I knew I wanted to go biking Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji the moment I started planning my trip to Japan. And little did I know it would become one of my favorite travel days ever.
There are two things you need to know about me: I had not ridden a bike in at least 8 years and I actually survived biking Lake Kawaguchiko on a regular bike. Sure, my thighs burned with the fire of 1,000 suns by the end of the day, but it was absolutely worth it.
Our original plan was to rent electric bikes — I really went into the day thinking I was gonna have an easy, breezy day. And of course, life had other plans.
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We hit traffic on the way to Kawaguchiko and arrived at the station a solid 45 minutes later than planned. By the time we got there, every single electric bike within walking distance of Kawaguchiko Station was gone. In fact, both electric and regular bikes were sold out at the first three rental spots we tried. We eventually stumbled upon Tocoro Hostel, where a few regular bikes remained — and that was the beginning of our pedaling-hard-as-hell adventure.
This post is your complete guide to biking Lake Kawaguchiko: the best half-loop route with every stop worth making, where to eat, what to wear, how to rent a bike without the chaos we experienced, and when to go for the best Mount Fuji views.
This Kawaguchiko cycling route covers the most scenic half of the lake. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or someone who hasn’t touched a bike in years, this is one of the best things to do in Kawaguchiko and I’m here to help you do it right.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why Bike Lake Kawaguchiko
Biking the lake is one of the best things to do in Kawaguchiko, especially if you want to experience the mountain at your own pace. Seeing Mount Fuji was at the very top of my Japan bucket list as I planned out my trip. Considering that it’s only visible about 70% of the year, I knew we had to spend at least one day as close to it as possible.
I’m not a hiker nor am I particularly drawn to climbing snow-capped mountains in my day-to-day life. That’s how I landed on biking Lake Kawaguchiko as my top choice for seeing Mount Fuji. Cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko is still one of the most underrated ways to explore this area. And it’s one of the top ways to get the best views of Mount Fuji.
With the lake being relatively small and the area being mostly flat, it offers a really great biking route for both beginners and experienced cyclists with gorgeous scenic spots where you can take the mountain’s grandeur in at your own pace.
We experienced beautiful, sunny-but-crisp weather in early November. I was perfectly warm in a puffer jacket, sweater and long-sleeve shirt underneath. Comfortability was important for me because I run hot, and it worked out great.
The fall foliage, already starting to pop through, made the experience so much more worth it. The gorgeous reds, oranges and yellows created a striking vision I’ll never forget.
The ease of the loop around the lake really surprised me. Granted, we only made it about halfway there, but it was still such a perfect day.
When to Bike Lake Kawaguchiko
The absolute best time to visit Kawaguchiko for cycling is during fall or spring. Kawaguchiko in November is one of the most magical times to visit the general Fuji Five Lakes area.
Riding our bikes by the lakeside with colorful leaves and Mount Fuji in the background is one of my favorite moments of my time in Japan.
October and November are technically part the high season in Japan, and I was surprised that it wasn’t super crowded in early November.
The cooler weather is perfect, in my opinion, for an activity like biking. I’d be miserable if I was sweaty and gross in the heat. Plus, the risk for heat exhaustion just isn’t worth it for me.
Another beautiful time to bike Lake Kawaguchiko is during cherry blossom season. Some of the best spots for Mount Fuji AND cherry blossom views are the lake shores east of the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, Chureito Pagoda and Arakurayama Sengen Park.
What to Know Before You Go
Now, let me remind you that I don’t ride bikes very often … as in ever. But I wasn’t initially concerned about it because we planned to rent electric bikes, which make riding faster and easier through their motor or battery that helps with throttle power or even pedaling. So I was like, “Easy, peasy.”
As you know, many places were sold out of ALL bikes by the time I arrived in Kawaguchiko around 10 a.m. Thankfully, Toccoro Hostel saved us when we magically stumbled upon it and they still had some regular bikes available.
