Lake Kawaguchi by E-Bike
Updated July 19 2025
Why ride? A pedal-assist bike flattens the gentle hills around Lake Kawaguchi, lets you pull over anywhere for that perfect Fuji shot, and skips the bus crowds on sunny weekends.
Quick facts
| Distance | Saddle-time | Rental cost | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≈ 23 km counter-clockwise loop | 2 h pure riding – I spent 5 h with photo stops | ¥3 000 full-day e-bike | Easy – the motor handles the bridges |
1. Where I rented the bike
Most shops sit right in front of Kawaguchiko Station. I chose Fujikanko Travel: pedal-assist bikes, helmets, free locks, and staff who could outline the route in English. A full-day rental cost me about ¥3 000.
Too much hassle? Book a guided e-bike tour on klook.com or getyourguide.com and just follow a local guide. (affiliate link)
2. My counter-clockwise loop
| Stop | What I did |
|---|---|
| Kawaguchiko Station → Ohashi Bridge | Warm-up ride across the lake while Fuji reflected in the water. |
| North Shore Lakeside Park | Classic mirror shot – the e-bike let me arrive before the tour buses. |
| Ōishi Park | Lavender and kochia fields plus a free foot bath – perfect mid-morning snack stop. |
| Music Forest turn-off | Short detour for lotus-pond Fuji views. |
| Restaurant Café Partita | Long lunch with lakefront tables – see review below. |
| Tenjōyama Park Ropeway base | Parked the bike, rode the gondola for a bird’s-eye panorama, then coasted back to town. |
Back at the station by 15:30 with daylight to spare.
3. Lunch highlight – Restaurant Café Partita
My rating
Food 5 – Service 5 – Atmosphere 5
Probably the best place near Fuji. The owner is a very nice guy and his food was absolutely wonderful. Come and get the best culinary experience of your Fuji travel.
Why I loved it
- Cozy wooden house right on the shore – every table faces the lake and the mountain.
- One-man show – the owner cooks, serves and chats in English and Japanese.
- Roman-style pizza and pasta cooked to order; my prosciutto pizza plus a glass of local wine ran under ¥2 000.
- Pet-friendly terrace if you’re cycling with a furry partner.
Tip: He works solo, so relax, enjoy the jazz soundtrack and the view.
4. Practical tips
- Start early – Fuji is clearest before 10 am.
- Bring cash – small cafés and bike shops prefer notes and coins.
- Lock smart – use bike racks; local police do patrol.
- Check our forecast and live cams frequently on isfujivisible.com.
- Pocket Wi-Fi – I rely on japan-wireless.com for steady 4G around the lake. (affiliate link)
5. What to pack on the bike
- 600 ml water bottle – vending machines are scarce on the quiet north shore
- Sunscreen – lake glare boosts UV
- Lightweight wind jacket
- Power bank for all those Fuji photos
- Small towel – handy for foot baths and sudden showers
Final thoughts
Lake Kawaguchi is the gentlest way to experience Fuji on two wheels – no brutal climbs, endless postcard angles and local food that surprises at every turn. Hop on an e-bike, ride at your own pace and let the mountain pull you around the shoreline.
See you on the cycle path beneath a cloud-free summit.
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