Kawaguchiko Onsen is a new hot spring resort that only opened in 1992. In addition to its spectacular location overlooking Mt. Fuji, you can enjoy chloride springs and sulfate springs.

In this article, we will explain everything about Kawaguchiko Onsen, including its location, the quality of the spring water, sightseeing in the area, and even how to get there for foreign tourists. We hope you will enjoy your trip to Kawaguchiko Onsen after reading this article.

Kawaguchiko Onsen is located in Yamanashi Prefecture! What is its appeal?

A spectacular location overlooking Mt. Fuji

Kawaguchiko Onsen is located in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, and spreads out on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. From an elevation of about 830m, on clear days the beautiful and towering Mt. Fuji is reflected on the lake's surface, and the great attraction is being able to fully enjoy the majestic scenery. Although it is a relatively new hot spring resort that opened in 1992, it has attracted many domestic and international travelers thanks to the advantage of being in the Kawaguchiko area, which was already a highly developed tourist destination.

A fusion of traditional Japanese hot spring culture and resort experiences

Kawaguchiko Onsen has a wide variety of accommodation options, from traditional Japanese inns to modern resort hotels. As the number of tourists from overseas increases, the number of facilities offering multilingual support, including English, is increasing year by year, strengthening its role as an international hot spring resort.

Another attraction is that, because it is a place with a close view of Mount Fuji, a World Heritage Site, you can enjoy the grandeur of nature and Japan's traditional hot spring culture at the same time. In addition to the beauty of the scenery that changes with the seasons, there is also a wide variety of food and cultural experiences, making it easy for even first-time visitors to plan their trip.

What is the quality of the springs at Lake Kawaguchi Onsen? The effects of chloride springs and sulfate springs

Refresh your mind and body with heat retention and skin-beautifying effects

One of the reasons why Kawaguchiko Onsen is so popular is that it has both chloride and sulfate springs. Chloride springs have similar ingredients to seawater and are highly heat-retaining, meaning that water doesn't cool down easily. On the other hand, sulfate springs are said to improve blood circulation and metabolism, and have the potential to improve skin condition. Hot springs that combine these two spring qualities are rare even in Japan, so you can enjoy both beauty and relaxation at the same time.

The rarity of this volcanic region is the secret to its popularity

The terrain around Mount Fuji was formed over many years by volcanic activity, and the hot springs pumped up from 1,500 meters underground contain a wide variety of minerals. Experts say that the geological structure with the dual hot spring characteristics is rare and is considered to be of great geological interest.

A must-visit tourist spot around Kawaguchiko Onsen!

Fuji-Q Highland and Oishi Park

If you come to Kawaguchiko Onsen, you can't miss Fuji-Q Highland, a treasure trove of thrilling rides. With a wide range of attractions including world-famous roller coasters, character collaboration facilities, and children's attractions, it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from families to couples.

On the other hand, for those who want to enjoy nature, Oishi Park is recommended. The combination of lavender, which blooms from June to July, and Mt. Fuji is truly a spectacular sight. The clear air and beautiful purple flower fields are perfect for social media.

Exquisite local cuisine "Hoto" and "Yoshida Udon"

"Houtou" is an essential local dish in Yamanashi Prefecture, and its miso-based soup made with plenty of pumpkin and root vegetables will warm your body and soul. The chewy texture of the flat noodles and the rich flavor of the miso will have you hooked once you try it.

"Yoshida Udon" is a local gourmet dish that originated in Fujiyoshida City. It is characterized by punchy toppings such as horse meat and cabbage, and strong, chewy noodles, and is loved by locals as an everyday dish. It is also popular with foreign travelers, as it is priced at a reasonable price that tourists can easily enjoy.

Friendly to overseas tourists! How to get there from the airport

Arrive comfortably from Narita or Haneda via direct bus and train

To get to Kawaguchiko Onsen, there is an express bus from Narita International Airport, which takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The number of buses may vary depending on the season, so it is best to check the timetable in advance. If you have heavy luggage, a direct bus will be more comfortable with fewer transfers.

From Haneda Airport, the most common route is to go to Shinjuku Station and then take the Fujikyuko Bus or JR Chuo Line (via Otsuki Station). The total travel time is approximately 3 hours. The various forms of transportation are relatively well-established, so even first-time visitors will have little trouble finding their way around.

Community buses and rental bicycles are also convenient for local transportation.

If you're traveling around the Kawaguchiko area, we recommend using the community buses operated for tourists or the hotel's free shuttle buses. You can get around the main spots around the lake efficiently, so you can reduce the hassle of traveling. In addition, if you rent an electrically assisted bicycle, you can go around the tourist spots at your own pace while feeling the breeze. It's easy to maneuver, so it's fun to find your own little-known spot.

When using taxis, multilingual taxi dispatch apps have been introduced, making it possible to communicate in English, Chinese, Korean, etc. This makes it easy for tourists from overseas to travel without having to worry about language barriers.

Tips for enjoying Lake Kawaguchi Onsen

Enjoy a luxurious stay with a variety of accommodation plans

As of 2025, there are more than 30 inns and hotels in operation, offering a variety of stay styles, from enjoying the comfort of tatami mats at a Japanese-style inn to a resort-style hotel with beauty treatments and a hot spring pool. Barrier-free access and pet-friendly facilities are on the rise, making it suitable for families and a wide range of needs.

For breakfast and dinner, each facility offers its own unique menu, such as banquet cuisine or buffet style meals that make use of local ingredients. High-class inns with rooms that have open-air baths overlooking Mt. Fuji are also popular, making them perfect for anniversary trips or stays on special occasions.

Experience the spectacular views of Mt. Fuji that change with the seasons

Around Kawaguchiko Onsen, the appearance of Mt. Fuji changes with the seasons, revealing an entirely different face.

Spring: The combination of cherry blossoms in full bloom and Mt. Fuji is something you definitely can't miss.

Summer: Refresh with the view of Mt. Fuji and the lakeside against the backdrop of fresh greenery and blue skies.

Autumn: The colorful scenery created by the autumn leaves and Mt. Fuji is a spectacular sight that is worth seeing at least once.

Winter: In the clear air, there are more opportunities to see the silvery white glittering Mount Fuji.

It's a special feeling to enjoy such beautiful natural scenery after warming your body in the hot springs. If you learn how to enjoy it in each season, you'll be able to experience something new no matter how many times you visit.

summary

Kawaguchiko Onsen, located in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, opened in 1992 and has been attracting attention as a rare hot spring that offers the double effect of chloride springs and sulfate springs. It has great benefits for both those who want to relieve body chills and fatigue and those who want to improve their skin, and the location overlooking Mt. Fuji offers a spectacular view, making it a popular spot visited by many travelers from both Japan and abroad.

There are many tourist attractions in the area, such as Fuji-Q Highland, Oishi Park, and Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, and it can be reached in about 3 hours by express bus or train from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. Why not experience the extraordinary healing and excitement of this place where the majesty of Mt. Fuji and hot spring culture come together?

Please come and enjoy a special time at Kawaguchiko Onsen.