Lake Sai (西湖, Saiko) is the middle of the Fuji Five Lakes. It is unique from the other lakes in that it is surrounded by steep, wooded slopes on all sides, and Mount Fuji is only clearly visible from its western point. Like its neighbours, Shojiko and Motosuko, Lake Sai was formed as a separate lake from an eruption of Mount Fuji in the 9th century.

There are some camping sites around the shoreline and a hand full of coffee huts and restaurants, as well as a small village at the western end, but Saiko is noticeable less developed than Lake Kawaguchi. Slightly to the south visitors can find the Narusawa Ice Cave, Fugaku Wind Cave, Lake Saiko Bat Cave, and the infamous Aokigahara Jukai forest.

You May Also Like

Owakudani

Crater formed about 3,000 years ago from a volcanic explosion famous for its bubbling pools and steam vents. Kuro-tamago (“black eggs”), which are boiled in the volcanic pools and sold to tourists, are said to increase life-expectancy by seven years.

Senjogahara Marshland

The Senjogahara Marshland (戦場ヶ原, Senjōgahara) is an area of four square kilometers north of Lake Chuzenji popular as…

Lake Shojiko

Lake Shoji (精進湖, Shōjiko) is a Mount Fuji World Cultural Heritage Site Asset and the smallest of the…

Kegon Falls

Kegon Falls (華厳の滝, Kegon no Taki) is a 97-meter high waterfall to the east of Lake Chuzenji and…