Updated as of 22 November 2023
Originally published on 28 January 2022
Mount Fuji (富士山) is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan, and is perhaps the most recognised mountain in the country. Getting a good view of it takes only a short train trip from Tokyo, and many visitors make a trip around the mountain to visit major attractions such as the picturesque Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖) and Lake Yamanakako (山中湖).
Many people would think that the best time to visit Mount Fuji is in the summer because it’s the mountain climbing season. But do you know that the mountain is especially beautiful to see in winter? For this article, we will be exploring the amazing things that visitors can experience around Mount Fuji for the winter season, including amazing viewpoints of the mountain, eye-catching fireworks, and magnificent winter sights that most people would not expect.
Plus, for our journey, we shall be using the JR TOKYO Wide Pass, which enables us to visit all kinds of exciting places in 3 days and see why winter is an ideal time to travel around the Tokyo region for a short yet unforgettable winter journey. So put on your winter jackets and let’s embark on an eye-opening winter adventure around Tokyo!
Day 1: Lake Kawaguchiko & Lake Yamanakako
What makes travelling around Tokyo enjoyable is the sheer railway connectivity that enables travellers to embark from Tokyo and head to places around the region easily. For instance, with the JR TOKYO Wide Pass, they can begin their journey from JR Shinjuku Station (JR新宿駅) and hop on the Limited Express Fuji Excursion (富士回遊) to reach the area around Mount Fuji. With this train, travellers can do so in just a hair under 2 hours!
① See Mount Fuji from high above
With its iconic snow-capped façade and beautifully symmetrical shape, Mount Fuji is a must-see landmark for both local and foreign visitors who are based in Tokyo, and is also famous among mountain climbers, especially during the summer. Plus, with its sheer grand scale, the mountain can be seen from many viewpoints from surrounding regions, and on clear days, it can be seen from as far as Chiba Prefecture (千葉県)!
For our first stop, we make our way to Lake Kawaguchiko, the second-largest among the famous Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖) that is known to have one of the best views of Mount Fuji. There are many spots around the lake that offer splendid views of Mount Fuji, but first, let’s start with one high in the sky!
Lake Kawaguchiko (河口湖)
Address: 3641-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi-ken 401-0301
Access: 20-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅)
One of the most popular ways to enjoy a view of Mount Fuji is to take the Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway. Located on the eastern side of Lake Kawaguchiko, the ropeway allows visitors to go up 400m to an observation deck that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake below with the mountain in the far distance. And here’s a fun fact for you: do you know that winter is the best time to see Mount Fuji? That’s because the air is drier especially in January and February compared to other months, which makes Mount Fuji much more visible even from faraway locations. In the summer however, the mountain is often invisible on many days because the weather around it is often hazy due to humidity.
Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway (富士山パノラマロープウェイ)
Address: Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi 401-0303
Access: Bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red-Line)
② See Mount Fuji from around Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is often regarded as one of the best places to view Mount Fuji, and it’s not only because of the lake’s geographic location and proximity to the mountain. It’s also because of its elevation: among the Fuji Five Lakes, it has the lowest elevation of them all. This offers visitors an elevated view of the mountain, making it look even more imposing in grandeur and scale.
After our ride on the ropeway, we can make our way down and explore viewpoints of Mount Fuji around the lake. Visitors can hop on the Fujikyuko local bus and visit popular spots such as Ōishi Park (大石公園), Nagasaki Park (長崎公園), and Ōike Park (大池公園). Here’s a tip for all visitors: the best scenery is from the northern side of the shore i.e. Oishi Park and Nagasaki Park, where visitors can capture a view of the mountain together with the lake.
③ Witness a “diamond” in the sky
Lake Yamanakako is the largest lake among the Fuji Five Lakes, and the one closest to Mount Fuji. It is also one with the highest elevation among the Fuji Five Lakes with an elevation of 982m above sea level. After visiting Lake Kawaguchiko, we head on over to this lake where a big surprise awaits.
Under the right circumstances, lucky visitors at Lake Yamanakako are able to see a phenomenon known as “Diamond Fuji” (ダイヤモンド富士) when the sun appears over the peak of Mount Fuji, thus resembling a shining diamond in the sky. This view can be seen during sunrise and sunset at other locations, but since Lake Yamanakako is located on the eastern side of Mount Fuji, it can be observed only during sunset.
Furthermore, “Diamond Fuji” can be seen and enjoyed at Lake Yamanakako over an extended period, from October to February, with the timing that varies according to the exact period. Typically, it can be seen sometime around 3:30pm near the winter solstice (around 22 December), and around 4:30pm in mid-October and late February. For daily timings, you would have to check other online sources for more information, such as here (Japanese only).
What makes the sight at this lake particularly captivating is the “mirror effect” that takes place when the view is reflected on the lake’s clear water. The magnificent view has since attracted throngs of photography enthusiasts to Lake Yamanakako to capture the scenery for themselves.