Renting a Bike Near Kawaguchiko Station
Finding a Kawaguchiko bike rental spot near the station is pretty straightforward, if you start your day early. There are many bike rental spots near Kawaguchiko Station, but bikes sell out — especially electric bikes. Try to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo as early as possible. Trust me, getting up early pays off.
Here are some bike rental spots within walking distance of Kawaguchiko Station:
- Rental Cycle Puu-san — 3636 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301; Bikes start at ¥500 for regular bikes and ¥600 for e-bikes per hour ($3–4 USD). Open daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Akichan Rental Bike — 3464-3 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301; Bike rental starts at ¥500 for both normal and electric bikes. Open daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Rental Cycle Fujinokura — 3638-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301; Bike rental starts at ¥600 per hour.
- Tocoro Hostel — 401-0301 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Funatsu, 3639-27; Bike rental starts at ¥500 per hour.
If I got the chance to do this all over again, I would try to get an e-bike. Getting around the lake on a regular bike wasn’t too bad with frequent stops to take photos of Mount Fuji. But my legs were still on fire on the way back to return the bikes.
On the regular vs. electric bike debate, it’s not a matter of cost since they’re about the same price. It comes down to these main things:
- Your physical endurance
- Bike availability
- How much time you have in Kawaguchiko
How Long Does Biking Lake Kawaguchiko Take
We started actually biking at around 11 a.m. and returned the bikes at 5 p.m. In six hours, we went to Oike Park, Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge, Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, Houtou Fudou and Nagasaki Park.
Without stopping, the half loop to Oishi Park would take approximately 2 hours (less if you’re an avid biker). And I wish we had more time at each spot and to actually make it to Oishi Park — where I hear the views of Mount Fuji are spectacular.
Standing in line at Houtou Fudou is what took the longest. We waited for about 45 minutes, but it was actually so worth it because it was one of the most memorable and mouth-watering meals from the whole trip. But more on that life-changing meal later.
Again, if we had been able to start our biking journey earlier than 10 a.m., it would have made such a difference. On top of not making it to Oishi Park, we also ran completely out of time to visit Chureito Pagoda (this would’ve taken an additional couple of hours).
And this is where I think staying in Kawaguchiko the night before and starting bright and early would be the ultimate scenario, if you have the time.
What to Wear and Bring
Kawaguchiko weather in November averages at a high of 56 F and a low of 34 F with little chances of snow in the beginning of the month. You can mostly expect dry, sunny days around this time of year.
When we were there, it was a very clear day with only some clouds that covered the mountain for about 30 minutes in the morning. It was such pleasant weather with a crispy, chilly feel, but not shivering-cold for me.
That being said, layers will keep you warm enough to be comfortable as you pedal through the beautiful fall colors all around you. I wore a long-sleeve cotton crewneck shirt as a base layer followed by a cotton sweater and my North Face puffer jacket to top it off. On the bottom, I wore jeans and sneakers for maximum comfort.
With the sun beaming down on me as I biked across the Kawaguchiko-Ohashi bridge, I felt warm enough to take off my jacket to be more comfortable.
Visiting Kawaguchiko in November is a no-brainer because your chances of seeing Mount Fuji are much higher with the expected mostly sunny days.
Make sure to bring some cash for the shops and restaurants. Some places accept credit cards (especially near Kawaguchiko Station), but not all. For example, Houtou Fudou only takes cash — and you definitely need to eat there, so bring cash.
TLDR ON WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable shoes, layers, cash, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and your phone with Google Maps.
The Best Half-Loop Bike Route Around Lake Kawaguchiko
This is my exact Kawaguchiko biking route that covers about half the loop of the lake. It was a lovely combination of scenery, mountain views, unbelievable local food and more pedaling than I’ve done in who knows how long. (Just kidding, we know it’s been like 8 years.)
Oike Park
Oike Park will be your first stop on the loop. This is like entry-level Mount Fuji views. The fall colors, the lake and the mountain give you a lovely backdrop to begin your biking journey with. There are vending machines across the main entrance of the park where you can get some provisions for the ride if you haven’t yet.
