3 Days in Kawaguchiko: Onsen Delights & Autumn Foliage Splendor (Easy Access from Tokyo!)

Kawaguchiko (河口湖) is famous for its unparalleled views of Mount Fuji, its serene lake, onsen ryokan, and its role as a gateway for Mount Fuji climbers. Being less than two hours away by train from Shinjuku Station makes it the perfect getaway from Tokyo, specially in Autumn with red leaves everywhere! Its rich history and breathtaking natural landscapes make it a cherished destination for travelers seeking both tranquility and adventure.

Outline

• Preparation for the trip - passport, transportation, time zone, currency, weather

• 3-day itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kawaguchiko -> Lunch at Sanrokuen -> Check in at onsen hotel -> Onsen -> Kaiseiki dinner with A5 wagyu

  • Day 2: Japanese breakfast at hotel -> Maple Corridor -> Stroll around the lake -> Afternoon tea -> Onsen -> Shabu Shabu dinner with A5 wagyu

  • Day 3: Japanese breakfast at hotel -> Check out from the onsen hotel -> Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway -> head back to Tokyo

Preparation for the trip

• Passport - US citizens can visit Japan without a visa for up to 3 months at a time. It is not a written requirement to have six months passport validity but I would recommend to have that to be safe for all international travels in general.

• Transportation - There are direct trains from the Shinjuku Station that can get you to Kawaguchiko Station in less than two hours. The train one-way costs ¥2,200, which is about $15 USD as of September 2023.

• Time zone: Japan Standard Time

• Currency: Japanese Yen

• Weather - Kawaguchiko is beautiful year-round but Spring and Autumn are considered the best because of the cherry blossoms in Spring and the fall foliage in Autumn.

Spring (March to May):

• Spring in Kawaguchiko is generally cool and pleasant.

• Average temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) in March to 17°C (63°F) in May.

• Cherry blossoms (sakura) usually bloom in April, making it a popular time to visit the area.

Summer (June to August):

• Summer in Kawaguchiko can be warm and humid.

• Average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in June to 24°C (75°F) in August.

• This is a popular time for outdoor activities and hiking around Mount Fuji.

Autumn (September to November):

• Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Kawaguchiko due to the changing foliage.

• Average temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) in September to 11°C (52°F) in November.

• The fall foliage (koyo) is especially stunning in October and November. You can check the forecast for the fall foliage every year for the peak foliage time.

Winter (December to February):

• Winter in Kawaguchiko is cold and can bring snowfall.

• Average temperatures range from 2°C (36°F) in December to 4°C (39°F) in February.

• The area may be covered in snow, creating a picturesque winter landscape.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Escape to Kawaguchiko

• Morning: Depart from Shinjuku Station for Kawaguchiko via train.

• Enjoy a delightful lunch at Sanrokuen, savoring grilled fish and scallops in a unique irori-style setting and sipping on some hot sake by the grill. Tip: I would highly recommend making a reservation the first day you arrive in Japan just to be safe. I made the mistake of not having a reservation and ended up waiting for almost two hours.

• Check-in at the onsen ryokan and relish the onsen experience at the hotel.

• Delight in a delicious kaiseiki dinner with A5 Wagyu grilled beef at the Ubuya hotel and wind down with another onsen session after a day of traveling.

Day 2: Nature, Art, and Relaxation

• Savor an authentic Japanese breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your day.

• Experience the breathtaking beauty of the 河口湖もみじ回廊 (Momiji Kairo), the Maple Corridor, as you immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of maple leaves.

• Take a leisurely walk around the Lake Kawaguchi.

• Treat yourself to a delightful afternoon tea in Kawaguchiko's charming downtown area.

• Return to the onsen hotel for a rejuvenating onsen session before dinner. Tip: The onsen hotels usually have 2 dinner time slots for you to choose from and I like to pick the later one so I can enjoy the public onsen with more privacy when others are having their early dinner.

• Indulge in a delightful A5 Wagyu shabu shabu dinner at the hotel, savoring the final evening in Kawaguchiko.

• Optional: If time allows in the daytime, consider a visit to the enchanting Music Box Forest Museum and/or Oishi Park, reachable via the red bus line.

Day 3: Farewell to Kawaguchiko

• Begin your day with another authentic Japanese breakfast at the hotel and relish your last moments at the onsen before checking out.

• Head to Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway by taking the tram. Marvel at the stunning view of Mount Fuji and the captivating maple leaves.

• Bid farewell to the tranquil beauty of Kawaguchiko and depart from Kawaguchiko to head back to Tokyo.

Note

• I usually like to stay for two nights when I visit any onsen towns to fully experience the place and not feel rushed. However, if you don't have enough time or would like to be conscious on the budget, spending just one night is perfectly fine and will still be an amazing experience!