Fuji Five Lakes

Lakes of the Fuji Five Lakes

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. They are all considered excellent tourist attractions and fishing spots.

Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖 Kawaguchi-ko) 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. Many local cultural events are held near this lake throughout the year.

Lake Motosu

Lake Motosu (本栖湖 Motosu-ko) is the ninth deepest lake of Japan, at 140 meters (460 ft). This lake, along with Lake Sai and Lake Shōji, 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.

Lake Sai

The western side of Sai (西湖 Sai-ko) shares its banks with the Aokigahara forest.

Lake Shōji

Lake Shōji (精進湖 Shōji-ko) is the smallest of the five lakes. Remnants of lava flows still protrude from the water, and locals often fish from these rocky outcrops.

Lake Yamanaka

The easternmost and largest of the five lakes, Lake Yamanaka (山中湖 Yamanaka-ko) is also the third highest lake in Japan, standing at 980 meters (3,220 ft) above sea level.