Mt Fuji Travel Guide - Tips for Planning a Trip To Mt Fuji

 

1. Lake Yamanaka

• Location: 120 km from Tokyo, about 2-2.5 hours drive
• Features: clear views of Mount Fuji with no obstacles, good biking trails around the lake

The largest and also the closest lake to Mount Fuji, Lake Yamanaka is the best choice for your family as there are many interesting activities for children. Here children can enjoy a biking adventure around the lake, and take the interesting hippo-shaped Kaba amphibious bus.  Plan around half a day to explore this lake and take great photos. 

Lake Yamanaka is not for a solo trip, as the public transportation here is not convenient. If you want to travel yourself, visit Lake Kawaguchi. 

2. Lake Kawaguchi

• Location: 2–3 hours drive from Tokyo
• Features: most popular and most beautiful views of Mt Fuji

Lake Kawaguchi is where you can get the most beautiful views of Mt Fuji, especially during the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage season.   You could stroll around Oishi Park on the north shore for some geogoes photos with flowers, lakes, and Mt Fuji in one photo. Or take the Kachi Kachi cable car to the hilltop for a panoramic view of the mountain and lake. The cable car is always busy, allow at least 30 minutes waiting in lines. 

If you miss seeing the mountain during your day visit, you can choose to stay overnight here for a better chance to view the mountain in the morning. There are also many hotels and local ryokans on the lake's shore with great mountain views. 

Tips： It is not a good place to visit during the rainy season from June to September, as there are no other things to do except taking photos. 

3. Oshino Hakkai

• Location: 100 Km from Tokyo, about 22-3 hours drive
• Features: a traditional village at the foot of Mount Fuji with 8 clear ponds

You can combine your visit to Fuji lakes with a short stop at this village for thatched-roof farmhouses,  the crystal clear ponds, and delicious local food. The water of the ponds is said to be melted snow water from Mount Fuji. In the early morning, you could see reflections of Mount Fuji in the ponds. In spring, the village is surrounded by cherry blossoms.

It is a famous stop for a 1-day itinerary with Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka. So it is always bustling.

4. Arakurayama Sengen Park

You should not miss this site if you visit during the cherry blossom season.  Here you could get the Japan's most iconic photo: the red Chureito Pagoda framed by cherry blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background.

To enjoy the view, you would need to climb about 300 steep steps to reach the platform. It is a challenge even for young people. You may skip this site if you don't want to climb the steps as there is nothing else to do there. 

5. Lake Motosu: Flower Fields

The lake is famous for its beautiful flower fields blooming in mid-April to May. During that time, the shores of the lake are blanketed with pink, white, and purple flowers. It is stunning scenery to take photos of.

There, you could also capture its iconic scene depicted on the 1,000 yen bill (Mount Fuji mirrored on the lake's surface).

As there are few other things to do, it is not recommended to visit during other seasons. 

6. Hakone

• Location: 80 km from Tokyo, 1.5 - 2 hours' drive
• Features: A hot spring town with great ryokans

Hakone is famous for its natural hot springs, and is a very famous onsen town close to Mount Fuji. There are many luxurious ryokans with onsens, some with great views of Mount Fuji.

It is a very good place for an overnight stay. But the chance to see Mt Fuji from here is low, so you can visit Lake Kawaguchi first for great views and then stay at Hakone. 

From Hakone, you can easily continue your journey to Osaka or Kyoto by Shinkansen, as Odawara Station is nearby.

Choose to visit Hakone if you visit in the summer, as there are more things to do besides taking photos. In summer, you are very likely not to see the mountain even in Lake Kawaguchi. 

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7. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Southern Saiko)

This is a quiet and small village at the foot of Mount Fuji.  It features 20 traditional thatched-roof houses now transformed into restaurants, souvenir shops, museums, and galleries. It is a very good place to explore the regional culture. 

Nearby, Yurari Onsen offers amazing views of Mount Fuji. Book the private bathing areas to enjoy the scenery while soaking in the hot springs.

