Cherry Blossoms in Fuji Five Lakes (Day/Overnight Trip from Tokyo)

If you miss the cherry blossom season in central Tokyo, try heading to the nearby Fuji Five Lakes region. Due to its higher elevations the trees here typically bloom about a week or so later in mid-to-late April. We took an overnight weekend trip here to see the cherry blossoms near Oshino Hakkai, along the banks of Lake Kawaguchiko, and at the Chureito Pavillion. You could do this as a day trip too. There’s lots more to see/do in this area and if you visit in summer it will be much more cool and pleasant than hot/humid Tokyo. It’s also a great area to see the changing leaves in fall.

– [JapanGuide: Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Fuji Five Lakes Region ](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6920.html)

– [JapanGuide: Fuji Five Lakes ](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6900.html)

– Getting Here: Since we are based in Japan, we drove but you can easily get to the Fuji Five Lakes region via train or bus from Tokyo. See the [Get There section of the JapanGuide page. ](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6905.html)

– Once in the Fuji Five Lakes area you can get to the sites listed in the JapanGuide article via the [Fuji Sightseeing Bus ](http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/) if you aren’t driving. Sightseeing buses depart out of [Kawaguchiko Station. ](https://en.kawaguchiko.net/bus-stop-en/kawaguchiko-station/)

_Lake Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival_
Along the northern banks of Lake Kawaguchiko is an area with a stand of 200 cherry trees. In the mornings or late afternoon/evening you should get a great view of Mt. Fuji across the lake. During the festival time, the trees here are illuminated between 5:00 – 9:00 pm. In 2021 this was held from April 3-11 but this was very early; it’s usually about a week later.

– [Lake Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival ](https://en.kawaguchiko.net/event-en/fujikawaguchiko-cherry-blossoms-festival/)

– [Location of Cherry Blossoms ](https://goo.gl/maps/iBD9EDHJtjMBhxWs6)

– [If driving, free parking here. ](https://goo.gl/maps/iBD9EDHJtjMBhxWs6)

_Chureito Pagoda_
This is always gorgeous to see as, if you come in the early morning, you can see the pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background. However, in mid-April you can get that truly iconic shot of the pagoda and Mt. Fuji framed by cherry blossoms. Be prepared for a lot of stairs and, if coming during peak bloom, you will have to wait in line to get to the photo spot. We got there about 8:30 am and had to wait about 45 minutes in line. If driving, there are a number of temporary parking lots that open during the peak bloom time. Parking fee is usually 1,000 yen in the lots close to the pagoda.

– [Chureito Pagoda Cherry Blossoms ](https://en.kawaguchiko.net/mt-fuji-view-en/chureito-pagoda/)

– [Matcha: Mt. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, and an Iconic Pagoda ](https://matcha-jp.com/en/6352)

_Shinnasho River Near Oshino Hakkai Village_
[Oshino Hakkai](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6915.html) is a touristy little area best know for a series of 8 super clear pools made from snowmelt off of Mt. Fuji. You can wander the village after to see the fish swimming in the clear blue pools, [eat fresh soba or udon with grilled fish ](https://goo.gl/maps/q68ZrfKcRTRbk5717) at one of the restaurants, and shop at the gift shop where you can fill up a bottle with some super fresh drinkable water from a natural fountain to take home. But in mid-April the best part is walking along the Shinnasho River between the village and the [Sengen Shrine ](https://goo.gl/maps/jT9KNLDoxX6kAVbZ6)which are lined with blooming cherry blossoms, daffodils, and other spring flowers. If you come in the mornings you may also get a perfect view of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

– [River Row of Cherry Blossom Trees ](https://goo.gl/maps/A1d7TcT4xZbNoSsJ8)

– If driving, map to [Sengen Shrine](https://goo.gl/maps/jT9KNLDoxX6kAVbZ6) and park at one of the many lots near here. Most you pay 300 yen by the honor system. Just look for the little box to deposit your money.

– You can also visit nearby [Toenji Temple ](https://goo.gl/maps/cAn89UJKrq7XRbjx9) which is pretty small but when the cherry blossoms are blooming is really pretty.

_Other Things to Do_
Since we are currently based in Japan, we have visited this area twice. Once when it was, unfortunately, rainy and cold and this past weekend when we had bright sunny weather and Mt. Fuji smiled on us the whole weekend. But even when it was rainy we still enjoyed our time here. It is easier to get around by car, so if you can, consider [renting a car. ](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2024.html) Or, you will need to plan your schedule around the [Fuji Sightseeing Bus ](http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/) timetable.

