Lake Yamanaka: Top Fall Foliage Spots and Events by Mt. Fuji in 2024

Autumn Foliage at Lake Yamanaka

Photo by Pixta

Lake Yamanakako, or Lake Yamanaka, is one of the best places to enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage with Mr. Fuji in the background.

Japan's third highest lake in terms of elevation, Yamanakako and the highest lake among the Fuji Goko (Five Lakes). During October and November, the difference in high and low temperatures can often exceed 10℃. This big temperature difference causes the autumn leaves to turn an even more vivid color.

On sunny days the beautiful reflection of the autumn foliage on the lake's surface is an extraordinary sight. Some foliage spots also get illuminated at night, so visitors can enjoy this mystical scenery.

Lake Yamanakako: Autumn Foliage Events and Viewing Tips

1. Highlights of Lake Yamanaka's Fall Colors
2. Autumn Foliage Spots at Lake Yamanaka
3. Autumn Foliage Events
4. Access to Lake Yamanaka: Traffic and Congestion Information
5. Autumn Temperatures and What to Wear

Highlights of Lake Yamanakako's Fall Colors

The best time to see the autumn leaves at Lake Yamanakako is usually from mid-October until mid-November.

Mid-October: The leaves at high elevations begin to change color. You can see the colorful foliage of the surrounding mountains and the base of Mt. Fuji.

Late October: The Kaede and Momiji maple trees surrounding Lake Yamanakako have now changed colors and this is the perfect time to enjoy the reflection of the foliage on the surface of the lake.

Early November: The autumn leaves have now reached their peak. The entire lake is enveloped in brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow. The view here is particularly stunning on a sunny day.

Mid-November: The peak period continues, but temperatures drop and you can also see some trees with leaves dropping off.

Autumn Foliage Spots at Lake Yamanakako

Lake Yamanakako has many famous fall foliage viewing spots. We will introduce four recommended spots.

1. Asahigaoka Lakeside Park

Asahigaoka Lakeside Park sits on the south end of Lake Yamanakako.

This scenic location offers beautiful views of the fall leaves with Mt. Fuji in the background. There are walking paths and benches inside the park, so as you walk along the lakeside you can enjoy the vivid colors of the Kaede and Momiji maple trees.

To the west of the park there's a convenience store, and there are also a number of public washrooms and benches. This makes it easy for families with children to also visit.

From the walking path you can see Mt. Fuji through the trees in the forest. Then the contrast between the fall foliage and Mt. Fuji's reflection on the lake is spectacular, making this especially popular as a photo spot!

At night the area is lit up, creating a mystical sight that's different from the daytime.

During the peak season, a local autumn festival called the Yamanakako Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival is held (featured later in this article).

Main Information
Location	Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Yamanakako, Hirano 506-296　MAP (Japanese)
Business Hours	Open 24 hours (illumination is held from dusk until evening)
Admission	Free
Parking	Free parking for 100 vehicles
Access	By Car: About 10 minutes from the Yamanakako Interchange (IC) via Higashi Fujigoko Road. By Public Transit: About 30 minutes by bus from Mt. Fuji Station (Fujikyuko Line). Get off at Yamanakako Garden Mae bus stop.

2. Lake Yamanakako Waterfront Park (Nagaike Waterfront Park)

Photo by Pixta

Lake Yamanakako Waterfront Park (Nagaike Waterfront Park) is located on the north side of Lake Yamanakako.

During the winter from mid-November until early February this park becomes a famous Mt. Fuji viewing spot.

Sightseeing visitors are treated to Upside-Down Fuji, the reflection of the mountain on the lake's surface, and also Double Diamond Fuji, the reflection of the rising or setting sun sitting directly above the mountain (see above photo).

From here you can enjoy a totally unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji―from its base right up to the summit. Not only does this make the ideal photo spot, but some people also mention being able to feel the power of Mt. Fuji.

This is a very popular place due to the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji seen through the deep red-colored foliage. Together with the colorful maple leaves, visitors can also enjoy the Enkianthus leaves (deciduous shrub) turning a brilliant red color around their feet.

Alongside the park you'll also find parking facilities. So this is perfect for a sightseeing break to admire the views of the fall leaves and Mt. Fuji.

