Fuji Five Lakes Driving Guide: Lake Kawaguchi to Lake Motosu Route, Fuji Subaru Line and Map

The Fuji Five Lakes area lies at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji. It has five lakes (Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, Lake Motosu and Lake Yamanaka) and the surrounding towns and villages of Fujiyoshida, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Oshino, Nishikatsura and Narusawa. From Kawaguchiko IC on the Chuo Expressway it takes about 15 minutes to reach Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchi. This page sets out a one-day loop of the four western lakes, how to see Lake Yamanaka and Oshino, and lists the roads and places to stop.

Map of the Fuji Five Lakes area

The line on the map is the route described below under "First visit: one day around the four western lakes, from Lake Kawaguchi to Lake Motosu". The numbers are places to stop: green for views and nature, blue for roadside stations (michi-no-eki). Hover over or tap a number to see its name.

Recommended drives

First visit: one day around the four western lakes, from Lake Kawaguchi to Lake Motosu

Start at Michi-no-Eki Fujiyoshida and stop at Arakurayama Sengen Park, then go on to the Momiji Corridor and Oishi Park on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi. Drive round Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, stop at Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave in the Aokigahara forest, and continue to Lake Shoji and Nakanokura Pass at Lake Motosu. Return on Route 139 past Michi-no-Eki Narusawa. The loop is about 81 km and about 1 hour 30 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and do not include traffic.

The viewpoint at Nakanokura Pass on Lake Motosu is the place with the view of Mt. Fuji that appeared on the old 1,000-yen note. Park at the Minobu Town tourist information centre (30 cars) and walk up.

Half a day: Mt. Myojin Panorama-dai at Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai

From Yamanakako IC on the Higashi-Fuji-Goko Road, you can drive up to Mt. Myojin Panorama-dai above Lake Yamanaka in about 20 minutes. The Panorama-dai car park holds only 7 standard cars, so on busy days arrive early. On the way back you can stop at Oshino Hakkai, where you use one of the private car parks around it.

To the fifth station: the Fuji Subaru Line

The Fuji Subaru Line (29.52 km) takes you by car up to the Mt. Fuji Fifth Station at 2,305 m. It takes about 40 minutes from the toll gate to the fifth station. The toll is ¥2,800 return for a standard car, and only cash and coupon tickets are accepted; ETC cannot be used. Opening hours change by month: 4:30–17:00 from 1 November and 9:00–17:00 from 16 November.

Roads you can drive

Places to stop

Views and nature

The numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

As of 24 October, Arakurayama Sengen Park and Kaneyama Falls in Fujiyoshida were just starting to turn. The Yoshida Autumn Leaves Festival runs until 8 November, and Kaneyama Falls is illuminated from sunset to 21:00.

Busy places and times

• The roads and car parks around Oishi Park have been very crowded since 13 October. You cannot park on the road or at nearby shops.
• The Momiji Corridor is busy in the daytime on weekends during the autumn leaf festival, so go before 9:00 or on a weekday morning.
• City car park P1 at Arakurayama Sengen Park is especially busy during the autumn leaf season, from late October to early December.
• The Mt. Fuji Fifth Station car park fills up in the daytime in early July and from mid to late September.

Closures and restrictions (as of 26 October)

• Until 30 October, there is a lane closure day and night on the Chuo Expressway from Otsuki IC to Uenohara IC (outbound).
• On 31 October, 10:00–13:00, the Lake Sai ring road is closed to counter-clockwise traffic for a high school ekiden relay race.
• On 13 December, for the Mt. Fuji Marathon, the Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Sai ring roads are closed section by section between 8:15 and 15:15. There are also restrictions around Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge on 12 December.
• On the Fuji Subaru Line, carry anti-slip gear in November too, to be safe.

Getting there and fuel

From the Gotemba side, join the Higashi-Fuji-Goko Road at Subashiri IC. In winter, chain control can be in force on Route 138 between Lake Yamanaka and Subashiri. On 8 February 2026, heavy snow closed both the Chuo Expressway and Route 138.

There is no official list of petrol stations, so fill up before you go up to the lakeside roads or the fifth station. The EV rapid charger is at Michi-no-Eki Narusawa.

If you don't have a car

Driving in Japan on a foreign licence needs a 1949 Geneva international driving permit or an official Japanese translation; see Driving in Japan on a Foreign License. If you are picking up a car at the airport, see Renting a Car at Haneda, Narita or Kansai Airport: Pickup and Return.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best one-day drive in the Fuji Five Lakes area?

Drive round the four western lakes: from Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchi to Nenba at Lake Sai, the ice and wind caves in the Aokigahara forest, Lake Shoji and Nakanokura Pass at Lake Motosu. It is about 81 km and about 1 hour 30 minutes of driving. Lake Yamanaka is at the eastern end, so see it on a separate half day.

Can I pay the Fuji Subaru Line with an ETC card?

No. Only cash and coupon tickets are accepted. The toll is ¥2,800 return for a standard car.

Is Lake Kawaguchi crowded in the autumn leaf season?

Yes. The Momiji Corridor is busy in the daytime on weekends during the autumn leaf festival (7–29 November), so go before 9:00 or on a weekday morning. The area around Oishi Park has been crowded since 13 October.

Can I drive to the fifth station in winter?

From January to mid-March you can almost never reach the fifth station. Over the New Year holidays it is also often not possible, and in winter you need winter tyres and chains.

Where can I see the Mt. Fuji of the old 1,000-yen note?

Nakanokura Pass at Lake Motosu. It is about 50 minutes from Kawaguchiko IC, and you walk from the Minobu Town tourist information centre car park (30 cars).

Nearby areas and guides

• Hakone Driving Guide: Lake Ashi, Owakudani and Sengokuhara Route with Map
• Japan Winter Road Closures 2026–27: Mountain Road Closing and Reopening Dates
• Driving in Japan on a Foreign License: IDP or Translation
• Renting a Car at Haneda, Narita or Kansai Airport: Pickup and Return