The Yamanashi Fuji Region

The Fuji Five Lakes (富士五湖) region on the northern side of Mount Fuji is the heartland of Yuru Camp, and the Numazu coastline to the south hosts Love Live! Sunshine!!. This guide focuses on the Yamanashi side and how to combine camping pilgrimage with stunning Fuji views.

Getting to Kawaguchiko

From Shinjuku, take a Fuji Excursion limited express directly to Kawaguchiko Station (about 2 hours, ¥4,130). Highway buses from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) are cheaper (about ¥2,000) and take about 2 hours.

Key Yuru Camp Locations

Lake Motosu (本栖湖)

The campsite on Lake Motosu where Rin and Nadeshiko first meet. The view of Mount Fuji from the lakeshore is the exact one printed on the back of the ¥1,000 bill. In winter (the anime's setting), the lake is peaceful and the air is crystal clear.

Asagiri Kogen & Fumoto Campground

Featured in the group camping episodes. The open grassland campsites offer unobstructed Fuji views at sunrise.

Koan Campground

The solo camping spot where Rin meets the mysterious old man. Located on the shore of Lake Shoji.

Transportation Within the Region

The Fuji Five Lakes area is served by retro-style sightseeing buses (Red, Green, Blue lines). The Retro Bus 2-day pass (¥1,500) is the most practical way to reach all five lakes without a car. Campground transfers may still require walking 10–30 minutes from the nearest bus stop.

Numazu (Love Live! Sunshine!!)

If you have an extra day, head south to Numazu for Love Live! Sunshine!! pilgrimage. From Kawaguchiko, the easiest route is to backtrack via Mishima. Key stops:

  • Uchiura Bay & Awashima Island — home of Aqours
  • Numazu Port — countless Aqours panels, posters, and themed shops
  • Numazu Gogyo (Lamune drink) — the local soda featured in the anime

Seasonal Planning

  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Authentic Yuru Camp atmosphere. Cold but clear Fuji views. Some campgrounds close.
  • Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms around Lake Kawaguchi. Mild camping weather.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Green hills and lavender. Crowded and sometimes cloudy.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Red leaves around the lakes. Possibly the best all-around season.

Lodging

If camping isn't your thing, Kawaguchiko has many lakeside onsen ryokan with Fuji views. Budget hostels near Kawaguchiko Station start around ¥3,500/night. Campgrounds typically charge ¥1,000–2,500 per tent site.