Lake Yamanakako is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, with a high elevation and surrounded by numerous attractions shaped by the unique local natural environment. Just a 90-minute drive from central Tokyo, it offers a vacation-like atmosphere, which is part of its charm. Whether for family trips, getaways with friends, or romantic outings, there’s fun to be found for every occasion.
Based on firsthand insights from various travel experts, we introduce 15 popular must-visit spots at Lake Yamanakako, along with a sample itinerary for reference!
【1】Nagaike Water Park
Lake Yamanakako is the closest of the Fuji Five Lakes (Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko) to Mount Fuji, and the view of Mount Fuji from the northern shore across the lake is breathtaking and highly popular. One of the most famous viewpoints is “Nagaike Water Park (Yamanakako Water Park).” Here, you can enjoy the majestic scenery of Mount Fuji across the lake.
In winter, you can witness the phenomenon of “Inverted Fuji.” The “Double Diamond Fuji,” where the setting sun aligns with the inverted Fuji reflection, is particularly spectacular. The park also features walking and cycling paths, making it an ideal spot to leisurely enjoy Mount Fuji’s beauty.
- Nagaike Water Park (長池親水公園)
- Address: Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 5 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【2】Asahioka Lakeside Green Park
When it comes to autumn foliage at Lake Yamanakako, “Asahioka Lakeside Green Park” is a must-visit. The pathways are lined with maple and beech trees, some areas feeling like walking under a canopy of autumn leaves.
During the “Yuyake no Nagi Autumn Leaves Festival” held from late October to early November, the nighttime foliage illuminated by lights is breathtaking. While the daytime leaves are charming, the vivid red maples glowing against the dark night are truly stunning.
Spring cherry blossoms and summer hydrangeas are equally captivating, making this park a perfect place to experience the changing seasons alongside Mount Fuji’s allure.
- Asahioka Lakeside Green Park (旭日丘湖畔緑地公園)
- Address: 506-296 Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 7 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【3】Hana no Miyako Park
“Hana no Miyako Park,” located in Yamanakako Village with Mount Fuji in the background, is beloved for its vast fields of blooming flowers paired with Mount Fuji’s scenery. The 300,000-square-meter flower fields create a picturesque scene reminiscent of a postcard.
Tulips, jacarandas, cherry blossoms, zinnias, sunflowers, and fields of cosmos in autumn bloom in different seasons. In winter, the park hosts the “Light and Shadow Fantasy” event.
Some areas, like the “Flower Dome Furara” in “Seiryu no Sato,” require an admission fee and offer views of rare tropical plants and flowers.
- Hana no Miyako Park (花の都公園)
- Address: 1650 Yamanaka, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 5 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【4】Oshino Hakkai
“Oshino Hakkai” has long been a renowned tourist destination, and its popularity soared after Mount Fuji was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013, with Oshino Hakkai as one of its components.
“Oshino Hakkai” refers to eight ponds formed by spring water from Mount Fuji’s snowmelt, filtered over many years. In the past, this area was a sacred site for Mount Fuji worship.
The sight of clear springs suddenly emerging from flat ground to form ponds is mysterious and striking. Visitors can enjoy Mount Fuji’s changing seasonal hues reflected on the water’s surface.
- Oshino Hakkai (忍野八海)
- Address: Shibokusa, Oshino Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 5 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【5】Oshino Shinobi no Sato
About a 5-minute drive from Oshino Hakkai, “Oshino Shinobi no Sato” is a ninja-themed park opened in 2015. Visitors can dress in ninja costumes, watch thrilling ninja performances, tackle puzzle-solving in a trick house, or try throwing shuriken at a dojo. The park offers many photo-worthy spots for memorable moments.
With Mount Fuji and seasonal flowers as a backdrop, the charming Japanese garden is also worth a visit. The park includes shops selling ninja merchandise and Yamanashi souvenirs, as well as restaurants serving local dishes like “houtou” made with regional ingredients. Try the park’s signature ninja black dango during a break.
- Oshino Shinobi no Sato (忍野 しのびの里)
- Address: 2845 Shibokusa, Oshino Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 6 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【6】Ishiwari Shrine
Located near the eighth station of Ishiwari Mountain on the north side of Lake Yamanakako at about 1,400 meters elevation, “Ishiwari Shrine” is unique for its massive rock as the sacred object and is known as a powerful spiritual spot.
The deity enshrined is Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, who, according to Japanese mythology, forcefully opened the rock cave where Amaterasu Omikami hid.
Reaching the shrine requires climbing 403 steps and a 30-minute hike, which can be challenging. Bring water and suitable clothing. At the top, enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanakako.
- Ishiwari Shrine (石割神社)
- Address: Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road to the Ishiwari Mountain trail entrance, or 15 minutes to the Ishiwari Shrine parking lot
【7】Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Observatory
“Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Observatory” is an excellent viewpoint located along the route from Hirano on Lake Yamanakako’s shore through Mikuni Pass toward Suruga Oyama. Overlooking Lake Yamanakako, with Mount Fuji to the left and the Southern Alps in the distance, it offers one of the finest views among the Fuji Five Lakes.
At dusk, enjoy the magnificent scenery dyed red by the setting sun. Visiting in autumn is highly recommended for the golden fields of pampas grass, a sight unique to this season. In winter, roads may be icy, so winter tires are advised.
- Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Observatory (山中湖明神山パノラマ台)
- Address: Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes from the Hirano intersection along the Yamanakako-Yamakita Line (Route 730)
【8】Yamanaka Area
The “Yamanaka Area” on the southwest shore of Lake Yamanakako is ideal for strolling. It’s home to restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, perfect for shopping. Free parking is also available.
