This is the sixth installment of our series introducing great spots to enjoy kayaking and SUP.
This time, we kayaked Lake Motosu in Yamanashi Prefecture, which is the deepest and most transparent of the Fuji Five Lakes.
From the beautiful lake, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Fuji.
A map is included at the end of this article, so please check it for more details.
Lake Motosu: About 2 hours by car and abundant surrounding facilities
Lake Motosu in Yamanashi Prefecture is easily accessible from central Tokyo, taking about 2 hours by car if there's no traffic.
As I'll explain in more detail later, the surrounding facilities such as supermarkets, outdoor shops, and roadside stations are excellent, making it a recommended spot even for outdoor beginners.
If you're using public transportation, it's a 50-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko Station on the JR Fujikyuko Line, getting off right at the "Motosuko Bus Stop."
This time, we visited Lake Motosu by car.
Lake Motosu has two free parking lots: "Motosuko Parking Lot" and "Motosuko Shop Front Parking Lot."
This time, we used the "Motosuko Shop Front Parking Lot."
During the summer outdoor season, parking lots can fill up early in the morning.
Time to set sail
Water activities at Lake Motosu are best done early in the morning.
In the afternoon, strong winds often pick up to the point where people go windsurfing, so it's recommended to enjoy cruising from early morning.
Depending on the wind direction, there's a risk of not being able to return, so it's better to head back early if the wind starts to pick up.
Well, we prepared and set sail.
The weather was also good, making it a perfect day for SUP.
The autumn leaves on the mountains had just begun to change color.
There weren't many people this day, so we leisurely enjoyed the great outdoors while paddling across the lake.
One of the great pleasures is to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and relax while gazing at the natural scenery from your SUP.
During the cruise, we took a short break at a spot on the lava flow where we could land.
There was also a jumping spot into the lake, so we took a dive!
*Please ensure your safety, avoid accidents, and enjoy at your own risk!
Lake Motosu is deep and highly transparent.
The emerald green and blue water was very clear and beautiful.
We also conducted life jacket buoyancy tests and drone photography, so we thoroughly enjoyed our work.
Relaxing at the campsite
Motosuko Lakeside Campsite is especially recommended for those with kayaks or SUPs, as you can see a magnificent view of Mount Fuji when you go out on the lake, even if it's not visible from the campsite itself.
When we visited this time, it was a bit cloudy, but we could still feel the grandeur of Mount Fuji.
After enjoying activities at Lake Motosu, we headed to "Motosuko Lakeside Campsite," which is about a 5 to 10-minute drive away.
When we visited this time, it was almost like having the entire place to ourselves, it was that empty.
Here, I'd like to briefly introduce Motosuko Lakeside Campsite, which could be considered a hidden gem.
Recommended Point ① Clean Facilities
Equipped with toilets and showers. They are very clean. There's also a stylish management building with a small shop selling gas, ice, cup noodles, drinks, ice cream, and other convenient items.
Recommended Point ② Waste Disposal OK
You can sort and dispose of your trash. This service is incredibly helpful, as many campsites require you to take your trash home.
Recommended Point ③ Abundant Activities
A sauna is also available, and you can enjoy activities like fishing.
The "FOLBOT meeting" held in June 2025 also utilized this Motosuko Lakeside Campsite.
Click here for the "FOLBOT meeting" article.
The first "FOLBOT Owner's Meeting," scheduled for October 4th (Sat) - 5th (Sun), 2025, will also be held at Motosuko Lakeside Campsite. Look forward to it!
Now, back to the story, during this stay, we also tested the luxury tent "LADIT" from Korea.
After completing all the filming and other tasks, it was time to relax.
We spent the night at Lake Motosu, chatting in the LADIT tent.
The next day, we were back on the lake with our SUPs from 5 AM.
The morning glow showed us a different scenery from the day before.
Lake Motosu is easily accessible from the city center, offering breathtaking clarity and beauty, and allowing you to fully enjoy the majestic scenery created by Mount Fuji and nature.
Why not create unforgettable outdoor memories at Lake Motosu with a FOLBOT kayak or SUP?
≪MAP≫
≪Launch Spot≫
Motosuko Shop Front Parking Lot
≪Recommended Points≫
Easy access from central Tokyo
Well-equipped surrounding facilities
Mount Fuji viewed from the beautiful lake
Relax in magnificent nature
≪Points to Note≫
▶ Restrictions on electric pump usage times in the parking lot
When inflating SUPs in the parking lot, the noise from electric pumps can disturb other users and nearby campers, so strict regulations are in place regarding starting times.
There are also signs with other precautions besides electric pumps.
Be sure to check them thoroughly before starting your preparations.
▶ Strong winds that start blowing in the afternoon
At Lake Motosu, the wind tends to get stronger in the afternoon. It is recommended to enjoy kayaking and SUP in the early morning or morning.
Even if you start in the afternoon, enjoy within a range where you can return safely.
▶ Exercise extreme caution at jumping spots
Thoroughly confirm safety beforehand, including rocky areas and water depth, then enjoy.
≪Recommended Nearby Spots≫
Roadside Station Asagiri Kogen
A roadside station located near Lake Motosu in Asagiri Kogen, where you can enjoy delicious milk and soft-serve ice cream.
Roadside Station Narusawa
Sells vegetables, freshly picked corn, and Shine Muscat grapes.
Outdoor Shop STANDARD point
A famous shop near Lake Kawaguchi, convenient for acquiring camping gear.
You can rent three types of SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboards) (kayak rentals are not available).
There's also a campaign where if rental users purchase equipment, the rental fee equivalent is discounted.
With many campsites in the region like Lake Saiko, Lake Motosu, Lake Shojiko, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Lake Yamanakako, you can rent equipment here and enjoy it at various campsites.
MaxValu Fujikawaguchiko Store
Located next to Standard Point, it's very convenient for stocking up on camping groceries.
It opens at 7 AM on weekends and holidays, so you can purchase both camping gear and food at once before heading to your campsite.
Yoshida Udon
If you head towards Yoshida, you can also enjoy the local specialty, Yoshida Udon.
*Information is current as of the time of writing. Please always check the latest information yourself and enjoy responsibly while following the rules!
