Lake Shoji Mount Fuji
A tranquil gem among the Fuji Five Lakes, offering unparalleled, less crowded views of Mount Fuji and its stunning reflections.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Lake Shoji Mount Fuji
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil gem among the Fuji Five Lakes, offering unparalleled, less crowded views of Mount Fuji and its stunning reflections.
"Hands down the BEST view of Mt. Fuji in the five lakes area. The whole place feels serene and is not crowded at all."
🎯 Escape the Crowds
Lake Shoji is a hidden gem, offering stunning Fuji views with fewer tourists than Kawaguchiko.
🚗 Scooter or Car Rental
Rent a scooter or car for easy exploration around the lake. Blue line bus is also an option.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Fuji Reflection
Lake Shoji
Witness the iconic, serene reflection of Mount Fuji on the tranquil waters of Lake Shoji. A truly breathtaking sight.
Tranquil Lakeside Ambiance
Lake Shoji
Experience a peaceful, less commercialized atmosphere compared to other Fuji lakes. Perfect for relaxation and nature appreciation.
Unique Fuji-San Vantage Point
Lake Shoji
Capture a picturesque shot of Mount Fuji with a 'baby mountain' in front, framed by the lake. A photographer's dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Crowds for Fuji Views
Getting to Lake Shoji
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Escape the Crowds
Lake Shoji is a hidden gem, offering stunning Fuji views with fewer tourists than Kawaguchiko.
🚗 Scooter or Car Rental
Rent a scooter or car for easy exploration around the lake. Blue line bus is also an option.
📸 Best Photo Spot
Capture Fuji with a 'baby mountain' in front, reflected in the lake. Sunset is ideal.
🏨 Stay with a View
Consider hotels like Yamadaya or Shoji Lake Hotel for waking up to Fuji views. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Escape the Crowds
Lake Shoji is a hidden gem, offering stunning Fuji views with fewer tourists than Kawaguchiko.
🚗 Scooter or Car Rental
Rent a scooter or car for easy exploration around the lake. Blue line bus is also an option.
📸 Best Photo Spot
Capture Fuji with a 'baby mountain' in front, reflected in the lake. Sunset is ideal.
🏨 Stay with a View
Consider hotels like Yamadaya or Shoji Lake Hotel for waking up to Fuji views.
🌅 Early Bird Gets Fuji
Wake up early for the best chance to see Mount Fuji clearly, as views can disappear by mid-morning.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lake Shoji for its astonishing, serene, and less commercialized views of Mount Fuji, often calling it the best vantage point. The peaceful atmosphere and picturesque reflections are highly praised, though some note it's a bit further from Kawaguchiko Station.
"This lake is the smallest among the Fuji Mountain five lakes but the now is astonishing with the surrounding mountains and lake areas. It’s quite peaceful and calming since it’s less commercialized."
World Explorer
"it was amazing to view Mt Fuji and I would plan to stay there on my next trip"
Lucy Mok
"Came here after getting a recommendation from Ito at the tokyo toyota rent a car outlet, was a beautiful place, not many tourists and could enjoy an excellent view of mount fuji."
Markus Yuen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a highway bus from Tokyo (Shibuya) to Kawaguchiko Station, then transfer to the blue line sightseeing bus which stops at Lake Shoji. Alternatively, renting a car or scooter offers more flexibility.
Yes, the roads around the lake are good and easy to navigate. Renting a scooter or car is recommended for exploring the circumference. The blue line bus also serves the area.
Absolutely! The blue line bus from Kawaguchiko Station is a convenient option for reaching Lake Shoji and other Fuji Five Lakes.
From Kawaguchiko Station, the bus ride to Lake Shoji can take approximately 40-50 minutes.
No, there are no direct train lines to Lake Shoji. You'll need to use buses from Kawaguchiko Station or other transport hubs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Shoji itself is a natural attraction and does not have an entrance fee. However, any specific activities or attractions around the lake may have their own charges.
Lake Shoji is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers or specific facilities might have limited hours.
No advance booking is required for visiting Lake Shoji itself. If you plan to stay at a hotel or ryokan, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
While there isn't a single pass for all Fuji Five Lakes, consider the Fujikyu Railway's 'Fuji Hakone Pass' if you plan to use their rail services extensively in the region.
