Guide to Getting from Kawaguchiko to Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko: Explore the Fuji Five Lakes by Bus

2026-06-23

“After visiting Lake Kawaguchiko, I want to see the other lakes too.”

At the foot of Mt. Fuji, there are five lakes: Lake Yamanakako, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko. Together, they are known as the “Fuji Five Lakes.” This article introduces how to get from Kawaguchiko to the three lakes located to the west: Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko.

Each of these three lakes has its own unique character. You can enjoy different views of Mt. Fuji and nature from those at Lake Kawaguchiko. Because these areas are less commercialized as tourist destinations, they are ideal places to slowly experience quiet nature, the Aokigahara Forest, clear lake waters, and authentic Japanese scenery.

In fact, depending on the service, you may be able to travel directly from Shinjuku to the Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko areas without transferring at Kawaguchiko.
By visiting Kawaguchiko on your return journey instead, you can significantly reduce the number of transfers.

Location of the Three Lakes

Starting from Lake Kawaguchiko and heading west, the lakes are lined up in the following order: Lake Saiko → Lake Shojiko → Lake Motosuko.

Lake Saiko is about 12 km from Kawaguchiko Station and takes about 30–35 minutes by bus. It is known for the Aokigahara Forest and lava caves.

Lake Shojiko is about 20 km from Kawaguchiko Station and takes about 50 minutes by bus. It is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes and is famous for its distinctive view of Mt. Fuji called “Kodaki Fuji,” or “Mt. Fuji holding a child.”

Lake Motosuko is about 25 km from Kawaguchiko Station and takes about 65 minutes by bus. It is famous as the location of the view used on the old 1,000-yen bill and has the clearest water among the Fuji Five Lakes.

Transportation Options: Direct Buses from Shinjuku and Sightseeing Buses from Kawaguchiko

There are two main ways to reach Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko. When traveling from the Shinjuku area, taking a direct bus is the most efficient option if the operating date and departure time suit your schedule.

1. Recommended: Travel Directly from Shinjuku

Some services on the Shinjuku–Fuji Five Lakes Line, bookable through highwaybus.com, continue beyond Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji Station to Saiko Higashiguchi, Shojiko-kohan, and the Lake Motosuko area. These services are referred to as the Motosuko Route.
By selecting the appropriate operating date and service, you can travel directly from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to the Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko areas without making a single transfer.

In other words, rather than traveling to Kawaguchiko first and transferring to a sightseeing bus, you can choose a bus bound for Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, or Lake Motosuko from the beginning. By arranging your itinerary so that you visit Kawaguchiko on the way back, you can substantially reduce the inconvenience of transfers.

⚠️ The Shinjuku–Fuji Five Lakes Line includes two different route groups: the Yamanakako Route, which travels toward Lake Yamanakako, and the Motosuko Route, which travels toward Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko. Destinations vary depending on the service.
To travel directly to Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, or Lake Motosuko, you must select a Motosuko Route service when making your reservation.
Most Motosuko Route services operate seasonally. Their operating periods and destinations may change depending on the season, such as the spring Fuji Shibazakura Festival period or the summer mountain-climbing season. Destinations may include Lake Motosuko, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival venue, or the Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
Because Motosuko Route services are less frequent than Yamanakako Route services, we recommend checking the highwaybus.com booking page to confirm whether a Motosuko Route service operates on your intended travel date, as well as checking the timetable before making your reservation.

Features of This Route

  • Depending on the service, you can travel from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, or Lake Motosuko without transferring.
  • Even if you have large luggage, you do not need to transfer at Kawaguchiko Station.
  • Motosuko Route services are limited, so advance reservations are effectively essential.
  • Operating dates and stops change seasonally, so always check the timetable for your travel date.

2. Starting Locally: Use the Sightseeing Buses from Kawaguchiko

If you are already staying in Kawaguchiko, or if the direct Motosuko Route is fully booked or not operating, you can transfer to a sightseeing bus departing from Kawaguchiko Station Bus Terminal.
Different bus routes are used for Lake Saiko and for Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko, so it is important to check the routes in advance when planning your trip.

