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Yamanashi 💧 Lakes & falls 📷 10

Lake Shōji

精進湖

Water scenery — lakes, gorges and falls that reset the pace of a trip.

See the photos How to get there Open in Maps
Best season May–June (fresh green) and October–November (autumn colour)
Time needed 1–3 hours
Admission Usually free; boat rides roughly ¥1,000–2,000 (≈ $6–13)
Opening hours Open access; boats typically 9:00–16:00

Photos

Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.

What this place is

Lake Shōji (精進湖, Shōji-ko) is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan.Lake Shōji is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area, and third deepest, with a maximum water depth of 15.2 metres (50 ft).Its surface elevation of 900 metres (3,000 ft) is the same as that of Lake Motosu and Lake Sai, confirming that these three lakes were originally a single lake, which was divided into three by an enormous lava flow from Mount Fuji during an eruption from 864-868 AD.The remnants of the lava flow are now under the Aokigahara Jukai Forest, and there is evidence to indicate that these three lakes remain connected by underground waterways.The lake is within the borders of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Why it is worth the trip

  • Clear water that changes colour with the light, from deep blue in summer to jade after rain.
  • Walkways, bridges and viewpoints built right along the water so the scenery unfolds as you move.
  • Reflections of surrounding peaks and forest on calm mornings — the classic postcard shot.

What you can do here

  • Walk the riverside or lakeshore promenade; most routes are flat and clearly signposted.
  • Take a sightseeing boat or rent a rowboat, canoe or SUP where the water is calm.
  • Photograph at golden hour, when low light makes the surface glow and crowds have thinned.
  • Stop at a lookout café or rest house for local sweets with a water view.

Getting there

We do not have step-by-step transit directions for this spot yet. Open the location on Google Maps for routes from where you are staying.

Area: Yamanashi

Route on Google Maps

Good to know before you go

  • Paths near falls stay wet and slippery — wear shoes with grip, not sandals.
  • Water volume peaks after rain and during snowmelt; the falls are far more dramatic then.
  • Boat services shrink or stop in winter, so check the seasonal timetable before travelling.

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