Introduction to: Lake Kawaguchi

This article is based on a visit made on Wednesday, 16 November 2016.

Edit 3 October 2019: Updated prices to reflect the increase in Japan's national sales tax.

Previously on Sekai Ichi, I did an introduction article on the Fuji Five Lakes, but Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖, Kawaguchi-ko, lit. 'river-mouth lake') in particular has so many places of interest, that I'm doing another one just for that.

Major Attractions

1) Kawaguchi-ko Station: The main rail and bus terminal for the area.

By English: Abasaa 日本語: あばさー (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

2) Yamanashi Gem Museum: A museum and store for precious gemstones.

3) Kawaguchi-ko Herb Hall: A garden and store for herbs and teas.

By Ippukucho (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

4) Mt. Tenjo / Kachi-Kachi Ropeway: A viewpoint for both Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

By English: Abasaa 日本語: あばさー (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

5) Azagawa Onsen Town: A row of hot spring hotels along the lake's northeastern shore.

By Yamaguchi Yoshiaki from Japan [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

6) Kawaguchiko Music Forest: A European-themed museum and park for automated musical instruments.

7) Maple Corridor: A site on the north shore famous for autumn colours.

8) Itchiku Kubota Museum: An art museum dedicated to the 20th-century kimono painter.

By Fabimaru (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

9) Maple Tunnel: Another autumn colour site further along the north coast.

Orientation and Transportation

Kawaguchi-ko Station, the main train and bus terminal in the region, is just south of the eponymous lake.  Many buses depart from these stations, most notably the three Omni-bus lines, two of which serve Lake Kawaguchi.

• The Kawaguchi-ko Sightseeing Bus, or "Red Line", departs every 15 minutes, and travels north across the shore of Lake Kawaguchi.  All of the attractions I have listed above are near stops along the Red Line, except for the Maple Tunnel.
• The Sai-ko Sightseeing Bus, or "Green Line", departs every 30 minutes, and covers the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi as well as Lake Sai.

Timetables and route maps of these lines are available on Fujikyu's English website (link), while individual fares are only listed on their Japanese website (link).  A two-day pass for unlimited use of the Red, Green, and Blue lines is available for ¥1,500.  IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) are not yet accepted on these buses, so have cash fare or a pass ready.

Access

See the overview article on the Fuji Five Lakes for access information.