Oishi Park: Stunning Views of Mount Fuji and Seasonal Flowers

Oishi Park: Great Views of Mount Fuji

Located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, Oishi Park is a popular scenic spot where you can enjoy magnificent views of Mount Fuji. In the park, you can also enjoy flowers that bloom throughout the seasons. Nearby, you'll find art museums and craft centers.

This article provides information on various ways to enjoy the vicinity of Lake Kawaguchi, starting with the breathtaking Oishi Park and the walking trail around Lake Kawaguchi.

Oishi Park: Features and Highlights

Oishi Park is celebrated as a breathtaking spot offering panoramic views of the majestic Mount Fuji and the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi. The walking paths lined with seasonal flowers create a picturesque landscape that captivates all who visit.

The park also features playground equipment such as swings and slides, making it a relaxing place that families with children can enjoy. Additionally, there is a spacious free parking area, attracting many visitors who use it as a rest stop during drives or touring.

With the registered World Heritage Site of Mount Fuji as its backdrop, and the equally notable Lake Kawaguchi in the foreground, this location is a true wonder of Japan. It is immensely popular among numerous visitors from Asia, including China and Taiwan.

Oishi Park also serves as a healing space where you can forget the bustle of city life and refresh your body and mind. Surrounded by magnificent nature, you can take strolls and enjoy beautiful views, allowing for a relaxing time.

Oishi Park Opening Days, Hours, and Admission Fees

Oishi Park is a free-to-enter park. Inside the park, there are shops where you can buy local goods. You'll also find a cafe and coffee shop where you can enjoy meals and drinks.

Oishi Park
Address: 2585 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening Hours: Shop 9:00 AM–5:45 PM (Winter: October–February until 5:15 PM)
Cafe 9:30 AM–4:45 PM (Winter: October – February until 4:15 PM)
*Hours may vary. Please check the official website for updates.
Official Website: https://www.fkchannel.jp/naturelivingcenter/oishipark/ (Japanese)

Access from Kawaguchiko Station

Oishi Park is conveniently accessible from Kawaguchiko Station. From Tokyo, you can take the JR Chuo Main Line, transfer at Otsuki Station, and continue on the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station.

Additionally, while limited in frequency with three round trips daily, the Limited Express Fuji Excursion allows you to travel directly from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station without changing trains (approximately 2 hours travel time).

From Kawaguchiko Station, you can board the Fuji Five Lakes Round Bus (Red Line) and get off at the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center bus stop. The one-way bus fare is 490 yen, while a free pass that allows unlimited rides is available for 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children.

Alternatively, you can also access Kawaguchiko Station by taking the Chuo Highway Bus from Shinjuku to the Fuji Five Lakes Line.

Seasonal Flowers to Enjoy at Oishi Park

At Oishi Park, you can enjoy flowers that bloom in all four seasons. The landscape, which changes each season against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, captivates visitors with its beauty no matter when they visit.

The lakeside promenade, also known as "Hanakaido" (Flower Road), stretches for 350 meters and features over 90 types of flowers that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. Below, we will introduce some of the representative flowers for each season.

Spring: Shibazakura (Moss Phlox)

From late April to early May, you can enjoy Shibazakura (moss phlox). This plant features stems that spread like grass, with small flowers resembling cherry blossoms.

Named "Shibazakura," which means "cherry blossom-like grass," it has five petals just like cherry blossoms. The flowers grow densely, covering the ground, and bloom simultaneously, creating the appearance of a pink carpet.

Additionally, the nearby Fuji Motosuko Resort (*) is also renowned for its Shibazakura, showcasing around 500,000 plants. While the peak blooming period differs from the famous Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms typically enjoyed during hanami (flower viewing), there are times when both can be seen together, depending on the climate.

*Fuji Motosuko Resort is temporarily closed and will re-open on April 12, 2025.

Early Summer: Lavender

From June to early July, you can enjoy the lavender in full bloom at Oishi Park.

