Where to Stay in Lake Kawaguchi, Japan: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Lake Kawaguchi? You’re in the right place!

Set at the base of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes and one of the best places to soak up Japan’s iconic mountain views. It’s a peaceful resort town where you’ll find lots of hot spring ryokans, scenic trails, and no end of fun ways to admire Mount Fuji. 

All you need now is accommodation! There are four main areas to choose from and in this article, we’ve broken them all down to help you find a spot that suits your vibe. Plus, we’ve got hotel picks for every budget, so finding a great place to stay has never been easier. Let’s go!

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Lake Kawaguchi 

If you’re planning a trip to Lake Kawaguchi, then I’m officially jealous! This beautiful lakeside town is the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes and it makes the perfect base for exploring Mount Fuji. It’s compact, easy to get around, and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery that changes with every season. You’ll never be far from a great view or a peaceful lakeside walk!

Most visitors arrive in Lake Kawaguchi via Kawaguchiko Station, either by train or highway bus from Tokyo. Once you get here, the local Omni bus makes it easy to reach the lake’s different shores.

• South Shore – This lively area wraps around the lake and offers unbeatable Mount Fuji views and easy access to major attractions. Kasuitei Ooya is a comfortable ryokan with relaxing onsen baths and a perfect lakeside setting.

• North/Northwest Shore (Oishi Park Area) – Known for its peaceful flower gardens and iconic Fuji reflections, this area is ideal for photographers and nature lovers. Auberge Mermaid is a small but charming hotel offering cozy rooms and scenic views.

• Northeast Shore (Art Museum Area) – This tranquil, culture-rich part of the lake is home to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and Kawaguchiko Music Forest. La Vista Fujikawaguchiko is a stylish hotel with beautiful rooms and sweeping views of Mount Fuji.

• Kawaguchiko Town (Station Area) – The most convenient place to stay, with plenty of restaurants and direct transport links to Tokyo. Mount Fuji Panorama Glamping offers a fun stay close to the station, with insane views of Mount Fuji.

Where to Stay in Lake Kawaguchi

South Shore

The South Shore of Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular place to stay, and our personal favorite, too! It’s the lively heart of the lake, so it’s perfect for first-time visitors because it puts you close to epic viewpoints and many of the area’s top attractions. Plus, you’ll have your pick of onsen resorts! 

At the South Shore, you can hop on a sightseeing cruise or ride the Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for incredible views of the world-famous volcano. The South Shore is also home to the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, which takes you up Mt Tenjo for some of the best panoramic views in the region! But even just walking around this area is pretty amazing, especially if you go for a stroll along the lakeside promenade with Fuji towering in the background. 

This area is super scenic and an easy place to stay. It’s a great all-rounder, but we think that it’s an especially good choice for families thanks to its relaxed, resort feel. It can be busy during the day, but it’s pretty relaxed at night since there’s not a lot of nightlife here. Then, in the morning, you’ll wake up to see the mountain reflected in the water—what could be better?

Pros

• Incredible views of Mount Fuji 
• Lots of attractions here 
• Wide choice of ryokans with onsen baths

Cons

• Often crowded on weekends and peak seasons
• Accommodation tends to be more expensive 

Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso – $$$

Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso is a luxurious lakeside ryokan on the South Shore with stunning views of Mount Fuji from many of its rooms. The tatami-style rooms feature futon bedding, and some even have private open-air onsen baths. There are also public indoor and onsen baths, which means that you can enjoy a relaxing soak while enjoying Fuji views—does it get any better than that? (Short answer: no!)

And don’t even get us started on the food here. The ryokan serves incredible kaiseki that are beautifully prepared with seasonal ingredients—and best of all, breakfast and dinner are included with your stay! Prices typically range from $400 to $600 USD per night.

This place is popular—book your stay here ASAP!

Kasuitei Ooya – $$

Kasuitei Ooya is a charming ryokan situated right on the South Shore, just steps from the lake. The rooms feature traditional tatami flooring and futon beds, along with modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. There are also pretty onsen baths on-site, and guests can enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner in the dining room, which is a must-do experience when staying in a ryokan.

There are quadruple and family rooms available, and you can choose to have a private bathroom or a shared one to save yourself some money. You can opt for a lakeview room, but if not, you’ll still have epic views as soon as you step outside the door of this property. Rooms start from $225 USD per night.

