Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare" (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"?
What makes it 77% Kids-Friendly: The bright samurai ship, half-price ticket, stroller-friendly cabin, and quick loop excite children, but parents must use shore toilets first and bring snacks because no restroom or food service exists on board.
Positives:
- Family-friendly fares: Children under 6 ride free and older kids pay half price, making it easy on the budget.
- Easy access: The pier is a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station with clear signage.
- Covered cabin: The first-floor cabin offers shelter in case of rain or strong sun.
Challenges:
- Short cruise: The trip lasts about 20 minutes, so younger kids may need on-land entertainment afterwards.
- No on-board snacks: There are no food services on the boat; bring light snacks and water.
- No restrooms: No toilets on board, so use shore facilities before boarding.
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 kids?
- 360° panoramic Mt. Fuji and lake reflections
- Authentic Japanese-style boat with samurai design
- Short, kid-friendly cruise with free rides for preschoolers
- Covered cabin with multimedia display for rainy weather
- Easy walk from Kawaguchiko Station, ideal for families
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: The 20-minute cruise plus boarding time and a short walk from Kawaguchiko Station fits well around other lake activities without tiring kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
360° Mt. Fuji deck:
Climb to the second-floor deck for panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and its reflection on the lake.
Tip: Go early to avoid wind and crowds; bring a light jacket for breeze.
Tatami-style cabin:
Relax inside the covered first-floor cabin on tatami benches and watch the 50-inch monitor for history and seasonal footage.
Tip: Let kids sit by the screen on cloudy days to learn about Mt. Fuji.
Unoshima spotting:
Look for Unoshima, the small island in the lake, and spot fish or birds along the shoreline.
Tip: Bring binoculars or a smartphone camera for close-up views.
Samurai ship details:
Explore the boat’s red armor accents and Takeda diamond motifs inspired by samurai warships.
Tip: Encourage kids to pretend they are captains and take fun photos by the decorations.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
- Buy tickets early: Purchase at the ticket office before peak hours to secure preferred departure times.
- Time visits for clear weather: Check forecast and book morning or late afternoon trips for best Mt. Fuji views.
- Combine with other attractions: Use a Fujigoko pass for discounted ropeway or bus rides after the cruise.
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)?
In spring, enjoy cherry blossoms around the shore; in autumn, catch colorful foliage reflections; visit on clear mornings for the best Mt. Fuji mirror image; in winter, dress warmly for crisp lake air.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2 × 1000 JPY) | JPY 2,000 |
| Child ticket (6–12 years) | JPY 500 |
| Preschooler ticket (under 6 years) | JPY 0 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,500 |
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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