Traveling to Lake Saiko: Saiko Sightseeing Bus, Green Line

Use the Green Line to reach attractions such as Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba and the Saiko Bat Cave.
The journey from Kawaguchiko Station Bus Terminal takes approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

Traveling to Lake Shojiko or Lake Motosuko: Narusawa, Shojiko and Motosuko Sightseeing Bus, Blue Line

Major stops on the Blue Line include the Fujisan World Heritage Center, Narusawa Ice Cave, Fugaku Wind Cave, Kodakidaki Fuji Viewpoint, Shojiko Iriguchi, and Lake Motosuko.
The Blue Line does not stop at Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba or the Saiko Bat Cave.

⚠️ The Blue Line has limited service. As of June 2026, there are five departures per day from Kawaguchiko Station: 9:35, 10:35, 11:35, 13:35, and 15:35. Schedules may change depending on the season, so be sure to check the latest timetable on the official website.

Free Pass

The Kawaguchiko, Saiko and Motosuko Sightseeing Bus 1-Day Pass provides unlimited travel on three routes, including the Green Line and Blue Line.
1-Day Pass: Adults ¥1,500; children ¥750
2-Day Pass: Adults ¥2,000; children ¥1,000
The passes can be purchased at Kawaguchiko Station Bus Terminal.
Please note that these passes are only valid on sightseeing buses departing from Kawaguchiko. They cannot be used on direct buses from Shinjuku, including the Motosuko Route.

Lake Saiko

Lake Saiko is the closest of the three lakes to Lake Kawaguchiko. Surrounded by the Aokigahara Forest, it offers a quiet environment with fewer tourists and a calm atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy experiences not found at the other lakes, such as lava caves and a recreated traditional Japanese village.

When traveling directly from Shinjuku on the Motosuko Route, you can get off at Saiko Higashiguchi. When departing from Kawaguchiko, use the Saiko Sightseeing Bus, Green Line.

Highlights of Lake Saiko

1. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

This is a recreated village of traditional thatched-roof houses located beside Lake Saiko. With Mt. Fuji in the background, the area offers a beautiful view of rural Japan. Visitors can also try hands-on experiences such as pottery, weaving, and paper making, making it a relaxing place to spend time.

  • Admission: Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 250 yen
  • Bus stop: Get off at “Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba” on the Green Line
  • Recommended visit time: 1–1.5 hours

2. Saiko Bat Cave

This cave was formed by lava from a Mt. Fuji eruption and has a total length of 386 meters. It is designated as a National Natural Monument. There is a general walking course with maintained footing and an adventure course where visitors wear helmets. The walk through the Aokigahara Forest from the entrance to the cave is also part of the experience.

⚠️ Although it is called the “Bat Cave,” bats are currently in a protected area and cannot be seen on the general sightseeing course. The cave is also closed from around December 1 to March 19 for bat protection.

  • Admission: Adults 350 yen, children 200 yen. Please check the official information for the latest prices.
  • Bus stop: Get off at “Saiko Bat Cave” on the Green Line
  • Recommended visit time: 30–45 minutes

3. Fugaku Wind Cave

This is a natural cave formed by lava from Mt. Fuji. Inside the cave, the temperature stays around 3°C throughout the year, so visitors are often surprised by the temperature difference in summer. In the past, it was used to store silkworm eggs and seeds. It is located about 800 meters from Narusawa Ice Cave, so visiting both together is recommended.

  • Admission: Adults 350 yen, children 200 yen
  • Bus stop: Get off at “Fugaku Wind Cave” on the Green Line or Blue Line
  • Cave viewing takes about 15 minutes. Including a walk around the area, plan for about 30–45 minutes.

Lake Shojiko

Lake Shojiko is the smallest and quietest of the Fuji Five Lakes. It is ideal for those who want to avoid crowds and spend time slowly. The shape of Mt. Fuji seen from here is slightly different from the views at the other lakes.

When traveling directly from Shinjuku on the Motosuko Route, you can get off at Shojiko-kohan or Shojiko Iriguchi. When departing from Kawaguchiko, use the Blue Line, the Narusawa, Shojiko and Motosuko Sightseeing Bus.

Highlight of Lake Shojiko

Spectacular View of “Kodaki Fuji”

Mt. Fuji seen from the northern shore of Lake Shojiko is called “Kodaki Fuji,” meaning “Mt. Fuji holding a child.” This is because the small mountain in front, Mt. Omuro, overlaps with the foot of Mt. Fuji, making it look as if Mt. Fuji is holding the smaller mountain. This rare composition among the Fuji Five Lakes is popular with photographers. On calm early mornings, you may also see an upside-down reflection of Mt. Fuji on the lake surface.

