The Ultimate 1 Day Mount Fuji Tour from Tokyo (with a Stop at Hakone)
Planning a 1 day Mount Fuji tour? It may seem like a daunting task. But, I’m here to tell you – No it isn’t!
My daughter and I recently embarked on a whirlwind 1 day Mount Fuji tour. And trust me, it was an adventure we’ll never forget.
Not only was our 1 day Mount Fuji tour first-timer friendly but it was also packed with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. If you’re short on time but big on wanderlust, this 1 day Mount Fuji tour is definitely worth considering.
At first, the idea of squeezing all that Mount Fuji has to offer into a single day seemed impossible. But trust me, it’s totally doable, and we had an absolute blast doing it.
So, buckle up and get ready to discover how you can experience the magic of Mount Fuji. Even if you’re short on time.
Where exactly is Mount Fuji located?
So, where in the world is Mount Fuji, you ask? Well, this majestic volcano is nestled in Japan, right on the border between the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures.
It’s about 100 kilometers (that’s roughly 60 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Which means that on a clear day, you can actually catch a glimpse of it from the city.
Standing tall at a whopping 3,776 meters (or 12,389 feet if you prefer), Mount Fuji isn’t just Japan’s highest peak—it’s also a cultural and spiritual icon that holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people.
How to Get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo
First off, let’s talk about how to actually get there from Tokyo. There are a few different ways to make the journey, each with its own pros and cons. Let me break it down for you:
By Train:
If you’re all about speed and efficiency (and who isn’t?), taking the train is definitely the way to go. You can zoom from Tokyo to Otsuki Station in about an hour and a half, which is pretty darn impressive. Plus, the train ride itself is quite scenic, offering glimpses of the Japanese countryside as you whiz by.
If you happen to have a Japan Rail Pass, you can even hop on the famous Shinkansen bullet train for a truly speedy adventure.
Just be aware that you’ll need to transfer to the Fujikyu Railway at Otsuki Station. And unfortunately, that part isn’t covered by the JR Pass.
By Bus
For those of us who prefer to save our yen for souvenirs and snacks (guilty as charged!), taking the bus is a fantastic option. There are several different bus companies and routes to choose from. Each offer flexibility and direct access to some areas, like those popular climbing trails.
Ticket prices start at around 2,000 yen, making this the most budget-friendly transportation option for your 1 day Mount Fuji tour.
By Car
If you crave the freedom to explore at your own pace and create your own personalized itinerary, renting a car might be the perfect fit for you. While it’s certainly not the cheapest option, it does give you the flexibility to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that you might miss on a tour bus or train.
Plus, there’s something undeniably thrilling about cruising through the Japanese countryside with the wind in your hair and Mount Fuji looming in the distance.
1 Day Mount Fuji Tour and Hakone Tour Itinerary
Now, it’s time for the good stuff! Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of our 1 day Mount Fuji tour, shall we?
Scenic Bus Ride from Tokyo to Fujinomiya 5th Station
After hopping on a comfy charter bus in Tokyo, we made our way to the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji’s Fujinomiya 5th Station (Fujinōmiya Gogōme). From where we began our journey at the LOVE Sculpture in Tokyo, it was about a 2 hour drive.
Along the way, we were told that we shouldn’t get our hopes up for actually seeing the mountain since it was a very cloudy day. That was a surprise. We had no idea that there was a chance that we wouldn’t be able to see Mt. Fuji. From that point on, our excitement was tinged with a bit of nervousness that we wouldn’t get to see what we came for.
Our bus finally made it to a bustling hub of activity that sits at a lofty 2,400 meters above sea level. This makes it the highest of the 5th stations on Mount Fuji, and the Fujinomiya Trail that starts here is the shortest route to the summit.
As we stepped off the bus, we were immediately greeted by breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The air was crisp and cool, a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
The moment we stepped off the bus, people began to squeal in delight! We looked up and there it was – Mt. Fuji. The clouds had parted and it felt like they did that just for us. 😌
And while these aren’t the best photos, I am so glad we got them! In the picture below, I’m standing in the relative same place as the bus was. And though the mountain really is behind me, you can’t see it. And that’s just 20 minutes later! It was just that cloudy.
Pro tip: If your plan is actually to hike up Mount Fuji, the Fujinomiya 5th Station is your last chance to stock up on food, water, oxygen, and other essentials at reasonable prices. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught without these supplies once you start your ascent!
Now, actually climbing Mt. Fuji was NOWHERE in our plans (haha).
But is that something you’re interested in? If so, I would recommend you make the trek with a tour such as the one found HERE. With a climbing tour, you will be accompanied by experienced climbers. They will be familiar with the mountain and who will help you stay safe.
Sending Postcards from the Highest Post Office in Japan
For us, the most strenuous we intended to be was the amount of energy it would take to shop the 5th station stores. So after we took some quick snaps of the mountain, we began our tour of the 5th station.
There were many cute little souvenir shops, and we picked up some authentic fans and chopsticks.
But by far our favorite experience on the 5th station – besides seeing the mountain – was the post office. It was really cool to sending postcards home to ourselves as a unique souvenir of our adventure.
