West Lake (Sai-ko)

Located in the middle of the Fuji Five Lakes, this mystical lake is surrounded by mountains and the Aokigahara Sea of Trees. In recent years, the Kunimasu Trout, which was thought to be extinct, was discovered for the first time in about 70 years, making a big splash in the news. The lake is also home to a colony of Fuji Marimo, a natural monument designated by Yamanashi Prefecture, and is a place with abundant natural resources.

The area around West Lake is also characterized by its many caves. It is said that when lava flowed out during the eruption of Mt.Fuji, the caves were formed as it cooled down. The Sai-ko Nature Center (Kunimasu Exhibition Hall / Sai-ko Bat Cave) and the Fugaku Fu-ketsu(Mountain Cave) are popular tourist spots where you can walk around inside the caves.

There is also a lakeside campground “Kohan Camp Site” where you can enjoy outdoor activities while camping with a view of West Lake. You can also experience the rich nature through canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.