Best Time to Visit Lake Kawaguchi
Mid-April to May and early to mid-November are the best times to travel to Lake Kawaguchi. Overall, the average rainy days per month of the year are all many. But, the rainy days in April, May, and November are fewer and more bearable than many other months. As for temperature, during these two periods, it is not too cold or too hot, thus suitable for traveling. Additionally, the Lake during the time is picturesque: the lakeside is decorated by beautiful blooming flowers in April and May, especially Sakura in April; in November, the maple leaves come into peak season.
See more about Lake Kawaguchi Weather
December - Next February: Best Time to Watch Mount Fuji
From December to next February, there is always snow on Fuji’s summit. Many sunny days in Lake Kawaguchi contribute to a high chance of seeing the mountain. You can take the Panoramic Ropeway and Kawaguchiko Cruise, or walk along the north bank of the Lake to appreciate the mountain.Note that it is chilly in the 3 months, and wear warm clothes if you come here in 2025.
April: Lake Kawaguchi’s Sakura Peak Season
Cherry blossoms in Lake Kawaguchi bloom in late March, but the flowers' peak season comes in April. In the warm climate, it is advised to go to Arakurayama Sengen Park to appreciate the blossoms and participate in the Sakura Festival this month.
Lake Kawaguchi Sakura Season
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Early July – Early September: Mt. Fuji Climbing Season
Hikers on Mount Fuji
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Note that July to September is struck by much rainfall and occasional typhoons. Hiking may be influenced if that happens. For example, hiking trails would be closed if a typhoon occurs. So keep an eye on the weather forecast if you have related plans.
November: Lake Kawaguchi’s Red Leaves Peak Season
From late October, with the gradual temperature drop, the maple leaves around Lake Kawaguchi begin to change colors from green to yellow. In November, the leaves usually turn red completely. To appreciate red leaves, go to the Maple Leaves Corridor, where the walking trail is surrounded by yellow ginkgo leaves and burning red maple leaves.FAQs
1. Can I still see the classic snowcapped Mount Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi in March?
Definitely. Generally, the snow on Fuji’s summit doesn’t melt completely until the end of May, and the snowcap forms again from early October. However, March has much rainfall, and the chance of seeing Fuji is much lower than in winter from December to next February.2. What’s the cheapest time to visit Lake Kawaguchi?
Usually, the cheapest travel time is also the shoulder season. Lake Kawaguchi’s shoulder season overlaps with Japan’s off season. As long as you avoid New Year Holiday from late December to early January, Sakura peak season in April, and Golden Week from late April to early May, the northern hemisphere’s summer holiday in July and August, and red leaves peak season around November, it is cheap to travel to Lake Kawaguchi.Tips for Traveling to Lake Kawaguchi
1. Influenced by much rainfall from June to mid-July and more frequent typhoons in August and September, the Panoramic Ropeway and Kawaguchiko Cruise may stop running. If this occurs, it is suggested to visit indoor attractions, and Lake Kawaguchi has many art and musical museums worth visiting.2. It is easy to snow heavily from January to March, and it may paralyze the Kawaguchiko - Tokyo buses and trains.
3. From November to next February, it gets dark early around 16:00 and 17:00. Don’t arrange too many attractions within 1 day.
