When in Tokyo, a trip to Mt. Fuji is simply too tempting to pass up! At 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) above sea level, Fuji-san –as locals call it– is Japan’s highest peak and one of the most iconic sights in the country. And while it may seem like an ambitious day trip, it’s actually a totally doable (and unforgettable!) journey from the bustling city. We had the privilege of seeing Fuji-san in all its glory on a day trip from Tokyo recently and can’t recommend it enough! That said, whether you’re looking to hike, take in scenic views, or simply breathe in the mountain air, there are numerous factors to take into consideration when planning a visit to this iconic sight, so here’s our guide on how to plan the perfect day trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo.
⬇️ Check out our Mt. Fuji Day Trip video for a closer look at our experience! ⬇️
Choosing Your Route: Guided Tour, Train, Bus, or Rental Car?
The first decision you’ll have to make when day-tripping to Mt. Fuji is how you’ll get there from Tokyo. There are several ways to do so, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview of the best options in our opinion:
Guided Day Tour (what we did):
For ease and convenience, a guided tour can be ideal, especially if you want to see multiple Fuji highlights without worrying about transport logistics. Here’s the tour we booked...
Route: Most tours include roundtrip transportation from Tokyo (including return travel on a bullet train), Lunch, and cover stops like the 5th Station, the Fuji Five Lakes area, and additional activities like scenic boat tours and ropeway (cable car) rides.
Time: Full-day commitment, typically around 8–12 hours.
Cost: Ranges from $65 to $165 USD ( ¥10,000–¥25,000) per person depending on the tour.
Pros: Convenient, time-saving, and guided insights into the area.
Cons: Expensive, no flexibility, and can feel rushed
If you’re interested in other Mt. Fuji day trip tours, check out these recommendations…
Express Train + Local Transport:
At just under 2 hours each way, this is the fastest, most efficient option available. Tickets do sell out fast, so we recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance. You can buy your tickets HERE!
Route: Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station on the Fuji Excursion, then use the sightseeing buses (three main bus lines: Red, Green, and Blue, all departing from Kawaguchiko Station) or taxis to get around Kawaguchiko.
Time: Less than 2 hours each way to Kawaguchiko Station.
Cost: Around $52 USD (¥8,000) roundtrip for the Fuji Excursion train.
Pros: Fast, direct access to the Fuji Five Lakes area, plus you get the convenience and comfort of traveling by train.
Cons: Tickets sell out fast, and you’re limited to the train schedule and local transport availability.
Highway Bus + Local Transport:
A budget-friendly and direct way to get close to Mt. Fuji, the bus is perfect for those who want to maximize their time at the mountain and save a little money. Book your Highway Bus ticket HERE!
Route: Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station, then use the sightseeing buses (three main bus lines: Red, Green, and Blue, all departing from Kawaguchiko Station) or taxis to get around Kawaguchiko.
Time: Approximately 2 hours each way, depending on traffic.
Cost: Around $32 USD (¥5,000) roundtrip for the Highway Bus
Pros: Direct access to the Fuji Five Lakes area for budget-conscious travelers.
Cons: Travel time is subject to traffic and can be significantly longer in the high season, and once you get to Kawaguchiko, you’re limited to the bus schedule and local transport availability.
Rental Car:
For those who crave flexibility and want to explore at their own pace, renting a car is, by far, the best option. This route gives you the freedom to take the day at your own pace stopping at scenic viewpoints and exploring areas around Mt. Fuji that public transport might not reach.
Route: Drive from Tokyo to the Fuji Five Lakes area via the Chuo Expressway.
Time: Approximately 2 hours each way, depending on traffic.
Cost: Rental prices vary, but plan for around $70-100 USD (¥10,000–¥15,000) for the day, plus tolls (≈$40USD/¥6,000) and gas (≈$25 USD/¥3,800) for a total of around $135-165 USD or ¥20,000–¥25,000.
Pros: Unmatched freedom, and the chance to take the scenic roads around Fuji’s base.
Cons: Driving on the left side of the road can be stressful if you’re not accustomed to it, you are responsible for navigation, and travel time is subject to traffic.
Where to Go at Mt. Fuji: Top Spots for a Day Trip
Once you’re near Mt. Fuji, there are several must-visit spots to check out, each offering its own incredible views and experiences.
