Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Yamanakako is the third-highest lake in Japan and the largest one in the Fuji Five Lakes region. For great views of nearby Mount Fuji and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, head to Lake Yamanakako any time of year.
The area surrounding Lake Yamanakako has attractions on all sides. Hana no Miyako Park is on the west side and offers lots of seasonal flora and fauna. Lying to the south are several restaurants and cafes while the east end offers fantastic views of the lake and Mount Fuji.
Outdoor Activities
Photo by: PIXTA/ gonbe Up for a challenge? Go for an easy 14km bike ride.
Visitors have a chance to take a boat ride that crosses the surface of the lake. If you want to see the land around the lake and the water, hop on the Kaba bus. This amphibious bus seamlessly takes riders from the road to the lake, giving you two ways to experience the area. The Swan Lake pleasure boat lets you stretch your legs and take in the scenery on the double-decker craft. Cyclists shouldn’t miss the Lake Yamanakako Cycling Road, covering most of the lake’s 14 km circumference. The road is largely flat and intended for casual cyclists. In total, the route can be completed in about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace or 3.5 hours on foot.
Seasonal Delights
Photo by: PIXTA/ w-ken0510 Fireworks and Mount Fuji make for the perfect summer getaway.
The lake hosts several events throughout the year. At the beginning of August, enjoy the annual fireworks festival that lights up the night sky, the lake below and Mount Fuji looming in the background. For a different kind of explosion, head to the region in November and witness the autumn foliage erupting in reds and oranges. With the combination of a large surface area and shallow depth, Lake Yamanakako freezes completely in the wintertime. Enjoy ice fishing and feasting on Japanese pond smelt. Unsurprisingly, cherry blossoms in spring set against Mount Fuji make for incredible photo opportunities that attract thousands each year.
Hana no Miyako Park
Photo by: PIXTA/ ぺっぱー A feast for the senses.
Over 300,000 square meters, Hana no Miyako Park is a sprawling field that fills with blooms during the year. Head to the park in spring and see about 150,000 tulips from late-April to mid-May. Late summer transforms the park into a yellow sea of sunflowers while cosmos bloom in autumn. Regardless of the season, visitors will be able to appreciate the tropical plants that call the greenhouse home.