  • Bus stop: Get off at “Kodaki Fuji Viewpoint” on the Blue Line, then walk about 1 minute
  • Admission: Free
  • Recommended visit time: 30–60 minutes, including a lakeside walk

Lake Motosuko

Lake Motosuko is the westernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes and has the highest clarity and greatest depth among them. Its water is so clear that you can see down into the lake. It attracts visitors from Japan and overseas as the location of the view used on the old 1,000-yen bill.

When traveling directly from Shinjuku on the Motosuko Route, you can remain on the bus and get off at Lake Motosuko, near the end of the route. When departing from Kawaguchiko, use the Blue Line.

Highlights of Lake Motosuko

1. Old 1,000-Yen Bill View Spot: Nakanokura Pass Observation Deck

The view of Mt. Fuji and its reflection on the reverse side of the old 1,000-yen bill featuring Hideyo Noguchi was based on “Kohan no Haru,” a photograph taken in 1935 by photographer Koyo Okada from the northwestern shore of Lake Motosuko. If you walk about 30 minutes up the mountain trail to the observation deck at Nakanokura Pass, you can enjoy a view very similar to the composition on the old 1,000-yen bill. Beautiful scenery can also be enjoyed from the lakeshore.

  • Admission: Free
  • Bus stop: Get off at “Motosuko” or “Motosuko Tourist Information Center” on the Blue Line. The Nakanokura Pass / Koan area, famous as the old 1,000-yen bill photo spot, is some distance from the Motosuko Tourist Information Center. If traveling on foot, plan with plenty of extra time.
  • Recommended visit time: 30–60 minutes for a lakeside walk around the Motosuko bus stop area. If going to the Nakanokura Pass Observation Deck, allow about 1–1.5 hours for the round-trip mountain trail, in addition to the time needed to reach the trailhead. For a day trip by bus, it is recommended to focus on walking around the lakeshore near the Motosuko bus stop.

2. Upside-Down Mt. Fuji

Lake Motosuko is one of the lakes where the surface can become extremely calm on windless days, making it easier to see the reflection of Mt. Fuji. Early morning, from sunrise to around 9:00 a.m., is the best time.

3. Fuji Shibazakura Festival: Spring Only

This festival is held every spring near Lake Motosuko. The combination of Mt. Fuji and a vast field of pink moss phlox is spectacular. Weekends during peak bloom can be crowded. In 2026, the festival is scheduled to be held from Saturday, April 11 to Sunday, May 24, although dates may change depending on blooming conditions.

Suggested Itinerary: Travel Directly from Shinjuku to Lake Motosuko, Visit Lake Shojiko or Lake Saiko, and Continue to Kawaguchiko

When starting from Kawaguchiko, different routes are used for Lake Saiko and for Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko. Lake Saiko is served by the Green Line, while Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko are served by the Blue Line. You would therefore normally need to return to Kawaguchiko Station to transfer between the routes.
However, when departing from Shinjuku, you can significantly reduce the inconvenience of transfers by taking a direct Motosuko Route bus.

Morning: Take a Direct Motosuko Route Bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Take the first or another morning Motosuko Route service and get off at the Lake Motosuko bus stop near the end of the route.
Stroll along the lakeshore and enjoy the clear water and views of Mt. Fuji. In suitable weather conditions, you may even see an upside-down reflection of Mt. Fuji on the lake.

Midday: Stop at Lake Shojiko

Take a bus traveling from Lake Motosuko back toward Kawaguchiko and get off at Shojiko-kohan or Kodakidaki Fuji Viewpoint.
After enjoying the distinctive view of Mt. Fuji from Lake Shojiko, board another bus heading toward Kawaguchiko.

Afternoon: Visit Lake Saiko If Time Allows, Then Continue to Kawaguchiko

Get off at Saiko Higashiguchi and visit Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba or the Saiko Bat Cave.
If you have enough time, you may be able to visit both attractions. If your schedule is tight, we recommend choosing just one.
After sightseeing, take a bus toward Kawaguchiko Station. Once you arrive in Kawaguchiko, enjoy shopping, dining, or other local attractions before taking a bus back to Shinjuku.