Main Information
Location	Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Yamanakako, Hirano 3222　MAP (Japanese)
Business Hours	Open 24 hours
Admission	Free
Parking	Free parking for 80 vehicles
Access	By Car: About five minutes from the Yamanakako IC via Higashi Fujigoko Road. By Public Transit: About 40 minutes by bus from Mt. Fuji Station (Fujikyuko Line). Get off at Nagaike Waterfront Park Mae bus stop.

3. Lake Yamanakako Panorama Viewpoint

Photo by Pixta

Lake Yamanakako Panorama Viewpoint sits on a hill about 1,300 meters above sea level. This scenic spot offers a stunning view of Lake Yamanakako and Mt. Fuji.

During autumn, in particular, the Japanese pampas grasslands get completely bathed in a golden color. Visitors here can enjoy spectacular views of the brilliant lakeside foliage together with Mt. Fuji, only seen during this time of the year.

On clear days, Mt. Fuji can be seen in its entirety from the Panorama Viewpoint, and you can even see as far as the Minami Alps.

In October and February at Lake Yamanakako Panorama Viewpoint, it's also possible to observe Diamond Fuji in which Mt. Fuji overlaps with the sun! Photographers and camera buffs alike are drawn here from all over Japan to see this phenomenon through the gold-colored pampas grass.

However, please take note that the viewpoint will be closed from June to November 2024 for renovations.

Main Information
Location	Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Yamanakako, Hirano 514　MAP (Japanese)
Business Hours	Closed until November 2024 for renovations
Admission	Free
Parking	Free parking for about 10 vehicles
Access	By Car: About 20 minutes from Yamanakako IC via Higashi Fujigoko Road. By public transit: Not available

4. Lake Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor

Photo by Pixta

Lake Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor is a recommended autumn leaves viewing spot that can be reached within 30 minutes by car from Lake Yamanakako.

The shoreline of Lake Kawaguchiko is decorated with about 400 to 500 maple trees. About 50 of these brilliant-colored trees are lined up in a corridor-like fashion for 150 meters. Enjoy this fall foliage tunnel as you leisurely stroll along the forest path.

The best time to view the Lake Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor is from early November until mid-November. This is also when the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Festival is held (Saturday, October 26 until Wednesday, November 20 2024).

During the festival there are food and souvenir stalls as well as a craft market, so we recommend strolling around and enjoying the many sights. At night the area is lit up, creating a magical mood that's quite different from the daytime.

Main Information
Location	Yamanashi, Minamitsuru, Fujikawaguchiko, Kawaguchi　MAP (Japanese)
Business Hours	Open 24 hours (Autumn Leaves Festival is from 9:00 until 19:00, illumination from dusk until 21:30)
Admission	Free
Parking	Not available *Temporary parking available during festival period.
Access	By Car: About 20 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC via the Chuo Expressway. By Public Transit: Take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyuko Line) and get off at Itchiku Kubota Art Museum bus stop.

Fall Foliage Events

Photo by Pixta

The Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival is a highly popular Lake Yamanakako autumn foliage event that annually attracts upwards of 100,000 visitors.

At Asahigaoka Lakeside Park, the main venue, a 1,000 meter-long maple tree corridor gets illuminated at dusk. In the evening, festival-goers can enjoy the sight of Mt. Fuji and the fall foliage reflected on the lakeside―a mystical atmosphere that's unique to Lake Yamanakako.

There are also food trucks and stalls selling Yamanashi Prefecture wine and cuisine, as well as other special events.

The festival runs from October 25 (Fri) until November 10 (Sun) 2024, and every year it's very crowded, especially on weekends. It's particularly busy from dusk until the evening when many come to see the scenery of the illuminated foliage and Mt. Fuji.

For those wanting to try and avoid the crowds, it's best to visit during the early morning hours or on weekdays. However, during the peak period, there are reports of heavy congestion even on weekdays. So please allow yourself plenty of time when traveling.

Photo by Pixta

Also at the Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival's satellite venue, Yamanaka Suwa Shrine, there's an autumn leaves illumination. The shrine is only a 10-minute drive from Asahigaoka Lakeside Park. The shrine is said to bring good luck for a safe childbirth and for success in matchmaking.

It's definitely worth seeing the shrine's unique autumn illumination with its solemn and magnificent atmosphere. So please also stop in for a visit while attending the festival.

Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival
Business Hours	Main Venue: Lake Yamanakako-Asahigaoka Lakeside Park MAP (Japanese) Satellite Venue: Yamanaka Suwa Shrine MAP (Japanese)
Event Period	October 25 (Fri) until November 10 (Sun)
Event Period	Food Booth Area 11:00 - 20:00 Illumination 16:30 - 20:30
Admission	Free
Parking	Free parking for 100 vehicles.
Access	■ Asahigaoka Lakeside Park By Car: About 10 minutes from Yamanakako IC via Higashi Fujigoko Road. By Public Transit: About 30 minutes by bus from Mt. Fuji Station (Fujikyuko Line). Get off at Yamanakako Garden Mae bus stop. ■Yamanaka Suwa Shrine By Car: About five minutes from the Yamanakako IC via Higashi Fujigoko Road. By Public Transit: About 30 minutes by bus from Mt. Fuji Station (Fujikyuko Line). Get off at Hotel Mt. Fuji Iriguchi bus stop.

Lake Yamanakako Access (Traffic & Congestion Information)

Next we introduce how best to get to Lake Yamanakako from Japan's main cities.

■ By Car

Departure Point	Required Time	Access by Car
Tokyo	About 90 minutes - two hours	Use the Tomei Expressway or Chuo Expressway, then take the Yamanakako IC on Higashi Fujigoko Road and go for another ten minutes.
Yokohama	About 90 minutes	Use the Tomei Expressway and take the Gotemba IC or exit the Yamanakako IC on Higashi Fujigoko Road.
Nagoya	About 3 - 4 hours	Use the Tomei Expressway and take the Gotemba IC, or the Yamanakako IC on Higashi Fujigoko Road.
Osaka	About 5 - 6 hours	Go along the Meishin Expressway to the Tomei Expressway. Take the Gotemba IC, or the Yamanakako IC on Higashi Fujigoko Road.

■ By Public Transit

Departure Point	Required Time	Access by Public Transit
Tokyo	About 2 hours 30 minutes - 3 hours	Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station. Transfer to the Fujikyuko Line and head for Mt. Fuji Station. Disembark and transfer to a bus heading for Lake Yamanakako.
Yokohama	About 2 hours 30 minutes	Take the JR Tokaido Line to Mishima Station, then transfer to a bus heading for Lake Yamanakako.
Nagoya	About 3 hours - 3 hours 30 minutes	At Nagoya Station take the Tokaido shinkansen to Mishima Station. Transfer to a bus heading to Lake Yamanakako.
Osaka	About 4 hours - 4 hours 30 minutes	Take the Tokaido shinkansen at Shin Osaka Station and go as far as Shin-Fuji Station or Mishima Station. Then transfer to a bus heading for Lake Yamanakako.

During the autumn leaves season you can expect traffic congestion at Lake Yamanakako and in the nearby areas. There will be an especially large number of visitors on weekends from Friday to Sunday.

To help avoid the crowds, we recommend choosing a weekday or visiting on the weekend during the early morning hours. On the day of an event the number of visitors will increase, so please don't forget to check for the most up-to-date event information beforehand.

Autumn Temperatures and What to Wear

Lake Yamanakako's foliage season runs from mid-October until mid-November. So it's a cold time of the year with daytime temperatures hovering around 10℃ and dropping as low as 5℃ in November.

It's especially chilly in the morning and at night, so it's best to come prepared with a down jacket, fleece-lined innerwear, gloves, and a wool hat.

Also, if you'll be sightseeing outside for long periods of time, be sure to bring some protective windproof outerwear!

Enjoy Autumn by Lake Yamanakako

In the fall season, Lake Yamanakako is an extremely popular spot for seeing the beautiful fall foliage with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop.

The peak viewing period runs from mid-October until mid-November. The Kaede and Momiji maple trees lining the shore of the lake turn into brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow. The contrasting reflection of the colorful leaves and Mt. Fuji on the lake's surface is truly a sight to behold.

There are also several enjoyable events that attract many visitors. This includes the Lake Yamanakako Sunset Beach Autumn Leaves Festival where you can experience a magical night illumination and savor local food. To avoid the crowds we recommend visiting on a weekday or in the early morning.

The fall season in the local area can get very chilly, so please make sure to wear warm clothing.