Cycling Around Lake Kawaguchiko: Tried-And Tested Route & Tips (2026)

Planning a trip to Mount Fuji and wondering how to explore Lake Kawaguchiko without getting stuck in traffic or packed into a crowded sightseeing bus?

Cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko might be the most underrated way to explore this beautiful area. And I can say that because I did exactly that!

I cycled this route solo in early December with just a regular rental bike and about 5 hours to explore.

And it turned out to be the highlight of my Japan trip!

So whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, on a budget, or just love slow travel, this article will walk you through everything you need to plan your Lake Kawaguchiko bike ride:

• A scenic cycling route around Mount Fuji that’s beginner-friendly (about 10 km)
• Where to rent a bike and what to expect
• The best time of year to go to Mount Fuji
• Practical tips based on my experience (so you don’t have to learn the hard way!)

Let’s dive right in!

Lake Kawaguchiko Cycling Route Overview: What to Expect

The full loop around Lake Kawaguchiko is about 20 kilometers.

While that’s doable in two to three hours with an electric bike, it can feel like a lot with a regular one, especially if you want to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and stop often for photos.

Since I only managed to rent a regular bike and had a few hours to explore, I decided to ride just a short, scenic stretch of the lake instead. 

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This 10‑km Mount Fuji cycling route around Lake Kawaguchiko (round trip) is mostly flat, very beginner‑friendly, and full of beautiful stops!

I’m not a cyclist by any means. I think the last time I got on a bike was two years ago in the gym, and even then I gave up after 20 minutes. 😂

If you’re reasonably active and don’t have mobility issues, I believe you’ll be just fine. 😉

Here are the stops I made along this route:

• Kawaguchiko Station / bike rental store
• Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge
• Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
• Maple Corridor
• Nagasaki Park
• Oishi Park
• Ubuyagasaki

This cycling route takes you past peaceful lakeside parks, maple trees-lined paths, and even a lovely little museum.

With Mount Fuji peeking through in the background, it felt like riding through a postcard!

Why Choose a Bike Over Bus or Car to Explore Lake Kawaguchiko?

Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the more accessible areas around Mount Fuji, with several ways to get around, such as public buses, rental cars, or bikes.

Driving around Mount Fuji is manageable, but it’s not always the most relaxing choice. 

Parking can be a hassle near popular spots, and traffic gets bad fast during peak seasons like spring and autumn. 

So unless you’re traveling with kids or in a group, it might end up being more stressful than it’s worth.

Taking public buses is another common option, but let’s be real; they’re not the fastest.

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This is especially true in spring and autumn, when the area is packed with visitors hoping to catch cherry blossoms or fiery autumn leaves alongside that breathtaking Fujisan backdrop. 

You’ll end up waiting around to board, orstuck crawling through packed roads, and that can eat up more time than you’d expect.

But with a bike, you skip all of that. No schedules to follow, no traffic to sit in, and you can stop literally anywhere anytime you want (safely)!

Want to pull over for a photo? Go for it. Want to linger at a park bench with a view of Mount Fuji? Feel free to do so.

That said, biking isn’t for everyone. 

If you’re visiting in mid-winter when the roads are icy or covered in snow (like January or February), or in the hot and humid summer months, it’s probably better to stick with buses. 

And if you’re not confident riding a bike or have mobility issues, public transport or driving a rental car might be a more comfortable option.

Since I wanted to try something different for this part of the trip (as part of my 2-day Mount Fuji itinerary), I rented a bike and just started pedaling along the shore. 

Plus I went in early December, so the weather was cool and lovely. And I didn’t have to worry about sweating buckets cycling around like in the summer!

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Where to Rent a Bike in Kawaguchiko (+ What to Expect)

There are plenty of Lake Kawaguchiko bike rental shops, so getting one is pretty easy. 

Some hotels, like Fuji View Hotel, even offer bike rental services, so check with your accommodation first (here are some great places to stay at Mount Fuji) to see if you can reserve ahead.

I rented mine from Fujisanbike and the process was relatively easy and straightforward: 

• The staff showed me which bikes were available, 
• handed me a form to fill out, 
• and made a copy of my passport. (They returned it when I brought the bike back.)

I paid with a credit card, but to be safe, it’s best to carry some cash when renting a bike around Mount Fuji since not all shops accept card payment.

Before sending me off, the staff checked the brakes, walked me through the gear levels, and adjusted the seat height so I could ride comfortably.

If something didn’t feel right, they were happy to readjust until I was good to go.

Returning the bike was just as simple; just head back to the shop, hand everything over, and you’re off to soak in the onsen at your Mt. Fuji ryokan!

If you are starting from Kawaguchiko Station, here are a few highly-rated bike rental stores nearby: 

• Akichan Rental Bike 
• JAYS
• E-Scooter Rental Rimo

Depending on the shop and rental duration, the prices usually range from 1500 yen to 2500 yen (about $10 to $16) for a regular bike, and around 3000 yen to 4000 yen (about $19 to $26) for electric ones.

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5 Useful Bike Rental Tips From My Experience:

• Go early. Most shops operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Electric bikes are especially popular, so your best bet is to be at the shop right when it opens.

