[Shojiko Lake Travel Guide] Enjoy Spectacular Views Where Mt. Fuji and the Lake Meet

[Shojiko Lake Travel Guide] Enjoy Spectacular Views Where Mt. Fuji and the Lake Meet

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Written by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP

Shojiko Lake is one of the component assets of the Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage site.
Although it is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes, it offers scenery unique to Shojiko Lake, where Mt. Fuji and natural beauty exist in perfect harmony.
This article introduces ways to enjoy Shojiko Lake, also known as the Switzerland of the East, along with the charms of the Fuji Five Lakes you should visit together.
Read this before your trip to make the most of Shojiko Lake.

What is Shojiko Lake Like?

Shojiko Lake, located in Fujikawaguchiko Town in Yamanashi Prefecture, is one of the Fuji Five Lakes.
The Fuji Five Lakes are five lakes at the foot of Mt. Fuji, all of which are barrier lakes formed by volcanic eruptions of Mt. Fuji.
All five lakes have been designated as Places of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government and selected as component assets of the World Cultural Heritage site.
Shojiko Lake is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes, with a circumference of only 6 km, but the view of Mt. Fuji from Shojiko Lake is said to be the finest among the five lakes.
The view of Mt. Fuji and Omuroyama seen from Shojiko Lake, known as Kodaki Fuji, is especially famous.
It came to be called Kodaki Fuji because Omuroyama, located in front of Mt. Fuji, looks like Mt. Fuji's child.
The beautiful upside-down reflection of Mt. Fuji on the water is also a must-see.
Another of its attractions is the beautiful lake itself, set within vast forests, and the untouched natural surroundings you can fully enjoy.
There is also a walking trail called the Nature Observation Trail that circles the lake in Approx. 45 minutes, where you can hike while observing lava formations and other natural features.
You can also enjoy activities such as canoeing, fishing, and camping in this beautiful natural setting.
Shojiko Lake is visited daily not only by Japanese travelers but also by many international visitors, and the person who sparked this was the British traveler Harry Stewart Whitworth.
In search of the place with the most beautiful view of Mt. Fuji, he discovered Shojiko Lake and built a hotel on its shore in 1895.
By introducing it overseas as the world's most beautiful Japan Shoji, it became a popular sightseeing destination visited by many international tourists.

Dreamlike Shojiko Lake with morning glow and mist
Dreamlike Shojiko Lake with morning glow and mist

Access to Shojiko Lake

Here is how to get to Shojiko Lake starting from Kofu Station.
Kofu Station is a common starting point for sightseeing in Yamanashi, so use this as a reference when planning your trip.

Route
1. Take the Fujikyu Bus Kofu Line from Kofu Station and get off at the Kawaguchiko Station bus stop
2. Transfer to the Fujikyu Bus Motosuko Sightseeing Bus and get off at the Shojiko Iriguchi bus stop
Travel time
Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes

What is the best season to visit Shojiko Lake?

If you want to enjoy the rich natural beauty of Shojiko Lake, summer and fall are the best seasons, when you can enjoy a variety of activities and autumn leaves.
Even in summer, the area around Shojiko Lake does not rise above 77°F, making it a pleasant place to enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities in the refreshing breeze.
It is also recommended to slowly take in the beautiful sunset and Shojiko Lake while listening to the call of the Japanese scops owl at dusk.
In fall, the leaves turn a brilliant red, creating a charming natural landscape with autumn foliage and Mt. Fuji side by side.

Take a canoe out and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the water
Take a canoe out and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the water
The fall foliage season is also recommended
The fall foliage season is also recommended

4 Ways to Enjoy Shojiko Lake to the Fullest

From here, we will introduce ways to enjoy Shojiko Lake to the fullest that you should know.
Don't just take in the beautiful natural scenery, make the most of the outdoor activities as well.

1. See the spectacular Kodaki Fuji view unique to Shojiko Lake

From Shojiko Lake, you can enjoy scenery that feels a little different from the other Fuji Five Lakes.
Kodaki Fuji, where Omuroyama in front of Mt. Fuji looks like a child, is a spectacular view unique to Shojiko Lake.
You should definitely visit Tatego-hama on the northern shore of Shojiko Lake, where you can see Kodaki Fuji.
Don't miss the upside-down reflection of Mt. Fuji on the lake's surface, known as Sakasa Fuji.

Enjoy a spectacular view of Kodaki Fuji framed by autumn leaves
Enjoy a spectacular view of Kodaki Fuji framed by autumn leaves
Sakasa Fuji is also not to be missed
Sakasa Fuji is also not to be missed

2. Enjoy nature and spectacular views on hiking courses

There are several hiking courses around Shojiko Lake, including family-friendly routes as well as courses for more serious mountain climbing in the surrounding mountains.
Feel the richness of nature up close and take in Shojiko Lake from a variety of spots.
The Panoramadai Course, which can be enjoyed casually by both children and adults, is a classic hiking course and is recommended because it also offers scenic viewpoints overlooking Shojiko Lake and the surrounding area.
The summit of the 1,325 m mountain is Panoramadai, and the views from there, including Mt. Fuji, are a must-see.
The course takes about 1 hour, so give this hike a try and enjoy both nature and spectacular scenery.

