[Yamanashi] Enjoy the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and the starry sky! Stargazing spots around Lake Kawaguchiko
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There are many stargazing spots around Lake Kawaguchiko at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Lake Kawaguchiko in winter has a high rate of sunny skies and clear air, making it perfect for stargazing! We will introduce recommended spots where you can enjoy the winter night sky to the fullest.
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The northern foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture is a stunning area of Japan that has plenty to offer visitors. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, including ”Arakurayama Sengen Park”, which offers a view of Mt. Fuji and the iconic five-story pagoda, "Chureito." The Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor is also a must-visit during the autumn season when visitors can see the colorful leaves. Our company, based in Lake Kawaguchiko, operates various facilities that utilize the natural resources of Mt. Fuji. These include the theme park "Fuji Subaru Land," which offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, and the Fujiten Snow Resort, where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can also sample the world-famous "Fujizakura Heights Beer," made using natural water “Fujizakura Meisui” , or relax in the natural hot spring, "Fuji Chobo no yu Yurari," . We will clearly communicate the charm of Mt. Fuji, which changes with the seasons, from the base of Mt. Fuji in Kawaguchiko.
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Table of Contents
- Constellations that can be seen in Japan
- Why the area at the foot of Mt. Fuji and around Lake Kawaguchiko is suitable for stargazing
- Recommended time for stargazing around Mt. Fuji
- Minimum requirements for stargazing
- 5 recommended stargazing spots around Lake Kawaguchiko
- ``Fuji Midori Kyukamura'' is a recommended accommodation facility for stargazing at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
- Recommended day trip hot spring facility to warm up your cold body “Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen”
Constellations that can be seen in Japan
Japan is located in the northern hemisphere, and you can see the celestial object that represents the northern hemisphere, the North Star. The way the constellations are seen in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere is reversed, so please enjoy the difference in how the stars are seen from your own country.
Also, this year, 2023, you will be able to see the Geminid meteor shower, one of the three major meteor showers, under very favorable conditions. (The maximum Geminid meteor shower in 2023 will be around 4:00 on December 15th. There is a new moon on December 13th, so there will be no influence of moonlight, and many meteors will be visible from the night of December 14th to the early morning of December 15th, which is close to the maximum time.) It seems possible to observe it.)
Why the area at the foot of Mt. Fuji and around Lake Kawaguchiko is suitable for stargazing
Darkness with little street light
Lakeside areas such as the Fuji Five Lakes are the perfect environment for stargazing, as there are few large facilities that can provide light sources.
High altitude and clear air
It is said that the higher the altitude and the closer you are to the sky, the clearer the air and the clearer the stars can be seen. Lake Kawaguchiko is approximately 830 meters above sea level, and Lake Yamanakako, which is said to be closest to Mt. Fuji, is approximately 980 meters above sea level, and its high altitude is one of the reasons why the stars can be seen clearly.
Recommended time for stargazing around Mt. Fuji
From December to March, the air is clear and the weather is stable.
The recommended time for astronomical observation at Lake Kawaguchiko is winter. Winter is recommended because not only the air is clear and the stars can be seen clearly, but the sky is also often sunny. However, due to the high altitude, the temperature is quite low.
Below are the average maximum and minimum temperatures from December to March.
December maximum 8℃ minimum -4℃
January Maximum 5℃ Minimum -7℃
February maximum 6℃ minimum -6℃
Minimum requirements for stargazing
■Leisure sheet
■Flashlight
■Starry sky planisphere
■Camera (smartphone)
Winter: thick jacket, coat, muffler, gloves, hat, warmer
In winter, it can get quite cold, so please wear warm clothes when observing.
5 recommended stargazing spots around Lake Kawaguchiko
The best thing about stargazing at Lake Kawaguchiko is that you can see Mt. Fuji and the starry sky at the same time.
Especially in winter, when the snow on Mt. Fuji reflects the moonlight, you can see Mt. Fuji even at night. Please enjoy the starry sky and Mt. Fuji together!
National Tree Festival Memorial Square
The National Arbor Festival Memorial Square is a park built on the site of the 14th National Arbor Festival held in 1990. It is located on the way up the Funatsu Forest Road next to the Fuji Subaru Line. Located at an altitude of 1,200m, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Fuji during the day.
Because there are no surrounding facilities that can provide a light source and the altitude is high, it is a little-known spot that only locals and those in the know know about.