– [GainjinPot: Ice, Wind, and Bat Caves of Mt. Fuji ](https://travel.gaijinpot.com/ice-wind-and-bat-caves-of-mount-fuji/)

– [Fugaku Wind Cave:](https://goo.gl/maps/cbhBkBqRGXEP3Qg57) You can buy a discounted ticket to see both the Wind and nearby Ice cave. Short drive between the two but there’s also a hiking path (~20 mins) through the forest connecting the two caves. The forest was more impressive than the wind cave for us. The cave is a natural refrigerator so it’s cold inside. Nice on a hot day.

– [Lake Saiko Bat Cave: ](https://goo.gl/maps/abJJ6cGLW3Rdm6xr7) This was more of a ‘real’ cave experience than the wind cave. Easy, short walk through the forest to entrance. Cave is very low in certain spots (wear the helmet). We didn’t see any bats but had fun exploring, though it’s not too large. Wear tennis shoes or sandals with traction.

– [Autumn Leaves in the Fujigoko Region ](https://www.kyuhoshi.com/autumn-leaves-in-the-fujigoko-area/)

– [8 Recommended Places for Momiji and Autumn Leaves Around Lake Kawaguchiko](https://en.kawaguchiko.net/recommend-en/momiji/)

_Where We Ate_

– [Lakeside Cafe Ku: ](https://goo.gl/maps/4Bcko7aho1Ao6sZi9) We came here in the morning after visiting Chureito Pagoda and had some really good pour over coffee and a latte. The second and third floors overlook the lake making it a perfect spot to take a break between sightseeing. They serve a biscuit/cookie and cute little origami with the coffee.

– [Coffee Stand: ](https://goo.gl/maps/BYtrz97zj4i1hCBBA) This is another cute little outdoor coffee truck/stand that serves super fresh coffee and the best mojitos. It’s not there all the time as it’s a little truck but if it’s open definitely stop by for a drink.

– [Tocoro Cafe and Bar](https://goo.gl/maps/ApJaqF9pgyqQyN6A7): We came here for breakfast and enjoyed their Eggs Benedict and Banana Chocolate Waffles. They are open all day til 6 pm so it’s a good spot to come when other restaurants may be closed in the mid-afternoon.

– [Korean Yakiniku/BBQ Restaurant: ](https://goo.gl/maps/311oPn6VgLExJgSE9) This restaurant is around a 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. Though it’s housed in a building that looks like a traditional Japanese residence, they actually serve Korean cuisine and yakiniku. Do try the [Sandan Bara Set] (1,200 JPY per person, available for 2 people or more) if you’re looking for yakiniku. You’ll get to sample some pork belly of local branded pork. The staff will keep an eye on the meat and cut it for you, so you can relax, chat, and enjoy some drinks! They also serve [Kaisen Chijimi] (1,180 JPY) (Korean seafood pancake) with shrimp, squid, shellfish, and other delicious ingredients in it!

_Lodging_
We’ve done two overnight trips here. One we stayed in an Air BnB and the other in a hotel. There are so many lodging options in the Kawaguchiko/Fujiyoshida area though. Whether you’re looking for a hostel, pension, chain/budget hotel, or high-end ryokan just search on sites like Booking, Agoda, or Air BnB to find the one right for your travel style and budget.

– [Fuji Akatsuki AirBnB: ](https://goo.gl/maps/psxyvLfXUn4CeRKu9) We booked this as it has a view of Mt. Fuji, nicely updated interior, nice bathtub, and free parking for one car. It’d be a good fit for a family or two couples traveling together as there are two bedrooms. One on the bottom floor with tatami mats/futons (where the bath/shower is) and a second with two twin beds on the second floor (where the living room, kitchen, and toilet is). We booked on Air BnB but this home is also listed on Agoda.

– [Hotel MyStays Fuji Onsen Resort: ](https://goo.gl/maps/9CHArgxy8Q5jK4Ue8) Our second visit we chose to stay in a chain hotel as we really just wanted a cheap room convenient to the sites we were visiting. But we were pleasantly surprised by how nicely updated the rooms were and they put the two twin beds in our room together to make one large bed. There was at least one English speaker at the front desk for checkin/checkout. If you book a mountain side room you should also get a nice view of Mt. Fuji in the morning on clear days. You can opt to include breakfast and/or dinner but these aren’t nice/fancy meals but a good buffet selection geared more towards Japanese tourists. The dining room overlooks Mt. Fuji and was quite busy with lots of families. Nice option to have though if you just want to get up, eat, and go. The hotel has free parking and a free onsen bath on the 7th floor. No tattoos allowed in the onsen and no private onsen baths but the rooms all have their own bathroom with regular tub/shower. If you want to visit the Fuji-Q Amusement Park it’s right across the street!