Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, Oishi Park offers one of the most picturesque spots in Japan where visitors can enjoy the perfect harmony of seasonal flowers, the tranquil lake, and the majestic Mt. Fuji all at once! This stunning location has become increasingly popular among international tourists, who often outnumber Japanese visitors. It’s not hard to see why – the combination of colorful flower fields against the backdrop of Japan’s most iconic mountain creates a truly magical experience that changes with every season.
Access Information
Getting to Oishi Park from Kawaguchiko Station
The most convenient way to reach Oishi Park is by taking a bus from Kawaguchiko Station:
- Take the Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) from Kawaguchiko Station
- Get off at the “Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center” bus stop
- The journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes
- Bus fare is typically around 1,000 yen for a day pass (allows unlimited rides)
Access by Car
If you’re driving to Oishi Park:
- From Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway toward Kawaguchiko
- Exit at Kawaguchiko IC and follow signs to Lake Kawaguchiko’s north shore
- The park is located in the Oishi district
- Travel time from central Tokyo is approximately 2 hours (depending on traffic)
Parking Information
One of the great conveniences of Oishi Park is its spacious free parking lot! This makes it an ideal stop for those touring the area by car, motorcycle, or bicycle. During peak seasons (especially during lavender blooming season and autumn foliage), the parking lot can fill up quickly, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.
Basic Information
Opening Hours
Oishi Park itself is open 24 hours as it’s a public park with no gates or barriers. You can visit anytime to enjoy the scenery and take photographs. However, the facilities within the park have specific operating hours:
- Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Oishi Park Cafe: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (summer) / 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (winter)
- Local Products Shop: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
Here’s the best part – admission to Oishi Park is completely free! You can enjoy the beautiful gardens, take photos of Mt. Fuji, and stroll along Flower Street without paying an entrance fee. This makes it one of the best value spots in the Kawaguchiko area!
Recommended Visit Duration
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring Oishi Park. This gives you enough time to walk through the flower fields, take photographs from different angles, and perhaps enjoy a snack or drink at the cafe. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere or participate in activities at the Natural Living Center, you might want to allow for up to 3 hours.
Seasonal Flowers at Oishi Park
Oishi Park is famous for its “Flower Road” (Hana Kaido) – a promenade showcasing over 90 varieties of flowers that change with the seasons. Each visit offers a new visual experience as different flowers come into bloom!
Spring Flowers (April-May)
Spring at Oishi Park brings a vibrant display of:
- Tulips (late April)
- Moss phlox creating a stunning pink carpet (early May)
- Daffodils and rape blossoms adding splashes of yellow
These spring blooms create a colorful foreground with Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko in the background – a photographer’s dream!
Summer Flowers: Lavender Season (June-July)
Late June to mid-July is perhaps the most spectacular time to visit Oishi Park, as it’s when the lavender fields burst into full bloom! The purple carpets of lavender stretching before Mt. Fuji create one of Japan’s most iconic summer scenery. This period coincides with the Kawaguchiko Herb Festival, when the park becomes a celebration of all things lavender.
The contrast between the deep purple lavender, the blue water of Lake Kawaguchiko, and the majestic white-capped Mt. Fuji (when visible) creates a truly unforgettable view. The lavender’s gentle fragrance adds another sensory dimension to your visit.
My Visit to the Lavender Fields
I’ve visited Oishi Park numerous times, and it remains one of my absolute favorite spots in Japan! When I visited in early summer, the lavender was in full bloom, creating the most gorgeous purple carpet you can imagine. As someone who’s worked with flowers for over 30 years, I can tell you that the lavender variety grown here is exceptionally vibrant – it’s the ‘Hidcote’ variety, known for its deep purple-blue color that photographers love.
The sweet, calming fragrance of lavender filled the air as I strolled along the pathway. Even though it was cloudy that day and Mt. Fuji was hiding behind the clouds, the beauty of the lavender fields alone made the trip worthwhile! The way the lavender plants were arranged in neat rows created a stunning visual effect that’s perfect for photos.
Autumn Flowers (September-November)
Fall brings another beautiful transformation to Oishi Park:
- Cosmos flowers sway in the autumn breeze
- Kochia (summer cypress) turns a brilliant crimson
- Celosia adds vibrant reds and oranges to the landscape
The autumn colors complement the increasingly clear views of Mt. Fuji, which tends to be more visible during the cooler months.
Winter Scenery (December-February)
While flowers are less abundant in winter, this season offers its own special charm at Oishi Park. The crystal-clear winter air often provides the most spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, with its snow-capped peak mirrored in the calm waters of Lake Kawaguchiko. Photographers particularly treasure these winter views for their clarity and the beautiful contrast between the blue sky, white mountain, and reflective lake surface.
