Solo Glamping at Lake Kawaguchi

After researching where I could find the best views of Mount Fuji, I decided to do an overnight trip to Lake Kawaguchi during my recent trip to Japan. I discovered a Glamping resort with stunning views of Fuji through Air BnB and immediately booked it. I was traveling in the winter (early February) when the chances of viewing the perfectly shaped snow-covered mountain are typically better. Still, the weather near the volcanic mountain is always unpredictable. I booked my flight on the Delta app using miles and scored a roundtrip Business Class ticket on Korean Air (Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita) for 30,000 miles + $45.

Dinner in Business Class on Korean Air

Getting To Lake Kawaguchi

From Tokyo, I boarded a train from Shinjuku Station via the JR Railways Chuo line to Otsuki Station. From Otsuki station, you must get off and change trains to the scenic Fujikyu Railway. Please note that you must purchase a separate basic fare; the JR Rail pass does not cover this portion of the train fare. You can reserve a seat in advance or hop on whatever is open once you arrive. If you are visiting during cherry blossom or peak season, I recommend reserving a seat in advance. To board, you must show your JR line incoming ticket and your ticket for the Fujikyu Railway. On-site attendants are great and can help you if you need help deciphering what you need to book. Depending on where you are coming from in Tokyo, utilize Google Maps; it will be your best friend during your time in Japan, directing you to the exact train line, platform, exit gate, and more. I was nervous to venture to the more remote areas, but with Google Maps, navigating was a breeze everywhere I went. 

Fujikyu Railway. Book seats A/B for Fuji views if you are going from Otsuki towards Lake Kawaguchi and C/D if you are coming back from Lake Kawaguchi towards Otsuki.

Chureito Pagoda

Before heading to Lake Kawaguchi, I stored my luggage at one of the many coin luggage lockers at the train station and stopped at Shimoshida station to see the Chureito Pagoda. When you get off at the train station, signs direct you towards the pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park. It’s about a ten-minute walk to the park entrance; then, you must climb 398 stairs to get to the top of the pagoda. If you stop to take a break during your climb, make sure you turn around to take in the scenery behind you. From the top, you will experience a stunning view of Mount Fuji from the observation deck provided while vying for the perfect picture spot among the dozens of other tourists.

Views from Chureito Pagoda in February

Glamping

After leaving Chureito Pagoda, I hopped back on the train and headed to Lake Kawaguchi, the last stop on the Fujikyu Railway. The Air Bnb I booked offered shuttle service to and from the train station, so once I arrived at Lake Kawaguchi, I had about thirty minutes before my scheduled shuttle time. I walked to Lawson’s nearby to stock up on snacks and watch as tourists lined up to take photos with Mount Fuji directly behind the Lawson’s.

The ride up to the Glamping site was only fifteen minutes from the train station, and upon arrival, I was greeted by friendly staff who showed me to my campsite and gave me a brief tour. A private toilet was located at my site just outside of my dome-shaped tent, and the showers were a quick walk up the hill. The shower trailer provided all amenities, including hot water in the shower, a heater for those colder winter days, and even a hair dryer. There was also a heater in my tent, which was much needed when temperatures dropped into the 20s that evening.

Because the campsite is farther from town, they encourage you to stock up on supplies before arriving, especially if you do not have a car. They offer dinner and breakfast sets you can add on before your stay (and pay for via cash on arrival), so I opted for their winter pot for dinner and a breakfast sandwich with coffee for the following day. Both meals came with all the ingredients in a cooler at my campsite, cooking instructions, and cooking instruments.

Sunset at Lake Kawaguchi

Looking out from the kitchen at my Glamping site at Lake Kawaguchi. The kitchen included a grill, pots, pans, utensils and various other cooking necessities.

The views of Mount Fuji were breathtaking. I journaled for days leading up to this trip writing my hopes to have clear views since I had only had one night there. My wish was granted, and I spent the evening watching a beautiful sunset by a fire, enjoying my winter hot pot while sipping local Japanese red wine.

I woke to a frosty morning to watch the sunrise and was immediately grateful for the thick fleece blankets and hot coffee provided.

I enjoyed a slow morning watching the sunrise, journaling and taking in the silence.

From the camping site you can see down to Lake Kawaguchi

If you plan a trip to Japan, I recommend adding Lake Kawaguchiko to your itinerary. The views of Mount Fuji were some of the best, and if you love to camp and be outdoors, within walking distance to the campsite is Mother Shirakak waterfall and Tenku no Torii, where you can stand inside the Tori gate and take photos with Fuji in the background. I used this stop on my trip to relax and unwind in nature and didn’t do much other than that.

Other nearby activities to do in Lake Kawaguchi:

1) Oishi Park

2) Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

3) Fuji Q Highland Theme Park

4) Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

5) Kubota Itchiku Art Museum

Info

Accomodation: QOO house

Train Line: From Tokyo, JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, switch to Fujikyu Railway, last stop at Lake Kawaguchiko.

Luggage Lockers: Plenty of coin lockers on site and at other buildings nearby. The lockers only take 100 yen coins at this location.