WINS International Travel Group

🌊 1. Lake Shoji（Shojiko） Address (EN): Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Address (JP): 山梨県南都留郡富士河口湖町精進 Lake Shoji is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes, but also one of the most intimate. If Kawaguchiko feels open and familiar, Shojiko feels secluded, like a quiet clearing in the forest. The lake often rests in stillness during the early morning, surrounded by deep green slopes and a silence that seems to fall over the entire basin. From many angles, Fuji rises softly above the hills behind the lake, creating a gently layered composition—foreground forest, mid-distance hills, and the mountain emerging beyond them. On calm days, the lake mirrors the sky so clearly that Fuji appears twice: once in the air, and once in the water. Weather Insight Shoji’s basin shape traps moisture, producing some of the region’s most beautiful morning conditions. Calm wind under 2 m/s → high chance of reflections. Cloud Base above 2,500m → full visibility of the summit. Morning mist appears often in early summer and autumn, usually lifting around 7:30–8:00 AM . Because the lake is small, temperature changes rapidly—fog can form and vanish within minutes. Transportation Insight Bus routes reach Shoji but infrequently. Taxi is reliable for sunrise sessions or jumping between Saiko → Shoji → Motosu. Charter is ideal here, especially when scanning multiple lakes for the best light. Photography Notes Wide angles emphasize the quiet scale of the lake; telephoto isolates the layered hills. The shoreline near the campgrounds provides some of the cleanest reflections. Shojiko is especially beautiful when Fuji is half-hidden behind drifting fog. 🌅 2. Lake Motosu（1000 Yen View） Address (EN): Near Koan Campground, Motosu, Minobu, Yamanashi Address (JP): 山梨県南巨摩郡身延町本栖 浩庵キャンプ場周辺 Of all Fuji’s lakes, Motosu has the deepest blue—so deep that it almost looks painted. This is the lake printed on Japan’s 1000 yen bill, and when you stand on its shore, you realize why: Fuji rises above it with a clarity and dignity that feels timeless. Motosu’s waters drop sharply, making the lake unusually transparent and still. On cold mornings, the surface becomes polished glass, holding a near-perfect mirror of Fuji. The symmetry is striking—so precise that the mountain seems to float. Season Highlight Late autumn and early winter bring the best reflections. Cold air + no wind = mirror-like conditions around sunrise. Weather Insight Cloud Base above 2,600–3,000m → ideal for full mountain visibility. Wind under 1.5 m/s → reflection window. Temperature inversion in winter produces exceptionally clear air. Western Fuji often forms a lenticular cloud cap—beautiful, but unpredictable. Transportation Insight Access is more limited than other lakes; buses are infrequent. Taxi or charter is strongly recommended, especially before sunrise. Charter is preferred by most serious photographers due to the distance between viewpoints. Photography Notes Sunrise is the most dramatic moment. Use a tripod with a remote trigger to maximize reflection sharpness. Try shifting left or right along the shoreline to match the composition of the 1000 yen bill—many photographers enjoy finding their own variation. 🌫 3. Lake Saiko – Western Shore Address (EN): Saiko Lake, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Address (JP): 山梨県南都留郡富士河口湖町西湖 Saiko is a lake of moods. The forests surrounding it are denser, the shadows deeper, and the atmosphere quieter than the wider-open lakes of the north. Fuji appears slightly farther away here, but the perspective gives the mountain a calm, majestic atmosphere—especially on misty mornings. When early fog drifts across Saiko, the combination of soft silhouettes, muted water, and Fuji emerging gently behind the haze creates one of the most contemplative scenes in the region. Weather Insight Saiko often produces morning fog from spring to early autumn . Fog begins forming around 4–5 AM and disperses by 7–8:30 AM . Cloud Base above 2,500m keeps Fuji visible above the lower clouds. Wind rotates slowly within the basin—wait 10–15 minutes for clearer conditions. Transportation Insight Buses access Saiko, but the best western viewpoints