One of the best things about Lake Yamanakako is that it’s closer to Mt. Fuji, so Mt. Fuji looks much bigger. There are free parking areas around the lake, so you can park and take a picture when you find a great view. The lake is the biggest of all of the Fuji Five lakes, so you can take longer to go around. The road is close to the lake’s edge. There are many angles to view Mt. Fuji from.Mt. Fuji will show you many of its “faces”.

Nagaike Water Park is one of the free parking areas around the lake. It is located to the north of Lake Yamanakako and is famous for the “Diamond Fuji” phenomenon. It looks like Mt. Fuji is sitting by the lake with open arms. Dynamic! There are restrooms and a sidewalk you can take a stroll on along the lake. It might be nice to take a break here after a long drive.

When I went there at sunset, I saw several photographers. As the sun was slowly going down behind Mt. Fuji, town lights came on as the color of the sky turned from orange to a deep blue.

A great view spot where you can overlook Lake Yamanakako, Mt. Fuji and the town, offering a finely balanced composition for your photographs! When I visited there on New Year’s Day for a sunset picture, there were too many cars to park there! It seemed like everyone else had the same idea. Luckily I found a little space for 4 or 5 cars 1km away from there. It was a breathtaking view of the sunset with Mt. Fuji, golden susuki grass, and the lake on the right.

Access : Take the sightseeing bus (F-Line) and get off at the Mt.Mikuni Hiking Course Entrance. From there it’s around a 30 minute walk.

Café Papermoon has been my favorite café since I first visited it. The different types of cakes in the display case will make you smile. All sorts of cakes, like pies and fruit tarts and rich cakes – and they’re all delicious! The coffee is really tasty, too. Unlike cafes in big cities, there is a cozy atmosphere here with sufficient space and a stylish interior design. You can order the cakes for take out, too! On my last visit, I ordered blended coffee and apricot cheese cake. Mmmm, yum!

A hot spring facility that offers bathers a nice view of Mt. Fuji. The buiilding comprises 2 outdoor roof-covered baths surrounded by nature. The admission price is just 800 yen, and you can get a 10% off coupon on the official website as of February 2022(the price and discount may be subject to change – please check the official website for up-to-date information). Fresh vegetables grown in local areas are available at the souvenir shop on the first floor. On my last visit I picked up a huge tomato and some pickles.

The facility also has an eatery and a relaxation room. The location is around the lake’s western end. It might be a good as a final destination to refresh your body after a long day of driving and viewing Mt. Fuji.

You can combine visiting Lake Yamanakako with other sightseeing spots near here such as Oshino Hakkai and Hananomiyako Park. Lake Yamanakako is also a popular place for outdoor sports such as camping and cycling, and water sports in summer.

I hope this information will help you and that you will enjoy the gorgeous Lake Yamanakako area!

It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get there from our hostel branches, K’s House Fuji View and K’s House Mt. Fuji.