Lake Motosu
Lake One of Fuji Five Lakes with Mount Fuji views
One of Yamanashi’s Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Motosu offers clear views of Mount Fuji, camping, fishing and lakeside photo spots favoured by photographers chasing seasonal reflections.
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Lake Motosu is one of the Fuji Five Lakes located in Yamanashi Prefecture at the northwest foot of Mount Fuji. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and forms part of the scenic and recreational area around Mount Fuji.
The lake offers recreational boating, angling and shoreline trails, and is valued for viewpoints that include clear vistas of Mount Fuji from several points on the lake’s shore. It is used seasonally by visitors to the Mount Fuji region.
The lake and surrounding lakeshore developed as leisure and tourism destinations in the 20th century as access to the Mount Fuji area improved; they are now integrated into regional outdoor recreation planning.
Lake Motosu lies on the western side of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture; the lake’s location places it among the cluster of lakes commonly visited from Fujikawaguchiko and other adjacent towns. Coordinates place it at latitude 35.46259, longitude 138.58278.
- Fuji views: One of the five lakes at the northern foothills of Mount Fuji and a noted spot for views of Mount Fuji from the lake's northern shore on clear days.
How to Get to Lake Motosu #
Lake Motosu is accessible from Kawaguchiko or Fujikawaguchiko by local road (around 30-60 minutes by car). Buses connect from Kawaguchiko Station; driving gives the most flexibility, especially for early morning visits.
Tips for Visiting Lake Motosu #
- Hike the trail to the Mt. Fuji reflection points early in the morning for the best chance of clear reflections.
- Combine with visits to nearby Fuji Five Lakes attractions to create a fuller day.
- Avoid weekends if possible-local day-trippers from Tokyo can make the area much busier.
Best Time to Visit Lake Motosu #
Spring and autumn for clearer skies and reflections of Mount Fuji; mornings best for calm water.
Weather & Climate near Lake Motosu #
Lake Motosu's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1518 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (223 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
