natural wonder
Lake Kawaguchi
The most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, offering spectacular reflections of Mount Fuji and seasonal flower festivals.
24 km · about 30 min drive
AsiaJapanYamanashi
Chūō
Yamanashi, Japan · Asia
About Chūō
Chūō works well as a base: 5 minutes from Minamiarupusu, 24km from Lake Kawaguchi.
Chūō is in Yamanashi, Japan, with about 31,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Minamiarupusu, about 4 km away.
Where to Stay in Chūō
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Chūō?
Within an hour or so of Chūō: Lake Kawaguchi (24 km), Lake Kawaguchi Viewpoint (24 km), Kachi Kachi Ropeway Viewpoint (Lake Kawaguchi) (26 km), Chureito Pagoda (28 km).
Are there any good drives near Chūō?
The nearest famous roads are Venus Line, Hakone Turnpike and Yabitsu Pass.
Where is Chūō?
Chūō is in Yamanashi, Japan, about 4 km from Minamiarupusu.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 31,216
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Yamanashi
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 35.5947, 138.5027
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for JapanTags
Worth the detour from Chūō
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Lake Kawaguchi Viewpoint
A lakeside viewpoint where Mount Fuji reflects perfectly in still waters, especially stunning during autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons.
24 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Kachi Kachi Ropeway Viewpoint (Lake Kawaguchi)
A mountain-top station reached by ropeway above Lake Kawaguchi, offering a bird's-eye view of the lake with Mt Fuji dominating the skyline.
26 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Chureito Pagoda
A five-story pagoda offering one of the most iconic and photographed views of Mount Fuji, especially during cherry blossom season.
28 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Mount Fuji
Japan's tallest peak and most sacred mountain, an almost perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone revered for centuries.
33 km · about 40 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Mount Fuji Fifth Station
The main starting point for summit climbs on Japan's highest and most sacred peak, accessible by bus at 2,300 meters elevation.
35 km · about 40 min drive
racetrack
Fuji Speedway
Historic circuit at the foot of Mount Fuji with a 1.5 km main straight, one of motorsport's longest, and postcard views of the volcano on clear days.
46 km · about 55 min drive
cafe
Ashigara Service Area
A premium Japanese highway rest stop on the Tomei Expressway with stunning Mount Fuji views, gourmet food courts, and hot spring foot baths.
52 km · about 60 min drive
Driving roads near Chūō
- 24 kmLake Kawaguchi ViewpointA lakeside viewpoint where Mount Fuji reflects perfectly in still waters, especially stunning during autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons.
- 26 kmKachi Kachi Ropeway Viewpoint (Lake Kawaguchi)A mountain-top station reached by ropeway above Lake Kawaguchi, offering a bird's-eye view of the lake with Mt Fuji dominating the skyline.
- 28 kmChureito PagodaA five-story pagoda offering one of the most iconic and photographed views of Mount Fuji, especially during cherry blossom season.
- 35 kmMount Fuji Fifth StationThe main starting point for summit climbs on Japan's highest and most sacred peak, accessible by bus at 2,300 meters elevation.
- 62 kmHakone Mount Fuji ViewpointThe Hakone region offers some of the best vantage points for viewing Mount Fuji, especially from the Owakudani volcanic valley.
- 62 kmVenus LineA 76 km free touring road across Nagano's Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara highlands, rolling over open alpine meadows at up to 1,959 m. One of Japan's best-loved drives for bikers and grand tourers.
Nearby Destinations
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