JAPAN: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi (Mitsutoge & Lake Kawaguchi)
Our yearly hike form Mitsutoge to Kawaguchiko for great views of Mt Fuji. Some good info about hiking routes from https://mynihonblog.com/2020/11/10/mitsutoge/
Date: late May 2019 (1N 2D)
This has become a yearly hike for us – we went in 2021/2022/2023 around late Feb / early March (note in Feb the top might be pretty snowy so wrap up warm and you may need to glide in the snow. By early March the snow has mostly melted with a few snowy / icy parts but not too much).
Activities: hiking, beautiful scenary
Itinerary:
- Train from Tokyo:
- Shinjuku – Otsuki (Chuo line – limited express – 2320)
- Otsuki – Mitsutoge (Fujikyuko line – 1080 yen)
No prior bookings – just used travel cards (Suica / Pasmo) and reserved seats using seat reservation machines on platform.
TIP: For the Shinjuku – Otsuki / Otsuki – Shinjuku stretch you might want to reserve seats using the machine available at the station. It only costs 1000 yen more per person on top of the standard fee (2320 yen).
NOTE: there is a bus straight from Shinjuku to this area. We wanted to take this but traffic was heavily interrupted this weekend due to D Trump’s visit to Tokyo so we were advised to take the train by the station staff at Shinjuku.
- Hike from Mitsutoge to Lake Kawaguchi (overnigh stay in the Kawaguchiko area)
- Train to Tokyo: Kawaguchiko station – Otsuki (on the Limited Express, Fujikyu railway “Fuji Tozandensha”) – Shinjuku
TIP: From Kawaguchiko to Otsuki take the Fuji Tozan Densha to enjoy beautiful views of Fuji and a nice traditional looking train for only 200 yen more per person on top of the standard fee (1080 yen).
DAY 1 – Mitsutoge hike
About 2.5 hours to get from Shinjuku to Mitsutoge station.
There are a number of mountains around the Fuji region and Mitsutoge refers to a bunch of these mountains.
Mitsutoge hike
- 5 – 7 hours (up and down) depending on your fitness.
- Terrain / difficulty: medium.
- View: 10/10 (priceless views of Fuji on a clear day)
STAY (1 night): Fuji View Hotel – beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains (used hotels.com free 1 night).
TIP: hotels by Lake Kawaguchiko aren’t the cheapest but afford a beautiful view. Also, these hotel generally run free shuttles to and from Kawaguchiko station (no need to get a taxi or walk).
DAY 2 – Lake Kawaguchi
Walk along Lake Kawaguchi – enjoy mountain and lake views and explore the quiet neighbourhood
TIP: on the way back to Tokyo take from Kawaguchiko station to Otsuki the Limited Express, Fujikyu railway “Fuji Tozan Densha” (normal fare + 200 yen only).
World Explorist 