Lake Motosu

Lake Motosu (本栖湖, Motosuko) is the westernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes. It was once part of a much larger body of water that included Shojiko and Saiko to the east, but a massive eruption of Mount Fuji in 864 sent molten lava flowing down the valley, dividing the original lake into the three separate basins we see today. Reaching a depth of 121.6 meters, Motosuko is the deepest of the five lakes and remains a significant geological asset within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Motosuko is unique because it has no surface water inflow or outflow. It is understood that water seeping back and forth through the porous volcanic rock and minerals below is part of the reason the water remains so transparent. The lake is celebrated for its exceptional scenic beauty; a 1945 photograph by Koyo Okada, capturing the reflection of Mount Fuji in the deep blue waters, was famously chosen to appear on the reverse side of the Japanese 1,000 yen note. The northern shore, where this photograph was taken, remains a pilgrimage site for photographers seeking to recreate the iconic “inverted Fuji” shot.

The lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as windsurfing, boating, and freshwater diving. However, Motosuko is more difficult to reach by public transport than its eastern neighbors. While the bus frequency is limited, the journey offers access to a more rugged and less commercialized side of the Fuji region. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips carefully, as buses typically operate only once every two hours. For the most current scheduling information, you can check the Fujikyuko company website.

Access
Station / Stop	Line / Bus	Access Details
Kawaguchiko Station	Blue Line (Sightseeing Bus)	Take the Blue Line (Narusawa/Shojiko/Motosuko) bus to the Motosuko stop (approx. 50 mins)
Fujinomiya Station	Fujikyuko Bus	Take the bus bound for Kawaguchiko and alight at the Motosuko-kyoku-mae stop