Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare" (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"?
What makes it 59% Baby-Friendly: Babies ride free and strollers roll straight into the covered cabin, but no diaper table, nursing room, or onboard toilet makes changing difficult, so visits suit only short, well-timed rides.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly boarding: Flat gangway and covered cabin let you roll on a stroller easily.
- Infant travels free: Baby under school age rides at no extra charge.
- Quick cruise duration: 20-minute trips fit feeding and nap schedules.
- Covered shelter: Lower deck canopy shields your baby from wind and sun.
- Visual entertainment: Onboard monitor shows Mt. Fuji views even in poor weather.
Challenges:
- No diaper-change facilities: Boat has no restroom or changing table—use shore facilities first.
- No nursing room: No private space for breastfeeding on board.
- Windy upper deck: Second-floor deck is exposed and not suitable for a baby.
- Short ride: Limited sightseeing time—plan other activities around the cruise.
What is Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"?
- A Japanese-style sightseeing boat on Lake Kawaguchiko inspired by the Sengoku-period Takeda navy ship Ataka, adorned with red armor accents and the Takeda diamond motif
- A two-deck vessel featuring a tatami-room-style interior with a 50-inch monitor for historical and seasonal information, and an open-air observation deck for 360° lake and Mt. Fuji views
- A floating cultural exhibit combining traditional design elements with modern multimedia displays to showcase the history and natural beauty of the Fuji Five Lakes region
What is so special about Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare" for with baby?
- Stroller-accessible boarding and cabin.
- Baby under school age rides free.
- Short 20-minute cruise fits family schedules.
- Covered deck protects baby from wind and sun.
- 360° views of Mt. Fuji and Unoshima Island.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allow time for ticketing, a 20-minute cruise, and boarding with stroller.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
Board on the barrier-free 1st-floor cabin:
Roll your stroller onto the covered lower deck for easy access.
Tip: Park stroller by the wall near a window to give your baby a shaded view.
Spot Mt. Fuji’s upside-down reflection:
Look for the mirror image of Mt. Fuji on the lake’s calm surface.
Tip: Stand by the cabin windows on the lake side for the clearest reflection.
Relax in the tatami-style interior:
Sit on woven benches and watch the 50-inch monitor displaying Fuji history.
Tip: Stay inside if it’s windy; the monitor shows Mt. Fuji even on cloudy days.
Cruise around Unoshima Island:
View the only island in the Fuji Five Lakes from the deck.
Tip: Point out carp swimming near the boat to keep your baby engaged.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
- Use shore restrooms before boarding: Visit Kawaguchiko Station or Kawaguchiko Base for diaper changes.
- Bring baby essentials: Pack diapers, wipes, and snacks as no services are available onboard.
- Grab lower-deck seats: Arrive early to secure window seats in the covered cabin.
- Check the weather: Choose a clear day for the best Mt. Fuji reflection.
Reviews of Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
Vic Antwal
Japanese gentleman was so friendly,probably the best we met so far on this trip. took stops, took pictures of us while watching Mt fuji. Gentle with the kids and had kids soft toys in the boat to make kids comfortable. Definitely worth more than 5 stars
Kausar Butt
Quite a nice ride with opportunities to take some great pictures of the lake and Fuji. It’s only around 20 minutes duration and they charge half price for disabled people
harrish krishna
It was a pleasant experience overall with a great vivid view of mount Fuji. What's not appreciated by tourists is the tour being conducted exclusively in Japanese.
Julie Ho
You can buy the tickets online or go to the machine and buy on the same day. Boat will go around the Lake Kawaguchi. If the weather is good you can see Mt. Fuji. The scenary was nice. We were lucky that we mange to see Mt. Fuji.
Catalin Varvara
A short 20 minutes trip on the lake. The view of Mt. Fuji is breathtaking. I wish they would have stopped the engine after they turned around, maybe for 2 minutes. It would've been nice. Best thing is you can buy the boat tour, the sightseeing rope and the bus pass from them for 2800 yen. 2 days free shuttle busses (red green and blue busses) and one entry for boat and rope. Totally worth it if ...
When is the best time to visit Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare" (Mount Fuji Area, Japan)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms along the shore. Summer can be hot—bring sun hats. Autumn leaves reflect in the water. Winter offers crisp air and clear views—dress in layers.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult cruise tickets (2 x ¥1,000) | JPY 2,000 |
| Infant ticket (free) | JPY 0 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
Address: 県営船津無料駐車場, 前, Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan
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