require walking. Taxi is efficient for lake-to-lake transitions. Charter allows inclusion of hidden forest edges and viewpoints inaccessible by public transit. Photography Notes Misty conditions suit longer focal lengths. Reflections are rare but possible on windless days. Saiko is excellent for moody, atmospheric images rather than dramatic clarity. YUGA KURITA 2014 ⛰ 4. Mitsutoge Mountain（三つ峠山） Address (EN): Mitsutoge Trailhead, Narisawa, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi Address (JP): 山梨県南都留郡鳴沢村 三ツ峠登山口 Mitsutoge is one of the great Fuji viewpoints—a place long favored by professional photographers, painters, and even early mountaineers. From the summit ridgeline, Fuji rises across a vast sweep of forest, valleys, and small towns. The composition is grand but serene, powerful but not overwhelming. The climb is steady and moderate, and the reward is a clear, elevated perspective that shows Fuji in its full scale. On cloudless mornings, the mountain seems to glow. On hazy days, the entire landscape softens into gentle layers. Weather Insight Cloud Base above 2,800m is ideal due to the high vantage point. Autumn and winter provide the clearest conditions. Mountain winds can shift quickly; Fuji may reappear within minutes after disappearing. Cold air at altitude produces crisp edges on the mountain’s ridges. Transportation Insight Bus access to trailhead is limited; taxis are common for early hikes. Charter is excellent for sunrise hikes or multi-day photography routes. The trail requires proper footwear and preparation—especially in winter. Photography Notes Wide-angle lenses capture Fuji with the surrounding valley. Telephoto lenses emphasize the mountain’s ridge lines and shadow textures. Sunset produces long, dramatic shadows across the forest below. 🌤 West Side Weather Summary Best visibility: autumn and winter Ideal cloud base: 2,500–3,000m Mist windows: Shoji (7–8 AM), Saiko (6–8 AM) Reflection likelihood highest at Motosu with wind under 1.5 m/s Western Fuji may form lenticular clouds more often than north-facing slopes 🚕 West Side Transportation Summary Buses exist but are infrequent Taxis are the most flexible for lake-to-lake movement Charter services allow full control over timing and location—important due to the fast-changing western weather Hiking routes like Mitsutoge require planning and early departure Closing Note If the north side of Fuji offers balance and familiarity, the west side offers solitude and depth. Here, the mountain feels more ancient—its slopes more textured, its lakes more reflective, its mornings more unpredictable. For photographers, the west is where Fuji becomes a landscape of patience and discovery. Our journey continues southward next, where the mountain opens into plateaus, farmlands, and wide horizons. ‍

🌅 1. Lake Kawaguchi – The North Shore (Oishi Park Area) Address (EN): Oishi Park, Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi Address (JP): 山梨県南都留郡富士河口湖町大石 Lake Kawaguchi’s northern shoreline is one of Fuji’s calmest stages. On quiet mornings, the lake acts like a mirror waiting to decide what it will reveal. If you arrive around sunrise, you may watch Fuji gradually take shape from the haze—an outline becoming form, becoming presence. Seasonal changes here are dramatic. In winter, the lake is still and pale. In summer, lavender fields color the shoreline. But perhaps the most magical moment comes in mid-April during the Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival. Tens of cherry trees bloom along the path, forming a soft pink frame around the lake, with Fuji rising quietly behind them. Weather Insight Cloud Base above 2,200–2,500m generally ensures visibility. North wind brings clearer skies; south wind pulls moisture toward Fuji. Humidity between 60–70% creates soft, atmospheric haze ideal for sakura photography. Reflection is most likely when wind is under 2 m/s. Morning mist usually lifts between 8:30–9:30 AM. Transportation Insight Cycling is ideal along the flat lakeside. Local buses are available but crowded during cherry blossom season. Taxis are useful for time-sensitive shoots. Charter vehicles help greatly during festival weeks when parking is limited. Photography Notes Morning sidelight adds gentle structure to Fuji’s slopes. Use a polarizer lightly to preserve atmosphere. Walk a few minutes away from Oishi Park for quieter compositions. 