There are a total of nine spots where people can have a scenic view of “Diamond Fuji”, including the ones below that are around Lake Yamanakako:
- Panorama Observatory (パノラマ台)
- Asahigaoka Lakeside (旭日丘湖畔緑地公園)
- Hirano Lakefront (平野湖畔)
- Nagaike Water Park (長池親水公園)
- Hana no Miyako Flower Park (花の都公園)
“Diamond Fuji” at Lake Yamanakako. (Video credit: 山中湖村観光課)
Lake Yamanakako (山中湖)
Address: Yamanakako, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi, Japan
Access: 55-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅)
④ Enjoy spectacular winter lights and fireworks
When night falls, visitors to Lake Yamanakako will be able to witness the Yamanakako Ice Candles Festival (山中湖アイスキャンドルフェスティバル), where candles made from ice are lined up on the ground and fireworks are launched against the Mount Fuji backdrop. It’s an event that visitors should not miss, and the view of the candle lights on the snowy white ground with fireworks in the sky is something they have to see for themselves.
Yamanakako Ice Candles Festival (山中湖アイスキャンドルフェスティバル)
Date/time: Typically in February, and exact date/time varies each year
Venue: Yamanakako Communication Plaza KIRARA (山中湖交流プラザ きらら)
Access: 70-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station or 15-minute bus ride from Hotel Mount Fuji Iriguchi bus stop
After our visit to Lake Yamanakako, we return to Lake Kawaguchiko to take part in a larger-than-life spectacle. When night falls, visitors to the lake can experience the Lake Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks (河口湖冬花火), an annual winter event where spectators will get to see colourful fireworks in the clear night sky against the Mount Fuji backdrop. The fireworks are launched from various points around the lake such as Ōike Park, Yagisaki Park (八木崎公園), and Tatamiiwa (畳岩), so they can be seen from several locations around the lake. What’s more, visitors who are staying at the hotels around the lake can witness the spectacle too, making for an unforgettable lodging experience.
Lake Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks (河口湖冬花火)
Dates: Weekends during January and February (Saturdays and Sundays only) & 23 February (Mount Fuji Day) *Exact date varies each year, with 2024’s edition happening between 20 January and 18 February
Time: 8pm–8:20pm
Recommended venues: Ōike Park (main venue) and Yagisaki Park
Access:
Ōike Park: 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station or 7-minute ride on Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus （Red-Line) , getting off at Kawaguchiko Herb Hall (河口湖ハーブ館 ) bus stop
Yagisaki Park: 30-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station or 12-minute ride on Saiko Sightseeing Bus （Green-Line）, getting off at Yagasaki Park (八 木 崎 公 園 ) bus stop
Ticket prices: Free
Spend the night at Lake Kawaguchiko
For Day 1, visitors can spend the night at one of the many hot spring hotels that they can choose from around Lake Kawaguchiko. The lake is known for its wide range of accommodations available, and guests at most of the hotels can even enjoy a wonderful view of Mount Fuji right from their rooms and hot spring baths.
Day 2: Hakone
For the second day, visitors can take off from Lake Kawaguchiko and explore other spots around the region easily by hopping on the Fujikyuko or Odakyu (小田急) local buses. In fact, travellers can consider getting the Fujikyuko Mt. Fuji Pass, which allows unlimited rides on local buses and trains around the Mount Fuji area, or the Odakyu Fuji Hakone Pass, which further includes the Hakone area. The passes can be bought at Kawaguchiko Station, and makes for a great option for travellers to explore the region!
⑤ Hakone, a town with great views of Mount Fuji
Do you know that Hakone (箱根) in Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県) also has spots with views that are just as superb as those from Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako? The one feature that makes Hakone a perennial favourite among travellers is its accessibility from Tokyo and close proximity to Mount Fuji, making it highly convenient for visitors to travel there and enjoy wonderful views of the mountain along the way.
Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県) may have many places that offer some of the best views of Mount Fuji, but do you know that Kanagawa Prefecture has plenty of spots with views that are just as wonderful, many of which can be found in Hakone? The town is more than just hot springs, and visitors here can get a view of the mountain from a high elevation too. In Hakone, we can choose one of two activities, both of which offer memorable experiences with unique vantage points of Mount Fuji. Let’s check out what they are.
Hakone (箱根)
Address: Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Access: 75-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅)
Option 1: Another view of Mount Fuji from the sky
Can’t get enough of the view of Mount Fuji from the sky? Then take another ride up a ropeway again while in Hakone! Visitors who love panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding areas can hop on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway. Not only can they fully enjoy the views around them, but they can also feast their eyes on the placid Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖) from the ropeway.
On a clear day, Mount Fuji can be seen from Mount Hakone-Komagatake too. It’s an experience that’s not to be missed, especially in winter when the surrounding region will be blanketed by white snow. Take note that while visitors can access the ropeway directly by bus from JR Gotemba Station by dropping off at Hakone-en (箱根園) bus stop, there is only one such service per day, and it is more accessible via Togendai..
