The red five-storied Chureito Pagoda above Fujiyoshida with snow-capped Mount Fuji under a blue sky

Viewpoint · Fujiyoshida and Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi

Fuji Five Lakes – Lake Kawaguchiko & Chureito Pagoda

Lakeside views of Mount Fuji and the famous five-storied Chureito Pagoda above Fujiyoshida

Ambient sound · similar settingWater lapping on a lake shore

Photo: Edmund Lou (@edmundlou) / Unsplash

Discover Fuji Five Lakes – Lake Kawaguchiko & Chureito Pagoda

The Fuji Five Lakes area sits at the northern foot of Mount Fuji, and on a clear day the mountain dominates every view. Lake Kawaguchi, the easiest of the lakes to reach from Tokyo, is ringed with museums, hot-spring hotels and lakeside paths, and in calm weather Fuji is reflected perfectly in its waters.

A short train ride away in Fujiyoshida, steps climb through Arakurayama Sengen Park to the Chureito Pagoda, a five-storied red pagoda that, together with Mount Fuji behind it, forms one of Japan's most recognisable images. Cherry blossom in spring and red leaves in November make the scene even more striking, and the area works well either as a long day trip from Tokyo or as a peaceful overnight stay with a chance of a clear sunrise.

Don’t miss

01The view of Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji behind it, a short climb above Arakura Sengen Shrine
02Mount Fuji reflected in Lake Kawaguchi on calm, clear mornings
03The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway up Mount Tenjo for views over the lake and Fuji
04Lake cruises and lakeside cycling paths
05Museums such as the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, known for its kimono and gardens
06Seasonal festivals on the northern shore, including cherry blossom in mid-April and autumn leaves in November

History & culture

The story of Fuji Five Lakes – Lake Kawaguchiko & Chureito Pagoda

The Chureito Pagoda's official name is the Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument. It was completed on 12 August 1958 by the city's mayor and a construction committee as a memorial to about 960 citizens of Fujiyoshida who died in wars from 1868 onwards, including the two world wars, and the city describes it as a monument of peace. Its construction was funded by the sale of land and by private donations. The pagoda stands above Arakura Sengen Shrine within Arakurayama Sengen Park, which is planted with around 650 cherry trees.

The lakes themselves lie within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, designated in 1936. Lake Kawaguchi has long been a resort known for hot springs, fishing and views of the mountain, and today it is also home to art museums and events such as seasonal festivals on its northern shore.

Local life & traditions

Life in Fujiyoshida and Fujikawaguchiko has always revolved around Mount Fuji, which is revered in Japanese religion and culture. The local hearty noodle dish hoto and Yoshida udon are everyday favourites, and the towns welcome visitors with a mix of traditional inns and small cafes. Visitor numbers at the pagoda have grown sharply, and the city has warned that its narrow one-way roads and very limited parking can lead to hours of traffic jams, so locals ask visitors to come by train and to respect residents living around the park.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

From Shimoyoshida Station it is about a ten-minute walk to Arakura Sengen Shrine, then a further climb of around five minutes up the hillside steps to the pagoda viewpoint. Morning light usually gives the clearest view of Mount Fuji. Afterwards, take the train on to Kawaguchiko Station and explore the lake by sightseeing bus, rental bicycle or boat.

Around the lake, ride the ropeway to Mount Tenjo, visit one of the art museums, or simply walk the northern shore, where festivals celebrate the cherry blossom in spring and the autumn leaves in November. Staying overnight at a lakeside hot-spring hotel gives you the best chance of a clear Fuji at dawn.

When to go

Winter is considered the best season for clear views of Mount Fuji, with crisp air from roughly December to February. Cherry blossom at the pagoda and around Lake Kawaguchi usually peaks around mid-April, and autumn colours are at their best in November, though exact timing varies each year and these periods are extremely busy, especially at weekends. Summer is often hazy, with Fuji frequently hidden by cloud. Early mornings in any season give the best visibility.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Getting to Chureito Pagoda: Arakurayama Sengen Park is about a 10-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station on the Fujikyu (Fuji Kyuko) Line Source: en.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp ↗
Driving and parking: Fujiyoshida City discourages driving to the park because of narrow roads and very limited parking, and recommends parking at Fujisan or Kawaguchiko Station and taking the train Source: en.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp ↗
Trains from Tokyo: JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki (about one hour), then the Fuji Kyuko Line to Kawaguchiko. JR Rail Passes are not accepted on the Fuji Kyuko Line. Source: japan.travel ↗
Highway bus: Buses from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal reach Kawaguchiko Station in just under two hours Source: japan.travel ↗
Mosque: Fujikawaguchiko Masjid, completed in 2020, with a cafe offering options for Muslim visitors; about 20 minutes' walk or under 10 minutes by taxi from Kawaguchiko Station Source: japan.travel ↗
About the pagoda: Officially the Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument, completed on 12 August 1958 as a memorial to about 960 local citizens who died in wars since 1868 Source: en.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Go early in the morning: Mount Fuji is most often visible before clouds build up later in the day.
Wear sturdy shoes for the hillside steps up to the pagoda viewpoint, and allow time to catch your breath.
Use the train rather than a car, as advised by Fujiyoshida City, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
Keep to public paths and respect nearby homes and the shrine; the pagoda is a war memorial, so behave quietly.
Pack a warm layer even in spring and autumn; the area is noticeably cooler than Tokyo.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Fuji Five Lakes – Lake Kawaguchiko & Chureito Pagoda: food, markets & places to stay

Kawaguchiko Station is the hub for sightseeing buses around the lake, and the northern and eastern shores have lakeside hot-spring hotels and ryokan. Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, one stop from Kawaguchiko, has a prayer room and a food court with Muslim-friendly food and drinks, according to JNTO, and the Fujikawaguchiko Masjid has a cafe serving Muslim visitors. Near Lake Saiko, the Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba thatched village offers a Muslim-friendly version of the local hoto noodles.