🍁 2. Momiji Corridor（Maple Corridor） Address (EN): Near Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, Kawaguchi Area Address (JP): 山梨県南都留郡富士河口湖町河口 The Momiji Corridor is a place where autumn lingers. In late October through mid-November, maple leaves turn deep red and warm gold, forming an illuminated canopy over the narrow stream. Light moves slowly here, drifting across water and rock, creating one of the region’s most atmospheric scenes. Fuji appears only from select angles, but when it aligns with the canopy of red leaves, the image becomes iconic—warm foreground, cool mountain, and a sense of seasonal depth. Season Highlight Peak foliage usually occurs from late October to mid-November. Morning sunlight filtering through the leaves adds a soft glow ideal for photography. Weather Insight Autumn provides some of the year’s clearest visibility. North winds clean the upper atmosphere, revealing Fuji with exceptional clarity. Cloud Base around 2,500–3,000m offers optimal mountain visibility. Clouds may accumulate around midday—morning is best. Transportation Insight Walking is ideal within the Corridor. Buses are convenient from the museum area. Taxis help with quick transitions to the lakeshore. Charter is best for combining this location with others such as Saiko or Chureito. Photography Notes Telephoto lenses (70–135mm) compress leaves and mountain effectively. Explore deeper sections to avoid crowds. 🛕 3. Chureito Pagoda（Arakurayama Sengen Park） Address (EN): 2-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida Address (JP): 山梨県富士吉田市浅間2-4-1 The walk to Chureito Pagoda feels like a small pilgrimage. After climbing 398 steps, the pagoda rises before you, elegant and deliberate, while Fuji stands perfectly centered behind it. The balance between architecture and mountain feels almost ceremonial. Spring brings cherry blossoms around the pagoda; autumn brings warm maples; winter brings cold, transparent air that reveals every ridge on Fuji’s snowy peak. Weather Insight Cloud Base above 2,300m usually reveals the summit. North wind clears Fuji’s northern face quickly. Winter mornings offer the highest clarity of the year. Summer haze often clears by late morning. Transportation Insight Train plus a short walk is typical. Taxis are excellent for early morning starts. Charter recommended for carrying equipment or visiting multiple spots. Photography Notes Best light between 8:00–10:00 AM. Mid-telephoto (85–135mm) offers ideal balance. Move slightly left for a cleaner alignment of rooflines and mountain slopes. 🕰 4. Nikawa Clock Shop（Shimoyoshida Retro Street） Address (EN): 1-6-5 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida Address (JP): 山梨県富士吉田市下吉田1-6-5 This is one of Fuji’s most intimate perspectives. A quiet slope, an old clock shop, and Fuji rising beyond the rooftops create a composition that feels nostalgic and deeply Japanese. Unlike the dramatic lakes or pagodas, this viewpoint feels grounded in everyday life. Cloudy days suit this location beautifully, softening the contrast between street and mountain. Weather Insight Thin cloud cover creates natural, diffuse lighting. Cloud Base of 2,000–2,500m is usually sufficient. Works well even if Fuji is partially obscured. Transportation Insight Walkable from Shimo-Yoshida Station. Taxis are convenient when pairing with Chureito. Charter ideal for continuing into rural areas afterward. Photography Notes 35–50mm produces a natural documentary feel. Morning light or soft cloudy days provide the best results. 🎢 5. Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway（Tenjoyama Park） Address (EN): 1163-1 Asakawa, Fujikawaguchiko Address (JP): 山梨県南都留郡富士河口湖町浅川1163-1 From the ropeway summit, Kawaguchiko curves below in a calm arc, and Fuji rises beyond it with quiet strength. Clouds move quickly at this altitude, offering shifting patterns of light and shadow across the mountain. Weather Insight Cloud Base above 2,500m produces crisp detail. Light west winds create dynamic cloud shadows on the slopes. Autumn afternoons often provide the most sculpted light. Transportation Insight Ropeway is the main access route. Walking trails offer quieter secondary viewpoints. Charter useful when combining the ropeway with Yamanakako or Saiko. Photography Notes Wide angle for the lake; telephoto for Fuji’s upper slopes. Continue past the viewing platform for cleaner compositions. 