natural wonder
Lake Kawaguchi
The most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, offering spectacular reflections of Mount Fuji and seasonal flower festivals.
19 km · about 20 min drive
AsiaJapanYamanashi
Isawa
Yamanashi, Japan · Asia
About Isawa
Isawa works well as a base: 10 minutes from Kofu, 19km from Lake Kawaguchi.
Isawa is in Yamanashi, Japan, with about 30,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Kofu, about 6 km away.
Where to Stay in Isawa
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Isawa?
Within an hour or so of Isawa: Lake Kawaguchi (19 km), Lake Kawaguchi Viewpoint (19 km), Kachi Kachi Ropeway Viewpoint (Lake Kawaguchi) (21 km), Chureito Pagoda (22 km).
Are there any good drives near Isawa?
The nearest famous roads are Yabitsu Pass, Hakone Turnpike and Venus Line.
Where is Isawa?
Isawa is in Yamanashi, Japan, about 6 km from Kofu.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 29,616
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Yamanashi
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 35.6500, 138.6333
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 Isawa
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.
19 km · about 20 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.
21 km · about 25 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.
22 km · about 25 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.
36 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.
41 km · about 45 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.
48 km · about 55 min drive
Driving roads near Isawa
- 19 kmLake Kawaguchi ViewpointA lakeside viewpoint where Mount Fuji reflects perfectly in still waters, especially stunning during autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons.
- 21 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.
- 22 kmChureito PagodaA five-story pagoda offering one of the most iconic and photographed views of Mount Fuji, especially during cherry blossom season.
- 36 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.
- 58 kmHakone Mount Fuji ViewpointThe Hakone region offers some of the best vantage points for viewing Mount Fuji, especially from the Owakudani volcanic valley.
- 58 kmYabitsu PassA tight, tree-walled climb over the Tanzawa mountains west of Tokyo, long a favourite of motorcyclists and cyclists for its relentless switchbacks. The narrow western descent to Lake Miyagase is single-track in places.
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