Located on the southwest side with Mount Fuji at your back, you can’t see both the lake and Mount Fuji together, but the lakeside scenery is still enchanting. Many rental boats are available, making boating on the lake a great option.
- Yamanaka Area (山中地区)
- Address: Yamanaka, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: Immediate access from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【9】Sightseeing Boat “Swan Lake”
The “Sightseeing Boat Swan Lake,” with the concept of “the most beautiful swan floating on Lake Yamanakako at the foot of Japan’s premier Mount Fuji,” is a renovated version of the former “Princess Odette,” designed by renowned designer Eiji Mitooka.
Equipped with binoculars for sightseeing and a helm-viewing seat for a captain-like experience, it’s popular with families. The cruise lasts about 20 minutes per loop, departing from the Asahioka Pier in the resort-like Asahioka area.
- Sightseeing Boat Swan Lake (遊覧船 白鳥の湖)
- Address: 506 Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【10】Wakasagi Fishing
A popular activity at Lake Yamanakako is “Wakasagi Fishing.” As winter deepens and the lake freezes, you can enjoy fishing for wakasagi (smelt) on the ice once it’s thick enough. Ice fishing under the majestic Mount Fuji is a unique experience.
If the ice isn’t fully frozen or during non-winter seasons, dome boats are recommended. Equipped with heaters and restrooms, they offer a comfortable environment for enjoying wakasagi fishing.
【11】Yamanakako Exchange Plaza Kirara
“Yamanakako Exchange Plaza Kirara” is a community center that fully utilizes the natural beauty of Mount Fuji and Lake Yamanakako. Its expansive green outdoor area includes the “Yamanakako Theater Hibiki,” which hosts large events.
With large playground equipment, it’s ideal for families with young children. The “Water Corridor” lets you listen to clear stream sounds, and the “Lakeside Boardwalk” is perfect for leisurely strolls.
- Yamanakako Exchange Plaza Kirara (山中湖交流プラザきらら)
- Address: 479-2 Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【12】YAMANAKAKO NO KABA
“YAMANAKAKO NO KABA” is an amphibious sightseeing vehicle suitable for children and adults. Equipped with tires and propellers, it travels through the forest at Mount Fuji’s base before entering the lake directly from land, offering a surreal experience.
Designed by Eiji Mitooka, it draws inspiration from the hippo, the king of amphibious animals and an ancient Egyptian guardian deity. Its transparent roof and windows provide an open, airy feel.
- YAMANAKAKO NO KABA
- Access: About 10 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【13】Oshino Sky Sports Club
“Oshino Sky Sports Club,” located in Oshino Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a paragliding school with an ideal location facing the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Mount Fuji. With no obstructions, the biggest draw is paragliding while overlooking the majestic Mount Fuji.
In addition to “Tandem Paragliding” with an instructor (taking off from 360 meters), there’s “Towed Paragliding” for kids, allowing short flights while seated, which is popular with children.
- Oshino Sky Sports Club (忍野スカイスポーツ倶楽部)
- Address: 2661 Naino, Oshino Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【14】Yamanakako Onsen Benifuji no Yu
“Yamanakako Onsen Benifuji no Yu” is a hot spring facility offering stunning views of Mount Fuji. The alkaline simple hot spring, with a pH of 10.3, is known as a “beauty bath.”
The large bathhouse features full-body baths, jet baths, bubble baths, reclining baths, and low-temperature source baths. The Mount Fuji side has panoramic windows for excellent views. The open-air baths offer seasonal sights like fresh greenery, cabin lights, and colorful trees. After bathing, enjoy Mount Fuji’s beauty from the “Red Terrace.”
- Yamanakako Onsen Benifuji no Yu (山中湖温泉 紅富士の湯)
- Address: 865-776 Yamanaka, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 3 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
【15】Yamanaka Suwa Shrine
“Yamanaka Suwa Shrine,” said to originate in 104 CE, is a historic shrine. It enshrines Takeminakata-no-Kami (also known as Isahaya Myojin) and Toyotama-hime, the deity of childbirth, known for blessings of safe delivery.
The Yamanaka Myojin Safe Childbirth Festival, the shrine’s annual event, is held from September 4 to 6 over three days. The climax on the final day features participants circling the sacred tree three times, accompanied by a divine palanquin, sacred offerings, and worshippers singing sacred songs, creating a grand spectacle.
- Yamanaka Suwa Shrine (山中諏訪神社)
- Address: 13 Yamanaka, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsume District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Access: About 5 minutes from the “Yamanakako IC” on the Higashi-Fujigoko Road
Recommended Sample Itinerary for Lake Yamanakako
＜Day 1＞
Upon arriving at Yamanakako IC, head to Oshino Hakkai. After lunch, visit Hana no Miyako Park to enjoy the stunning combination of Mount Fuji and flower fields, then check into your hotel in the evening.
＜Day 2＞
The second day focuses on cycling around the lake. Freely explore Nagaike Water Park and Asahioka Lakeside Green Park, and take a ride on the “Swan Lake” sightseeing boat. Finally, visit the Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama Observatory to soak in the magnificent scenery before concluding the trip.
Food and Nearby Recommendations
The Yamanakako area boasts many stylish cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss Yamanashi’s specialty “houtou,” wakasagi dishes, and desserts. If time allows, extend your trip to Lake Kawaguchiko, another of the Fuji Five Lakes, or add a hiking adventure for a more diverse experience.