The short bike ride to this first spot helped me get a feel for the bike and the road. It helped me mentally prepare for what side of the road to stick to, when and where to stop, and more.
Don’t spend too much time here — the bestest views are yet to come! A 10-minute stop is enough to check out the Goddesses on the Lake statue and a little of the lakeside walk.
Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge
This is where it starts getting real. The panoramic views of the bridge and Mount Fuji are totally sublime. I had to constantly remind myself that I wasn’t dreaming and it was just the coolest feeling to be in Japan on a freaking bike with the mountain behind me.
The bridge looks intimidating to bike across, but it’s really not so bad. My biggest tips to follow are to stay on the left side, watch for traffic, don’t stop suddenly, and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
Being aware of other riders and cars will help keep you and others safe. But also, the bridge provides one of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. Make some time to drink it all in and take some photos from the middle point of the bridge facing southeast.
Kawaguchiko Museum of Art
This biking route will land you at the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art relatively early on. The Kawaguchiko Museum of Art houses a wide variety of Mount Fuji-related art pieces, including prints, photos and paintings. The lake-side museum’s tea lounge and wonderful museum shop offer an ideal spot to rest or buy souvenirs.
The museum shop had a magnificently curated array of items and souvenirs that we spent a good half hour deciding on. I loved it because it wasn’t your generic, cheap type of souvenirs — everything thoughtfully reflected the museum’s Mount Fuji theme and the local culture.
I just know a museum shop LOVES to see me coming because, trust me, I will be happily spending my coin there. And boy, did I. I bought a beautiful ceramic bowl, chopsticks, tiny wallet charms for my loved ones and more.
If you’ve got extra time, the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art is a fantastic place to calmly explore all the possible artistic depictions of Japan’s most famous mountain.
Houtou Fudou
This whole day was such a treat and our unforgettable meal at Houtou Fudou was an even bigger treat. Houtou Fudou is a popular restaurant in the Yamanashi prefecture — where Kawaguchiko is — known for their famous houtou.
Houtou is a local specialty made with flat udon noodles, plenty of vegetables and a hearty miso-based soup. I’ve truly never tasted a soup like this and I am fiending to go back for some more. The stew is very rich in taste and thicker than other soups I had in Japan. And the noodles’ texture is unique too as they are more dumpling-like.
It’s totally, totally delicious, and 100% worth the wait. The line was long when we arrived at 1:30 p.m. We waited to be seated for about 45 minutes, and the line moved relatively fast because there were a lot of big groups.
There are essentially three main dishes on the menu, but the absolute star is the houtou. Go hungry because the serving’s huge. It’ll be a deliciously warm and comforting meal after exploring Kawaguchiko on a cool day. The houtou’s about ¥1,100 and it’s a cash-only spot.
The Maple Corridor
The Kawaguchiko fall foliage was one of the biggest factors that helped me decide the dates for my trip to Japan. The town of Kawaguchiko is an absolutely ideal place to admire the fall foliage — especially at the Maple Corridor.
Located on the lake’s north shore near Kawaguchiko Herb Hall, the Maple Corridor is a 150-meter area adorned with beautiful maple trees that draws visitors from around the world yearly. And during the Kawaguchiko Autumn Festival, the trees get illuminated daily from sunset to about 10 p.m. Expect there to be heavier crowds during this time of year.
You’ll truly get stunning views of the vibrant line of 60 giant maple trees in their greatest splendor during the fall when the Kawaguchiko fall foliage peaks.
Nagasaki Park
Your next stop, located only 900 meters from the Maple Corridor, is Nagasaki Park. Here, you’ll find one of the most spectacular completely unobstructed views of the mountain. If you happen to be traveling during cherry blossom season, you can catch views of Mount Fuji framed by the beautiful pink flowers.
Entrance to the park is free, and there’s no official bike parking. We mostly saw people leaving their bikes next to the road. I normally wouldn’t feel comfortable doing this anywhere else, but we also left our bikes by the road without problems.