On lucky days, you might witness what locals call “Diamond Fuji” – when the sun rises or sets directly over the peak of Mt. Fuji, creating a diamond-like effect.
Facilities at Oishi Park
Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center
The Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center is a hub of activity within the park:
- Blueberry picking experiences (seasonal)
- Jam-making workshops using local fruits
- Educational displays about local flora and fauna
- Information desk with multilingual assistance
Cafe and Restaurant Options
After exploring the park, you can refuel at:
- Oishi Park Cafe on the first floor offering light meals and refreshments
- Kitchen Fujiyama View on the second floor with a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji
- Try their popular jam sandwiches, egg sandwiches, and Hokkaido soft serve ice cream!
The cafes feature large windows that fully open during nice weather, allowing you to enjoy your meal with unobstructed views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji.
Souvenir Shop
Don’t leave without visiting the local products shop where you can purchase:
- Fresh local vegetables
- Handcrafted souvenirs
- Lavender products (especially during and after the summer season)
- Natural yeast bread from “Kinuta” – a beloved local bakery
Photo Spots
Best Viewpoints for Mt. Fuji, Lake, and Flowers
Oishi Park offers several prime photo locations:
- Central Flower Road viewpoint – where you can capture Mt. Fuji framed by seasonal flowers
- Lakeside promenade – for reflections of Mt. Fuji on the lake surface
- Elevated position near the Natural Living Center – for a panoramic view encompassing flowers, lake, and mountain
For the best lighting, visit during early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight bathes Mt. Fuji in a golden glow. Clear winter days often provide the crispest views of the mountain.
Hydrangeas and Other Summer Beauties
During my early summer visit, I was delighted to discover that Oishi Park isn’t just about lavender! The beautiful white and pink hydrangeas (especially the ‘Annabelle’ variety with its large, snowball-like blooms) create a stunning contrast with the purple lavender fields. These hydrangeas are typically at their peak from mid-June through July.
As a flower enthusiast, I was impressed by how thoughtfully the garden is designed, with varying heights and textures that complement each other perfectly. The hydrangeas are positioned just right – their full, rounded shapes create a beautiful backdrop for the more vertical lavender stems. This is exactly the kind of planting combination I recommend to my customers who want to create visual interest in their gardens!
What makes these flower displays even more special is how they change throughout the day. In the morning light, the colors appear fresh and vibrant, while the afternoon sun brings out warmer tones and longer shadows that add depth to your photos. If you’re a flower lover like me, bring a small notebook – you’ll get tons of inspiration for your own garden!
Nearby Attractions
Other Spots Around Lake Kawaguchiko
While in the area, consider visiting these nearby attractions:
- Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum (10 minutes by car) – a European-inspired garden and music box museum
- Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (15 minutes by car) – offering aerial views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji
- Itchiku Kubota Art Museum (5 minutes by car) – showcasing stunning kimono art
- Arakurayama Sengen Park (20 minutes by car) – home to the famous Chureito Pagoda with Mt. Fuji views
Flower Lover’s Tips
As someone who’s worked with flowers for over 30 years, here are my special tips for flower enthusiasts visiting Oishi Park:
- Best time for photography: Early morning (around 7-8 AM) offers the softest light and fewest crowds
- Fragrance experience: Gently run your hand over the lavender to release its aromatic oils – but please don’t pick the flowers!
- Composition idea: Include some of the taller grasses in your photos for added texture and depth
- Color combinations: Notice how the park’s designers use complementary colors (purple lavender with yellow accent flowers) to create visual impact
- Seasonal highlights: Besides lavender and hydrangeas, look for the delicate pink moss phlox in spring and fiery red kochia in autumn
If you’re inspired by what you see, many of these plants can be grown in home gardens too! The lavender varieties, especially, are quite adaptable to different growing conditions.
Summary
Oishi Park truly deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful spots in the Kawaguchiko area. Its winning combination of seasonal flowers, especially the stunning summer lavender fields, panoramic lake views, and the majestic presence of Mt. Fuji creates a memorable experience for visitors. Whether you’re an avid photographer, nature lover, or simply seeking the perfect view of Mt. Fuji, Oishi Park offers a rewarding experience in every season.
The park’s accessibility, free admission, and convenient facilities make it a must-visit destination when exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region. From the vibrant purple lavender of summer to the crystal-clear mountain views of winter, Oishi Park showcases the harmony between carefully cultivated gardens and Japan’s most iconic natural landmark.
As a frequent visitor, I can honestly say that each trip to Oishi Park brings new discoveries and joy. Even on cloudy days when Mt. Fuji hides its peak, the beautiful flower arrangements and peaceful atmosphere make it worth the visit. And when you do catch that perfect moment – with clear skies, blooming flowers, and the majestic mountain reflected in the lake – it creates a memory that will stay with you forever!