Check rates and reserve your room today!

Hotel Koryu – $

Hotel Koryu is a budget-friendly option on the South Shore that offers simple, clean rooms at a great price. It’s a 3-star property, so while it’s not super luxurious you’ll still enjoy an atmospheric stay here, with traditional rooms and indoor and outdoor onsen baths.

Plus, there’s a private onsen that you can rent for an extra fee that offers gorgeous lake views—it’s definitely worth doing if you ask me! There are western-style rooms available for those who want them, too.

You can opt to include breakfast, and even dinner if you like. Speaking of which, the dinner is a buffet rather than a kaiseki experience but there are lots of delicious choices. Some of the rooms have really pretty lake views, as well. Expect prices between $125 and $300 USD per night.

Check availability and book your stay at Hotel Koryu here!

North/Northwest Shore (Oishi Park Area)

The North/Northwest Shore area is centered around Oishi Park, and it’s one of the most peaceful and scenic parts of Lake Kawaguchi. This area is famous for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Fuji on calm days, so it’s truly a photographer’s dream! It makes a romantic spot for couples, too, but really it suits anyone who wants to enjoy a slower pace. 

The lakeside is lined with walking paths and dotted with flower gardens and cute little cafés. Basically, there’s no shortage of places to relax and take in the views! 

Oishi Park itself is a highlight of the Northwest Shore. It’s beautiful at any time of year, and it’s celebrated for its seasonal flowers. During summer, you can admire the deep purple lavender, or in spring, the park is carpeted in pink moss phlox. Then, from August to October, is kochia season, when the striking red bushes are in full bloom. 

All in all, we like this stretch of the lake because it feels quieter and more intimate than the busier South Shore. While it’s quieter, it’s still convenient because the Omni Bus still makes it easy to explore other parts of the lake or reach popular attractions like the Kachi Kachi Ropeway.

Pros

• Peaceful area
• Stunning views of Mount Fuji reflected in the water 

Cons

• Fewer shops and restaurants around 
• A bit farther from Kawaguchiko Station (20 min bus ride)

Granfarm Fujikawaguchiko – $$$

Granfarm Fujikawaguchiko is a gorgeous luxury glamping retreat with dome-shaped tents that have WiFi, AC, and full kitchens and bathrooms. This place allows you to relax in total comfort whilst being immersed in nature, so for me, it’s a real bucket-list stay! 

There’s a hot tub on site and free bicycles for guests to use to explore the North/Northwest shore area. The retreat also offers direct views of the lake and Mount Fuji, which are especially incredible at sunset.

Sounds pretty great, right? Well, I’m not the only one who thinks so. This place fills up fast, so don’t wait too long to book! Tents can sleep up to four people and typically range from $300 to $750 USD per night.

Read the glowing reviews and book your stay here!

Auberge Mermaid – $$

Auberge Mermaid is a small hotel offering traditional-style rooms and a homely vibe. It’s a charming and traditional stay that won’t break the bank—what’s not to love?

The property is located close to Oishi Park, which makes it easy to go and catch a jaw-dropping sunrise over Mount Fuji. There’s a simple restaurant on-site serving homemade Japanese meals, and there’s a nice onsen for guests to use, too.

This place may not be fancy, but we think it’s a lovely option for travelers looking for comfort and calm without the crowds. Rooms usually cost between $100 and $200 USD per night, with quadruple rooms available for around $350 USD.

Check current availability and book your stay here!

Dot Hostel&Bar – $

Dot Hostel&Bar is a laid-back and friendly stay near Oishi Park, ideal for budget travelers who enjoy a social atmosphere. It offers both dorms and private rooms, along with a cozy lounge and bar where guests can swap travel stories. The staff are welcoming and happy to share local tips for exploring the area. 

Despite its affordable price tag, this place feels trendy and modern. We like the design and the generous breakfast buffet, which is great value for money. Expect prices between $65 and $120 USD per night, while dorm beds start at $20 USD.

See all rates and reserve your room today!

Northeast Shore (Art Museum Area)

The Northeast Shore of Lake Kawaguchi is picturesque and full of creative energy. It’s home to some of the region’s top cultural attractions, and it’s a more upscale area, so we think it’s perfect for more refined travelers! 

