Kogetsu, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Kawaguchi, 南 都 留 郡 富士 河口湖 町 河口 ２３１２, ☎ 81 555-76-8888. This hotel is located near Kawaguchiko and all rooms and spas have a magnificent view of Mount Fuji. Guests can enjoy the beautiful Mount Fuji changing its feature from season to season. 

Safety

	ATTENTION: The Aokigahara forest is very dense and scary. You can get lost very easily and there aren't many things you can do if you lose direction. Attempting to use a GPS, cell phone or WiFi will be useless due to the density of the trees and the resulting lack of signal. Do not venture off the trail or into restricted areas.

Although some paths inside the Aokigara forest are indicated on openestreetmap, they are not clearly marked. If the path is not evident, do not go forward and do not try to explore the area relying on the GPS signal.

How to keep in touch

Telephony

The telephone signal is generally present except in the most remote areas, such as within the Aokigara forest.

Internet

It can be found at some cafes such as Starbucks, but only in large centers.

Around

• Hakone (A bus line connects Kawaguchiko to Hakone). The neighboring area of ​​Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not far from the Lakeland and is fairly easy to reach. 

Useful information

A detailed map of the area with the indication of the routes and areas of interest can be downloaded here.

• 35.498254138.7691726 Information Office, ３６４１−１ Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken, ☎ 81 555-72-6700. 9:00-17:00. Kawaguchiko's office. 
• 35.485971138.7707727 Mount Fuji Visitor Center (山 梨 県 立 富士山 世界 遺産 セ ン タ ー Fujisan World Heritage Center), Yamanashi-ken, Minamitsuru-gun, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Funatsu, 6663−1 旧 ： 富士 ビ ジ タ ー セ ン タ, ☎ 81 555-72-0259. 08:30-17:00. This information center offers information and videos about Mount Fuji. 

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Five lakes region
• Commons contains images or other files on Five lakes region