8. Tokyo Skytree

If you do not have time to make a trip to Mount Fuji, you could get views of the mountain in Tokyo on clear days during the winter months. The best place to see Mount Fuji in Tokyo is from Tokyo Skytree. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best chances for a clear view.

Choose Your Best Time to Visit Mount Fuji

The best time for a clear view of Mt. Fuji is from November to May, especially in January and February. However, the weather is chilly. 

Every traveler wants to see the mountain. However, whether you can see it depends on your luck. The mountain is not visible 70% of the year. During the rainy season from June to August, your chance to see the mountain is very low.  So it's more important to plan your itinerary to ensure your trip is worthwhile, even if you don't see the mountain. 

Spring and Autumn are the best months for the most beautiful scenery. In April, you could capture the most iconic picture of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms in one photo frame.  In May, the moss phlox fields around Lake Motosu provide a breathtaking backdrop. From late October to November, the area is ablaze with red leaves. 

Summer is not a good time to take photos of Mt Fuji, consider visiting Hakone instead.  There, you can enjoy a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, explore the active volcano of Owakudani, and relax in the hot springs.

Avoid visiting Mt Fuji during Japan's Golden Week (Apr. 29 - May 5) and Obon holiday （Mid-Aug） if possible. During the holidays, it is extremely crowded with traffic jams on the way and hotel prices go up 50% or more.   

July to September may not be a good time to visit as there is no snow on the summit. You can not get the ionic view. 

Check out our monthly tips for exploring Mt Fuji. 

Choose the Best Activities for Family Fun

Your young kids might find it boring if all they do is take photos of the mountain. Plan your family trip to Mt. Fuji to include more than just sightseeing. Below is a list of fun activities for kids.

1. Go Biking Around Lake Yamanaka

Enjoy a 1.5-hour cycling adventure along the 14-kilometer path around the lake with your family. The route can be adjusted for families with elderly members or young children, accommodating different fitness levels.

This well-paved and smooth path, used for Olympic cycling events, makes it easy to explore the lake at your own pace.

2. Explore a Lava Ice Cave (Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave)

Explore 1,200-year-old lava tunnels where ice pillars persist even in summer (0°C/32°F). Kids love the "natural freezer" effect — historically used to store silkworm cocoons! The caves boast dramatic lava shelves and rare pale green moss draping across the walls — a surreal natural art gallery.

Combine both caves for a half-day underground adventure.

3. Have Fun at Fuji-Q Highland

You could enjoy the views of Mount Fuji and the fun activities that children are looking for there. The theme park is suitable for children with a wide age range. For teenagers, there are thrilling activities, including two of the world's fastest roller coasters. For small kids, there are also milder attractions, such as water rides, mazes, Thomas Land, and Gaspard and Lisa Town, as well as anime-themed spots like Naruto Village.

The theme park also has a hotel, the Highland Resort Hotel & Spa, with various themed rooms and stunning views of Mount Fuji.

4. Ski at Fujiten Snow Resort

This is the closest ski resort to Tokyo, which means you could have a day's skiing trip from Tokyo.

The ski resort is on the northern slopes of Mount Fuji. It has four lifts and seven runs. Although it doesn't have the standard facilities found in Hokkaido, it could meet the simple needs of kids. Fujiten also has a big kids' park where children could sled, learn to ski or snowboard, or just have fun in the snow.

Add Some Unique Experiences to Your Mount Fuji Trip

Every traveler wants to see Mount Fuji, but how you experience it can make all the difference. Adding unique experiences to your trip will make your visit to Mount Fuji truly unforgettable. 

1. Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at Mount Fuji

Witness the fusion of snowcapped Mount Fuji and delicate pink sakuras. We would take you to the best viewing points — Chureito Pagoda, offering classic postcard views with its 5-tier red pagoda, and Lake Kawaguchi's north shore for reflections of blossoms on the lake.

