If you are doing Fuji on a budget and are thinking of cycling around one of the five lakes then you absolutely can’t go past lake Yamanakako. This being one of the two biggest lakes, and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best. The other option, which I don’t recommend, is lake Kawaguchiko. Here’s why.
Firstly, you can’t cycle all the way around lake Kawaguchiko with out the major inconvenience of having to ride on busy, dangerous roads and even through towering sharp bull rushes! On a hot day, this becomes a drag. At about the halfway point its actually Ok and there is a group of tourist shops (good ice cream) and a good view of Fuji. But from here it gets hard to navigate all the way around and back to town, and there are zero interesting things to look at. If you are doing this at lunch time and are looking for a place to eat, well, GOOD LUCK!
Fuji on a budget certainly doesn’t mean that life has to suck though. Fear not, a great day can still be had at low cost. If you have the means to get to lake Yamanakako without a bike then you can certainly hire bikes from one of the many locations around the main shopping area. There is an awesome Cycling path that (almost) goes around the entire lake. You can also hire bikes on the lake side of the circuit.
Fuji on a budget however can mean being thriftier than having to pay for transportation to the lake. Why not hire your bikes for the day in Fujiyoshida town and ride to lake Yamanakako from there? The ride up the hill to the lake takes the best part of an hour and its really quite good. Just keep the main forest road on your right and ride on up the (not so well maintained) path on the left. If you keep your eyes open you may even spot some deer!
Once you get to lake Yamanakako the cycle path peels away to the left. Its wide and in excellent condition, hugging the lake right to the waters edge. There are lodgings on the other side of the road here and some really nice-looking accommodation options. Most likely these places would also allow their guests to use bikes at no extra charge. There is a big swan boat which also departs from the main staging area, however if its Fuji on a budget for you, you might want to pass on the kitschy aspect of this offering.
As the cycle path meanders around to the left you enter a really peaceful, wind protected lagoon type area that looks ideal for fishing. There are hire boats tied up here and a few boat sheds with locals about. A little further on you are at about the halfway point. From here you can look back across the lake and have a perfect view of Mt Fuji.
As you ride further around there are more canoes and hire boats on the sandy lake bank. At this point you are riding on a quiet road between the lake and white washed buildings. Accommodation and a café. Continuing the loop, you soon come across some nicely grassed areas and a newly built youth camp. There are also public toilets here you can use. A few local fishermen about make for a great Fuji photo opportunity- Fuji on a budget!- the best things are free!
After the grassy area you have to ride directly away from the lake for about 4 or 500 meters to hook up again with the road (and path) that continues around. After a few minutes on this path, you will come across a bike shop on your right. If you are having bike problems like a slow leak or puncture then everything you need to get back on your way is here. Even if you are doing Fuji on a budget, you still need to account for emergencies!
Now obviously Fuji on a budget is all about low cost or freebies, right? Coming right up at this point is a very old Chrome 1960s twin engine aircraft parked on the grounds of what looks like a day camp. I’m no expert but its possibly a “Beechcraft”. When we were there last the place was closed (probably due to covid) but you can look over the fence and the plane is very close. I have no idea how they got it in there!
A little further on, on the left side of the road, is a really nice Café with reasonable coffee. Unfortunately, its “No kids allowed” if they are under 6. Locally made souvenirs can also be bought here. At this point don’t let Fuji on a budget discourage you from buying a slice of the EXCELLENT cake they have available.
Keep going up the path. And around towards the main shopping area. It is around here that the path stops and you are forced to use the road. Take care at this point as it is frequented by busses and large trucks. Fortunately, it’s not long before you are back at the cycle path. Tourist shops, coffee, a bar among other buildings.
Follow your way back around to where you started. It’s about an hour around the lake in total so if you rode from town, it’s about a 3 hour round trip, not including stops. Not a bad day’s work for Fuji on a budget!