Lake Saiko
Tranquil Lake Saiko, part of the Fuji Five Lakes, offers serene Mt. Fuji views, a traditional village, and outdoor adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, best Fuji views
Lake Saiko
Best Time
Clear skies, best Fuji views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil Lake Saiko, part of the Fuji Five Lakes, offers serene Mt. Fuji views, a traditional village, and outdoor adventures.
"Exploring the Fuji area by car leads you to breathtaking, less touristy spots like Lake Saiko."
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
A car is best for exploring Lake Saiko's hidden spots and scenic drives.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Fuji
Visit before 9 AM for the clearest Mt. Fuji views; clouds often obscure it later.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Saiko Views
Serene lake offering picturesque reflections of Mt. Fuji, especially during sunrise. A peaceful escape.
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba
Western shore of Lake Saiko
A charming traditional Japanese village with thatched-roof houses, offering cultural immersion and Fuji views.
PICA Fuji Saiko Lake Campsite
Lake Saiko shore
Ideal spot for camping with direct lake access and opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Fuji Views
Getting Around Lake Saiko
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
A car is best for exploring Lake Saiko's hidden spots and scenic drives.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Fuji
Visit before 9 AM for the clearest Mt. Fuji views; clouds often obscure it later.
🏕️ Camping by the Lake
PICA Fuji Saiko Lake campsite offers a great nature experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Iyashi no Sato
Wander through this traditional village for culture and stunning Fuji backdrops. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
A car is best for exploring Lake Saiko's hidden spots and scenic drives.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Fuji
Visit before 9 AM for the clearest Mt. Fuji views; clouds often obscure it later.
🏕️ Camping by the Lake
PICA Fuji Saiko Lake campsite offers a great nature experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Iyashi no Sato
Wander through this traditional village for culture and stunning Fuji backdrops.
🎒 Pack Essentials
Limited stores around the lake; bring your own food and drinks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Saiko for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, offering a less crowded alternative to other Fuji Five Lakes. The stunning views of Mt. Fuji, especially during sunrise, and the charming traditional village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba are frequently highlighted. However, some note the limited dining and shopping options directly around the lake.
"Exploring the Fuji area by car leads you to breathtaking, less touristy spots like Lake Saiko. We drove around the lake and discovered so many stunning hidden gems along the way!"
W K
"A simple place, without many attractions besides the stunning view of Mount Fuji.
The best time of year to visit is in the winter."
Fran Yamamoto
"One of the best place to visit .... full of natural beauty!!!! Best lake in japan !!!! Highly recommended this place !!!!"
BIJAYA ACHARYA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Lake Saiko is by car, offering the most flexibility. You can also take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to the Lake Saiko area, though routes are less frequent.
Yes, Lake Saiko can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo, especially if you rent a car or join a guided tour that includes stops at various Fuji Five Lakes.
Renting a car or a bicycle is highly recommended for exploring Lake Saiko and its surroundings, as public transportation is limited.
While there are buses connecting to the general Fuji Five Lakes area, direct bus routes specifically circling Lake Saiko are infrequent. A car offers much more freedom.
By car, it typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Lake Saiko from Tokyo, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Saiko itself is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance fee. However, specific attractions like Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba have their own admission fees.
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba is typically open from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Yes, PICA Fuji Saiko Lake campsite requires booking and payment for overnight stays. Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation and season.
Yes, walking or cycling around the perimeter of Lake Saiko is free of charge.
Discounts are sometimes available through tour packages or specific promotions. It's worth checking Klook or similar travel platforms for potential deals.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the stunning Mt. Fuji views, explore the traditional village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, go camping at PICA Fuji Saiko Lake campsite, or hike the surrounding trails.
Absolutely! Lake Saiko offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset, with Mt. Fuji as a majestic backdrop.
Yes, there are hiking routes starting from the lake, offering opportunities to explore the forested hills and enjoy nature.
Swimming is generally not recommended in Lake Saiko due to its natural state and potential currents. It's more suited for boating and fishing.
It's a picturesque traditional Japanese village with thatched-roof houses, rebuilt after a landslide, offering cultural experiences and views of Mt. Fuji.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options directly around Lake Saiko are limited. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks or dine in Kawaguchiko town before heading to the lake.
Yes, Lake Saiko is a great spot for picnics. There are scenic areas along the lake where you can enjoy your meal with a view.
Yes, Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba has cafes where you can enjoy refreshments and snacks while taking in the village atmosphere.
Expect simple, local fare if you find dining options. Many visitors opt for convenience store snacks or meals from Kawaguchiko.
There are very few stores directly around Lake Saiko, so it's best to stock up on food and drinks before you arrive.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing Mt. Fuji and the lake. Early mornings are also best for clear, cloud-free views.
The entire shoreline offers beautiful views. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba provides a unique village perspective, and any spot with an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji is ideal.
Yes, Lake Saiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and offers excellent opportunities to photograph Mt. Fuji, especially when the weather is clear.
While the entire lake is scenic, look for clearings along the shore or elevated spots within Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba for postcard-perfect shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating Mt. Fuji.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While direct swimming isn't advised, camping at PICA Fuji Saiko Lake campsite can be a memorable family adventure. Renting bikes for a leisurely ride along the lake (though be mindful of bumpy sections) can also be fun. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options are scarce.
🚗 Road Trippers & Cyclists
Cyclists will find the journey around the lake rewarding, though be prepared for some uneven road surfaces. The tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it a perfect route for a leisurely ride, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. The ability to stop at various points along the shore for photos or a break enhances the experience.
📸 Photographers
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba offers unique compositions with its traditional architecture set against the majestic Fuji backdrop. Don't overlook the lake's shoreline; various points provide different perspectives, reflections, and opportunities for capturing the serene beauty of the water. Experiment with wide-angle lenses for grand landscapes and telephoto lenses to isolate the mountain.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fuji Five Lakes: An Overview
While Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible and developed, Lake Saiko offers a more serene and less crowded experience. It's the second smallest of the five lakes and is known for its clear waters, surrounding forests, and the picturesque traditional village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. The area around Lake Saiko is also popular for camping and outdoor activities, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Exploring the Fuji Five Lakes is best done with a car, allowing you to easily hop between the different bodies of water and discover hidden viewpoints. Many visitors combine a visit to Lake Saiko with stops at other lakes or nearby attractions like Oshino Hakkai or the Chureito Pagoda for a comprehensive Fuji experience.
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba: A Glimpse into Traditional Japan
+2Each house in the village has been repurposed to showcase different aspects of traditional Japanese life and crafts. Visitors can find workshops where they can try their hand at crafts like pottery or dyeing, enjoy local snacks and tea in charming cafes, or simply admire the architecture and the stunning backdrop of Mt. Fuji. The village is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season or autumn, when the natural scenery complements the rustic charm of the houses.
+1Iyashi no Sato is an excellent alternative for those who find the famous Shirakawa-go too far to visit. It provides a tangible connection to Japan's rural heritage and offers a peaceful, scenic environment that is perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
Camping and Outdoor Adventures at Lake Saiko
Beyond camping, the area around Lake Saiko is ideal for cycling and hiking. While some of the roads can be bumpy, the scenic routes offer rewarding vistas and a chance to explore the forested hills. The lake itself is also suitable for activities like fishing and boating, allowing visitors to experience the natural environment up close.
When planning an outdoor adventure, remember that amenities directly around the lake are sparse. It's crucial to come prepared with all necessary supplies, including food, water, and camping gear, as stores are limited.
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