⚠️ Motosuko Route services are limited. When planning this itinerary, check both your outbound and return bus times on highwaybus.com in advance. It is also advisable to confirm the time of the next bus whenever you get off along the way.
If you would like to spend plenty of time at both Lake Shojiko and Lake Saiko, visiting all three lakes in one day may feel rushed. For a more relaxed trip, focus on either Lake Motosuko and Lake Shojiko, or Lake Motosuko and Lake Saiko.

Summary

Lake Saiko is recommended for those interested in the Aokigahara Forest, lava caves, and quiet nature. Access is by the Green Line.

Lake Shojiko is ideal for those who want to take beautiful photos of Mt. Fuji and avoid crowds. Access is by the Blue Line.

Lake Motosuko is recommended for those who want to see the scenery from the old 1,000-yen bill with their own eyes or enjoy activities on a highly transparent lake. Access is by the Blue Line.

When traveling from Shinjuku, if the operating date and departure time suit your schedule, choose a direct Motosuko Route service to the Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, or Lake Motosuko area instead of transferring at Kawaguchiko. Visiting Kawaguchiko on your return journey can help reduce the burden of travel.

Book your expressway bus through highwaybus.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I travel from Shinjuku to Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, or Lake Motosuko without transferring?
Depending on the season and service, yes.
The Shinjuku–Fuji Five Lakes Line available through highwaybus.com includes Motosuko Route services that continue beyond Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji Station to Saiko Higashiguchi, Shojiko-kohan, and Lake Motosuko.
When making your reservation, choose a Motosuko Route service rather than a Yamanakako Route service.

Q. What is the difference between the Motosuko Route and the other services?
The Shinjuku–Fuji Five Lakes Line includes two route groups: the Yamanakako Route, which travels toward Lake Yamanakako, and the Motosuko Route, which travels toward Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, and Lake Motosuko.
Because the destinations are different, always check the route group when making your reservation. Motosuko Route services operate less frequently.

Q. Can I use the Kawaguchiko, Saiko and Motosuko Sightseeing Bus 1-Day Pass on a direct bus from Shinjuku?
No.
The pass is only valid on sightseeing buses departing from Kawaguchiko Station, including the Green Line and Blue Line.
Direct buses from Shinjuku, including the Motosuko Route, require a separate fare and reservation.
Please check the official Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave website for current information about guided tours and the languages available.

Q. How many Blue Line buses are there per day?
As of June 2026, there are five round trips per day. Departures from Kawaguchiko Station are at 9:35, 10:35, 11:35, 13:35, and 15:35. Schedules may change depending on the season, so be sure to check the latest timetable on the official website.

Q. Which bus should I take to Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba and Saiko Bat Cave?
Please use the Saiko Sightseeing Bus, Green Line. The Blue Line does not stop at these locations.

Q. Can I get to Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko by bus?
Yes. You can get there from Kawaguchiko Station by taking the Blue Line, the Narusawa / Shojiko / Motosuko Sightseeing Bus. It takes about 50 minutes to Lake Shojiko and about 65 minutes to Lake Motosuko.

Q. What is the best time to see upside-down Mt. Fuji?
Early morning, from sunrise to around 9:00 a.m., is usually the time with the least wind and the calmest lake surface. Aim for a clear, windless day.

Q. Where is the old 1,000-yen bill spot at Lake Motosuko?
You can enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Fuji from the lakeshore. If you want to photograph the same composition as the old 1,000-yen bill, you need to walk about 30 minutes from the trailhead near Koan Campground to the Nakanokura Pass Observation Deck. Admission is free.

Q. Can I see bats at Saiko Bat Cave?
Currently, the bats are in a protected area and cannot be seen on the general sightseeing course. The cave is also closed from around December 1 to March 19. However, visitors can still enjoy the lava cave itself and the adventure course.

Q. Is Aokigahara Forest dangerous?
It is generally safe as long as you stay on the maintained sightseeing trails around the Saiko Bat Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave. Entering the forest alone and leaving the designated trails can be dangerous because you may lose your sense of direction. Always remain on the maintained paths.
Please check the official Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave website for current information about guided tours and available languages.