We spent about 30 minutes at the park taking photos, admiring the mountain and committing these moments to memory forever.
This tranquil park is a perfect place to turn around for the journey back to the bike rental. But if you have more time, you can also walk to Oishi Park from Nagasaki Park as they’re connected by a walking path (no bikes here).
The Ride Back
Our ride back toward Kawaguchiko Station had waves of hurried pedaling as well as stolen short stops where I wanted to take a billion more photos of Mount Fuji in a completely different light. It was absolutely worth it — even with my thigh muscles burning and starting to ache.
We returned our bikes just in time to line up for the iconic Lawson photo, devour a wagyu smash burger from Union Burger, and wait for our bus at Kawaguchiko Station.
Is the Full Loop Worth It?
By now, you know I didn’t get to do the full loop around the lake. It was mainly due to timing as we started our day late because of bus delays. Our original plan was to go all the way up to Oishi Park before turning around, but we made it to Nagasaki Park — which was great anyway!
By the time we got back to Kawaguchiko Station, we were pretty exhausted. So I think we definitely would’ve needed a lot more energy to bike all the way around the lake.
And if we had gambled with the time we had left when we got to Nagasaki Park, we would’ve been super rushed trying to get back to return the bikes in time and make our bus back.
If you have a full day in Kawaguchiko, definitely do the full loop or at least go all the way to Oishi Park. Take your time to take in all the gorgeous full view of Mount Fuji, chill at the park (you could totally picnic there) and then, calmly bike your way back.
I feel satisfied with having done about half the loop for sure. It was still such a perfect day I’ll always remember.
Where to Eat Along the Route
You’re going to need fuel to bike comfortably — especially if you rent a regular bike. So provisions are in order. Here are a few options for where to eat in Kawaguchiko:
- Houtou Fudou: You simply have to eat here (don’t miss my full breakdown above). It gets busy, but the wait is worth it. Just factor in time for the line into your plan for the day.
- Union Burger: We closed out our wonderful cycling day at this spot near Kawaguchiko Station with a freshly made, delicious-as-hell wagyu smash burger with melty, gooey cheese and Bad Bunny playing in the background. It was all I ever needed in life. What a moment!
- Café DINA: A perfect little place near Kawaguchiko Station to get some coffee to fuel up for the day or enjoy some Salvadorean pupusas (which are apparently really good here according to the Google reviews).
- Mt. Fuji Pancake: Another popular spot near Kawaguchiko Station with a menu that includes more than pancakes. But obviously don’t miss the fluffy pancakes. It’s a great option for lunch, but keep in mind that’s when it gets the most busy.
- 抹茶専門店 R&K (R&K Matcha Specialty Store): We had a yummy assortment of matcha desserts at this little café after returning our bikes at the end of the day. It was delicious and the owner was so sweet. This place is close to the station — so it’s a good option at either the start or end of the day.
- Lawson: Obviously, this is a perfect spot to stock up on snacks or even get a quick breakfast at the beginning of the day before you start cycling.
Tips for Biking Lake Kawaguchiko
- Start early: This way, you’ll be able to see more of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko.
- Bring cash: You’ll be surprised how many places throughout Japan are still cash-only.
- Pay attention to the time: Keep an eye out on how much time you’ll need to get back to return the bikes or to catch the bus/train back.
- Plan your itinerary for the day ahead of time: You don’t need to be super strict with it, but having an idea of what your non-negotiables are will help you make the most of your time.
- Follow the basic rules of traffic: There’s no dedicated bike lane in Kawaguchiko, but drivers were generally respectful in my experience. Always stop at lights and ride on the left side.
- Expect crowds: Especially in Spring or Fall. Early November is peak fall-foliage season and cherry blossom season happens in late March–early April. Because these are two of the best times to cycle around Mount Fuji, you’ll see higher crowds in the area.
- Kawaguchiko fall weather is top noth: Early November is a perfect time for cycling around Mount Fuji.
