Oishi Park

The basics

Lake Kawaguchi and the surrounding area is a popular day-trip destination from Tokyo because, when the conditions are favorable, it’s one of the best places to catch views of Mt. Fuji—and there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied if the weather’s not cooperating. Organized tours from Tokyo typically include stops at viewpoints, temples, shrines, and outdoor spaces like Oishi Park. The park is also a lovely place to visit independently if you’re staying longer in the area.

Things to know before you go

• For the best chance of Mt. Fuji views outside the clear winter season, head to Oishi Park early in the morning, before the clouds roll in.

• There’s a large parking lot beside the park, and plenty of places to park bicycles and motorcycles, too.

• The park’s gravel paths and boardwalks are relatively accessible to travelers with strollers or wheelchairs.

How to get there

Oishi Park is on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, about a 10-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Station. Some guided tours stop here. If you’re using public transportation, take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center bus stop (in Japanese: Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsu-kan). Kawaguchiko itself is about a 2-hour drive, or 2–3-hours by train, from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station.

When to get there

Oishi Park is open 24 hours, but season is everything here. For views of Mt. Fuji, visit in the winter (November–February), when there’s less humidity and fewer clouds obscuring the views. There’s also a winter illumination event in December and January. Other floral and fruit-picking opportunities attract visitors at other times of year: tulips in April, lavender in June/July, and cherry and blueberry picking throughout summer, among others.

Stop at the Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace

Right beside Oishi Park is Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace, a shopping and dining complex that’s also worth checking out when you’re in this area. You can grab a drink, ice cream, or other snack in one of the cafés, and shop for high-quality Japanese gifts, such as tea, textiles, and handmade paper.