Mt. Fuji from Lake Saiko

A sunny afternoon at one of Fujigoko's smaller lakes

Meg Sing Jun 05, 2016 - 2 min read

A man throws his fishing rod into Lake Saiko on a calm sunny day

Clouds clear off Mt. Fuji and light winds means the surface of the lake is relatively still

Flowers planted on the northwestern shore of Lake Saiko

The last remnants of snow cover Mt. Fuji's peak as the last days of spring come to an end

Mt. Fuji's reflection can be seen in clear, still water in Lake Saiko. This phenomenon is known as "Sakasa Fuji" (Upside-down Fuji)

Lake Saiko is less commercial and less crowded than the popular Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka

Lake Saiko has the fourth largest surface area, yet is the second deepest of Mt. Fuji's five lakes

Fishing from boats or from the shoreline is a popular pastime with the locals

Lake Saiko is perfect for getting in touch with nature. Hardly any houses or buildings have been built on the lakefront

Lush green vegetation and blue skies make perfect weather for a chance to spot Mt. Fuji

I got lucky when my visit to the Fuji five lakes area (Fujigoko) coincided with a bit of sunshine and relatively cloudless skies at Lake Saiko. The other lakes surrounding the base of Mt. Fuji are Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Shojiko, Lake Motosuko and Lake Yamanakako. Various types of Japanese carp and other fish were put into the lake around the turn of the 19th century, during the Meiji era and today, fishing, swimming and camping in and around the lake is a popular activity with many locals in the area. The fact that the water level of Saiko is consistent with two of the other lakes is strong proof that they are connected via underground water tunnels and once used to form one whole lake a few hundred years back.

Mt. Fuji is best seen from the north-west shore of Lake Saiko. Compared to the other lakes, Lake Saiko strikes a good balance of being peaceful and in tune with nature as well as being easy to access. Sightseeing buses such as the Omnibus and Retro Bus depart from Kawaguchiko station and do a loop around the two lakes. That Lake Saiko offers the opportunity to enjoy Mt. Fuji at leisure has made it one of my favourite spots in the Fujigoko area!

Meg Sing @meg.sing

The language intrigues me and as well as Japan's personality, vividly different in each season in the year. Having previously lived in Tokyo for a year, I've developed a weakness for onsen, Mt. Fuji, autumn leaves, the festivals and Japanese stationery. More than trying my hand at photography, I...