Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko — Smallest and Deepest Fuji Lakes

Lake Shojiko (西湖) and Lake Motosuko (本栖湖) are the westernmost of the Fuji Five Lakes, connected by a 2km walking path through forest. Shojiko is the smallest of the five lakes (0.5 km²) and has the quietest atmosphere — almost no development, minimal boat traffic, and dense forest surrounding the entire shoreline. Motosuko is the deepest of the five lakes (138m maximum depth), with exceptionally clear water (visibility up to 12 meters) due to minimal sediment inflow and the lake's volcanic origins.

Motosuko's northwestern shore provides the view that appears on the ¥1,000 yen bill and the older ¥5,000 yen bill — Mt. Fuji's reflection in the lake from a specific angle. The photographer Okada Koyo took the iconic image in the 1980s from a spot now marked with a monument and viewing platform. The lake's cobalt-blue water and Mt. Fuji rising beyond create one of the most perfect compositions in Japanese landscape photography. Both lakes offer kayaking, camping, and hiking with far fewer visitors than Kawaguchiko or Yamanakako.