🛶 6. Lake Yamanaka（Swan Lake District） Address (EN): Yamanakako Village, Yamanashi Address (JP): 山梨県南都留郡山中湖村 Lake Yamanaka offers the closest and most imposing view of Fuji. At sunrise, the summit glows red before the rest of the mountain brightens—a phenomenon known as Aka Fuji. Swans drift near the shoreline, adding gentle motion to the still morning water. In winter, steam fog rises from the cold lake surface, creating fleeting, ethereal scenes that feel almost unreal. Weather Insight Sub-zero mornings create steam fog ideal for silhouettes. Cloud Base above 2,500m keeps the summit visible. Wind under 1.5 m/s increases reflection chances. Winter produces exceptional clarity due to temperature inversion. Transportation Insight Cycling is excellent for exploring the lakeside. Buses are limited at dawn. Taxis are highly practical for sunrise photography. Charter allows multi-lake sunrise schedules. Photography Notes Sunrise is the prime shooting window. Gradient ND helps control contrast. Swans provide strong foreground interest. North Side Weather Summary Best seasons: autumn, winter, early spring Ideal visibility: cloud base above 2,300–2,800m Mist clearing window: 8:30–9:30 AM Reflection conditions: wind under 2 m/s North wind often brings the clearest skyline North Side Transportation Summary Cycling: peaceful and flexible Bus: convenient but often crowded Taxi: ideal for heavy gear or sunrise windows Charter: best for multi-spot, weather-driven itineraries Closing Note The north side of Mt. Fuji offers balance—lakes, pagodas, blossoms, gentle terrain, and classic postcard views. But Fuji’s character shifts as you move west. The lakes become wilder, the forests deeper, and the mountain more dramatic. The next chapter explores that landscape: Motosu, Shoji, Saiko, and the rugged ridges of Mitsutoge. ‍

🍂 When Does Autumn Arrive at Kawaguchiko? Colors begin to shift in late October, but the true peak usually lands between early and mid-November. If you want the most stable combination of deep red maples and clear skies, the period from November 7 to 14 is consistently reliable. By late November, many leaves near the Maple Corridor begin to fall, though other parts of the lake remain colorful a little longer. Kawaguchiko is a wide area. Even if one location is slightly past its peak, another often looks just right. 🍁 The Best Places to Experience Autumn at Kawaguchiko These descriptions aren’t copied from brochures—they’re based on the feeling of actually standing there, often before most people arrive. 🍁 Maple Corridor (Momiji Corridor) Most travelers have seen photos of this place long before arriving in Japan. The Maple Corridor is a long footpath running alongside a small river, shaded by tall maple trees that arch overhead. At the height of autumn, the entire walkway glows in soft reds, oranges, and golds. The ground becomes a rustling carpet of leaves, and you’ll hear the gentle sound of the river flowing beside you. If you visit early in the morning, there’s a calmness that almost feels unreal. Shops are still closed, the air is cool and slightly damp, and sunlight slowly filters through the branches. Later in the day, the atmosphere shifts. More visitors arrive, couples wander hand in hand, photographers set up tripods, and the walkway becomes lively. Both moods have their charm, but arriving before 9 AM lets you appreciate the place in its quieter form. 🌅 Oishi Park (Oishi-koen) Oishi Park is one of the most forgiving places to photograph—almost every angle looks good. The park sits along the northern shore of the lake, giving it a wide, unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji 🗻 across the water. In autumn, the flower beds transition to deep red Kochia and warm seasonal colors that frame the lake beautifully. On calm mornings, Fuji’s reflection sometimes appears on the surface of the water. The breeze from the lake can be cold in November, but it also clears the view, giving the mountain a very crisp outline. Visitors often take their time here, walking slowly along the lakeside path or just sitting on a bench watching the scenery change with the light. 