Fuji Kawaguchiko Winter Activity Guide: Skiing, Hot Springs, Events & More

• Table of Contents
• Winter Weather in the Lake Kawaguchiko Area
• What is the Temperature in the Fuji Five Lakes Region in Winter?
• When Does it Snow Around Fuji Kawaguchiko?
• What to Wear in Kawaguchiko in Winter?
• 1. Fujiten Snow Resort: Skiing with Mt. Fuji View 
• 2. Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen: Relax in Hot Springs 
• 3. Lake Kawaguchiko Oishi Park
• 4. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba
• 5. Lake Yamanakako Flower Park
• 6. Oshino Hakkai
• 7. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine
• Winter Event 1: Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks
• Winter Event 2: Lake Saiko Saiko Ice Festival
• Winter Event 3: Diamond Fuji at Lake Yamanakako
• Winter Event 4: Lake Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival & Sky Lantern Festival

Winter Weather in the Lake Kawaguchiko Area

The Lake Kawaguchiko area is located on the Pacific coast of Japan, and dry air from the Pacific Ocean flows in, so the rate of sunny days tends to be high in winter. However, temperatures can drop drastically during this season, especially in the mornings and evenings, so it's important to take precautions against the cold . Snow can also fall, so it's important to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing and equipment.

What is the Temperature in the Fuji Five Lakes Region in Winter?

At the foot of Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko is the lowest of the Fuji Five Lakes at an altitude of about 800m. It is said that the temperature drops by 0.6℃ for every 100m increase in altitude, so the temperature at Lake Kawaguchiko is nearly 5℃ lower than on the plains.

Source: Japan Meteorological Agency website

When Does it Snow Around Fuji Kawaguchiko?

Snow usually falls in earnest from January to February. If you are visiting Lake Kawaguchiko during this time, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance. If snow is forecast, you will need snow boots and studless tires on your car.

Also, if it snows, the ground can be slippery and it can be difficult to drag your suitcase around while sightseeing. It is a good idea to find coin lockers or places to store your luggage in advance.

If you come to Lake Kawaguchiko by car in winter, don't forget to take precautions against snow, such as bringing studless tires!

If you are going to Lake Kawaguchiko in winter by car or rental car, make sure you have studless tires. Even if it is not snowing, the minimum temperature in the morning and evening will be below 0 degrees, and there is a risk of the roads freezing. If the weather is fine, there should be no problem if you have studless tires, but if rain or snow is forecast, we recommend that you prepare chains.

⚠️If you are renting a car, make sure that it has studless tires.

What to Wear in Kawaguchiko in Winter?

Dressing in layers is essential to protect against the cold.

For your base layer, choose something that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying, as it will be in close contact with your skin, and will retain heat from your body. For your mid-layer clothing, wear several layers of thin clothing such as sweatshirts, knitwear, and fleece, and adjust your temperature according to the temperature. For your outerwear, choose something that is waterproof and windproof. In addition to your clothes, don't forget to bring gloves, a scarf, a hat, and boots.

1. Fujiten Snow Resort: Skiing with Mt. Fuji View 

Fujiten Snow Resort is a ski resort on Mount Fuji, located just a 90-minute drive from Tokyo and about 30 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fujikyu Railway Line.

You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding, etc. with the impressive Mt. Fuji in the background. There are plenty of rental items available, so you can come empty-handed.

Even if you don't ski or snowboard, you can take the "Mt. Fuji Observation Lift (weekdays only)" to the observation deck at the top of the mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko below.

It usually opens in mid-December and stays open until early April, so if you're visiting Lake Kawaguchiko during this period, be sure to check out Fujiten Snow Resort.

Fujiten Shuttle Bus Information

Find Out More About Fujiten Snow Resort

2. Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen: Relax in Hot Springs 

A day-trip hot spring facility where you can enjoy a total of 16 different baths. There are a variety of elaborate baths, including two types of open-air baths where you can soak up close to Mt. Fuji, and a cave bath modeled after the Fuji Wind Cave. In addition to the baths, there is also the restaurant Okariba where you can relax in a private room and enjoy Yamanashi Prefecture's local dish "Houtou," massage services to soothe your travel fatigue, and a paid rest room where you can relax after the bath and have Mt. Fuji all to yourself.

