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.

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: Bus Routes Differ Depending on the Lake

The bus routes for Lake Saiko and for Lake Shojiko / Lake Motosuko are different. It is important to check the route in advance before planning your trip.

To Lake Saiko: Saiko Sightseeing Bus, Green Line

Use the Green Line to visit places such as Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba and Saiko Bat Cave. Board the bus at Kawaguchiko Station Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 30–35 minutes.

To Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko: Narusawa / Shojiko / Motosuko Sightseeing Bus, Blue Line

Major stops on the Blue Line include the Fujisan World Heritage Center, Narusawa Ice Cave, Fugaku Wind Cave, Kodaki Fuji Viewpoint, Shojiko Entrance, and Lake Motosuko. Please note that the Blue Line does not stop at Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba or 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 / Motosuko Sightseeing Bus 1 Day Pass,” which allows unlimited rides on three routes including the Green Line and Blue Line, costs 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children. The 2 Day Pass costs 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children. It can be purchased at Kawaguchiko Station Bus Terminal.

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.

Access is by 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.

Access is by the Blue Line, the Narusawa / Shojiko / 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.

Access is by the Blue Line, the Narusawa / Shojiko / Motosuko Sightseeing Bus.

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.

One-Day Model Course for Visiting the Three Lakes

Lake Saiko is served by the Green Line, while Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko are served by the Blue Line. Because the routes are different, you need to return to Kawaguchiko Station once and transfer. Since the Blue Line has limited service, be sure to check the return bus times in advance before making your schedule.

Morning: Take the Green Line to Lake Saiko

Depart from Kawaguchiko Station on the 9:10 Green Line bus. Arrive in the Lake Saiko area around 9:40 and visit Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba or Saiko Bat Cave. If you visit both, the schedule will be somewhat rushed, so it is also recommended to focus on one depending on your interests. Take a bus bound for Kawaguchiko Station around 11:59–12:04 and return to Kawaguchiko Station.

Afternoon: Take the Blue Line to Lake Motosuko

Board the 13:35 Blue Line bus, as of June 2026. Arrive at the “Motosuko” bus stop around 14:32 and enjoy a lakeside walk. The old 1,000-yen bill photo spot and Nakanokura Pass Observation Deck are some distance from the Motosuko Tourist Information Center, so a lakeside walk alone is enough to enjoy the area. Return from Motosuko Tourist Information Center to Kawaguchiko Station on the 16:45 Blue Line bus. The ride takes about 65 minutes.

If you want to stop at the “Kodaki Fuji Viewpoint” at Lake Shojiko, visiting it together with Lake Motosuko on the same day becomes quite difficult. If you want to enjoy both Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko at a relaxed pace, it is recommended to split the trip over two days.

Bus vs. Rental Car

Buses, including the Green Line and Blue Line, are an easy option because you can travel with a free pass starting from 1,500 yen. They are suitable for travelers who do not want to drive and want to visit major sightseeing spots. However, the number of buses is limited, so checking the timetable is essential.

A rental car allows you to move and stop freely. Prices start from around 5,000 yen per day, excluding gasoline. It is a strong option for those who want to explore all three lakes in depth, travel in a group, or carry a lot of luggage. Rental car shops are also available around Kawaguchiko Station.

Direct Access from Shinjuku to Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko

Seasonal buses, mainly in spring and summer, operate directly from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to the Lake Motosuko area. Operating dates and stops vary by season, so please check highwaybus.com for your travel date.

Book Your Highway Bus to Kawaguchiko on highwaybus.com

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.

Each of the three lakes has its own unique appeal. From Shinjuku, the easiest route to understand is to first take a highway bus to Kawaguchiko Station, then transfer to the Green Line or Blue Line.

Book Your Highway Bus to Kawaguchiko on highwaybus.com

Frequently Asked Questions

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 the Aokigahara Forest dangerous?
Walking on the maintained sightseeing routes around Saiko Bat Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave is safe. However, leaving the route and entering the forest alone can be dangerous because it is easy to lose your sense of direction. Always stay on maintained paths. For guided tours, please contact the official websites of Fugaku Wind Cave and Narusawa Ice Cave. English, Chinese, and German support is available.