This shore is known as the “Art Museum Area” because—yep, you guessed it—there are tons of galleries here. These include the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, which showcases stunning kimono art inspired by Mount Fuji. It’s one of the most interesting art museums I’ve ever visited! I also recommend visiting the whimsical Kawaguchiko Music Forest, a European-style museum with a garden that feels straight out of a fairy tale. 

But what really sets this part of the lake apart is its scenery. It’s framed by forested hills and offers some of the best lake and mountain views, especially during the fall when the leaves turn fiery shades of orange and red. 

The accommodations here lean toward the upscale side, with elegant ryokans, boutique hotels, and glamping spots that make the most of the tranquil surroundings. It’s a little quieter and more spread out than the South Shore, but you can still reach other parts of the lake easily with the Omni Bus or local taxis.

Pros

• Scenic area
• Lots of art and culture
• Fewer crowds

Cons

• Fewer amenities
• Taxi costs can add up 

7c villa and winery – $$$

7c villa and winery is a stunning luxury retreat that pretty much embodies the word “sleek”. The rooms are spacious, with huge windows and private terraces that offer incredible views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding greenery. On-site, you’ll find a small vineyard and restaurant serving creative Japanese-fusion dishes made with local ingredients, plus a hot tub where you can relax after a day of exploring—bliss! 

This place is perfect for couples on a romantic trip, or anyone looking for a peaceful, high-end escape. You’ll be greeted with a welcome drink when you arrive, and you’ll be made to feel special from then until the moment you leave. Rooms typically cost between $400 and $700 USD per night.

Get the best prices by booking in advance here!

La Vista Fujikawaguchiko – $$

La Vista Fujikawaguchiko is a stylish hotel that feels a lot like a European chalet—and as if that weren’t enough of a draw by itself, it offers stunning views of Mount Fuji across the lake! Many rooms come with private open-air baths so that you can relax in style, and there’s a large public onsen where you can soak while enjoying the scenery. The hotel also has a fantastic breakfast buffet and even offers free late-night ramen, which is a big bonus if you ask me!

We think that this spot is perfect for travelers who want style and comfort without spending an absolute fortune. The location is great, too, as it’s easy to explore the Northeast Shore and visit nearby museums and gardens from here. Rooms usually cost between $250 and $550 USD per night.

This place is in demand so we advise you to book your stay ASAP! 

HOTORI no HOTEL BAN – $

HOTORI no HOTEL BAN is a more modest spot located close to the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and Kawaguchiko Music Forest—but don’t get me wrong, it’s still very comfortable. The rooms are simple and bright, and they’re soundproofed to guarantee a good night’s rest.

There’s also a cute little cafe on site and a FamilyMart shop, which, as you may already know, is basically a one-stop shop for everything you need! Rooms typically cost between $150 and $200 USD per night when you book in advance, which often includes breakfast.

Check availability and book your stay here!

Kawaguchiko Town (Station Area) 

Now, Kawaguchiko Town isn’t as scenic as the other areas we have talked about, but it certainly makes up for it in other ways. Staying here puts you right near the station, which means it’s super easy to hop on the local Omni Bus and reach any corner of the lake. So even though you might not wake up to incredible views, it’s very easy to get to Lake Kawaguchi’s most scenic spots from here!

We think that Kawaguchiko Town is the best choice if you’re short on time in Lake Kawaguchi. The area is built around Kawaguchiko Station, which is the main transport hub that connects Kawaguchi to Tokyo. This is likely where you’ll arrive and depart from, so if you’re only here for a night or two, then it makes sense to stay nearby! 

The area around the station also has the most amenities of anywhere in Lake Kawaguchi. It’s easy to grab snacks and supplies from the many convenience stores dotted around before you head out to explore, and when you return in the evening, there are lots of restaurants to choose from. We’ve found some great casual ramen joints around here—Kakashiya is our favorite, and it’s only a 3-minute walk from the station.

Pros

• Super convenient with great transport links
• Lots of shops and restaurants

Cons 

• Less scenic than other areas
• Busy area 

THE TOKI fujikawaguchiko – $$$

THE TOKI fujikawaguchiko is an elegant boutique hotel that exudes effortless luxury from the moment you arrive! It offers chic, minimalist villas with huge windows that frame picture-perfect views of Mount Fuji. These units have well-equipped kitchens with everything you could possibly need to cook with, but you’ll also be just a 12-minute walk from the station and all of its surrounding restaurants. 