I arrived about 20 minutes after opening and all the electric bikes were gone so I rented the regular bike instead. 

• Ask for a lock. Most rental bikes come with a built-in lock, but if not, ask the staff for one. 

I was given a key for mine, since the lock was already attached to the frame.

• Pick a bike with a basket. If you’re carrying a backpack, snacks, or water, a front basket is a game changer. It made the ride so much more comfortable!

• Wear a helmet. The staff didn’t offer any helmet, so I asked for one.
  
  Most people weren’t wearing helmets when I visited, but I once saw a lady fall off her bike while going over a curb near the museum. She was okay, thankfully, but it was a good reminder that it’s better to be safe than sorry!
  
• Check the bike return time. Different shops have different closing hours. 

For example, Fujisanbike lets you return bikes until 6 pm if you’re renting for a full day. 

I got back there by 4.30pm just to be safe, especially since it gets dark early in winter.

Best Times to Cycle Around Kawaguchiko (and When to Avoid It)

Timing matters a lot when you are planning to cycle around Lake Kawaguchiko; not just for the ride itself but also for how well you’ll see Mount Fuji and how comfortable the weather will be.

If you’re after that sweet combo of great views, comfortable temperatures, and not sweating buckets, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to early November) are your best bet.

You’ll get cherry blossoms in spring or fiery maple leaves in autumn, with Mount Fuji casually appearing in the background. 

This is hands-down one of the best seasons for a Mount Fuji cycling trip, especially if you want fewer crowds and more Fuji views.

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Just be ready to deal with some crowds and queues at popular photo spots, especially if you’re coming during peak cherry blossom or autumn foliage weekends. 

Now here’s something that might surprise you: winter (December to February) is actually the best season for clear views of Mount Fuji!

The air is cold but crisp and dry, so the mountain appears more often and stays visible longer.

I went to Mount Fuji in early December, and the visibility was AMAAAAAZING. 

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The downside of winter though? The days are short. 

The sun sets as early as 4.30pm, so you might want to start your ride earlier and return the bike right before it gets dark.

And summer (June to August)? Honestly… skip it if you can. 

It’s hot, humid, and Mount Fuji often plays hide and seek behind haze and cloud cover.

The only real perk is that the sun sets late at around 6:30pm to 7pm, so you’ve got more daylight to work with. 

But it’s also the rainy season in June, and July and August get steamy fast. 

So unless you’re used to cycling in heat, it might not be that fun and enjoyable as compared to cycling in cooler seasons.

One more tip: Your best shot at seeing Mount Fuji is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon!

4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Cycling Around Lake Kawaguchiko

Now that I’ve done the cycling route myself, here are a few things I wish someone had told me before I got started. 

Hopefully, these help you make the most of your day around Lake Kawaguchiko!

1. Know Your Priorities

There are so many things to do in Mount Fuji. 

So before your ride, think about what kind of day you actually want. 

Want that classic Lake Kawaguchiko-Mount Fuji from above? Add Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to your route. 

Prefer a slower day just chilling by the lake with snacks and a view? Set aside time at Nagasaki Park.

Renting a bike gives you the flexibility to shape the day however you want, but only if you know what matters most to you.

As for myself, I don’t love rushing through a list of touristy places. 

So I skipped Oshino Hakkai (a National Natural Monument of Japan) and spent more time cycling along the shore and soaking in the stunning scenery instead!

2. Plan Around Sunset (Especially in Winter)

Japan’s sunset times change with the seasons, and daylight hours vary accordingly, especially during autumn and winter. 

So if you’re not confident cycling around a new area in the dark, it’s best to start your ride early. 

That way, you’ll have enough time to explore and tick all of the places without stressing about cycling in the dark.

3. Choose Your Bike Based on Your Route

Lake Kawaguchiko is about 20 kilometers if you’re planning to do the full loop. It usually takes around four hours to complete if you plan to stop along the way. 

If that’s your plan, I’d recommend getting an electric bike to save your legs from endless pedaling and keep the ride enjoyable.

I only did a short stretch of Lake Kawaguchiko, so the regular bike worked out fine!

4. Watch Out for Big Vehicles and Shared Roads

Most of the route is flat and easy to ride, and there’s a blue-painted cycling lane on the road in many areas. 

But that lane is still part of the main road, so you’re sharing it with cars, buses, and other vehicles.

If you’re not super confident cycling alongside traffic, you can switch to the pavement. 

Just stay alert and ride slowly, since it’s meant for pedestrians too.

And yes, always stick to the left side of the road when you’re riding in Mount Fuji! 

FAQs: Lake Kawaguchiko Bike Route

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Final Thoughts: Should You Cycle Around Lake Kawaguchiko?

Cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the best ways to spend your day in Mount Fuji and a great option if you’re planning a cycling trip around Mount Fuji’s lakes.

That being said, it’s not for everyone. 

If you’re visiting in the middle of winter, not confident riding near traffic, or just don’t feel like doing a leg day (pedaling) while on vacation, public buses or a rental car might suit you better.

But if you do go for it, plan your route, start your ride early, wear your helmet, and most importantly, just have fun!