🍂 Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba This traditional thatched-roof village offers a quieter type of autumn beauty. Set against the mountains, the village is filled with old wooden houses restored to resemble a historical farming community. In autumn, the slopes behind the village turn warm shades of red and orange, creating a gentle, nostalgic backdrop. If the weather cooperates, Mt. Fuji appears directly behind the houses. On clear days, the view feels timeless—like something from a period film. Inside the houses, you can smell wood and tatami, and some workshops let you try crafts or kimono. Compared to the busier lakefront areas, this village has more space and a slower atmosphere, which many travelers appreciate. 🛕 Chureito Pagoda The well-known “red pagoda and Fuji” photo comes from here, but in person, the experience is fuller than the photograph suggests. To reach the viewpoint, you climb a long staircase—around 398 steps—but the climb itself is part of the atmosphere. You hear the city below, the wind in the trees, and the steady rhythm of other travelers climbing with you. In autumn, the trees around the pagoda turn deep red, making the contrast with the pagoda even stronger. If you visit early, you’ll find a soft, peaceful quiet at the top. Later in the day, it becomes busy, but the panoramic view of Fuji and the city is still worth the effort. 🗻 How to Check Mt. Fuji Visibility Before You Go This is one of the most important parts of planning your day. Fuji can hide behind clouds even on a “sunny” forecast, so general weather apps aren’t enough. Here’s what we actually check every morning: Live Cameras Search “富士山 ライブカメラ”. This is the most accurate method. You’ll see exactly what it looks like right now. Windy App Switch to the Cloud Base or Visibility layer. If the cloud base is low, Fuji may be hidden. Tenki.jp The Japanese weather website often predicts cloud movement better than global apps. Search “富士山 天気”. Simple local rule North wind often brings clear skies. South wind usually pushes clouds toward Fuji. 🍁 A Practical Autumn Day Trip Itinerary A smooth day depends more on timing than on how many places you visit. Here’s a plan we often use for guests: 8:00 – Leave Tokyo 10:00 – Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba 11:20 – Oishi Park 12:20 – Maple Corridor 13:30 – Lunch or café 14:30 – Chureito Pagoda 15:30 – Return to Tokyo 17:00 – Arrival (later on weekends) How to Reach Kawaguchiko Highway Bus The simplest option for most travelers. Buses from Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station go directly to Kawaguchiko Station. Book via HighwayBus.com or JapanBusOnline. You’ll receive a QR code—no need to print anything. Morning buses during November can sell out several days ahead, so booking early is best. For the return trip, the afternoon departures (especially 3–5 PM) fill very quickly. A round-trip ticket saves you from long queues. Getting Around the Lake After arriving at Kawaguchiko Station, you can buy a one-day pass for the sightseeing buses. Red Line Runs along the lake and stops at Oishi Park. Very popular from late morning onward. Green Line Heads toward Saiko and the thatched-roof village. Usually calmer and less crowded. Buses may run slightly behind schedule during the peak of autumn. If possible, move earlier in the day to avoid crowds. What to Wear Late October to early November feels cool, especially near the lake. By mid-November, mornings can be quite cold, and a warm jacket becomes essential. Layers are helpful because the temperature changes quickly between morning and afternoon.  Final Thoughts Kawaguchiko in autumn has a rhythm of its own. The lake is calm in the morning, the maples glow in the midday sun, and Fuji appears and disappears behind drifting clouds. With a bit of timing, a good visibility check, and a willingness to explore beyond the busiest hour, your day here can feel unforgettable. ‍