The Complete Guide to Rental Bicycles Around Kawaguchiko Station: Prices, Hours, and Model Courses
2026-01-28
If you want to fully enjoy Kawaguchiko sightseeing, a compact rental bicycle is the best choice.
While the area around Kawaguchiko Station and local buses can get crowded, renting a bicycle allows you to avoid the crowds and explore freely.
You can discover hidden gems and find your own favorite spots.
Around Kawaguchiko Station, there are many shops with electric-assist bicycles that are safe for beginners and share-cycle services. This article thoroughly compares and introduces rental bicycle shops around Kawaguchiko Station that can be used immediately after getting off the express bus from Shinjuku.
Rental Bicycle Shop Guide Around Kawaguchiko Station
After arriving by express bus from Shinjuku, you should first secure a bicycle around the station. Here are three recommended shops.
1. Fuji Kanko Travel (directly opposite the station)
This is a reliable rental bicycle shop operated by a reputable local company.
Located directly across from Kawaguchiko Station parking lot, this conveniently accessible shop has English-speaking staff on site and is very popular with international visitors.
| Business hours | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (until 5:00 PM in winter) |
| Regular holiday | Open daily (except in bad weather) |
| Price (approximate) | Regular bicycle: 600 yen/1 hour, 3,000 yen/1 day Electric assist: 1,000 yen/1 hour, 4,500 yen/1 day |
| Features | A luggage storage service (paid) is available on-site. The main advantage is that you can store large suitcases and set off on your cycling adventure unencumbered. Bicycle rental customers can store their luggage at a special rate of ¥300 per item. 🔗Official website |
2. Rental Bicycle Pooh-san (1 minute walk from the station)
Popular for its convenient and easy-to-find location, just a 1-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station and the bus terminal.
| Business hours | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Regular holiday | Irregular holidays (may be closed in rainy weather) |
| Price (approximate) | Regular bicycle: 1,500 yen/1 day Electric assist: 2,600 yen/1 day |
| Features | Advance reservations are possible. Bicycles may be fully booked on weekends and during the tourist season, so we recommend making a reservation in advance if you want to secure one. |
③ Q-BIKE (directly connected to Kawaguchiko Station, share cycle)
This is the latest share cycle operated by Fujikyuko, which allows you to unlock and pay with a dedicated app.
| Business hours | 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Regular holiday | None |
| Price (approximate) | 1,100 yen/1 hour (maximum 4,400 yen/24 hours) |
| Features | You can start using the service smoothly without lining up at the counter by using the smartphone app “Bike Share Service.” It is also convenient for use in the early morning or at night. |
Bonus: Share cycle “HELLO CYCLING“
This service allows you to freely rent and return bicycles at “stations” located not only in the front of the station but also at convenience stores and hotels in the city.
- Features: You can return (drop off) the bicycle at a station different from where you rented it.
- How to use: You need to install the dedicated app “HELLO CYCLING” and register as a member.
- Ways to use: You can enjoy a more flexible trip, which may include partial sightseeing by bicycle at first, then returning to the station by bus if you get tired.
Recommended cycling course (required time: ~2 to 3 hours)
Lake Kawaguchi Mt. Fuji Scenic Cycling Route (via Oike Park)
This approximately 13 km route efficiently covers scenic Mt. Fuji viewpoints from the north shore to the south shore of Lake Kawaguchi. With Oishi Park as the turnaround point and a final rest stop at Oike Park, it’s a highly satisfying route.
Route Overview
- Total Distance: Approximately 13 km
- Duration: Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours (including sightseeing and breaks)
- Difficulty: Beginner (mostly flat, with a gentle incline on Kawaguchiko Bridge)
Detailed Route Guide
1. Kawaguchiko Station (Start)
The journey begins here. Rent your bicycle from a shop near the station.
This is the “Lake Kawaguchi North Shore Route” that efficiently covers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the lake. Since there are some ups and downs, an electric-assist bicycle is recommended.
- Tip: The road to the lake is slightly downhill. Be careful as there is considerable traffic.
2. Ubuyagasaki
A cape point just before (or after) crossing Kawaguchiko Bridge.
- Highlight: A famous spot offering unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji and the lake. On calm days, you may catch a beautiful **”Inverted Fuji”** reflection on the water’s surface.
3. Oishi Park (Turnaround Point)
Located on the north shore of the lake, this is the highlight of the route.
- Highlight: Enjoy seasonal flowers (lavender, kochia, etc.) set against Mt. Fuji.
- Break: The adjacent “Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center” offers soft-serve ice cream and coffee. From here, the route returns along the south side of the lake.
4. Kawaguchiko Bridge
A bridge approximately 500 m long that crosses over the lake.
- Highlight: Experience the sensation of riding straight toward Mt. Fuji on this scenic road. A dedicated bicycle path makes it safe to enjoy the views.
5. Oike Park
A spacious park on the south shore, just after crossing Kawaguchiko Bridge.
- Highlight: A lakeside promenade offers a wonderful sense of openness. The park is also known as a sub-venue for the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival and a winter fireworks viewing spot. It’s the perfect place to relax on the lawn before reaching the finish.
6. Kawaguchiko Station (Finish)
Return to the station while enjoying the atmosphere of the hot spring district. Great job!
Cycling Tips
- Counterclockwise is recommended: You’ll always be riding on the “lakeside,” which opens up the view and enhances the scenery.
- Watch for pedestrians: Areas around Oishi Park, Kawaguchiko Bridge, and Oike Park are popular with tourists, so ride slowly and carefully.
- Stay hydrated: The Fuji Five Lakes area is at high elevation and sunlight can be intense, so drink water regularly.
Use this guide to enjoy a wonderful cycling experience!
Advice for comfortable use
- Choose “electric assist” without hesitation: The area around Lake Kawaguchi looks flat at first glance, but there are slopes on the approach to the bridge and on the north side of the lake. With electric assist, you can conserve your energy and enjoy sightseeing.
- Follow traffic rules: Japan has left-side traffic. Bicycles should ride on the left side of the roadway. On routes like Kawaguchiko Bridge, you’ll ride on the sidewalk—in those cases, give priority to pedestrians and ride safely.
- Use parking lots: Major tourist spots have parking spaces. Do not leave your bicycle on the street, and be sure to park it in the designated area.
Express bus reservation: From Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko
The most convenient way to access Kawaguchiko Station is by express bus that arrives directly from Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) without transfers. Even if you have large luggage, you can leave it in the trunk under the bus and move comfortably.
It is very crowded on weekends and holidays, so advance web reservations are essential.
▼Check availability and reserve express buses at highwaybus.com
The information in this article is up to date by the time of publication. Please check the official websites of each store for the latest prices and business hours.