Lake Tanuki
A lake offering stunning views of Mount Fuji, famous for the "Diamond Fuji" phenomenon.
What is Lake Tanuki?
Lake Tanuki, or Tanukiko, is a lake located on the Asagiri Plateau in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, sitting at an elevation of approximately 650 meters. Covering an area of about 0.31 square kilometers, it is widely known as a premier scenic viewpoint looking out directly at Mount Fuji, which is a registered UNESCO World Heritage site.
The lake is actually a man-made reservoir created through human intervention. Long ago, it was a marshland reclaimed by an individual named Tojiro the Charcoal Burner and was originally called Chojagaike. In 1384, Tanuki Jiro Sanenaga, a Shinto priest from Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, retired to this area, leading to the name Tanuki Swamp. Construction on a reservoir for agricultural irrigation began in 1935, and the area was officially renamed Lake Tanuki in 1949. Because it offers an unobstructed, head-on view of Mount Fuji, the lake is nationwide famous among photographers capturing the mystical “Diamond Fuji” and “Inverted Fuji” phenomena, offering a view of the mountain from the Shizuoka side that is distinctly different from the Fuji Five Lakes.
Highlights of Lake Tanuki
The absolute main highlight of the lake is the Diamond Fuji phenomenon. When the rising sun aligns perfectly with the peak of Mount Fuji, its brilliant glow reflects across the water, creating a stunning visual known as “Double Diamond Fuji.” The best times to see this are for about one week around April 20th and August 20th, at around 6:00 AM. On calm, windless mornings when the water is perfectly still, an inverted reflection of Mount Fuji appears on the surface, allowing visitors to witness the mystical sight of two glowing suns stacked vertically.
A well-maintained walking path loops almost entirely around the shoreline, allowing visitors to view Mount Fuji from a variety of angles. Particularly popular vantage points for photography include the pier area near the northern parking lot, the observation terrace at the Tanukiko Campground on the south side, and the viewing deck in front of Kyukamura Fuji at the western edge. The lake can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, decorated by cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, colorful foliage in autumn, and a variety of wild birds year-round.
In spring, the lakeshore comes alive with beautiful cherry blossoms.
How to Enjoy Your Visit
To access the lake, take a bus bound for Kyukamura Fuji from JR Minobu Line Fujinomiya Station for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, and get off at stops such as Tanukiko Campground. The 3.3-kilometer paved pathway around the lake serves as both a walking trail and a cycling road, taking about an hour to complete at a leisurely walking pace. Visitors can enjoy a variety of lakeside activities based on their preferences, including strolling, jogging, renting bicycles, fishing from the piers, or renting rowboats.
At the Tanukiko Campground on the lakeshore, visitors can set up tents for an overnight stay or enjoy a day-trip barbecue directly in front of Mount Fuji. If you are aiming to see Diamond Fuji, securing a good spot early in the morning is essential. Staying overnight at the campground or at Kyukamura Fuji, a resort hotel on the westernmost edge of the lake, is highly recommended. This allows you to fully enjoy the shifting scenery at a relaxed pace, transitioning from a star-filled night sky to the colors of dawn, and finally to the Double Diamond Fuji event.
Because of the high altitude, temperatures drop significantly in the mornings and evenings, so it is a good idea to bring a light jacket even during warmer months. Additionally, as there are few restaurants around the lake, bringing a packed lunch is highly recommended. The area can easily be combined with nearby spots like Shiraito Falls, the Asagiri Plateau, and the Tokai Nature Trail for a full day of exploring the natural landscapes at the foot of Mount Fuji.
Basic Information
Name: Lake Tanuki
Hours: Open for walking at any time (Free to view). Operating hours apply to individual facilities such as boat rentals and campgrounds.
Closed: None (The lakeshore is open for walking year-round).
Admission: Free admission to the lake area. Separate fees apply for using boats, fishing, camping, and barbecues.
Parking: Available (Free parking lots are located around the lake, including on the north and south sides).
Access
Address: Saori / Inokashira, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access:
Public Transport: Take the bus bound for Kyukamura Fuji from JR Minobu Line Fujinomiya Station for about 45 to 50 minutes, and get off at Tanukiko Campground or Kyukamura Fuji.
By Car: About 40 minutes from the Shin-Tomei Expressway Shin-Fuji IC, or via the Nishi-Fuji Road, Route 139, and Prefectural Road 414 from the Tomei Expressway Fuji IC.
