Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare" (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"?
What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: This short, frequent cruise is cheap, close to the station, and offers unobstructed Fuji views and history screens, so a solo traveler can fit it easily into a flexible schedule without waiting.
Positives:
- Frequent departures: Boats leave every 30 minutes, so you can join any cruise without a long wait.
- Free Wi-Fi onboard: Share photos instantly using the boat’s complimentary Wi-Fi.
Challenges:
- No onboard restrooms: Use shore restrooms before boarding, as the cruise has no facilities.
- Dependent on weather: Mt. Fuji and its reflection are hidden on cloudy or windy days.
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 solo trip?
- Short solo-friendly cruise with flexible departures
- 360° views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji from the open deck
- Tatami-style cabin with a large screen for local history
- Catch the rare inverted Mt. Fuji reflection in calm weather
- Complimentary Wi-Fi lets you share photos instantly
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A 20-minute cruise plus boarding and photo time fits into 1–2 hours, allowing for multiple trips or a relaxed pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
Circle Unoshima Island:
Take the 20-minute cruise loop around Unoshima Island and under Kawaguchiko Bridge.
Tip: Sit on the 2nd-floor open deck for unobstructed lake and Mt. Fuji views.
Use the tatami-style cabin:
Relax inside the covered 1st-floor cabin styled like a tatami room.
Tip: Watch the 50-inch monitor for local history and all-season Mt. Fuji footage.
Capture the inverted Mt. Fuji:
Spot Mt. Fuji’s reflection in the calm waters of Lake Kawaguchi.
Tip: Choose a morning cruise when winds are low for the clearest reflection.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
- Buy tickets in advance: Purchase at Kawaguchiko Station or online to skip lines during peak season.
- Check the weather: Go on clear mornings for the best Fuji visibility and calm water reflections.
- Combine with nearby sights: Use a combo ticket for the Fuji Panorama Ropeway and local buses to extend your trip.
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 along the shore. In autumn, see red and gold foliage reflected in the lake. On clear winter days, experience sharp, snow-capped Fuji views. On rainy days, use the indoor monitor for scenic footage.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult boat ticket | JPY 1,000 |
| Boat + Ropeway combo ticket | JPY 2,400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,400 |
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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