A spectacular view from Panoramadai
A spectacular view from Panoramadai

3. Enjoy spectacular views only available in the early morning and at night

At Shojiko Lake, you can see spectacular scenery that changes its charm depending on the time of day.
In the early morning, you can enjoy the beautiful and dreamlike Kodaki Fuji created by Mt. Fuji, Omuroyama, and Shojiko Lake glowing in the sunrise.
At night, a spectacular view unfolds with the softly shining Milky Way together with Mt. Fuji and Shojiko Lake.
Temperatures drop sharply at Shojiko Lake after dark, and it can get cold even in summer, so don't forget to bring warm clothing.

Shojiko Lake glowing in the morning light is also beautiful
Shojiko Lake glowing in the morning light is also beautiful
Shojiko Lake, Mt. Fuji, and the Milky Way in one stunning scene
Shojiko Lake, Mt. Fuji, and the Milky Way in one stunning scene

4. Experience rich nature through camping and activities

There are two campgrounds on the shore of Shojiko Lake: Shojiko Jiyu Camp and Shojiko Camping Cottage.
There are also glamping facilities where you can arrive empty-handed, which is great for those who are not used to camping.
Shojiko Lake is also famous as a fishing spot where you can catch Japanese crucian carp, wakasagi smelt, and carp. Outdoor experiences such as boating and canoeing are also available.
Stay overnight at a campground and fully enjoy activities such as fishing and kayaking.

Camping is also a great way to enjoy the spectacular night views
Camping is also a great way to enjoy the spectacular night views

Explore the Fuji Five Lakes, Each with Its Own Unique Appeal

The Fuji Five Lakes, which are component assets of the Mt. Fuji World Cultural Heritage site, offer unique attractions and spectacular views.
After enjoying Shojiko Lake, visit the other Fuji Five Lakes as well. You're sure to discover scenery and experiences different from Shojiko Lake.

1. Lake Motosuko

Located on the western foothills of Mt. Fuji, this lake has a circumference of 12.6 km, an area of 4.7 square km, and a depth of 122 m.
Among the Fuji Five Lakes, it is especially known for its largely untouched natural surroundings. Its water quality is also excellent, boasting the highest clarity in Honshu.
The northern shore is an outstanding viewpoint for Mt. Fuji, and the beautifully reflected Sakasa Fuji on its calm waters is famous for appearing on the back of the 1,000-yen bill.

Among the Fuji Five Lakes, this is the one where you can feel the richness of nature the most
Among the Fuji Five Lakes, this is the one where you can feel the richness of nature the most

2. Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is a popular spot known for its spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
Cherry blossoms bloom along the shore in spring, purple lavender appears in early summer, and autumn leaves color the area in fall, creating beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
It is also known as the only one of the Fuji Five Lakes to have both an island and a bridge.
Unoshima, with a circumference of about 700 m, is designated as a cultural property by Fujikawaguchiko Town.

A scenic spot with the longest shoreline among the Fuji Five Lakes
A scenic spot with the longest shoreline among the Fuji Five Lakes

3. Lake Saiko

Located in the middle of the Fuji Five Lakes, this mysterious lake is surrounded by mountains and the Aokigahara Forest.
In recent years, it drew major attention when the kunimasu, once thought extinct, was discovered for the first time in about 70 years.
It is also home to colonies of Fuji marimo, designated as a Natural Monument by Yamanashi Prefecture, and remains a place rich in natural resources.
Another feature of the area around Lake Saiko is its many caves. They are said to have formed when lava flowing from Mt. Fuji during eruptions cooled and hardened.

One of the Fuji Five Lakes where rich nature remains, and where the supposedly extinct kunimasu was discovered
One of the Fuji Five Lakes where rich nature remains, and where the supposedly extinct kunimasu was discovered

4. Lake Yamanakako

Lake Yamanakako covers about 6.57 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of Approx. 980.5 meters above sea level.
It is the third-highest lake in Japan. It is also the closest of the Fuji Five Lakes to Mt. Fuji, offering beautiful seasonal scenery created by the majestic mountain and the lake together.
Flowers such as tulips bloom in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in fall. You can also enjoy autumn leaves and snow-capped Mt. Fuji in winter, making it a destination worth visiting year-round.

The lake closest to Mt. Fuji
The lake closest to Mt. Fuji

FAQ about Shojiko Lake

Q

Where can I see Kodaki Fuji at Shojiko Lake?

A

You can see it from Tatego-hama on the northern shore of Shojiko Lake.

Q

Can you camp at Shojiko Lake?

A

Yes, at the two campgrounds on the shore of Shojiko Lake.

Summary

Shojiko Lake offers beautiful scenery in every season and rich nature filled with water and greenery.
It lets you feel the wonder of spending time in magnificent natural surroundings.
Be sure to fully enjoy Shojiko Lake, where you can experience both spectacular views and outdoor activities.
Yamanashi is home to many sightseeing spots where you can enjoy nature.
The article below introduces attractive sightseeing spots where you can experience Yamanashi's natural beauty.
Be sure to read it as well before your trip to Yamanashi.