Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖)―Lakes formed by volcanic activity

Fujigoko(富士五湖) refers to the Five Lakes of Mt Fuji. These lakes were formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Fuji several years ago. These lakes are in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, at 1000 meters above sea level. The place serves as a closest point to view Mount Fuji and as an excellent base to climb the mountain.

Two places which are well known are the city of Fujiyoshida and the Aokigahara Jukai Forests (Sometimes called the suicide forest. Its so dense that even compasses do not work and people get lost).

Fuji five Lakes are Lake Kawaguchiko(河口湖?かわぐちこ), Lake Motosu, Lake Saiko, Lake Shoujiko and Lake Yamanakako. These lakes were formed by the flow of volcanic lava which dammed rivers. Every dammed lake formed by the volcanic activity of Mt Fuji is designated as the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park spreading over Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tokyo Prefecture and Kanagawa Prefecture. In 2011 these five lakes were designated as Places of Scenic Beauty. In 2013 these places under Fujisan-Sacred places and source of Artistic Inspiration were registered as Japan’s Cultural Heritage.

Of these 5 lakes only one lake, Lake Yamanakako serves as a source of free-flowing river Katsuragawa. Others lakes are inland lakes in land locked prefectures. Flood bypasses have been built to assess water level and for power generation in Lake Kawaguchiko(河口湖?かわぐちこ), Lake Motosu （本栖湖?もとすこ）and Lake Sai（西湖?さいこ）. Lake Kawaguchiko(河口湖?かわぐちこ) is the Level A river, which means a waterbody protected by the government.

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Historical Fact about Naming Fujigoko(富士五湖)

In 1977, Houriuchi Ryouhei, a business man and politician got an idea about the name Fujigoko(富士五湖). He went to his company and sought vote from his employees to name the area as Fujigoko(富士五湖). He further insisted his share holders to cast their votes for the name. At the end the deadline, he had amassed 360000 votes in support of his suggested name Fujigoko(富士五湖). These constitutes one of Japan’s Twenty-Five Scenic Places

About the Five LAKES

Lake Kawaguchiko(河口湖?かわぐちこ)

Lake Kawaguchiko(河口湖?かわぐちこ) is the most famous and scenic lake among the Five Lakes. It is mostly a spot of ad shoots. It has a picturesque view of Mt Fuji and hence dotted with hotels. Boat rides for tourists are provided by the locals. Among the five lakes, only Lake Kawaguchiko(河口湖?かわぐちこ) has an island. And a lot of cultural events are hosted in Kawaguchiko.

Further Lake Kawaguchiko(河口湖?かわぐちこ) is most accessible from Tokyo. Its one of the biggest tourist attractions and buses run along various spots like the Museum (Itchiku Kubota Art Museum) and the theme park FujiQ Highland where you get to ride rollercoasters which go very high and back down.

Kawaguchi Music forest gives an experience of automatic music through automatic Music boxes and mechanical organs.

You have the onsen to relax after the musical relaxations.

The Arakurayama Sengen Park enable you to take pictures of the Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the backdrop.

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Lake Motosu （本栖湖?もとすこ）

Lake Motosu（本栖湖?もとすこ） ranks as the ninth deepest Lake in Japan and has a depth of 140 meters.

LAKE Motosu（本栖湖?もとすこ） is the deepest of the Five Lakes and blest with crystal clear water which proudly show its depths. The reflection of Mt Fuji falls into its depths and looks magnificent. During summers you can hike, horse ride and camp in this lakeside. For under water glass bottom view experience you have a bright yellow coloured Moguran, a cruise ship.

The lake along with Lake Sai（西湖?さいこ）Lake Shouji（精進湖?しょうじこ）

when lava flowed across the Aokigahara Jukai Forest was a huge lake and even now interconnected by waterways.

Lake Sai（西湖?さいこ）

Lake Saiko is replete with great experiences it has to offer making it true to its name Saiko (Japanese for the best /excellent).

Natural caves with their features like bat caves and Ice caves serve the required surprise and delight. The bat caves feel warm in winters. The Narusawa Ice caves are very famous. You would find ice inside these caves even when temperatures outside soar.

And the Fujiten snow resort delight with scope to snowboard, sledge, and ski.

A recreated village called Saiko Iyashi no sato(いやしの里?いやしのさと) village is a health village from where views of Fuji appear clear and beautiful.

Share its shores with Aokigahara Forests.

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Lake Shouji（精進湖?しょうじこ）

LAKE Shouji (精進湖?しょうじこ） the smallest lake features lava rocks jutting out to this day.

You can get great views of Mount Fuji from the Eboshi -dake Panoramic platform.? It is the smallest lake and the waters reflect the image of Mount Fuji which is called the Upside-down Fuji.

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Lake Yamanaka（山中湖?やまなかこ）

This lake is in easternmost side and is the largest lake. Its also the highest lake at 980 metres above sea level.

Yamanakako（山中湖?やまなかこ） offers outdoor sport s like Boating, fishing, windsurfing. Summers offer camping, tennis

Oshino Hakkai is a town with 8 pure springs and is close to Yamanakako. These 8 springs have waters from Mt Fuji.