JAPAN TRAVEL - Driving From Kofu to the Fuji 5 Lakes (富士五湖, Fujigoko)

ReSearch

Sights at to be had at the Fuji 5 Lakes

1. Lake Yamanaka
1. Camping Grounds
2. Kirara Communication Plaza - A beautiful park with short boardwalk 
2. Lake Kawaguchi (Japan Guide)
1. Kachi Kachi Ropeway
2. Museums: Kubota Itchiku Museum/ Kawaguchiko Museum of Art/ Kawaguchiko Music Forest/ Yamanashi Gem Museum
3. Herb Hall
4. Ryokans with Onsens: Hotel Mifujien/ Tensui Kawaguchiko/ Kaiun no Yu
3. Lake Saiko
1. Iyashi no Sato: Traditional Craft Village
2. Koyodai: Small mountain with Autumn colors
3. Yurari: Public Hot spring
4. Caves: Bat Cave/ Ice Cave/ Wind Cave 
4. Lake Shojiko
1. Aokigahara Jukai Forest
2. Water skiing. Jet skiing and boating
5. Lake Motosu
1. Camping, hiking. fishing, boating

Activities and Places of Interest

• Fuji Sengen Shrine (Yamanashi Travel Guide)
• Hoto Noodles and Cool White dome architecture at 東恋路店 (Site/ Address) 

Driving Matters

Car Rental 

<searched on 2014_07_10>

• From Tocoo>Nissan Rental: 
• Nissan March about 7000yen/24h
• From Times Car Rental
• Mazda Kei Car 5940yen/24h (MAY come with English GPS)

Driving Routes on Google Maps

<searched on 2014_07_10>

• 5 Lakes 
• Kofu Station --> Lake Yamanaka --> Lake Kawaguchi --> Lake Saiko --> Lake Shoji --> Lake Motosu --> Kofu Station (3h50mins, 134km) 
• 4 Lakes (without Lake Yamanaka) 
• Kofu Station --> Lake Kawaguchi --> Lake Saiko --> Lake Shoji --> Lake Motosu --> Kofu Station (2h50mins, 102km without Tolls)
• Enzan + 5 Lakes
•  Kofu Station -> Enzan -> Lake Yamanaka -> Kawaguchi -> Lake Saiko -> Lake Shoji -> Lake Motosu --> Kofu Station (4h22mins, 151km without tolls)
• Enzan + 4 Lakes (without Lake Yamanaka): 
•  Kofu Station -> Enzan -> Lake Kawaguchi -> Lake Saiko -> Lake Shoji -> Lake Motosu --> Kofu Station (3h22mins, 119km without Tolls)

Backstory: (more later!)

What happened?

A plan was hatched to take an important guest to the Fuji 5 Lakes via car. The driver hails from Kofu while the guest lives in Enzan. The Budget is 9000yen. 

Which car and car rental is the most economical?

 Which route shall we take? Should we take the detour to Enzan (To pick the VIP up) or better to start the journey directly from Kofu?

What did I do?

As usual, a through investigation was made to find the best routes, efficiency and value in terms of 

- Choice of Rental Agency and choice of Car: Safety, Insurance, Fuel Consumption and Power
- Driving Routes

Resolution

The rental and car was selected. Times Car Rental and a Mazda Kei Car because of lower price, interesting driving experience on a Kei Car, and because of the possibility of an English GPS.
As for the driving route.... KIV



Photos Taken

Share on Google Plus

About Aldrin