Best Mount Fuji Tours & Trips

Where is Mount Fuji and How Do I Get There?

Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san as it’s lovingly called in Japan, stands tall on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo. On a clear day, you can even spot its majestic peak from the city! But to truly appreciate its grandeur, you need to get a little closer.

Getting there is surprisingly straightforward, making a 1-day Mt Fuji tour from Tokyo a popular option for many visitors:

By Bus: The most direct and budget-friendly way to reach the heart of the Fuji area is by highway bus from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. The ride takes a little over two hours and drops you off at Kawaguchiko Station or Fuji-Q Highland, placing you right in the thick of the action.

By Train: For lovers of scenic rail journeys, the Fuji Excursion Limited Express train runs directly from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station. It's a bit pricier than the bus but offers a comfortable and picturesque ride. Alternatively, you can take a JR Chuo Line train to Otsuki and transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko.

By Car: Renting a car gives you the ultimate flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. The drive from Tokyo is relatively easy, and having your own wheels means you can discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

By Guided Tour: For convenience, many opt for all-in-one Mount Fuji day tours that cover transportation, sightseeing, and local experiences.

For those looking for a truly unforgettable experience, a Mount Fuji helicopter tour offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. It's a splurge, but the panoramic vistas are priceless.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Your ideal season depends on what you want to do. For the clearest views of the mountain, the winter months (December to February) are your best bet. The crisp, dry air offers a higher chance of a cloud-free Fuji, often capped with a picture-perfect layer of snow.

If you're dreaming of climbing to the summit, the official climbing season is from early July to early September. This is when the trails are open, the weather is mildest, and the mountain huts are in operation. Keep in mind that this is also the busiest time, so be prepared for crowds.

Spring (March to May) brings cherry blossoms, framing the mountain in delicate pink, while autumn (October to November) offers a stunning backdrop of fiery red and gold foliage. These seasons are ideal for sightseeing and photography.

What are the Best Things to Do Around Mt. Fuji?

The area around Mount Fuji is a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers. A Mt Fuji day tour can be a great way to see the highlights, but if you have more time, there's plenty to explore. Here are some of the best things to do around the mountain:

Fuji Five Lakes: This is the main event for many visitors. The five lakes: Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko, offer a variety of attractions and some of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible and developed, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and museums. Don't miss the chance to take a boat cruise or ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for stunning vistas. For a more active adventure, consider a Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi tour to hit all the best spots.

Chureito Pagoda: You've probably seen the photo: a beautiful red pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background. This is the Chureito Pagoda, part of the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine. It's a bit of a climb to get to, but the view is absolutely worth it, especially during cherry blossom season.

Fuji-Q Highland: Thrill-seekers will love this amusement park with record-breaking roller coasters and a haunted hospital attraction.

Mount Fuji Helicopter Tour: Yes, you can see the mountain from the sky! Mount Fuji helicopter tours are available from Tokyo or Shizuoka, offering a unique way to admire the region’s landscape without breaking a sweat.

Oshino Hakkai: This traditional village is known for its eight ponds fed by the melted snow of Mount Fuji. The water is incredibly clear, and you can see the mountain reflected in the ponds on a calm day.

Hakone: This popular hot spring resort town is another fantastic base for exploring the Fuji region. Hakone offers a different perspective on the mountain and a wealth of attractions, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a scenic ropeway, and a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. Many multi-day tours, like the 8-Day Essential Japan Tour, include a stop in Hakone.

Dining and Local Experiences

After soaking in the views, it’s time to eat. Around Kawaguchiko and the Fuji Five Lakes area, you’ll find a mix of casual eateries and traditional cuisine. Yamanashi Prefecture is famous for hoto, a hearty noodle soup with flat udon noodles and vegetables in a miso-based broth. It's the perfect comfort food after a day of exploring. Another local specialty is Fujinomiya yakisoba, a unique style of fried noodles that has won national awards.

For a truly local experience, visit one of the many onsen (hot springs) in the region. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters while gazing at Mount Fuji is a quintessential Japanese experience. Many hotels and ryokans (traditional inns) have their own onsen, or you can visit a public bathhouse.

How Long Should I Spend in Mt. Fuji?

While a Mt fuji day trip from Tokyo is certainly doable (covering 2-3 key spots, like Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda, and a local onsen). If you want to explore deeper, an overnight stay is worth it.

We recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days vacation to fully appreciate everything the area has to offer. This will give you more time to explore the Fuji Five Lakes, visit Hakone, and enjoy some of the local experiences without feeling rushed.

Sample Itinerary for a 2-Day Trip:

Day 1: Take an early bus from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko. Drop your bags at your hotel and spend the day exploring the lake. Take a boat cruise, ride the ropeway, and visit the Chureito Pagoda for sunset. Enjoy a traditional hoto dinner.

Day 2: Rent a bike and cycle around Lake Kawaguchiko or visit one of the other five lakes. In the afternoon, head to Hakone for a different view of the mountain and a relaxing onsen experience before taking the train back to Tokyo. For a hassle-free experience, consider a 2-day Mount Fuji and Hakone tour.

Things You Should Know Before You Go

Views are not guaranteed. Weather can change quickly, even on a clear day in Tokyo, Fuji may be shrouded in clouds. It’s nature. Have a plan B (like an onsen or museum).

Not all tours include climbing. If you're booking a Mount Fuji guided tour, check whether it includes 5th Station stops, scenic viewpoints, or guided hikes (most don’t include summit hikes unless specified).

Bring cash. Many smaller shops, cafes, and buses around Mt. Fuji still operate on cash-only basis.

5th Station isn’t always accessible. Roads close in winter and off-seasons, so don’t plan your entire trip around visiting unless it’s summer.

Mount Fuji is a sacred site for the Japanese people. Please be respectful of the local culture and customs, especially when visiting shrines and temples.