Spring (for cherry blossoms) and Autumn (for fall foliage) offer beautiful scenery. However, clear views of Mount Fuji are possible year-round, with winter often providing the clearest skies.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around Lake Shoji offers a unique vantage point to photograph Mount Fuji with a smaller mountain in front, creating a picturesque scene. Sunset is particularly stunning.
Early mornings and late afternoons (sunset) are ideal for photography, offering soft light and the best chance for Mount Fuji to be visible and reflected in the lake.
Yes, many hotels and ryokans around Lake Shoji, such as Yamadaya Hotel and Shoji Lake Hotel, offer rooms with direct views of Mount Fuji, perfect for capturing stunning shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating Mount Fuji. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The reflection of Mount Fuji on the lake is the primary photo opportunity. The surrounding natural landscape also provides beautiful shots, especially during autumn foliage.
🍽️ 🏨 Accommodation & Dining
There are several hotels and traditional ryokans around Lake Shoji, including Yamadaya Hotel and Shoji Lake Hotel, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Dining options are primarily found within the hotels and ryokans, often featuring traditional Japanese cuisine. Some may offer breakfast with a view of Mount Fuji.
Dining options are more limited outside of the accommodations. It's advisable to check with your hotel or ryokan about their dining services.
While luxury ryokans are available, exploring options slightly further afield or looking for guesthouses might offer more budget-friendly choices. Booking in advance is key.
Staying at a ryokan offers a traditional Japanese inn experience with tatami rooms, yukata robes, and often includes exquisite kaiseki meals and onsen access.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider staying at a family-friendly ryokan that offers spacious rooms and potentially onsen facilities. While dining options might be limited to hotels, many offer kid-friendly meal choices. The drive around the lake is also manageable for families, offering scenic stops without excessive travel time.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens for expansive lake views and a telephoto lens for detailed shots of Fuji. A tripod is essential for low-light conditions and capturing sharp reflections. Exploring different viewpoints around the lake by car or scooter will yield diverse photographic opportunities.
🧘♀️ Peace Seekers & Relaxation
Staying at a ryokan with an onsen (hot spring bath) is highly recommended for ultimate relaxation. Imagine soaking in a hot spring with a view of Mount Fuji – it's an experience that truly rejuvenates the mind and body.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Serenity of Lake Shoji
This serene environment is particularly appealing to photographers and those seeking a less crowded experience. The calm waters often provide a stunning reflection of Mount Fuji, creating postcard-perfect scenes. The surrounding mountains add to the picturesque landscape, making it a rewarding destination for anyone looking to capture the essence of Japan's iconic peak without the usual tourist throngs.
+1For those who appreciate a slower pace and a more authentic connection with the landscape, Lake Shoji is an absolute must-visit. It offers a refreshing contrast to the more popular tourist spots, allowing for a more personal and memorable encounter with Mount Fuji and its surroundings.
Capturing Mount Fuji: The Shoji Lake Advantage
The optimal times for photography are undoubtedly early mornings and late afternoons. During these golden hours, the light is soft and warm, enhancing the beauty of Mount Fuji and its reflection on the lake's surface. Waking up early is crucial, as the mountain's visibility can change rapidly, and crowds tend to be minimal, allowing for unobstructed shots.
Beyond the main viewpoint, the entire circumference of Lake Shoji offers various perspectives. Renting a scooter or car provides the flexibility to stop at different points and capture the mountain from various angles, especially during sunrise or sunset. The tranquil atmosphere further enhances the photographic experience, allowing for focused composition and appreciation of the scene.
Accommodation with a Fuji View
+1These accommodations often provide a full Japanese experience, including tatami rooms, yukata robes, and delicious kaiseki meals. The opportunity to enjoy a meal or relax in an onsen while gazing at Mount Fuji is a highlight for many visitors. This immersive experience elevates the trip from a simple sightseeing tour to a deeply cultural and relaxing retreat.
+1Booking these rooms in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as they are in high demand. The added benefit of having such a spectacular view readily available makes the stay at Lake Shoji truly special and memorable.
Social
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