Lake Shojiko (Fuji Five Lakes)

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Facts & Figures

Lake Shoji (Shojiko) forms with Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Motosu and Lake Saiko the Fuji Five Lakes system. Lake Shoji has with 0.5 square km the smallest surface area of them (circumference is 6.8 km). The max. water depth of the lake is 15.2 meters (3rd deepest of the five lakes). Many people consider the smallest lake the most beautiful.  Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country. You can enjoy great and unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji from its shorelines. Catching a Japanese Crucian Carp in the plankton rich water is a well-known hobby of locals and visitors. I recommend you to visit this great place during the autumn season from late October till early November. The colored leaves are a must-see during your hiking tour through untouched nature.

History

Lake Shojiko was formed by a volcano eruption of Mt. Fuji about 1200 years ago, which separated one lake into 3 parts (Lake Motosu, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko). All of the 3 lakes are still connected by underground waterways. The lake belongs to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The park was founded in 1936. It is the most visited park in Japan. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park covers an area of 1227 square kilometres and is including Hakone, Fuji Five Lakes, Mt. Fuji, Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands. In the late 1800's (Meiji period) the first hotels were built at the lake to give visitors the chance to enjoy this amazing place for a longer time.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Eboshi-dake Panorama Platform - located southwest of the lake with great views of Mount Fuji and Kofuji (baby Fuji), Kofuji is a extinct volcano which looks similar in shape

Aokigahara Jukai forest - also called Sea of Trees, the thick and dark forest has a bad reputation for travellers getting lost, so stay at the path;)

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

August

Fuji-goko Matsuri (4th)
The event is called Shojiko Ryokosai Fireworks Festival and features spectacular fireworks on the evening.