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Yamanashi ⛰ Mountain 📷 10

Saiko Lake

西湖 (富士五湖)

High ground with alpine air, big views and trails for every level.

See the photos How to get there Open in Maps
Best season Late May–October (autumn colour peaks Sep–Oct at altitude)
Time needed Half a day
Admission Free to hike; ropeway roughly ¥1,000–3,000 return (≈ $6–19)
Opening hours Ropeways typically 9:00–16:30, weather permitting

Photos

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

What this place is

Western Lake (西湖, Saiko), sometimes Saiko, is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan.It is the fourth of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area, and second deepest, with a maximum water depth of 71.1 metres (233 ft).Its surface elevation of 900 metres (3,000 ft) is the same as for Lake Motosu and Lake Shōji, confirming that these three lakes were originally a single lake, which was divided by an enormous lava flow from Mount Fuji during an eruption from 864 to 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.Saiko has no natural drainage, but an artificial channel now connects it to Lake Kawaguchi.

Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Why it is worth the trip

  • Panoramas that open up above the treeline — on clear days you can trace whole valleys and distant ranges.
  • Vegetation that changes with altitude, from cedar forest to alpine flowers within a single climb.
  • Ropeways, toll roads or mountain buses that put the scenery within reach of casual visitors, not just hikers.

What you can do here

  • Ride the ropeway or mountain bus to the upper station and walk the easy loop trail at the top.
  • Photograph the sea of clouds or sunrise — early morning is usually the clearest window.
  • Hike a marked course matched to your time and fitness; most trailheads post an estimated round-trip time.
  • Combine the visit with a nearby hot spring to finish the day.

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

  • Temperature drops roughly 0.6°C per 100 m of elevation — bring a windproof layer even in summer.
  • Mountain transport stops early and pauses in winter or bad weather; check the last downhill service.
  • Bring cash: summit shops and mountain huts often have no card readers or signal.

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