A free shuttle bus is also available from Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fujikyuko Line.

Find Out More About Yurari Onsen

3. Lake Kawaguchiko Oishi Park

A must-visit, extremely popular park with a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. In summer, you can enjoy lavender, and in autumn, you can enjoy the kochia and Mt. Fuji. In winter, the weather is clear and the air is clear, so you can clearly see the gentle ridge of Mt. Fuji all the way to its base. Winter fireworks are held on weekends from mid-January to mid-February every year at Lake Kawaguchiko, adding a warm touch to the winter night sky. You can also see the winter fireworks from Oishi Park, so be sure to check it out.

Click here for details on Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks

4. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

In 2006, 40 years later, "Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba " was established, centering around 20 thatched houses, to restore the original scenery of the beautiful thatched village that was lost in a typhoon disaster in 1966. In the thatched-roof houses, you can experience traditional Japanese crafts such as pottery, painting, and incense making, as well as enjoy the uniquely Japanese scenery that changes with the seasons and the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji.

The Lake Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park, located a 5-minute drive from Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba , will be hosting the Lake Saiko Festival from late January to early February in 2024, so be sure to check it out as well.

For more information about Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, click here

5. Lake Yamanakako Flower Park

Lake Yamanakako Flower Park is a place where you can see a variety of flowers throughout the seasons, but in winter you can see many rare flowers in the Floral Dome. You can also see Diamond Fuji from mid-November to mid-January!

Furthermore, from early December to early January, the "Winter Sparkling Illumination Fantasia" is held. In the clear air, you can enjoy a fantastic view with Mt. Fuji in the background.

6. Oshino Hakkai

This spring-fed pond has its source in the underground waters of Mount Fuji, where the melting snow that accumulates on the mountain has been filtered through an impermeable layer of lava underground over the course of several decades, turning into crystal clear water.

Additionally, Oshino Hakkai is counted as one of the Component Parts of World Heritage of the World Heritage Site "Mount Fuji," and has a history and legends as an ancient sacred site for worshippers of Mount Fuji and a place of purification for pilgrims on the Fuji trail.

Click here for details on Oshino Hakkai

7. Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine

Counted as one of the Component Parts of World Heritage of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site, this ancient shrine has a history of over 1900 years. As soon as you step inside the shrine, you can feel the sacred atmosphere. You will be amazed by the size of the sacred tree, which is over 1000 years old.

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine

Winter Event 1: Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks

The Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks are held every year on weekends and holidays in January and February on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. The fireworks, set off in the clear winter air, create a vivid and fantastical atmosphere.

Click here for details on Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks

Winter Event 2: Lake Saiko Saiko Ice Festival

An ice festival held every year from early to mid-February at Wild Bird Forest Park on Lake Saiko.

The frost-covered trees, which can reach a height of up to 5 meters, are very impressive. At night, the trees are lit up, creating a fantastical sight.

Click here for details about the Lake Saiko Saiko Ice Festival

Winter Event 3: Diamond Fuji at Lake Yamanakako

"Diamond Fuji" is a phenomenon that occurs when the sun overlaps the peak of Mt. Fuji, causing it to shine like a diamond. At Lake Yamanakako , you can see "Diamond Fuji" from mid-October to the end of February. Additionally, the period from early to mid-February each year is known as "Diamond Fuji Weeks," when Diamond Fuji is most easily observed. Additionally, the "Ice Candle Festival" is held on February 10th and 11th.

Click here for details on Lake Yamanakako Diamond Weeks

Winter Event 4: Lake Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival & Sky Lantern Festival

The Ice Candle Festival is a major winter event at Lake Yamanakako. Ice candles made from ice are lit, and sky lanterns and fireworks are set off with Mt. Fuji in the background. Please enjoy the fantastic view created by Mt. Fuji, ice candles, and sky lanterns.

For details about the Lake Yamanakako Ice Candle Festival and Sky Lantern Festival, click here