| Lake Kawaguchi | |
|---|---|
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| from Kachikachi Mountain | |
| Location | Yamanashi |
| Coordinates | 35°30′54″N 138°45′24″E / 35.515°N 138.75667°ECoordinates: 35°30′54″N 138°45′24″E / 35.515°N 138.75667°E |
| Basin countries | Japan |
| Surface area | 6.13 km² |
| Surface elevation | 830 m |
Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖 Kawaguchi-ko) is a lake near Mount Fuji, Japan. Located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, it is the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of tourists, and is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Kawaguchiko also serves as a major hub for those wishing to climb Mount Fuji during the climbing season (July & August). It is situated at an altitude of approximately 800 metres, which accounts for its relatively cool summers and frequently icy winters. Recent years have seen Lake Kawaguchi replace nearby Lake Yamanaka as the most popular in the area, current population stands at around 25,000 (2005 figures)
 Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi |
 Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko Station |
from the Five Lakes area]]
Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖, fujigoko) is the name of the area located at the base of Mount Fuji in the Yamanashi prefecture of Japan. It has a population of about 100,000.[1] and sits approximately 1,000 meters above sea level.[2] The name Fuji Five Lakes comes from the fact that there are five lakes formed by previous eruptions of Mount Fuji.[3] The principal city in the region, Fujiyoshida, has a population of roughly 54,000[4] and is particularly famous for its udon noodles. Another point of interest is Aokigahara Jukai Forest.
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The five lakes are located in an arc around the northern half of Mount Fuji. In ancient times, lava flow from a volcanic eruption of Mount Fuji spread across the area, damming up rivers and resulting in the formation of these lakes.[3] They are all considered excellent tourist attractions and fishing spots.
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Lake Kawaguchi is the most famous of the five lakes, and images of this lake are usually used in posters and commercials for the Fuji Five Lakes area. A large number of hotels line its banks, as do locals providing boat rides to the tourists. It is the only lake in the Fuji Five Lakes area that has an island.[3] Many local cultural events are run near this lake throughout the year.
Lake Motosu (本栖湖 motosuko) is the ninth deepest lake of Japan, at 140 meters.[3] This lake, along with Lake Saiko and Lake Shojiko, was formed by lava flowing across what is now Aokigahara Jukai Forest and into the enormous lake that once dominated the area, and these three lakes remain still connected by underground waterways.[3]
The western side of Saiko (西湖 saiko) shares its banks with the infamous Aokigahara Jukai Forest.[3]
Lake Shoji (精進湖 shōjiko) is the smallest of the five lakes.[3] Remnants of lava flow still jut out of the water. Locals usually fish from these rocks.
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The easternmost and largest of the five lakes, Lake Yamanaka is also the third highest lake in Japan, standing at 980 meters above sea level.[3]
Most of the capital coming into the area comes from the tourism industry. Approximately 100,000,000,000 yen is spent by 9,000,000 sightseers every year.[5] The main attractions of the area include:
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Fuji Five Lakes |
Coordinates: 35°24′57″N 138°52′16″E / 35.41583°N 138.87111°E
The Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖 Fuji-goko) are a group of five small lakes in Yamanashi prefecture, on the North side of Mount Fuji in Japan. From East to West, they are Lake Yamanaka (山中湖), Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖), Lake Sai (西湖), Lake Shoji (精進湖) and Lake Motosu (本栖湖).
Access to the area usually involves passing through the town of Fujiyoshida (富士吉田), located between Lakes Kawaguchi and Yamanaka. Fujiyoshida can be reached from Tokyo by taking the JR Chuo line to Otsuki and changing to the Fujikyu line, which passes through Fujiyoshida and terminates at Kawaguchiko.
Highway buses are available from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako, and at certain times, directly to Kawaguchi Fifth Station (Go-gome) on Mt. Fuji. The bus from Shinjuku station takes approximately 1h 45 min and cost 1700 yen in September 2009. Buses are equipped with toilets and luggage compartments, and you get a seat assignment. Buses are also available to and from Tokyo station.
Extensive local bus service is available, particularly in and from Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) Station, which is the most popular launching point for exploration of this region or a climb of Mount Fuji. The Kawaguchiko Retro Bus serves the path around the lake, stopping at many of the local tourist attractions like the museums or parks. A regular local bus serves the five lakes and the caves, also popular tourist attractions.
Bus service is available from Kawaguchiko Station to Kawaguchi Fifth Station, the most popular place from which to start a climb of Mt. Fuji. The bus takes about 50 minutes. Be aware that climbing is not recommended outside of official climbing season (July and August) and the buses are restricted to the daytime. This means that if you do intend to climb, you will need to arrange a taxi early in the morning or late at night to get to Fifth Station. In September 2009, a taxi one way cost about 13,000 yen.
Most visitors come here for views of Mount Fuji, with many postcard shots taken from Lake Kawaguchi in particular.
There are no real beaches, and no swimming is allowed in any of the five lakes. Paddleboats and rowboats are available for rental at most, and fishing equipment at some.
Fujiyoshida is famous for its udon noodles.
Kawaguchiko Station Inn, [3]. Small inn/hostel directly across from the train station, very convenient location. Single rooms available. Clean, friendly place with shared bathrooms on each floor, free internet, showers/laundry/Japanese baths on top floor, small restaurant. edit
| This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow! |
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