Lake Motosu Kouan Campsite: The Mt. Fuji View from the Old 1,000-Yen Note
Quick answer: Kouan Campsite on Lake Motosu (Yamanashi) lets you camp with a direct view of Mt. Fuji. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are possible, pitches are free-choice, there is no power or water at the pitch, and you must take your trash home.
The scene of Mt. Fuji on the back of the old 1,000-yen note (before the 2024 redesign) is drawn from the entrance area of Kouan Campsite on the shore of Lake Motosu. It is our favorite campground in Japan, and the only one we have revisited. This guide shares what we learned from our own stay.
Booking
Kouan has no marked pitches, and in principle you can check in without a reservation. If you want certainty, there is an online reservation form. You enter your dates, number of people, tents (up to 2), tarps (up to 2) and vehicle details, and the booking is complete once you receive the confirmation email.
- Online: kouan-motosuko.com/camp/reserve
- Phone: 0556-38-0117 (8:00-20:00)
Price list (as of May 2023; check the official site for current rates):
Check-in
Go to the reception at the management building. If you have not booked, ask for the registration form and fill in your party details; if you booked online, show the confirmation email.
You will receive a campsite permit. Keep it safe, and if you drive in, place it inside the front windshield.
Kouan is a main location in the anime Yuru Camp, so the shop sells many Yuru Camp souvenirs, some available only at the campground.
Choosing a pitch
You choose your own spot. Cars can park next to the tent in the first lakeside row; other pitches require parking in the designated lot. We recommend the first lakeside row: the unobstructed Fuji view is superb. The downsides are the distance to toilets and washing areas, and the need to watch for sun, ground conditions (peg depth) and lake wind.
To recreate the Yuru Camp scene, you need the mont-bell Moonlight Tent 2.
The forest area offers better privacy, but to reach a good viewpoint you may need a camp cart for a short haul. The trees are naturally scattered, with occasional stumps and fire rings that add atmosphere.
A handy tool for firewood: the BABACHO Takibinata wood splitting knife, stylish and easy to use.
Campsite rules and tips
- There is no trash service. Pack your garbage and take it home.
- Audio equipment is banned across the site. Keep work and chatting quiet for other campers.
- Check-out is by 10:00. A paid extension to 17:00 can be requested.
- Choose any pitch you like, forest or lakeside.
- No pitch has power or running water. Fetch water from the cooking area.
Contact information
- Address: 2926 Nakanokura, Minobu, Minamikoma, Yamanashi 409-3104
- Phone: 0556-38-0117 (8:00-20:00)
- Fax: 0556-38-0703
- E-mail: info@kouan-motosuko.com
Summary
Lake Motosu Kouan is one of Japan's best campgrounds. Besides the World Heritage view, it is a pilgrimage site for Yuru Camp fans. Most campers we met were Japanese locals, so follow the rules and local etiquette, and watch the weather. We hope you get a clear view of Mt. Fuji.