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Yamanakako

The largest and highest of the Fuji Five Lakes, the closest of them to Mt. Fuji, and about 2–2.5 hours from Tokyo by bus.

Character
Lake Yamanaka sits at about 980 m on a plateau with a cool climate. It is moderately developed, with small towns at the western and eastern ends and hotels, campgrounds and restaurants in between. In summer it is a base for boating, cycling and student sports camps; in winter, swans and snowy Mt. Fuji views draw visitors.
Why it stands out
Kawaguchiko draws more foreign visitors, while Yamanakako is described as developed but not overrun. The northern shore is the least developed side and has good Mt. Fuji views.
Getting there
Highway buses from Busta Shinjuku and Tokyo Station: about 2–2.5 hours (around ¥2,500 one way). Driving from Tokyo takes about 1.5 hours without traffic. Nearest stations: Fujisan Station (Fujikyu Line), about 45 minutes by the Fujikko-go bus, and JR Gotemba Station, about 40 minutes by bus. From Osaka, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima, then a bus to the lake. Nearest airports: Haneda and Narita, via Tokyo.
Seasons
Summer is cool and busy with water sports, camping and sports camps. Autumn colours run from mid-October to mid-November. Winter brings snow-capped Mt. Fuji views, swans and the Diamond Fuji weeks in February. Hananomiyako Park's flowers bloom in spring.
Watch-outs
Summer holidays bring crowds, and campsites and cottages fill quickly, so book early. Winter tyres or chains are needed on snowy or icy roads from late November to March, and snow is possible until late April. Panorama-dai has no bus, and public transport to campsites is limited.
Neighbourhoods
Asahigaoka: Southern-shore hub where buses from Tokyo, Gotemba and Kawaguchiko stop. / Hirano: Eastern end, reached by Tokyo highway buses and buses from Fujisan Station. / Northern shore: The least developed side, with good views of Mt. Fuji across the lake.
Nearby
Panorama-dai / Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park / Benifuji no Yu / Oshino Hakkai / Lakeside cycling path / Swan Lake sightseeing boat / KABA bus / Yamanaka Suwa Shrine

Yamanakako condotels and hotel condos for sale

A condotel (hotel condominium) is a hotel room you own outright, which the hotel rents to guests when you are not using it. These are the Yamanakako buildings and resort clubs this site tracks, with their current asking prices.

Browse Yamanakako by budget

Sources