Mt Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo 2025
Last Updated: Feb 24, 2025
Mt Fuji Day Trip FAQ
Lake Kawaguchi is located southwest of Tokyo and is the best place to view Mount Fuji.
Q. How long should you spend in Mount Fuji?
Since Mount Fuji is not visible every day, most tourists check the “Mount Fuji Visibility Index” a day in advance to plan their day trip accordingly.
However, for travelers with a more flexible budget and a preference for spontaneity, a 2-day, 1-night stay may be a better option.
Q. How to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji?
Tokyo is approximately 100 kilometers from Lake Kawaguchi, and you can travel there by express bus or train.
- Highway Express Bus: Travel time is 1 hour 45 minutes, and the fare is 2200 yen. Advance booking is recommended.
- Fuji Excursion Train: Travel time is 1 hour 57 minutes, and the fare is 4130 yen. Advance booking is recommended.
- Local Train: Travel time is 2 hours 45 minutes, requiring 2 transfers, and the fare is 2170 yen. No advance booking is needed. For a more detailed introduction, refer to Tokyo to Mt Fuji.
Q. When is the best time to visit Mount Fuji?
From November to May, visiting Lake Kawaguchi increases the chances of seeing the classic snow-capped Mount Fuji (depending on annual snowfall). During summer, the mountain’s peak is typically bare, which is less picturesque and more suitable for hiking.
Q. Can Mount Fuji be seen every day?
Mount Fuji can only be seen when the weather is clear. Specifically, it is not visible during rain, snow, or when there is thick cloud cover or fog. You can check the forecast at https://fuji-san.info/. It is recommended to visit Lake Kawaguchi when the forecast is 9 or 10. (The forecast is updated daily at 4:00 PM, and predictions are divided by direction. Since Lake Kawaguchi is located on the northern side of Mount Fuji, you only need to check the north direction index.)
Q. If I want to stay overnight in Lake Kawaguchi, where is the best place to stay?
Fujikawaguchiko Onsen KonansoPrivate hot onsens available, accessible by walking or taking a free shuttle to Kawaguchiko Station
Fuji View HotelIt's a 10-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Station, with free shuttle service available, and the room rates are relatively low
One-Day Itinerary and Transportation
Sample One-Day Itinerary:
- It is recommended to take the 7:15 AM express bus from Shinjuku. Check the timetable here.
- If you want to capture classic photos (such as the five-storied pagoda with Mount Fuji) and visit a popular photo spot (a town street with Mount Fuji in the background), get off at Chuo EXPWY Shimoyoshida (arriving at 8:50 AM, but not all buses stop here). Then head to [1. Arakurayama Sengen Park] (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
- If you are uncomfortable with the historical significance of the five-storied pagoda (commemorating soldiers who died in the wars of aggression), get off at Kawaguchiko Station (arriving at 9:00 AM) and visit [2. KKawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park] to enjoy the scenery or try the swing (approx. 1.5 hours).
- If visiting in early to mid-April, head to [3. Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko] to see cherry blossoms (approx. 30 minutes).
- If visiting in mid to late November, head to [4. Maple Corridor] to enjoy the autumn foliage (approx. 15 minutes).
- If visiting from late April to October, head to [5. Oishi Park] to enjoy flowers and views of Mount Fuji (approx. 30 minutes).
- If the above activities finish early, return to Kawaguchiko Station and take the 3:00 PM free shuttle bus to [6. Fuji Shobo no Yu Yurari] for an onsen experience. Then take the 5:30 PM bus back to Kawaguchiko Station and transfer to the 6:10 PM express bus to Tokyo, arriving at Shinjuku around 7:55 PM.
Between Shimo-Yoshida Station and Kawaguchiko Station:
- Train: 410 yen, approximately 14 minutes.
- Taxi: Approximately 1800 yen.
Around Lake Kawaguchi (Locations 2-5 on the Map):
Red Line Bus (Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus): Route map and timetable available here. An adult day pass costs 1500 yen, with half price for children. Buses run every 15 minutes. The ride from Kawaguchiko Station to Oishi Park takes about 30 minutes. Note: During holidays, buses can be crowded, and waiting times may be longer.
Recommended Video: Sight Seeing Bus Red Line Bus
Bicycle Rental: Rent a bike from shops near Kawaguchiko Station, such as Rentacycle Fujinokura (electric-assisted bikes cost 600 yen/hour or 2500 yen/day). Cycling from Kawaguchiko Station to Oishi Park takes about 40 minutes. Renting for 3 hours is usually sufficient, including time for photos and breaks. Advantages: Flexible and fun. Disadvantages: No dedicated bike lanes; cycling is done alongside the road, which may not be suitable for children.
Recommended Video: biking around mt. fuji, lake kawaguchiko
Between Kawaguchiko Station and Fuji Shobo no Yu Yurari:
- Free Shuttle Bus: Approximately 15 minutes. Reservation is required.
- Taxi: Approximately 4000 yen.
