Lake Motosu

#52 among destinations in Japan

Nature, Natural attraction, Lake

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Yamanashi Prefecture, Lake Motosu is a serene and picturesque destination in Japan that beckons nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This tranquil body of water is one of the Fuji Five Lakes, known for their stunning views of Mount Fuji, and has a profound cultural and natural significance.

Spanning approximately 4.7 square kilometers, Lake Motosu boasts crystal-clear waters that mirror the iconic image of Mount Fuji on its surface on calm days. At a depth of 140 meters, it is the deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes, and its high visibility makes it a popular spot for scuba diving and fishing. The lake is also a favored location for camping, hiking, and enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness.

The lake's beauty is immortalized on the reverse side of the 1,000 yen note and is a testament to its status as a symbol of Japan's natural splendor. Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, including boating and kayaking, while taking in the breathtaking views of Japan's highest peak.

Lake Motosu is not only a destination for leisure but also holds historical significance. It was at this site that the Treaty of Lake Motosu was signed in 1912, which aimed to preserve the natural environment around Mount Fuji.

Local name: 本栖湖 Area: 1.81 mi²Maximum depth: 399 ftElevation: 2940 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°27'50"N, 138°35'6"E

Location

YamanashiJapan

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Day trips

Lake Motosu – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Fugaku Wind Cave, Narusawa Ice Cave, Lake Sai Bat Cave, Aokigahara.

4.2 miE
Cave
Fugaku Wind Cave, Fujikawaguchiko
107 min walk • Nestled in the picturesque town of Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, the Fugaku Wind Cave offers a unique natural attraction that beckons tourists from around the globe. Known in Japanese as "Fugaku Fuketsu," this scenic spot showcases the geological wonders shaped by the forces...
4.7 miE
Natural attraction, Geologic formation, Park
Narusawa Ice Cave
120 min walk • Nestled within the lush forests of the Fuji Five Lakes region, the Narusawa Ice Cave in Japan offers a chilling glimpse into the natural wonders of volcanic activity. This striking cave, formed by the flowing lava from Mount Fuji's eruption in the year 864, presents an...
5.3 miNE
Cave
Lake Sai Bat Cave, Fujikawaguchiko
136 min walk • Lake Sai Bat Cave is the largest of the several lava tubes that are near Lake Sai, in the Aokigahara forest in the northern side of Mount Fuji, Japan. It is known as a cave where visitors can observe the bats which live there.
2 miE
Thick forest on the side of Mt. Fuji
Aokigahara
52 min walk • Aokigahara, often referred to as the Sea of Trees, is a dense forest located at the northwestern flank of Japan's Mount Fuji. This sprawling 35-square-kilometer forest holds a mystique as thick as its tree cover, with a history rich in folklore and modern narratives...
2.2 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Lake Shōji
57 min walk • Nestled in the scenic splendor of the Fuji Five Lakes region, Lake Shōji is a serene destination that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. This picturesque lake, one of the smallest in the cluster, is situated at the base of Japan's...
4.2 miE
Volcano
Mount Ōmuro
107 min walk • Mount Ōmuro, a distinctive cone-shaped peak located on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, offers a unique natural attraction away from the hustle and bustle of the country's urban centers. Rising to a modest height of 580 meters, this extinct volcano is...
5.9 miNW
Park
Shibireko Prefectural Natural Park
151 min walk • Shibireko Prefectural Natural Park is a Prefectural Natural Park in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1959, the park's central feature is Lake Shibire. The park is wholly within the municipality of Ichikawamisato.
3.5 miS
Geologic formation, Park
Asagiri Plateau, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
90 min walk • The Asagiri Plateau is located at the southwest base of Mount Fuji in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.The Asagiri Plateau is richly utilized for its pasture land and many dairy farms are situated along it. The elevation of the plateau is generally around 800 m or 900 m.
4 miSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Mount Kenashi
104 min walk • Mount Kenashi is a 1,964 m mountain on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in Japan. At the base of the mountain stretches the Asagiri Plateau, which stretches until Mount Fuji. It is the highest peak in the Tenshi Mountains.
5.1 miNE
35°30'18"N • 138°39'40"E
Iyashi no Sato, Fujikawaguchiko
131 min walk • Museum
6.6 miNW
Town
Ichikawamisato
170 min walk • Ichikawamisato is a town located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 June 2019, the town had an estimated population of 15,799 in 6679 households. and a population density of 210 persons per km². The total area of the town is 75.18 square kilometres.