Lake Motosu (Fuji Five Lakes)

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  • Lake Motosu Fuji Five Lakes

    Lake Motosu Fuji Five Lakes

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Facts & Figures

Lake Motosu (Motosuko) forms with Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Shojiko and Lake Saiko the Fuji Five Lakes system. Lake Motosu is with a max. water depth of 138 meters the deepest of the Five Lakes and has with 4.7 square km the 3rd largest surface area of them (circumference is 13 km). Japan Rail Pass Buy now and Save >
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The water of the lake is famous for its clarity. You can find the beautiful scenery of Lake Motosu with Mt. Fuji printed on every 1000 yen bill. The best time to visit this great place is 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 Motosu was formed by a volcano eruption of Mt. Fuji about 1200 years ago, which separated one lake into 3 parts (Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, Lake Motosu). All lakes are still connected in the underground, which keeps their water level constant at 900 m above sea level. 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.

Location

Map of Japan

Lake Motosu is located in the southern part of the Yamanashi Prefecture and is the westernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes.

How to get to Lake Motosu?

  • 45min from Kawaguchiko Station to Lake Motosu by Fujikyu-Yamanashi Bus Line
  • 2,5hrs from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Lake Motosu by Chuo Highway Bus

Sightseeing spots around Lake Motosu

Top:

Motosuko Camping Ground - bring your tent and spend 1 or 2 days in the nature

Fuji Motosuko Resort - This place is famous for the blossoming of approx. 800000 shibazakura (moss phlox) plants in the beginning of the summer. Thousands of visitors enjoy this amazing view with Mt. Fuji in the background.

Koanso - This place gives you the same view/perspective of Lake Motosu and Mt. Fuji, which is printed on the 1000 yen bill.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April/May

Fuji Shibazakura Festival (17th of April - 30th of May)
Huge fields of pink, white and purple shibazakura (moss phlox) plants attracting every year thousands of visitors. It is the most popular place in the country to enjoy such a natural wonder.

August

Fuji-goko Matsuri (1st)
The summer festival features a spectacular fireworks event from 7:30 pm till 9 pm. It is with 8000 fireworks the second biggest of the 5 lakes.

Where to stay near Lake Motosu?

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