A lakeside flower park on the north shore of Kawaguchiko, famous for views of Mt. Fuji across the water. During the "Kawaguchiko Herb Festival" in late June to mid-July, lavender blooms create a stunning foreground against the mountain. For a reflected Mt. Fuji on the lake surface, aim for the calm, early morning hours. Free admission, open year-round.

Housed in a striking white domed building, this specialty hoto restaurant is one of Kawaguchiko's most recognizable landmarks. The signature hoto (from ¥1,210) uses house-made wide flat noodles simmered with pumpkin, daikon, carrot, and pork in Koshu miso broth. Arrive at opening time (11 am) to avoid queues, especially on weekends.

Modeled on the warships used by Takeda clan naval forces during the Sengoku period, this 25-minute cruise offers open views of Mt. Fuji from the lake. Adults ¥900, children ¥450. Departs from Kawaguchiko Kawachikoen Pier, about a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

A thatched-roof village destroyed in the 1966 typhoon and faithfully reconstructed in 2006. More than 20 farmhouses with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop house craft workshops for pottery, weaving, and washi papermaking. Irori (open hearth) dishes including regional specialties are served in some houses. Admission ¥500. The serene atmosphere of Lake Saiko combined with this rural landscape is unlike anywhere else in the five lakes.

A lava cave formed in the 864 Jogan eruption, designated as a National Natural Monument. The 151 m tunnel maintains a temperature of 0–3°C year-round, preserving natural ice columns even in summer. Visitors typically combine this with the adjacent Fugaku Wind Cave (201 m long), comparing the different lava formations. Admission ¥350 each.

The deepest of the five lakes at 121.5 m, Lake Motosuko also has the highest water clarity. The Nakanocura Pass viewpoint at 1,165 m elevation is the spot depicted on the current 1,000-yen note and former 5,000-yen note — a near-perfect reflection of Mt. Fuji in the glassy lake surface. The trail to the viewpoint takes about 20 minutes. Arrive before sunrise for the best conditions.

Yamanakako is the largest of the five lakes at 6.8 km² and the closest to Mt. Fuji. The Panorama Dai viewpoint at 1,153 m elevation on the north shore is a prime location for Diamond Fuji photography. The phenomenon — when the sun sets directly onto the summit — can be observed from mid-October to mid-November and late January to mid-February. Free parking on-site.

A 28-hectare flower park beside Yamanakako featuring seasonal blooms — tulips and rape blossoms in spring, sunflowers and zinnias in summer, and cosmos in autumn. All set against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji. The Seiryu no Yakata indoor section (paid) offers additional exhibits for rainy days. The free outdoor area alone is impressive enough to warrant a visit.

Tucked in a residential street of Fuji-Yoshida, Miura Udon consistently tops local udon master rankings. Yoshida udon is defined by its extraordinarily chewy, firm noodles — a texture born from the dry mountain climate — topped with simmered cabbage, horsemeat, fried tofu, and spicy sesame-chili condiment called 'suridane.' At ¥400–600 a bowl, it is as affordable as it is addictive. It often sells out by midday, so aim to arrive before 12 pm.