11 BEST Things to do in Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji)

Top 10 things to do in Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji area). There’s other areas but Kawaguchiko is probably the most popular area to visit to see Mt Fuji. Mt Fuji is visible mainly in the winter time with nov-feb being the best time to visit. Usually it’s too cloudy otherwise! We took the Fuji excursion train from Shinjuku station.

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1. Stay in a Ryokan

This is basically a Japanese bed and breakfast they range from more traditional to super luxurious and westernized. The onsen is a must, breakfast is a must too. We stayed at @fufu_kawaguchiko! Their dinner options were superb too. We made reservations through a friend. This is the most spectacular hotel I've ever stayed at. The breakfast was top notch along with the service. The menu changes every day during your stay. There are western and Japanese breakfast options.

Location: Japan, 〒401-0304 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Kawaguchi, 水口２２１１−１

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2. Oishi park

Fuji is popular for their soft serve and this spot is known for the Kyoho grape flavor and the blue berry. Beautiful spot with great view!

Location: ２５２５番地の１１先 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0305, Japan

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3. Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

Great rainy day activity, 3 scheduled organ and music box performances. These music boxes are over 80 years old. Make sure to visit their gift shop and purchase their music boxes. It’s good luck to touch their rhino statue too. 

Location: 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0304, Japan

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4. Cookies from @fujiyama_cookie!

These were delicious! Located at the bottom of the panoramic ropeway. I like the white chocolate dipped cookies.

Location: 1165-1 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0303, Japan

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5. Visiting Oshino Hakkai

This was my favorite activity! It’s a scenic village with 8 different ponds you can visit. The one in the heart of the village is spectacular and you can’t beat the view. 

Location: Shibokusa, Oshino, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0511, Japan

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6. Mt.Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Take a ropeway up Kachi Kachi mountain and eat famous dango and swing in a giant swing overlooking Mt Fuji. Buy tickets for the swing at the gift shop at the top. We got here early so there wasn’t a line. 

Location: 1163-1 Azagawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0303, Japan

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7. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

This one was very mysterious! The Stone Lanterns were very instagrammable. It was pretty cold during winter time so we didn't stay too long.

Location: 5558 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0005, Japan

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8. Try Hoto

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A hearty noodle dish you can only eat in this area. We tried the famous Hoto Fudou spot by Kawaguchiko station and the spot but Momiji Tei. 

Hoto Fudou Location: Japan, 〒401-0301 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Funatsu, 東恋路2458

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9. Bike along one of the 5 lakes

Our hotel let us borrow electric assist bikes to bike along the lake. There’s tons of cool things to do within biking distance. I recommend biking to the Onsen town and along Kawaguchiko Lake. 

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10. Try Fuji themed eats

We tried plenty of fuji themed eats like the shokupan from Fuji San Shokupan, Each sweet loaf is made with natural spring water from Fuji as well as Kyoho grape juice from Yamanashi before being baked with the utmost care. We also tried blue curry pan from the gift shop in front of Kawaguchiko Station. 

Location: 3462-11 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

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11. Chureito Pagoda

This is my favorite pagoda I’ve been to, you get the most beautiful view of Mount Fuji! Easy hike to the top. 

Location: 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0011, Japan

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We got around with the shuttle. They take cash or SUICA card and visit all the areas. You can also purchase a day pass for unlimited rides. I did 5th station in the past and didn’t like it. There’s also a theme park called Fuji Q highland!

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