Visit Lake Yamanaka

Let's travel to meet the swans at Yamanakako! But first, let's get to know this lake. Lake Yamanaka is one of the five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji. It is the largest among the five lakes and has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to get to Lake Yamanaka from Tokyo:
1. By Bus: You can take a direct bus to Lake Yamanaka from Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with frequent daily departures. One-way tickets start at 2,300 yen.
2. By Car Rental: If you don't want to wait for public transportation, you can rent a car from anywhere in Japan. There are many car rental companies to choose from. Renting a car is a convenient way to travel, allowing you to stop wherever you like along the way. Rental costs depend on the car size and rental duration. Check online for options as there are many providers.
3. By Train: Take the train to Kawaguchiko Station, then rent a car to explore the five lakes or use the bus service running between Kawaguchiko Station and Yamanakako. The Fujikko-Go (Loop Shuttle) is available for this route.

📍Lake Yamanaka: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DVRkoWoNUNzNFNVg8

This time, we took a bus from Tokyo and then rented a car to explore the five lakes around Mount Fuji. Upon arriving at Kawaguchiko Station, we picked up our rental car and drove to Yamanakako, heading straight to meet the swans. The drive took about 40 minutes from Kawaguchiko. Although the distance isn't far, speed limits in Japan must be strictly followed. Even on empty roads, you can't exceed the limit, and the dashboard will constantly alert you if you do.

The spot to meet the swans is at Hirano Beach. This area features a wide beach where you can stroll and take photos from various angles.

Driving around Lake Yamanaka offers many picturesque spots for photography. During our visit, there was still a bit of snow, creating a fluffy white landscape to enjoy. The real scenery is breathtaking and far more beautiful than any photo can capture (or maybe it's just my lack of photography skills). There are plenty of accommodations around Lake Yamanaka, many of which offer clear views of Mount Fuji. However, tonight we are heading back to stay at Lake Kawaguchi.

Post by Tuk a Trips | Oct 2, 2025