By Yutaka Nagai

Lake Motosu（本栖湖）

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Lake Motosu is located at westernmost position  of the Fuji Five Lakes and is the third-largest of the Fuji Five Lakes. On the other hand it is the deepest lake of the Five lakes with a maximum water depth of 121.6meters(399 feet). This is the reason why this lakes has beautiful deep ultramarine color different from other lakes. Lake Motosu is also well-known for its appearance on the reverse side of the 1000 yen bill and the former 5000 yen bill. The lake had been difficult to access by public transportation and largely undeveloped except for a few camp sites around its shores. But, recently on the south side of the lake new hotel was opened and sightseeing tour bus is also become available. Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, boating and other water sports can be enjoyed around the lake.

Lake Motosu was formed when an eruption by Mount Fuji separated a larger prehistoric lake into three smaller lakes in the 9th century. The resulting three lakes, Lake Motosu, Lake Sai and Lake Shoji, remain connected by underground waterways, as they continue to constantly maintain the same water level of 900 meters(3,000 feet) above sea level.