When vacationers inform me they need to “go to Mt. Fuji,” they’re referring (in 9 instances out of 10, anyway) to Fujigoko, or the Fuji 5 Lakes area. They don’t need to climb Fujisan (or, in the event that they do, they’re visiting within the improper time of yr); they only need to get view.
Nonetheless, even as soon as they’ve this vocabulary and this guidances, it’s considerably deceptive. In spite of everything, solely two of Fuji’s 5 lakes have the infrastructure or sights to justify a go to, be it for the day or in a single day.
Because of this, the Yamanakako vs Kawaguchiko debate takes on outsized significance, even when each of those phrases are new to you. Learn this put up for assist in making this significant determination on your personal journey.
Understanding the Geography of Fuji 5 Lakes
When it comes to geography, deciding between Yamanaka or Kawaguchi doesn’t appear logical. In spite of everything, when considered from west to east, the lakes are organized as follows: Motosuko, Shojiko, Saiko, Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako. You’d suppose that you’d need to evaluate Lake Yamanaka with Motosuko or Shojiko, since they’re positioned on the alternative sides of Mt. Fuji, each north-south and east-west clever.
Certainly, the opposite factor you must take a look at it the dimensions of the lakes. Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako are by far the most important two lakes, which is why it is sensible that they appeal to the most important numbers of vacationers. There’s additionally the fact that maps can’t inform the entire story: A lot of the “sights” in Fuji 5 Lakes (moreover the mountain itself) are positioned in certainly one of these two lakes.
Kawaguchiko
Methods to Examine Lakes Kawaguchi and Yamanaka
Location relative to Mt. Fuji
Kawaguchiko is positioned due north of Mt. Fuji, which in some methods is nice. For one, you will have a transparent view of the mountain from in every single place across the lake, and even when the sky shouldn’t be fully clear. Yamanakako, then again, is principally due east of Mt. Fuji. Which appears immaterial, however belief me: It isn’t. And never simply because the mountain takes on a unique form relying on the place you see it from.
Typical lighting situations
Certainly, as a photographer, lighting is an enormous consider how I evaluate Lake Yamanaka vs Lake Kawaguchi. And the unhappy reality is that through the winter months, when Fujisan has its enticing snow cab, a solar that rises and units to the south because it does over Lake Kawaguchi creates an unsightly backlight. At Lake Yamanaka, then again, you’ll get pleasure from direct gentle at dawn and a stunning “Diamond Fuji” at sundown.
Issues to do
Objectively talking, there may be extra “to do” within the neighborhood of Kawaguchiko than there may be at Yamanakako. In Kawaguchiko, you can begin the morning at Chureito Pagoda, spend the afternoon at Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and finish the night alongside the North Shore. Against this, the one must-see place at Lake Yamanaka is Hirano Seashore, which is basically solely noteworthy within the morning due to its swans.
NOTE: In the event you occur to go to Lake Yamanaka in August, the sunflower fields at Yamanaka Hanamiyako Flower Park are value seeing, although until you possibly can go to within the early morning, lighting situations can be lower than perfect.
Lodging
When fascinated about Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka, the place to remain is a crucial consideration. Lodging in Yamanakako is primary but in addition principally on the water, whether or not you select one-star Visitor Home Zen, or the marginally higher-end Ryokan Shizuku. It is just in Kawaguchiko, to make certain, that five-star lodging like Tominoko Resort and Resort Asafuji are even on the desk.
Ease of entry
Direct buses and trains run from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station a number of instances per day. From right here, you possibly can journey onward to Lake Yamanaka by bus, however this generally is a two-step course of that’s too sophisticated for some vacationers. Against this, in case you are renting a automotive, Lake Yamanaka is lower than an hour’s drive away from Mishima Station, which is itself simply an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Yamanakako
What In regards to the Different Fuji 5 Lakes?
I’ve a whole lot of love for lakes Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko. That is significantly the case if I’ve time in my journey to spend an additional night time someplace. Motels alongside these lakes, whereas extra spartan than these in Kawaguchiko particularly, merely aren’t as in style amongst overseas vacationers. Because of this, whether or not at Kou-an alongside Lake Motosu or Shoji Lake Resort alongside Lake Shoji, you get a whole lot of bang on your buck.
On the similar time, in the event you don’t have your individual set of wheels (or an excessive amount of persistence to navigate native buses), it’s tough to flee the paradigm of Yamanakako or Kawaguchiko. These are the one two of Fuji’s 5 lakes to have mass tourism primarily as a result of they’re the one two with acceptable infrastructure. So please maintain this in thoughts in the event you really feel compelled to beat your self up.
Different FAQ About Visiting Fuji 5 Lakes
Is Lake Yamanaka value it?
Lake Yamanaka isn’t fairly as well-known as Lake Kawaguchi, nevertheless it’s well worth the slight bit of additional inconvenience you want to entry it. As a photographer, I discover this to be the case primarily due to lighting. Fujisan will get illuminated instantly from the east over the lake within the morning; within the afternoon, Lake Yamanaka is just the very best place to see the sundown behind Mt. Fuji.
What’s the finest lake to view Mount Fuji?
For my part, as a photographer, Lake Yamanaka affords the very best views of Mt. Fuji. Whereas it doesn’t have the world-famous sights which are nearer to Lake Kawaguchi, lighting situations listed here are merely way more favorable to taking wonderful photos of Mt. Fuji.
Is Kawaguchiko value visiting?
Kawaguchiko is totally value visiting. Nonetheless, do take a few steps earlier than your journey to make sure it goes easily. First, make practice or bus reservations effectively upfront. Secondly, in the event you plan to remain in a single day, e-book your lodging a minimal of three months earlier than your journey, lest you get caught in some spartan lodge close to the station.
The Backside Line
Evaluating Yamanakako vs Kawaguchiko can yield shocking outcomes. Whereas these are by the far the most well-liked two of Fuji’s 5 lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko tends to dominate the dialog in 9 instances out of 10. There’s goos motive for this—most of the most scenic views of Fujisan are adjoining to right here—however there’s additionally a compelling case that Lake Yamanaka is superior, significantly for vacationers who worth good lighting. The truth is that Lake Kawaguchiko is positioned due north of Mt. Fuji, which suggests the mountain is sort of all the time backlit and washed out. Want personalised steerage for visiting Fuji 5 Lakes? Fee a customized Japan itinerary!