It was such a quirky and memorable experience, choosing postcards with stunning images of Mount Fuji, scribbling messages to our future selves, and then dropping them into the mailbox at the highest post office in Japan.
NOTE: It takes FOREVER to get the postcards back. We pretty much forgot we sent them by time they finally arrived. It was nice though – getting those postcards weeks after the trip had ended was a nice prompt to spend some time reminiscing over our adventure.
Spa Lunch for “Hikers”
After time spent at Mount Fuji’s 5th station, we were off to lunch. We found ourselves at Fujiyama Onsen, a hot spring and spa.
This facility is often used by hikers who have actually traversed Mt. Fuji. We found this kind of funny since we did nothing more strenuous than write out some postcards.
Still, we felt honored to be there. And we were there for the lunch, not the spa.
We had yummy hot pots and a buffet lunch. And by time we were done, we were ready for the next stage of our adventure.
Arriving in Hakone by Bus
After our unforgettable Mount Fuji experience, it was time to move on to the next leg of our 1 day Mount Fuji tour: the enchanting Hakone region. We hopped on a bus that whisked us away through winding roads, offering glimpses of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages.
The scenic drive was the perfect way to unwind after our strenuous climb and get excited for the adventures that lay ahead.
And our first stop in Hakone was at Kurotamago House, the home of the black boiled egg.
Kurotamago, or “black eggs,” are a must-try specialty found in Owakudani, a volcanic valley near Hakone. These eggs are boiled in sulfuric hot springs, turning their shells black while keeping a regular hard-boiled taste.
Legend says eating one can add seven years to your life, making them a popular and lucky treat.
The Owakudani area, the only place that Kurotamago can be eaten, offers stunning views, active sulfur vents, and hot springs, accessible via the scenic Hakone Ropeway.
The Hakone Ropeway Cable Car Ride Down to Lake Ashi
After picking up our life-extending eggs, we made a beeline for the Hakone Ropeway, a thrilling cable car ride that would take us down to the picturesque Lake Ashi.
The views from the cable car were nothing short of spectacular. We gazed out at the sparkling waters of Lake Ashi, and the majestic peaks of the surrounding mountains.
The Hakone Ropeway took us across the Owakudani Valley as well, a volcanic area known for its bubbling hot springs and sulfuric steam vents.
It really was stunning
But, if you are afraid of heights, it may not be for you. We didn’t know that a cable car ride was going to be part of our adventure. Even though I was fine with it, but my daughter is afraid of heights. It was only about a 15 minute ride down to the lake. But for someone with a fear, I’m sure it felt like an hour. So keep that in mind.
Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi
Last but not least, we set sail on the serene waters of Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship! Yes, you read that right—a pirate ship.
The cruise took us between the three main ports of Hakone: Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko, and Togendai-ko. As we cruised along, we were treated to stunning views of Mount Fuji, the iconic red torii gate of the Hakone Shrine, and the tranquil waters of the lake itself.
But the real highlight of the cruise was the ship itself. With its intricate details, billowing sails, and playful pirate theme, it was like stepping onto a movie set. It was the perfect way to relax and reflect on our incredible 1 day Mount Fuji tour.
Return Trip to Tokyo by Bus
As the sun began to set, we bid farewell to Hakone and boarded a bus back to Tokyo. As we cruised through the darkening landscape, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the incredible experiences we had packed into our 1 day Mount Fuji tour.
FAQs Related to 1 Day Mount Fuji Tour with Hakone from Tokyo
Can I do a day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji?
Absolutely! Day trips to Mount Fuji from Tokyo are incredibly popular and easy to arrange. You can choose to join an organized tour or venture out on your own (which is what we did) using public transportation.
Can you do Hakone and Mt. Fuji in one day?
Yes, it’s definitely possible to combine a visit to Hakone and Mount Fuji in a single day.
Can I see Mt. Fuji from Hakone?
Oh, you bet! On a clear day, you can enjoy absolutely stunning views of Mount Fuji from various spots in Hakone. The Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi offer particularly breathtaking vantage points.
How do I get to Mt. Fuji from Hakone?
Getting to Mount Fuji from Hakone is a breeze. Simply hop on a bus or train to Gotemba Station, and then transfer to another bus that will take you directly to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji. Easy peasy!
Are Hakone and Mt. Fuji the same?
Nope, they’re two distinct destinations. Hakone is a charming town known for its hot springs, lush landscapes, and art museums, while Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Both are worth visiting, but they offer very different experiences.
Final Thoughts on the 1 Day Mount Fuji Tour!
As you can see, my daughter and I had an absolute blast on our whirlwind 1 day Mount Fuji tour. We soaked in breathtaking scenery, and even managed to squeeze in a pirate ship cruise!
Whether you choose to follow our exact itinerary or create your own personalized adventure, I hope our experience has inspired you to embark on your own 1 day Mount Fuji tour.
I guarantee it’ll be worth every moment!
And if you’re looking for another one day tour while you’re in Japan, check out this article: In it, I share tips on a one day tour to Kyoto from Tokyo.