The loop around Lake Yamanaka (Yamanakako) is the best run in the Mount Fuji area that’s not a trail run. Do the entire 13.4 km loop, or choose a section! Along most of the way, there’s a paved multi-use path alongside the road, but there are a couple of on-road sections and some pedestrian offshoots.  Along most of the route, there are wonderful views of the lake and Mount Fuji.

Google Street View

Good places to start are Yamanakako Communication Plaza or Nagasaki Park, where there’s parking and facilities. Follow the path along the main road.  If you don’t want to do the entire loop, we recommend the north part of the lake, between Yamanakako Beach Marina around to Kohan Park. At the southern end of the lake, there’s a busier section of road away from the water. Also at the southern end, Asahigaoka Lakeside Greenspace Park is known for its fall foliage.

Add-On: At the northwestern end of the lake, near the Yamanaka Suwa Shrine, there’s a 1.8 km path along the Katsura River, through Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park. In season, there can be some lovely wildflowers.