The Fuji Five Lakes Region
This region is perfect if you’re looking to get those postcard-worthy shots of Fuji reflected in tranquil lakes. Here’s where to go:
▪️ Lake Kawaguchi: The most accessible of the lakes and famous for its jaw-dropping views of Fuji. It also offers the most things to see and do compared to the other four.
▪️ Lake Yamanaka: Ideal for nature lovers, with parks and trails around the lake.
▪️ Lake Motosu: Known for that famous “Fuji on the ¥1,000 note” view.
▪️ Fuji Q Highland: One of Japan's most popular amusement parks famous for thrilling roller coasters and stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Purchase tickets ahead of time HERE!
Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station
The 5th Station is about halfway up the mountain and provides excellent panoramic views without a full hike. You’ll find souvenir shops, eateries, a shrine, and numerous trailheads for hiking.
Access: Buses run from Kawaguchiko Station to the 5th Station.
Tip: If you’re visiting between July and September, the trails from the 5th Station are open for those wanting a short hike up the mountain… Or even to the summit, but that alone requires a FULL day or more!
Chureito Pagoda
For an iconic view of Mt. Fuji framed by a traditional pagoda, head to Chureito Pagoda in the town of Fujiyoshida. The pagoda sits on a hill with a view over the town, offering one of the most photographed views of Mt. Fuji.
Access: From Kawaguchiko, take the train to Shimoyoshida Station, then a short walk.
Tip: Visit during cherry blossom season (March-April) or autumn (September-October) for vibrant colors.
Best Times to Visit Mt. Fuji for Clear Views
The weather around Mt. Fuji can be unpredictable, to say the least, with the peak often shrouded in clouds. So much so that it’s said that Mt. Fuji can be seen in all its glory –with zero cloud obstruction– only 80 days out of the year. How true that is, I don’t know. Maybe it’s just to make tourists feel good when they do get to see the peak because I know we sure did get excited about it! Lol… Regardless, here’s when you’re most likely to get clear, unobstructed views of Fuji-san:
Winter (December to February): Winter provides the clearest, most reliable views of Mt. Fuji, as the air is crisp and dry with minimal cloud cover. This is the best time for a clear sighting of the snow-capped peak, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Spring (March to May): Spring has more variable visibility, with clouds and haze becoming more frequent. However, clear mornings are still common, especially in March (when we went) and early April. Cherry blossom season also offers postcard-worthy views of Fuji framed by blossoms.
Summer (June to August): Summer is the least reliable for visibility due to Japan’s rainy season in June and July. Mt. Fuji is often obscured by clouds or mist. However, August can offer better chances for clear skies, particularly in the early morning.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn provides decent visibility, with fewer rainy days than summer and less haze than spring. Crisp, clear days in October and November make this a favorable season for visibility, especially with colorful autumn foliage enhancing the scenery around the mountain.
Extra Tips for the Perfect Mt. Fuji Day Trip
Prepare for Weather: As we mentioned earlier, Mt. Fuji’s weather can be unpredictable, and its elevation means temperatures are much cooler, so bring layers (especially if you’re visiting the 5th Station) and rain gear.
Be Mindful of Time: Trains and buses to Tokyo tend to get busy in the evenings, so plan your return trip carefully to avoid a rush, and purchase your tickets well in advance if possible.
Stay Connected: We always recommend having an eSIM when traveling abroad for not only convenience but also safety. If you choose to take a guided tour to see Mt. Fuji, having a connection on your phone may not be as important, but if you choose any of the other options, it’s a must in our opinion. Here are the eSIM companies that we always use… Holafly and Airalo
Bring Cash: Some of the areas around Mt. Fuji, especially smaller towns and shops, prefer cash, so carry some yen with you to avoid any inconvenience. We recommend either using your local bank to exchange your local currency to yen before your departure or using Wise and taking money out at the ATM upon arrival into the country.
Be Flexible: As mentioned earlier, Mt. Fuji is shrouded in clouds more often than not. For that reason, it’s best to be flexible with your plans and organize your trip around the weather forecast so that your odds of seeing Japan’s most iconic peak are the best possible.
We hope that this guide has helped you plan your day trip to Mt. Fuji, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel for more travel content!
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