On January 12, 2026, the weather was clear. Today, I embarked on my first pilgrimage of 2026.

At first, my friends guessed I was going on a pilgrimage to "Laid-Back Camp," but I actually went to "Room Camp."

Bet you didn't see that coming!

How to Get to Lake Kawaguchi

From Tokyo, there are several ways to reach Lake Kawaguchi:

• Limited Express Train
• Highway Bus
• Local Train

Each method has its pros and cons.

The most comfortable option is the Limited Express Train.

Take the FUJI EXCURSION from Shinjuku, and you'll arrive in 1 hour and 53 minutes.

However, the downsides are fewer departures, tickets are hard to get on holidays, and the fare is a bit expensive.

Next is the Highway Bus.

From Shinjuku, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Lake Kawaguchi, with ample ticket availability and reasonable prices.

The downside is the risk of traffic jams, and the ride is not as comfortable as the Limited Express Train.

Finally, there's the Local Train.

This is generally a last resort because the travel time is very long.

But it has its advantages: flexible timing, no need for advance reservations or strict scheduling—you can go whenever you want.

This time, I chose to take the Highway Bus from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi.

Lake Kawaguchi Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The first thing after arriving at Lake Kawaguchi was to head to the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway ticket office.

I have to complain: I bought tickets online for convenience, but I still had to queue with other passengers at the ticket window to exchange them 😅.

I bought a combo ticket for the sightseeing boat and round-trip ropeway, which was a bit more economical.

After waiting in line for over ten minutes to exchange the tickets, it was time to wait for my number to be called.

Since there are often many tourists on holidays, you must be prepared to queue for over an hour.

The queue has two stages. The first stage is waiting for your number to be called to enter the ropeway center; during this time, you can do other things outside.

The second stage is entering the ropeway center and queuing for the actual ropeway ride.

After an hour of waiting, I was finally about to board the ropeway!

According to the anime, there should be statues of a raccoon dog and a rabbit on the ropeway.

But when I rode it, those statues had been removed. I wonder why.

Unlike the anime, the ropeway car was packed with people, almost like a rush-hour train.

Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park

After taking the ropeway to Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park, the view of Mount Fuji was spectacular.

In the distance, you can see the famous amusement park at the foot of Mount Fuji—Fuji-Q Highland.

It features world-class roller coasters and what is said to be the scariest haunted house hospital.

I had the chance to go there over a decade ago, but I felt that horror-themed amusement parks aren't for me 😅.

A close-up of Mount Fuji.

The sea of trees at the foot of the mountain.

In the distance, you can also see a range of snow-covered mountains.

Raccoon Dog Teahouse

I want to warm up too!

It was lunchtime, so I ordered the same rice dumplings as in the anime.

I also got a curry bun.

In the middle of winter, basking in the sun, eating warm food, and gazing at Mount Fuji—all worries and stress melt away.

Takeda Shingen's Sengoku Plaza - Scenic Observation Deck

Walking a bit further up, there is another platform to enjoy the view of Mount Fuji.

Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat Appare

After viewing Mount Fuji and having a good meal, I prepared to descend and take the sightseeing boat.

You can enjoy the beautiful Lake Kawaguchi from the boat.

Boats depart every 30 minutes on average, and each ride lasts about 20 minutes.

Viewing Mount Fuji from the boat is another experience.

Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge

After the boat ride, I crossed the famous Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge over Lake Kawaguchi.

You can choose to bike here, but I prefer walking.

Scenery along the way to Oishi Park

The scenery along the way is exceptionally beautiful.

Dreamy Kawaguchiko Cottage Tozawa Center

On the way, you'll encounter the campsite featured in the movie Laid-Back Camp.

Oishi Park

Walking and taking photos along the way, I arrived at Oishi Park after about an hour.

So many people!

In the middle of winter, first a local specialty ice cream.

It's a combination ice cream of two types of grapes.

Check out the local fruit prices.

Near Kawaguchiko Station

After visiting Oishi Park, I took a bus back to Kawaguchiko Station.

Night had already fallen.

Although I didn't get to ride the express train this time, I still took a photo.

Onsen Musume inside the station.

Lawson Convenience Store at the foot of Mount Fuji

Since I'm here, I might as well check in at the famous Instagram-worthy spot.

Houtou Fudo

It's almost dinner time.

Since I'm at Lake Kawaguchi, let's try the local specialty cuisine!

The noodles are chewy, and the vegetables are abundant.

It might not look it in the photo, but the portion is quite large.

The bowl has a bit of an antique feel.

End of the Trip

As night fully sets in,

today's trip to Lake Kawaguchi comes to an end.

Looking back, choosing a good weather day to come to Lake Kawaguchi and see Mount Fuji all day is indeed a great choice!