Fuji Five Lakes

The five lakes north of Mt. Fuji were shaped by centuries of volcanic activity: the oldest, Lake Motosuko, was cut off by lava flows 4,500 years ago, while the Jogan eruption of 864 split the remaining lake into today's Shojiko and Saiko. The three western lakes share the same elevation, suggesting they remain connected underground. Each lake has its own character: Yamanakako is largest and popular for water sports; Kawaguchiko is the lowest and has the only island in the system; Saiko borders hiking terrain; Shojiko was the first to have a Western hotel; Motosuko is the most remote and popular with campers.