- Situational awareness is king: Always stay aware of your surroundings while on the bike.
- Book round trip tickets: Whether you arrive by train or bus, play it safe by buying round trip tickets. You don’t want to end up stranded without a way back to your home base.
How to Get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo
Maximizing my time in Kawaguchiko was very important to me — so we had to weigh out all the options of the Tokyo–Kawaguchiko journey to find the perfect combination of affordable, reliable and quick.
You have three main options for getting to Fujikawaguchiko from Tokyo:
- By bus
- By train
- By car
By Train
The Fuji Excursion Limited Express Train is one of the most convenient and only direct ways to get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo. It serves the Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko area and is operated by a private rail company.
It’s also one of the fastest ways to get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo (Shinjuku to be specific) as the journey takes 1 hour and 55 minutes. The train runs in both directions at least four times a day with more frequent options during weekends, holidays and peak travel seasons, such as Golden Week and cherry blossom season.
It’s especially important to plan and book Fuji Excursion train tickets weeks in advance if traveling during these times, even with additional trains added to meet demand.
See the full schedule and buy your tickets online on the official Fuji Excursion website. One-way adult tickets cost approximately ¥4,130 ($26–$29 USD).
By Bus
Another good option is taking a highway bus to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo. It’s an affordable, mostly direct two-hour journey to get to the Mt. Fuji area.
There are no transfers necessary when you take the highway bus. But once in the Kawaguchiko area, the bus stops at Fujikyu Highland and Fujisan stations.
This is the option I went with and I enjoyed how comfortable the buses were. We had Wi-Fi and toilets on board plus spacious, comfy seats and space for your luggage. The one-way adult tickets are really affordable at ¥2,200 (about $14 USD) with quite a few departure/arrival options.
The only downside to the highway bus is that you’re subject to traffic that can make the journey longer than two hours.
Our journey back to Tokyo took a whopping 3.5 hours because there was an accident on the highway. And to make matters worse, someone took off their shoes and their stinky feet accosted all of our nostrils. My friend and I laugh about it now, but at the moment, being stuck in standstill traffic after a full day of biking was definitely a little rough.
You can board the bus in Shinjuku or at Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit) and you’ll arrive at Kawaguchiko Station.
I recommend that you book tickets for the trip there and back in advance because the tickets sell out. You don’t want to be stranded in Kawaguchiko without a way back to Tokyo. I booked my tickets and checked timetables, routes and more at this website.
By Car
Renting a car and driving yourself to Kawaguchiko offers maximum flexibility, but it’s the most expensive option.
You can find car rentals throughout Tokyo with costs starting at ¥6,000 per day plus gas and toll costs. You will also need an International Driving Permit to be able to drive in Japan.
Similarly to taking a bus, the journey by car is about 2–3 hours with some expected traffic driving out of Tokyo and into Kawaguchiko.
I have a full Japan transportation guide here on the blog if you’re ready to dive deep on how to get around Japan.
Final Thoughts on Biking Lake Kawaguchiko
I’ll never ever forget how awestruck I was admiring the calming, picturesque, truly unbelievable view of Mount Fuji from Nagasaki Park. With sunset approaching, the lighting was simply incredible with the mountain looking perfect in the background. And I reminisced on the laughs and unforgettable moments we shared — it’s a day truly forever embedded in my heart.
I’m filing our perfect day biking Lake Kawaguchiko under “best ideas ever.” It felt like such an accomplishment to complete the day on a regular bike and to enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Fuji.
Plus, how lucky were we to have had such a clear day? Mount Fuji is only visible about 70% of the time — so if you get a day like we did, you gotta soak up every second of it.
You definitely need to include a day to bike around Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji in your Japan itinerary. If you need more ideas and details as you prepare for a trip to Japan, I have a complete two-week Japan travel guide you need to check out.
Leave me a comment down below if you have a place in Kawaguchiko that should be added to this post or that I should check out on my next trip to Japan. Days like these are the reason why I keep booking flights — may they never end!
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