Hakone Komatagatake Ropeway (箱根駒ヶ岳ロープウェー)
Access: 15-min bus ride from Togendai
Option 2: View Mount Fuji from another peak
Fancy viewing Mount Fuji once more from another peak? Try Mount Kintoki (金時山), a highly popular spot among mountain-climbing enthusiasts. Visitors who climb to the top will stand to enjoy a superb view of the mountain, and because of its accessibility from Hakone, it is also a popular spot among hot spring goers as a side activity. Climbing the mountain is relatively manageable and doable in winter, so visitors can try it out.
Mount Kintoki (金時山)
Address: Oyama, Sunto, Shizuoka
Access: 20-minute bus ride from Gotemba Station (御殿場駅)
Spend the night at Odawara
After exploring Hakone, we transfer to the city of Odawara (小田原市) to call it a night. Located in the western side of Kanagawa Prefecture, the city is often recognised as a gateway for travellers visiting Hakone and areas around Mount Fuji thanks to its railway connectivity via JR Odawara Station (JR小田原駅).
Day 3: Odawara & Yugawara
For Day 3, visitors can set forth to discover other exciting places in the Kanagawa Prefecture. After two days of enjoying many wonderful views of Mount Fuji, it’s time to discover something different in the prefecture. Next in our journey, we look at two other locations where visitors can gaze at two magnificent views before wrapping up the whole trip.
⑦ Pay a visit to Odawara Castle
For a lot of people, a trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a castle. Japan has many castles throughout the country that are steeped in rich history and heritage, and many of them even have their own unique and outstanding characteristics. The city of Odawara (小田原市) is home to a castle too, and visitors will find it a treat to see it during winter. Odawara Castle (小田原城) is a major landmark in Odawara, and was selected as one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan (日本百名城 Nihon Hyaku-Meijō). Originally built in the 15th century, the castle has been rebuilt several times throughout the years, with the latest reconstruction completed in 2016.
Spring and autumn are usually the most popular seasons for visitors to appreciate castles, but winter is also a great time for a visit. Odawara doesn’t experience much snow even in winter, so it’s a great time to pay a visit to the city’s landmark castle and admire its grand presence.
Odawara Castle (小田原城)
Address: Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Odawara Station (小田原駅)
Next, we move to Yugawara (湯河原町), a town located in the far southwestern side of Kanagawa. Here, there is a special surprise that will fascinate visitors for the winter season, especially those who love flowers and striking floral landscapes.
⑧ Gaze at wondrous plum blossoms in Yugawara
Most people expect flowers during the spring season, so it may come as a surprise that they can see them even during winter. Visitors around the Tokyo region can head over to the town of Yugawara to witness a special kind of flower: the plum blossom. In Makuyama Park (幕山公園) in Yugawara, there is the Ume no Utage (梅の宴), a flower festival from early February to mid-March when visitors can see a sprawling scenery of pale pink and white plum blossoms across the park. Over 4,000 plum trees bloom during this period, and numerous visitors come here to view them. The town’s relatively warm climate provides an ideal environment for the flowers to thrive early, as compared to most others that bloom later.
During this period, there will be food stalls (屋台 yatai) and stage performances at the park that people can enjoy. It would be a fun-filled event for everyone during this time, and the landscape makes for an unforgettable experience. Take note that visitors can make their way from JR Yugawara Station to the park by bus and drop off at Makuyama Kōen (幕山公園) bus stop.
Makuyama Park (幕山公園)
Address: 951-1 Kajiya, Yugawara, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 259-0313
Access: *15-minute local bus ride from JR Yugawara Station
*During the festival season, there will be a seasonal shuttle bus service with greater frequency
With that, we come to the end of our 3-day winter trip to Mount Fuji’s surrounding areas. After paying a visit to Yugawara, visitors can simply make their way back to Tokyo by hopping on the Limited Express Odoriko (踊り子) from JR Yugawara Station directly back to JR Tōkyō Station (JR東京駅). The journey takes no more than 80 minutes, making it a convenient and seamless way to return to the city.
Closing
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass offers visitors an opportunity to explore Tokyo and its surrounding areas, and winter is an underrated period to travel around the region. It holds many eye-opening discoveries that visitors ought to check out, and with the JR TOKYO Wide Pass and plenty of other transport options around the Mount Fuji area, it becomes an exciting travel destination during the snowy season. So put the locations above into your bucket list, and prepare your travel plans for your next winter adventure when you set foot in Japan again!
Do note that for the itinerary as described, direct travel between Kawaguchiko and Hakone is not covered by the JR TOKYO Wide Pass.
JR TOKYO Wide Pass
If you are travelling to Tokyo and its surrounding areas, check out the JR TOKYO Wide Pass, an affordable pass offering unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains) in the valid area for 3 consecutive days. At only ¥15,000, it makes for a considerable option for those planning to travel around the region. You can also make seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains and Joyful Trains online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation. The JR TOKYO Wide Pass can be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use this pass.
Header image credit: やまなし観光推進機構 (top), 湯河原町 (bottom right) and 小田原市 (bottom left)