The timing is essential. We stay informed of the latest cherry blossom forecast to help you plan the best itinerary for that unique experience. Alternatively, you could check at:

2. See the "Diamond" Mount Fuji Scenery

This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience! This unique scenery could only be captured in less than an hour at Lake Yamanaka, between 3:30 and 4:15 pm from mid-October to late February. To see it, you need to stay at Lake Kawaguchi.

This scenery requires precise timing — our guides monitor weather patterns to guarantee your viewing success.

3. Soak in a Natural Outdoor Onsen with Views of Mount Fuji

The best way to experience this is to stay overnight in Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi for a private onsen. I recommend you stay at Hakone as it has more luxurious ryokans and better hotels. In Hakone, we arrange for our customers to stay at the Hyatt Regency Hakone to enjoy the great outdoor hot springs. Although the hot springs are in the forest without views of Mt. Fuji, we can arrange a room with a view of the mountain for you.

But if you prefer onsens with Mt Fuji views, Lake Kawaguchi is your best choice.    Kozantei Ubuya is an excellent hotel there.  

4. Get Up Close with Mt. Fuji at the 5th Station

The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station lies at the halfway point of the Yoshida Trail to the summit of Mount Fuji.  Fuji feels close enough to touch from here, very awesome! Here you can mail a postcard from Japan's highest-altitude postbox or eat ramen at Japan's highest restaurant.

The weather here can be unpredictable with strong winds.  Temperatures are significantly lower than at the base. It may be closed during heavy snowfall. Dress in layers and bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. There is no hotel at the station.

5. Embark on a Forest Adventure at Aokigahara

This thriving and dense forest grew upon lava spewed from Mt. Fuji in the major eruption from the 9th century. There is a well-maintained walking trail to the depths of the forest. Walking in the forest, you will have a sense of walking into another world; A world, so silent, with no bird singing or no other sounds, only your heart beat.

This site is close to the Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave, you can combine them for a half day tour. 

Choose the Best Places to Stay Close to Mount Fuji

There are three areas that you could stay overnight near Mount Fuji: Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi, and Lake Yamanaka. For a first visit, choose Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi as they enjoy the most convenient transportation to Tokyo and the attractions around them are also the most concentrated.

Stay in Hakone if you want better accommodation and more activities beyond taking photos.  There are many luxurious ryokans and good hotels with hot springs to choose from. Hakone offers the best living conditions among the three areas. Recommended hotels in Hakone:

• Gora Kadan: a top-tier ryokan with traditional gardens and private hot spring baths
• Hakone Hotel

Choose staying at Lake Kawaguchi if you want to take great photos of Mount Fuji. There are many hotels there offering outdoor onsens with views of Mount Fuji. Recommended hotels include:

• Kozantei Ubuya: all rooms face Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, offering private open-air hot spring baths)
• Hotel Konansou: a traditional Japanese ryokan with lakeside hot spring baths)
• Fuji Lake Hotel: a century-old hot spring hotel where some rooms feature balconies with Mount Fuji views. It is perfect for families.

Lake Yamanaka has very limited local ryokans, so I don't recommend staying here.

Continue reading: how to choose where to stay close to Mt Fuji

How to Travel to Mount Fuji

The best gateway for exploring Mount Fuji is Tokyo. There are very good transportation links connecting Mount Fuji and Tokyo.

Lake Kawaguchi is the transportation hub for seeing Mount Fuji (not for climbing). You could take a train, public bus, or private transfer from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi in about 2 hours. From Lake Kawaguchi, there is public transportation connecting attractions around the area in less than 30 minutes. Of course, the best way is to take a private transfer to save time waiting for public transportation.

Tokyo to Mount Fuji by Bus

• Departure stations: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (most frequent), Tokyo Station, Shibuya, or Ikebukuro
• Destination: Kawaguchiko Station (2–2½ hours, 15 USD one-way)
• Book tickets: online via Japan Bus Online

Tokyo to Mount Fuji by Train

There are two kinds of trains: direct trains from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi and a train with a transfer at Ōtsuki. We recommend the direct train as it is easy and saves time on the way.

Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi Direct Train

This is the fastest way to get to Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo.

• Departure: JR Shinjuku Station
• Arrival: Kawaguchiko Station
• Duration: less than 2 hours
• Numbers of trains: four departures each day

Decide How Long to Spend at Mount Fuji

You will explore Mt. Fuji using Tokyo as a base. Although most people travel to Mount Fuji from Tokyo for a day trip, I recommend you stay overnight there to experience the hot springs. You will also have a better chance of seeing Mt. Fuji if you miss it on your day trip, as the mountain is easier to see early in the morning. A day trip can be very rushed and busy, taking about 10 hours.

2-3 days are best for exploring Mt Fuji at a relaxing pace. You can enjoy stunning views at Lake Kawaguchi, experience the authentic Japanese onsens at Hakone, and even get up close to the mountain at the Fifth Station. 

How to Plan a Day Trip to Mount Fuji

A day trip to Mount Fuji is a bit rushed but is an ideal option for people who have a busy itinerary. Although you could do it yourself, we strongly recommend joining a tour to save time.

For a day trip to Mount Fuji, you could consider these attractions: Lake Kawaguchi (ropeway, boat ride on the lake), Oishi Park, Oshino Hakkai, Lake Yamanaka, Chūreitō Pagoda (cherry blossom season). Packing in about three attractions is enough, otherwise, you would be very rushed.

See below the two most popular one-day trip itineraries for Mt Fuji:

1-Day Most Classic Mount Fuji Exploration

• Get up early and drive 1.5 hours from Lake Kawaguchi. Explore Oishi Park on the northern shore, and find countless picturesque spots perfect for framing majestic Mount Fuji.
• Visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum: a world-class museum, which houses the stunning textile works of Itchiku Kubota. You can also view Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from the museum.
• Visit Oshino Hakkai: a small village nestled at the foot of Mt Fuji. The village is famous for its 8 clear ponds. You can stroll around the ponds, take great photos, and listen to interesting stories of those ponds.

1-Day Mount Fuji to Lake Yamanaka

If you want a quiet experience and want to do some outdoor activities, choose this option to visit Lake Yamanaka.

Itinerary: Tokyo to Lake Yamanaka (cruise on the lake or go cycling/hiking around the Lake) to Oshino Hakkai to Tokyo.

Mt Fuji 2-Day Itinerary for Family

This itinerary is perfect for families with teenagers, offering a blend of natural beauty and fun-filled activities. We've chosen Lake Yamanaka over Lake Kawaguchi for its exciting outdoor activities.

Day 1: Lake Yamanaka

• Oshi Hakkai: Drive 1.5 hours from Tokyo to Oshino Hakkai. Explore its eight picturesque ponds, and capture memorable family photos. If you're lucky, you might see the majestic reflection of Mt. Fuji in the water.
• Lake Yamanaka: Drive from Oshino Hakkai to Lake Yamanaka; Enjoy a few interesting hours here. Choose a unique experience: a 45-minute tour on the hippo-shaped Kaba amphibious bus. This bus offers a thrilling transition from land to water. It's an adventure that kids are sure to love. Or you can enjoy a 1.5-hour biking trip around the lake with Mt Fuji as your backdrop.
• Overnight in Hakone: Drive to Hakone and overnight there.

Day 2: Hakone

• Lake Ashi: Start your day with a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, a perfect adventure for the whole family.
• Owakudani: Experience the unique thrill of riding a cable car over Owakudani's active sulfur vent, the only one of its kind in Asia
• Return to Tokyo

Plan Your Japan Tour with a Visit to Mount Fuji

We are here to help you plan your visit to Japan with personal suggestions and ideas. You could first have a look at some of our popular Mount Fuji Itineraries:

• 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour
• 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour

Alternatively, ask us any questions or tell us your personal interests and we will help you create your own itinerary.

Further Reading

• How to Plan a Day Trip to Mt Fuji from Tokyo
• Where to Stay to Get the Best Views of Mt Fuji
• Mt Fuji Tourist Maps