Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks 2025: Dates, Highlights, and Access

Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks 2025

Photo by Pixta

Diamond Fuji is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the winter months, when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the summit of Mt. Fuji, creating a stunning diamond-like effect.

Lake Yamanaka, one of the five lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji, offers the best and longest opportunity for observation. The period from February 1 to 22 is known as the Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks.

During this time, visitors can enjoy various fun events, cultural activities, and local cuisine. Read on to discover the 2025 event highlights, access information, and accommodation options.

Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks 2025

1. Dates and Venues
2. History and Significance
3. Diamond Fuji Weeks 2025 Highlights
4. From Tokyo to Lake Yamanaka: Access Information
5. Hotels Near Lake Yamanaka

Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks 2025: Dates and Venues

Although the Diamond Fuji can be seen as early as autumn, its peak viewing time is in February when the weather is more stable. In the area around Lake Yamanaka, the first three weeks of February are known as the Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks.

Some of the best locations to view the diamond Fuji near Lake Yamanaka are Nagaiike Water Park, Yamanakako Panorama-dai Observatory, the Hirano Lakeside, and Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenspace Park.

During this period, visitors can enjoy exciting events such as the Ice Candle Festival, where candles made of ice are illuminated around the lake, accompanied by the release of paper lanterns.

If you bring your own lighter, you can participate in lighting the candles. Be sure to savor hot meals and drinks from the many stalls available during the festival. To conclude the night, a spectacular fireworks display will cap off the festivities.

Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks 2025

Peak Viewing Dates: February 1 - 22
Diamond Fuji hours: 15:40 - 16:00
Best Viewing Locations - Map Links:
- Nagaiike Water Park
- Yamanakako Panorama-dai Observatory
- Hirano Lakeside
- Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenspace Park

Official Website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/event/10382 (Japanese)

Ice Candle and Lantern Festival

Date: February 23
Hours: 16:00 - 20:00
Venue: Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara
Website: https://yamanakako.info/event/diamondfuji.php (Japanese)

Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks: History And Significance

Photo by Pixta

The origins of who discovered the natural phenomenon of Diamond Fuji are unclear, but since its discovery, it has attracted numerous photographers and onlookers from both within and outside Japan.

Mt. Fuji itself is a landmark of great significance in Japan, often depicted in art and mentioned in literature. The sun and Mt. Fuji hold important symbolic meanings in Japanese Shinto and Buddhist beliefs.

The Ice Candle and Lantern Festival is held to celebrate both Diamond Fuji and its spiritual significance. The candles and lanterns symbolize prayers and offerings to the gods, with many attendees seeking blessings for the coming year.

This event is among the most anticipated of the season, typically taking place near the beginning of the new year, drawing crowds of people hoping for a prosperous year ahead.

If you find yourself in the area during this time, we highly recommend visiting the festival. Be sure to book your accommodations in advance to secure the best spots and avoid the crowds.

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Highlights of the Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks

1. See the Diamond Fuji

Photo by Pixta

The Diamond Fuji itself is the best highlight of February at Lake Yamanaka. You get to witness a rare natural occurrence that attracts visitors from all over the world! Whether you're eager to see this phenomenon or capture it with your camera, it's well worth the trip.

Not only is Diamond Fuji a spectacular sight, but its cultural significance also makes this a meaningful time for locals and the people of Japan. Why not join in the celebrations as everyone gathers to watch the sunset from the top of Mt. Fuji?

2. The Ice Candle and Lantern Festival

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The Ice Candle and Lantern Festival held on February 23 is another reason to visit Lake Yamanaka during the Diamond Fuji Weeks.

The ice candles, made from real ice, are truly stunning. Starting at 16:30, the candles will illuminate the area, creating a calming atmosphere. Visitors can bring a lighter along and help in lighting the candles.

Another exciting event happening on the same day is the Lantern Light Up, where attendees can release paper lanterns into the sky. Please keep in mind that the lanterns must be reserved in advance, and purchases can be made as early as December.

The festival includes other various events, activities, and food stalls.

3. Fireworks and a Festive Atmosphere

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To close off the festival held on February 23, a spectacular fireworks display will round out the festivities. Be sure to capture the best photos of the evening to share with friends and family back home.

Prepare in advance and bundle up, as temperatures can drop significantly once the sun sets. Add this festival to your list of places to visit while in Japan for an unforgettable experience. Please note that in the event of rain or bad weather, the fireworks will be postponed.

From Tokyo to Lake Yamanaka: Access Information

By Train and Bus

If you’re coming from Tokyo, there are several transportation options available.

A convenient way to reach Lake Yamanaka is by highway bus. From the Shinjuku Bus Terminal, take a bus heading towards Fuji Goko and get off at Mt. Fuji-Lake Yamanako. The fare ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 yen one-way.

