Oishi Park (Ōishi Kōen) — Lake Kawaguchi​

Front-row Fuji views, flower-lined paths, and an easy lakeside stroll—Oishi Park on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) serves up the classic postcard: Mt. Fuji + lake + seasonal blooms. Use this guide for the best seasons, photo spots, transport tips, verified cafés, and bookable tours.

Quick Facts

• Location: North shore of Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi; the park wraps the lakeside promenade by the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center.
• Known for: Unobstructed Mt. Fuji vistas, lavender (late Jun–mid Jul), and kochia (late summer–autumn) flower beds along the “Flower Street” promenade.
• Hours/Fees: Park is free and open 24/7; the Natural Living Center typically operates ~09:00–17:15.
• Time needed: 45–90 minutes for photos, a lakeside walk, and a café stop. (Based on access, facility hours, and common visit patterns.)

Why Visit Oishi Park

It’s one of Kawaguchiko’s easiest Fuji viewpoints with flat paths, benches, and seasonal color. In early summer, purple lavender frames Fuji during the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival; in autumn, rolling kochia and maples around the lake add contrast; winter often brings the clearest skies and a snowcapped peak.

Highlights & Photo Spots

• Main Viewing Terrace: Centerline shot of Fuji across Lake Kawaguchi; arrive early morning for your best odds of a clear summit.
• Lavender Promenade (late Jun–mid Jul): Bands of purple leading the eye toward Fuji; festival stalls may appear in-season.
• Kochia Beds (Aug–Oct): Mounds transition from green to deep red by mid–late autumn. 
• Nashigawa Path (nearby): A quiet stream-side walk and the famed Momiji Corridor—especially good at night during the Autumn Leaves Festival (lighting until ~22:00 on event nights). 

Pro tip: Fuji hides behind clouds by midday in warmer months; sunrise to late morning is usually best. Post-rain air can also sharpen visibility.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Oishi Park depends on your vibe: winter (Dec–Feb) brings the clearest Mt. Fuji views with a snowy crown; spring (Apr–May) adds fresh greens and pockets of late sakura around the lake; early summer (late Jun–mid Jul) is peak lavender with the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival at Oishi and Yagizaki; and autumn (Oct–Nov) paints the shore with crimson kochia and glowing maples.

Suggested Itineraries

• 1-Hour Snapshot: Red Line bus → Main Terrace photos → short promenade loop → soft-serve stop at the Natural Living Center. 
• Half-Day Lakeside: Oishi Park → Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway → lakeside stroll/museum time → onsen soak. 
• Photographer’s Set: Sunrise Fuji → mid-morning lavender/kochia macro → blue-hour reflection test when winds calm.

Tips, Etiquette & Accessibility

• Respect the beds: Stay on paths; don’t step into flower plots; drones are typically restricted.
• Shoes: Flat gravel can be slick after rain—wear non-slip soles.
• Facilities: Restrooms, vending, and shops are by the Natural Living Center. 
• Accessibility: Mostly flat and stroller-/wheelchair-friendly; minor uneven patches along the promenade.

Food & Café (operating & mappable)

• Oishi Park Café (inside Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center): Local-leaning menu, blueberry soft-serve, croissant sandwiches, terrace views of Fuji. Hours commonly around 09:00–17:00; check day-of. Findable on Maps as “Oishi Park Cafe / オオイシ パーク カフェ.”
• Natural Living Center Shop: Souvenirs and house-made blueberry jam; seasonal desserts.

Nearby Sights to Combine

• Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (Kachi Kachi): Quick summit for sweeping Fuji-lake views.
• Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum: Lakeside gardens and small exhibits; photogenic stop.
• Momiji Corridor (Nashigawa): Signature autumn leaves promenade with night light-ups during the festival.
• Chureito Pagoda (Arakura Sengen): The classic Fuji-with-pagoda view (20–30 min by train + walk from Kawaguchiko).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to Get There (Access & Map)

• From Kawaguchiko Station: Take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) to Oishi Park / Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center—about 30 minutes, final stop on many runs. 
• By Car: Free/paid lots near the park; weekends and bloom peaks fill up early. 
• Cycling: Gentle lakeside cycle paths connect the station area with the north shore.

Main Character at Main Peak

Make Oishi Park your Fuji-view warm-up: catch sunrise on the terrace, sip a blueberry soft-serve at the café, then ride the ropeway or explore the Momiji Corridor. If you want a no-stress plan (and guaranteed transport), book a VELTRA Fuji day tour and let a local guide time the best views for you.