This hotel is perfect for couples or travelers who appreciate architecture and modern Japanese design. There are private outdoor onsens that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views, and there’s a free shuttle to the train station, which is very useful. Rates typically range from $300 to $850 USD per night.

Book early to secure your preferred dates here!

Mount Fuji Panorama Glamping – $$

Okay, remember how we just said that Kawaguchiko Town isn’t a very scenic area? Well, you can forget all about that when you stay at Mount Fuji Panorama Glamping! 

This is a fun retreat that lets you get close to nature without sacrificing style – or indoor plumbing. The dome tents and cozy cabins are fully equipped with comfy beds, air conditioning, and even private decks for soaking in those epic views of Mount Fuji! There’s a shared onsen on-site, as well as a barbecue for guests to use.

It’s the perfect mix of camping and luxury, and you’re still only a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station! Tents usually cost between $250 and $450 USD per night.

Check availability and book your stay here before it sells out!

GuestHouse Guu – $

Last but certainly not least, we have GuestHouse Guu, a cozy and affordable stay just a 3-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. It offers simple, traditional rooms with shared bathrooms, and there’s a shared kitchen for guests to use. But since this place is so close to the station, you’ll also have a ton of great restaurants just steps away! 

We think that this guest house is perfect if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly base to explore Lake Kawaguchi. Its proximity to the train station means that it couldn’t be easier to get around when you stay here, and the friendly owner and staff will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Rooms typically cost between $70 and $100 USD per night.

Read the glowing reviews and book your stay here!

Top Activities to do in Lake Kawaguchi

With your Lake Kawaguchi hotel sorted, it’s time to see what makes this lakeside gem so special! From cruising around scenic viewpoints and pedaling past shrines to rolling up your sleeves in a ramen-making class or hiking for those picture-perfect Fuji views, there’s no shortage of amazing ways to explore.

Here are a few of our favorite tours that showcase the very best of Lake Kawaguchi:

• Cruise around Lake Kawaguchi in an electric mini-vehicle – Take the wheel on this self-drive electric vehicle tour and cruise through six scenic viewpoints around the lake. Snap photos of Mt. Fuji, explore at your own pace, and enjoy the freedom of having your guide lead from another car.

• Cycle the lakeside in style on a guided e-bike tour – Explore Lake Kawaguchi on this fun e-bike tour that takes you to Tenku-no-Torii, Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine, and other peaceful lakeside spots. Glide along quiet roads, soak up Fuji views, and enjoy the perfect mix of exercise and sightseeing.

• Cook vegetarian ramen from scratch – Roll up your sleeves on this ramen-making class and learn how to craft Japan’s most iconic dish from scratch! Create your own noodles, whip up flavorful broth, and savor your vegetarian ramen masterpiece at a local factory kitchen.

• Discover hidden gems with a private guide – See the region like a local on this private guided tour by an English-speaking driver. Visit lesser-known spots such as Hahanoshirataki Waterfall, Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine and Saiko Bat Cave, enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and skip the tourist traps.

• Hike around Lake Kawaguchi for unforgettable Mt. Fuji views – Breathe in the crisp morning air on this guided hiking tour around Lake Kawaguchi. Trek through peaceful forest trails, enjoy panoramic Fuji vistas, and experience the calm beauty of Japan’s most famous mountain before the crowds arrive.

Related Read: Want to see Mount Fuji from every angle? Check out our guide to the best Mt. Fuji viewpoints in Japan here!

Renting a Car in Japan

Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.

We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Japan

• Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
• Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
• Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
• Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
• Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
• A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
• Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Where you stay can really shape your Lake Kawaguchi experience. This peaceful resort town offers incredible views of Mt. Fuji, relaxing hot spring ryokans, and easy access to scenic trails and cultural spots. From lakeside strolls and flower parks to cozy cafés and local ramen joints, there’s so much more to enjoy here than just the views.

If you’re exploring more of Japan, be sure to check out our other Japan blogs here! We’ve shared insider tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your trip to this unforgettable country. Or scroll below for even more travel inspiration to help you plan your next unforgettable getaway!

3 BEST Mt Fuji Tours from Tokyo

Where to Stay in Mt. Fuji, Japan: 5 Best Areas & Hotels 

16 Best Things to do in Mt Fuji if You’re Limited on Time!