■Address: Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture (along Funatsu Forest Road)
■Parking available/free
■Access [Car] 15 minutes from Chuo Expressway Lake Kawaguchiko IC
Narusawa Lively Plaza
It is a lawn park adjacent to ``Roadside Station Narusawa'' and ``Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen,'' where you can see the majestic view of Mt. Fuji. Prior permission is required for group use. There are convenience stores nearby, making it easy to access.
■Address 8531-45 Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
■Parking available/free
■Access [Car] 10 minutes from Chuo Expressway Lake Kawaguchiko IC toward Lake Motosuko
Lake Saiko Nebahama
Among the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Lake Saiko is famous for its untouched nature, including the Aokigahara Sea of Trees. There are few lights in the surrounding area, so you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji and the starry sky on a quiet night. You can also see the beautiful starry sky from Nenba Beach, which is famous as a viewing spot for Mt. Fuji.
■Address Saiko, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko Prefecture
■Parking lot: Approximately 30 spaces/free of charge
■Access [Car] 20 minutes from Chuo Expressway Lake Kawaguchiko IC
Lake Motosuko
Compared to Lake Motosuko and Lake Yamanakako , Lake Kawaguchiko Motosu has fewer tourist facilities around it, and there are almost no light sources around it, so you can see even tiny stars that you wouldn't normally see. Lake Motosuko is also famous for Mt. Fuji, which is depicted on the back of the 1000 yen bill.
■Address Nakanokura, Minobu-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture
■Parking available/free
■Access [Car] 30 minutes from Chuo Expressway Lake Kawaguchiko IC
Lake Yamanakako panorama platform
``Lake Yamanakako Panoramadai'' is a scenic spot located on the prefectural road that runs from Lake Yamanakako to Mikuni Pass. A recommended spot where you can see Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanakako on the west side, and the Southern Alps in the distance. Because it is located at an altitude of 1090m, you can see the stars even closer.
■Address: Hirano, Yamanakako Village, Minamitsuru District, Lake Yamanakako Prefecture
■Parking lot: Approximately 10 spaces/free
■Access [Car] 20 minutes from Chuo Expressway Lake Kawaguchiko IC
``Fuji Midori Kyukamura'' is a recommended accommodation facility for stargazing at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Fuji Midori no Kyukamura, a lodging facility located in Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, is located along National Route 139 and is a recommended hotel as a sightseeing base with good access to both Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Motosuko. It is adjacent to the day-trip hot spring ``Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen'', so you can relax in the hot spring or in the spacious guest rooms. Narusawa Ikiiki Hiroba is a 5-minute walk from Fuji Midori Kyukamura, and there is good access to Lake Saiko, Lake Motosuko, and Lake Kawaguchiko.
Recommended day trip hot spring facility to warm up your cold body “Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen”
``Fuji Shobo no Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen Midori Kyukamura in Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture.
In addition to two types of open-air baths with outstanding views of Mt. Fuji, there are a total of 16 types of baths, including carbonated springs and cave baths. In addition to the baths, there are also ``Okariba'', where mini SL trains deliver meals, ``Fujizakura'', a restaurant where you can enjoy local ingredients at reasonable prices, and ``Oashisu'', a body refreshment room where you can soothe your tired body. In addition, the adjacent Fuji Midori Kyukamura offers lodging plans that come with swaying hot spring tickets, so stay at the Fuji Midori Kyuka Village and enjoy stargazing at your leisure.
■Business hours: Weekdays 10:00-21:00 (last entry 20:00)
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00-22:00 (last entry 21:00)
A variety of wild animals such as deer, foxes, and raccoons may suddenly appear on the roads around the Fuji Five Lakes at night, so slow down and be careful when driving in mountainous areas.
The northern foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture is a stunning area of Japan that has plenty to offer visitors. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, including ”Arakurayama Sengen Park”, which offers a view of Mt. Fuji and the iconic five-story pagoda, "Chureito." The Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor is also a must-visit during the autumn season when visitors can see the colorful leaves. Our company, based in Lake Kawaguchiko, operates various facilities that utilize the natural resources of Mt. Fuji. These include the theme park "Fuji Subaru Land," which offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, and the Fujiten Snow Resort, where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can also sample the world-famous "Fujizakura Heights Beer," made using natural water “Fujizakura Meisui” , or relax in the natural hot spring, "Fuji Chobo no yu Yurari," . We will clearly communicate the charm of Mt. Fuji, which changes with the seasons, from the base of Mt. Fuji in Kawaguchiko.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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