2-Day Fujikawaguchiko Itinerary | Ropeway Rides & Haunted Forest Hikes

The area around Fuji Five Lakes is a stunning region that easily could be enjoyed for several days. This Fujikawaguchiko itinerary, however, will guide travelers in just two days to top attractions and can’t-miss outdoor activities near Fuji Five Lakes. Many things to do in Fujikawaguchiko can be enjoyed for several hours and can be combined with tourist attractions that take less time, like stops at scenic viewpoints and historic landmarks. While planning a trip around these top tourist attractions, allow for additional time to explore other sites – and sights – that you’re guaranteed to encounter along the way.

Day 1 Fujikawaguchiko Itinerary | Can’t-miss attractions

On the first day of a quick getaway to Fujikawaguchiko, visitors should plan an excursion that includes Lake Kawaguchi, the largest and most tourist-friendly lake of Fuji Five Lakes, and attractions on the east side of the lake. Energetic travelers will find it easy to walk to many locations, but those who don’t care to pound the pavement can rent a bicycle, hop on a bus or hire a driver.

• Lake Kawaguchi – activities abound year-round at Lake Kawaguchi, but some things to do in Fujikawaguchiko depend on the time of year. Guests arriving in fall will see splendid natural displays in Momiji Tunnel and the Maple Corridor on the north side of the lake. The Kawaguchiko Herb Festival is a fun place to hang out during summer, when fields of lavender turn Yagizaki Park into a purple paradise. Springtime brings cherry blossoms on the promenade near Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, and winter is the best time to soak in hot springs while admiring Mount Fuji’s reflection on the lake.
• Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway – this scenic attraction takes tourists up Mt. Tenjo via cable car to Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park, where some of the best views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji are available. The ropeway operates from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from March through November and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from December through February. Round-trip tickets are 900 JPY (8.30 USD) for adults and 450 JPY (4.15 USD) for children.
• Chureito Pagoda – perched on a hilltop facing Mount Fuji, this five-storied pagoda was dedicated as a peace memorial in 1963. The landmark is part of Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine and contains more then 400 steps, which lead to one of the most stunning views of Mount Fuji in the area. The pagoda also is a popular place to take photographs in the fall and spring.
• Aokigahara Forest – this haunted forest with a lava floor is a popular destination for spelunkers and school kids. The dense forest contains many walking trails, lava caves, rare wildlife and birds. In recent years, the forest has acquired the name “The Suicide Forest,” and Japanese mythology claims it is home to ghosts.

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Day 2 Fujikawaguchiko Itinerary | A record-breaking amusement park & top museums

The second day of a trip to Fujikawaguchiko is a good day to see the city’s best museums and spend a thrilling afternoon at a theme park. Families trying to please children of all ages may want to opt for an all-day outing to Fuji Q Highland, but it’s possible to enjoy the park for half a day and use a few hours to tour fun museums that highlight the special atmosphere, traditions and history of the Fuji Five Lakes region.

• Fuji Q Highland – this park isn’t just popular in Fujikawaguchiko. It’s one of the most popular amusement parks in all of Japan! Visitors quickly understand why when they see the four record-breaking roller coasters that each possess unique jaw-dropping thrills and views of Mount Fuji. Other reasons to visit Fuji Q Highland include the Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear, Thomas Land and La Ville de Gaspard et Lisa. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is free, and individual rides cost 400 to 2,000 JPY (3.70 to 18.45 USD).

Can’t-Miss Museums in Fujikawaguchiko

• Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum – this quirky museum is dedicated to music and features displays of antique music boxes, automatic musical instruments and a room-size vintage organ brought all the way from a fairground in France. And that’s not all! Guests can stroll European-style gardens, watch opera performances, dine in elegant restaurants and photograph Mount Fuji all day long. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and admission is 1,800 JPY (16.60 USD) for adults and 1,300 JPY (12 USD) for students.
• Yamanashi Gem Museum – as the number-one producer of gems and precious metals in Japan, Yamanashi Prefecture has gained a shining reputation. The Yamanashi Gem Museum showcases some of the prefecture’s amazing raw stones, as well as cut gems, jewelry and statues you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission is 600 JPY (5.50 USD) for adults and 300 JPY (2.75 USD) for children.
• Itchiku Kubota Art Museum – this fun museum was designed by and is dedicated to textile artist Itchiku Kubota, who spent his life perfecting the art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing and kimono-making. The art complex contains dozens of exhibits, plus outdoor walkways and gardens that wind around an onsite waterfall. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is open every day except Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April through November and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. December through March. Admission is 1,300 JPY (12 USD) for adults, 900 JPY (8.30 USD) for high school students and 400 JPY (3.70 USD) for junior high and elementary school students.

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Discover top hotels & places to stay in Fujikawaguchiko

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