Lavender, often referred to as the "queen of herbs," is characterized by its beautiful purple flowers and its delightful fragrance. Known for its stress-relieving and relaxing properties, lavender's scent is widely used in various products, including herbal teas and essential oils.

In conjunction with the blooming of lavender, the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival is held at Oishi Park. This time of year attracts many visitors, thanks to the pleasant climate.

The combination of lavender and the blue hues of Mount Fuji in early summer is a scene that you will want to capture in a photograph.

Autumn: Kochia

From August to October, it’s the season for kochia. This plant, a member of the broom-corn family, is characterized by its round, plump appearance. While it was once used as a material for making brooms, it has recently gained popularity as an ornamental plant.

In August and September, kochia is green. It begins to change color in mid to late October, showcasing beautiful autumn foliage.

The Kochia at Oishi Park is planted in an area where you can see the majestic Mount Fuji along Flower Road. The deep red hue of the Kochia against the snow-capped white peak of Mount Fuji creates a stunning contrast that delights viewers.

Four Places to Visit Near Oishi Park

After enjoying the magnificent views of Mount Fuji and the beautiful floral scenery within the park, let’s explore some recommended spots nearby.

1. Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center

The Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center is a spot located within Oishi Park, featuring a cafe with a view of Mount Fuji and a shop that sells original goods.

Visitors can also partake in activities such as jam-making experiences and fruit-picking. Depending on the season, different types of fruits, such as cherries and blueberries, can be harvested, keeping repeat visitors engaged and entertained.

Please note that activities may be suspended during certain times, so it's advisable to check the official website in advance.

Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center
Address: 2585 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening Hours: Shop 9:00 AM–5:45 PM (Winter: October–February until 5:15 PM)
Cafe 9:30 AM–4:45 PM (Winter: October–February until 4:15 PM)
*Hours may vary. Please check the official website for updates.
Official Website: https://www.fkchannel.jp/naturelivingcenter/ (Japanese)

2. Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

At the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, visitors can listen to performances from one of the world's largest dance organs, as well as a rare automatic music instrument that was supposed to be installed on the Titanic.

The museum grounds also feature a garden with views of Mount Fuji. This garden showcases different varieties of roses that bloom with each season, allowing guests to enjoy an elegant time surrounded by the fragrance of roses.

The museum includes a shop and a restaurant, making it a spot where you can also enjoy live concert performances.

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
Address: 3077-20 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–5:30 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Dates may vary by month. Please check the official website)
Official Website: https://kawaguchikomusicforest.jp/en/

3. Kubota Itchiku Art Museum

Itchiku Kubota was an artisan known for his unique dyeing techniques used in creating kimonos and other textile art. His innovative works have been highly regarded both domestically and internationally, and this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing those creations.

A variety of his works are on display, allowing visitors to experience a unique worldview that merges with nature at the foot of Mount Fuji.

Kubota Itchiku Art Museum
Address: 2255 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening Hours:
April to November: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
December to March: 10:00 AM–6:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
Closed: Days may vary by month. Please check the official website for updates.
Official Website: https://www.itchiku-museum.com/en.pdf

4. Nagasaki Park

Nagasaki Park is situated in a region that juts out over Lake Kawaguchi, providing an unobstructed view of the beautiful Mount Fuji right in front of you. When the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, it is an ideal spot for capturing stunning photographs of both Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms.

To access the park, take the Retro Bus on the Kawaguchiko Line and get off at Shimazuyashiki-mae bus stop. Since there is no parking available, it is recommended to use public transportation.

This park is a hidden gem with fewer visitors compared to Oishi Park, making it a tranquil tourist attraction.

Nagasaki Park
Address: Oishi/Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Enjoy the Seasons at Oishi Park on Your Visit to Lake Kawaguchi!

Oishi Park is a breathtaking park offering panoramic views of both Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Within the park, you can enjoy seasonal flowers and experience a variety of landscapes alongside the majestic views of Mount Fuji.

When planning your sightseeing in Kawaguchi, consider using Oishi Park as your hub to fully appreciate the seasonal beauty of the surrounding nature.

Written by Cakutama editorial team