Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare" (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Elementary children ride half-price, can explore the samurai-themed ship and spot mirrored Mt Fuji, yet parents must watch them on windy upper deck and use shore toilets because none are onboard.
Positives:
- Easy access: Funatsuhama Pier is a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.
- Barrier-free cabin: First-floor seating lets you board easily with strollers.
- Short ride: A 20-minute cruise holds children’s attention.
Challenges:
- No restrooms: There is no toilet on board; use station facilities before boarding.
- Weather dependent: Cloud cover can block peak views of Mount Fuji.
- Wind on deck: Bring a light jacket for children on the open deck.
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?
- Short 20-minute cruise with multiple departures
- Open deck offers panoramic Mt Fuji and lake views
- Tatami-style cabin and monitor entertain families in any weather
- Barrier-free cabin makes stroller boarding easy
- Children under 6 ride free, elementary fares are affordable
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A quick 20-minute cruise with frequent departures keeps kids engaged without long waits.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
Open deck viewing:
Climb to the second-floor deck for a full 360° view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
Tip: Hold children’s hands and watch Unoshima Island from the bow.
Samurai-style ship interior:
Explore red-armor accents and Takeda diamond motifs inspired by Sengoku-period vessels.
Tip: Let kids pretend to be captains by pointing out the samurai decorations.
Interactive multimedia display:
Watch the 50-inch monitor for stories about Mt Fuji’s history and seasonal changes.
Tip: Use the cabin display to keep kids entertained on cloudy days.
Spot inverted Mt Fuji:
On clear days, look for the upside-down reflection of Mt Fuji in the lake.
Tip: Ask kids to count how many trees appear in the mirrored image.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
- Early or late sail: Take the first or last cruise to avoid crowds and enjoy calmer water.
- Show discount passes: Present any Fujikyu Group ticket for reduced adult fare of ¥800.
- Pack snacks: Bring small snacks and water since there is no onboard food service.
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 cherry blossom season, sail past pink blooms along the shore. In autumn, ride at sunset to see fiery leaves mirrored on the water.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult tickets (¥1,000 each) | JPY 2,000 |
| Child ticket (age 6–12) | JPY 500 |
| 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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