The Ultimate Fuji Five Lakes Driving Loop: Best Scenic Spots for Open-Top Driving

Q: Where can I rent a convertible near Mt. Fuji?

You can reserve an open-top car directly with Fuji Top Down online, located convenient to Kawaguchiko Station with flexible pickup options.

Johnny Row

Jul 20

2 min read

Quick Summary (TL;DR):

Route Distance: ~80 km (50 miles) circular loop starting at Kawaguchiko.
Driving Time: 3–4 hours (half-day) or 6+ hours with photo stops.
Best Vehicle: Convertible / Open-top sports car from Fuji Top Down.
Key Highlights: Unobstructed 360-degree views of Mt. Fuji across Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu.

Renting an open-top car from Fuji Top Down near Kawaguchiko Station completely changes how you experience the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko). Instead of looking at Mt. Fuji through a tinted window or battling crowds on a tour bus, an open-top drive gives you unobstructed vertical views of the peak framed by open sky.

Here is the ultimate driving itinerary around the Five Lakes designed specifically for convertible drivers.

Stop 1: Hirano Beach (Lake Yamanaka) – The Iconic Water’s-Edge Shot

Drive Time from Kawaguchiko: ~25 minutes via Route 138.
Why Stop Here: Lake Yamanaka is the closest lake to Mt. Fuji. At Hirano Beach (Hirano Hama), you can park your open-top car right near the water's edge with Mt. Fuji towering directly over the hood.

Stop 2: Oishi Park & Momiji Tunnel (Lake Kawaguchi)

Drive Time: ~30 minutes from Yamanaka.
Why Stop Here: Drive along the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi. Oishi Park offers vibrant seasonal flowers (lavender in summer, kochia in autumn), while the nearby Momiji Tunnel provides a natural canopy of red maple leaves framing Mt. Fuji.

Stop 3: Saiko Nenba Path (Lake Sai)

Drive Time: ~15 minutes west.
Why Stop Here: Lake Sai is quieter than Kawaguchiko, surrounded by deep forests and dramatic mountain walls. Driving open-top through the green tunnel of Route 21 gives you crisp alpine air and minimal traffic.

Stop 4: Lake Shoji & Lake Motosu – The Thousand-Yen View

Drive Time: ~20 minutes west.
Why Stop Here: Lake Shoji is the smallest lake, while Lake Motosu is famous for the view depicted on the 1,000 yen note. Pull over at the Lake Motosu observation spot for a panoramic look at the peak.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is driving around the Fuji Five Lakes hard for foreign tourists?

A: Not at all. Roads are well-paved, signage is available in English, and speed limits around the lakes are moderate (40–60 km/h).

Q: Where can I rent a convertible near Mt. Fuji?

A: You can reserve an open-top car directly with Fuji Top Down online, located convenient to Kawaguchiko Station with flexible pickup options.