This is the 12th installment of our series introducing great spots for kayaking and SUP.
This time, we kayaked and SUPed on Lake Yamanakako in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Lake Yamanakako offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji up close, on an overwhelming scale, even among the Fuji Five Lakes.
We will introduce it as a spot where you can enjoy not only kayaking and SUP, but also well-equipped camping facilities and an exceptional sauna experience.
A map is included at the end of this article, so please check it as well.
Luxury Time by the Lake at "The 508"
About a 2-hour drive from Tokyo. If you take an express bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal, you'll arrive in about 2 hours and 30 minutes, right in front of "The 508" campsite we're introducing today.
"The 508" is the campsite we use every time.
It features forest sites surrounded by trees and lakeside sites with panoramic views of Lake Yamanakako, Mt. Fuji, and the Southern Alps.
The lakeside sites also include a private, one-group-only site where you can enjoy a complete sense of privacy.
Additionally, you can choose from various sites such as free sites, auto sites, and powered sites, depending on your needs.
You can also stay in the center house, making it attractive for those without camping gear to easily enjoy the outdoors.
There's also a cafe, perfect for breakfast or lunch.
☞Click here for "The 508" website
☞Click here for "The 508" Instagram
Exceptional Sauna at "CYCL" and FOLBOT Kayaks
Right next to "The 508" is "CYCL," a sauna facility that has garnered attention, winning architectural awards and being recognized in Japan's sauna ranking, "SAUNACHELIN," in 2024.
Here, you can not only enjoy an exceptional sauna experience but also ride a custom kayak, a collaboration between FOLBOT and CYCL.
Discounts are available for sauna use after your kayaking experience.
This kayaking experience plan includes rentals of kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, as well as sandals and waterproof phone cases, so you only need to bring clothes that can get wet.
Please check the details below.
☞Click here for "CYCL" website
☞Click here to book the "FOLBOT" × "CYCL" collaboration kayak experience plan
Launch - Paddling on Lake Yamanakako with Breathtaking Views of Mt. Fuji
After setting up our tents and preparing our kayaks and SUPs, we launched.
We were blessed with clear weather that day, and could see Mt. Fuji clearly.
As always, we enjoyed a leisurely paddle while taking photos.
In May, the air and water at Lake Yamanakako are still a bit chilly.
We enjoyed nature carefully, making sure not to fall in.
Wild swans also greeted us.
We enjoyed touring Lake Yamanakako together.
If the weather is good, you might see "Sakasa Fuji" (upside-down Fuji), where Mt. Fuji is reflected on the mirror-like lake surface.
On this day, there was a bit of wind, so the reflection was slightly blurry.
Also, wakeboarding and motorboats operate on Lake Yamanakako, which can create wakes.
Enjoy paddling carefully while keeping an eye out for the chance to see Sakasa Fuji.
As the sun slowly set, Lake Yamanakako was bathed in the colors of dusk.
We were able to capture such a photogenic picture.
Mount Fuji, the sunset, and Lake Yamanaka.
Enjoying kayaking and SUP with friends while gazing at the magnificent scenery was truly a blissful moment.
Why not spend such a special holiday at Lake Yamanakako, paddling out onto the lake with FOLBOT kayaks and SUPs while gazing at Mt. Fuji?
≪MAP≫
≪Campsite Used≫
"The 508"
Facilities within "The 508" Campsite
▶CYCL
Enjoy an exceptional sauna, collaboration kayak experiences with FOLBOT, and more.
▶Michite, Megurite / THE FLOW CAFE
Why not spend some quiet time gazing at Mt. Fuji?
≪Highlights≫
Mt. Fuji with overwhelming power
Swans if you're lucky
Exceptional sauna and kayaking experience
Well-equipped camping facilities
Plenty of supermarkets and cafes
≪Points to Note≫
▶ Beware of strong winds
Lake Yamanakako can experience strong winds, causing the lake surface to become choppy. Pay attention to the weather and enjoy safely.
▶ Beware of motorboats
Motorized boats also traverse the lake. The area inside the buoys is free of motorized boats, so enjoy safely within that range.
▶ Beware of wakes
Wakes from wakeboarding and other activities can cause kayaks and SUPs to rock significantly.
Enjoy safely while paying attention.
≪Recommended Nearby Spots≫
▶ Ogino Yamanakako Branch
A convenient supermarket for stocking up.
▶ CHIANTI CoMO Yamanakako
A delicious Italian restaurant where all seats offer a view of the lake!
▶ ZEIT BAKERY CAFE
A popular bakery cafe where you can enjoy with your dog.
▶ Komenya Reel Cafe
Enjoy exquisite ramen in a stylish atmosphere!
▶ Yamanashi Prefectural Fuji Springs of Water Aquarium: Aquarium in the Forest
A freshwater fish aquarium using highly transparent spring water from Fuji. A recommended spot for families with children.
▶ Oshino Hakkai
A popular tourist spot selected as a World Cultural Heritage site component, natural monument, one of the 100 Famous Waters, and one of the 100 Landscapes of Mt. Fuji in the prefecture.
▶ Kadoya Tofu Shop
The tofu made using the underground spring water from Mt. Fuji is rich in flavor and exquisite!
*Information is current as of the time of writing. Please always check the latest information yourself and enjoy responsibly by following the rules!