You can also catch the bus at Tokyo Station’s bus terminal located at the Yaesu South Exit, with a similar fare as that from Shinjuku. Both buses take approximately two and a half hours, depending on traffic.

If you prefer to travel by train, take the Fuji Excursion, a limited express train that takes you directly from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko. From here, you can transfer to the loop shuttle bus that will take you to Lake Yamanaka. This train journey also takes about two and a half hours.

We recommend taking the bus for a more straightforward trip. The bus doesn't require any transfers, allowing you to reach your destination without any worries.

Access by Car

If you’re driving from Tokyo, you should take either the Chuo Expressway or the Tomei Expressway. Both will lead you to the Higashi Fuji Five Lakes Road, which will take you to Lake Yamanaka.

Make sure that your rental car is equipped with an ETC card for smooth passage through tolls; otherwise, ensure you have enough cash and coins to pay at each toll gate.

Depending on traffic, if you take the Chuo Expressway, the drive should take about an hour and a half. If you opt for the Tomei Expressway, expect the journey to take around two hours.

Another important point to keep in mind is to ensure you’re in the correct lane at toll gates, as some lanes are designated for ETC cards only while others accept cash. Please remember to drive safely and be vigilant for adverse weather conditions and wild animals crossing the road.

Tokyo Station - Chuo Expressway - Otsuki JCT - Kawaguchiko IC - Higashi Fuji Five Lakes Road - Lake Yamanaka IC - Lake Yamanaka

Tokyo Station - Tomei Expressway - Gotenba IC - Subashiri IC - Higashi Fuji Five Lakes Road - Lake Yamanaka IC - Lake Yamanaka

Access From the Nearest Station to the Venue

The Yamanakako Koryu Plaza Mae bus stop is the closest to the venue, just a short walk away. Once you reach Kawaguchiko Station or Mt. Fuji Station, look for the Fujikyu Bus Fujikugo Loop shuttle, which circles the five lakes.

The fare for the bus is around 890 to 1,150 yen one way. The exact price depends on the direction the loop shuttle takes (right or left) as indicated in the fare schedule.

The trip from Kawaguchiko to Yamanakako Koryu Plaza Mae takes about an hour and seven minutes, while the journey from Mt. Fuji Station to Yamanakako Koryu Plaza Mae takes approximately an hour and six minutes.

Plan ahead and be sure to arrive early, as the bus may become crowded as the event start time approaches.

Hotels Near Lake Yamanaka

1. Almeria Hotel

Photo courtesy of Booking.com
Stay at the Almeria Hotel and wake up to a stunning view of Mt. Fuji while enjoying a delicious breakfast. The hotel's location is ideal, just a six-minute walk to the Asahigaokakominkan-iriguchi bus stop, where you can catch the loop shuttle bus to the Yamanaka Communication Plaza to enjoy the festivities.

You can start or end your day at the public bath available onsite, providing a relaxing way to unwind and savor the moment. Book your stay at the Almeria Hotel for an experience that combines nature and luxury!

2. VOYAN Resort Fujiyamanakako Gekkoso

Photo courtesy of Booking.com
VOYAN Resort is located near Lake Yamanaka, just a thirteen-minute walk from the Yamanaka Communication Plaza, where the Ice Candle Festival is held.

This wonderful place offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and features a selection of Western-style and Japanese-style rooms. Wake up to the breathtaking sight of the lake and Mt. Fuji, turning your dreams of an amazing view into reality.

Enjoy all that VOYAN Resort has to offer, from delicious breakfast and dinner sets to the relaxing public bath available for guests. You can choose your preferred style of room and select whether you’d like dinner or breakfast included through the booking link below.

3. Sansui Resorts Yamanakako

Photo courtesy of Booking.com
Sansui Resorts Yamanakako is another excellent option for your stay. Although it is a bit farther from the Ice Candle and Lantern Festival, it is still easily accessible by bus.

Experience luxury at this resort, which features a hot spring bath, spa and wellness center, and a fitness center. If that’s not appealing enough, they also offer a shuttle and an airport shuttle (at an additional charge), making travel less stressful.

Choose from a variety of Western-style and Japanese-style rooms for you and your party. With so many activities available, you may wonder if there’s any reason to leave the resort. Discover all that Sansui Resorts has to offer and book your stay now!

Visit Lake Yamanaka During the Diamond Fuji Weeks

Visiting Lake Yamanaka during the Diamond Fuji weeks should be on everyone’s bucket list, it is a natural phenomenon that happens once a year. Attend one of the most anticipated events at Lake Yamanaka and prepare for an unforgettable experience.