Attractions in Lake Kawaguchi
1. Arakurayama Sengen Park
Best Viewing Spot for Mount Fuji
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time: 1.5 hours (20-30 minutes to climb from the entrance to the top, plus potentially 30 minutes of queuing to take photos at the observation deck)
Transportation:
- By Bus: It is recommended to get off at Chuo EXPWY Shimoyoshida (press the button to notify the driver to stop), then walk 15 minutes to the shrine entrance.
- By Train: It is recommended to get off at Shimoyoshida Station, then walk 8 minutes to the shrine entrance.
‘Hikawa Clock Shop’ is a popular photo spot on social media, recommended only for travelers who enjoy photography.
Note:
The five-story pagoda in the image below is the Chureito Pagoda, built in 1962 as a “Memorial Tower for the War Dead” to honor soldiers who died in the following wars:
- The Pacific War (Japan’s invasion of the Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and other Asian countries, the attack on Pearl Harbor, the occupation of Guam and other Pacific islands, and the attempted invasion of Australia)
- World War I (Japan and Germany’s conflict over Germany’s leased territory in Qingdao, China)
- The First Sino-Japanese War (Japan’s invasion of China during the Qing Dynasty)
- The Russo-Japanese War (Japan and Russia’s struggle for control over Northeast China and the Korean Peninsula)
These wars brought heavy devastation to many countries. If you find such commemorative acts unacceptable, it is recommended to visit Tenjuyama Park (introduced below) instead, which offers equally stunning views.
Selected Photo:
by Karen Z
Recommended Video: Arakurayama Sengen Park — Walking Tour
2. Tenjoyama Park
A Popular Scenic Spot by Lake Kawaguchi
Opening Hours: Summer 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Other Seasons 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Cable Car Fare: One-way 600 yen, Round trip 1000 yen
Bus Stop: Take the Red Line Bus and get off at Stop 9 “Sightseeing Boat/Ropeway Ent.” (about a 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station)
Recommended Visit Time: 1.5 hours (including queuing time)
Official Website: See here
Recommended Video: Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Selected Photo:
by Joshua Tan
Notes:
- During holidays, queuing may take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- The swing on the observation deck requires an additional fee of 500 yen.
- You can choose to hike up the mountain instead of taking the cable car, but it will take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- You can also take a sightseeing boat from the pier at the foot of the mountain to enjoy views of Mount Fuji from the lake. Boat tickets cost 1000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children, with departures every 30 minutes and a 20-minute ride.
Recommended Video: Take a Kawaguchiko pleasure boat “Tenbare” with a view of Mt.Fuji
3. Northern Shores of Kawaguchiko
If you visit Lake Kawaguchi in early-to-mid April, you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms here.
Bus Stop: Take the Red Line Bus and get off at Stop 16 “Kawaguchiko Monkey Show Theater/Konohana Art Museum”
Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes
Things to Do: Although there are only about 200 cherry trees, you can capture stunning photos of the blossoms with Mount Fuji in the background. Check the cherry blossom status on this website.
Recommended Video: 河口湖の富士と桜(4K-HDR)
4. Maple Corridor
If you visit Lake Kawaguchi in mid-to-late November, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage here. This area, approximately 150 meters long, is lined with about 70 red maple trees.
Bus Stop: Take the Red Line Bus and get off at Stop 17 “Itchiku Kubota Art Museum”
Recommended Visit Time: 15 minutes
Things to Do: Be sure to stop by this spot on your way to other destinations. If you visit Oishi Park first and then come here, you may experience long waits for the bus, as it tends to be full when leaving.
Aerial Video: [空撮] 河口湖の富士と紅葉
Recommended Video: Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor in 2024
5. Oishi Park
Although the park is small, it features beautiful flowers from late April to October and is a popular spot for viewing Mount Fuji. From late April to early May, you can see nemophila (baby blue eyes); from late June to mid-July, lavender blooms; and in October, the park is adorned with kochia (burning bushes).
Admission: Free
Bus Stop: Take the Red Line Bus and get off at Stop 20, “Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center”
Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes
Things to Do: Besides taking photos, you can buy local specialties and ice cream at the nearby shop.
Recommended Video - Nemophila: ネモフィラと春の花々 大石公園
Recommended Video - Lavender: 大石公園のラベンダー 河口湖
Recommended Video - Kochia: 大石公園 コキアの紅葉
Recommended Video - Winter: 冬の大石公園 2024 富士河口湖
6. Onsen - Fuji Shobo no Yu Yurari
Near Lake Kawaguchi, there are several day-trip onsen, with the most popular being Fuji View Onsen Yurari, which offers a convenient location, a free shuttle service, and stunning views of Mount Fuji while you bathe.
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 10 AM – 9 PM
Weekends & Holidays: 10 AM – 10 PM
Cost:
Weekdays: 1,400 yen
Weekends & Holidays: 1,700 yen
Private baths: Available to non-hotel guests, with an additional fee of 1,400 yen per room (60 minutes). See here for more details
Additional Info:
Free lockers, towels, and bath towels provided
Restaurant on the 1st floor menu available here
Transport: Free shuttle from Lake Kawaguchi Station (Platform 10, 15-minute ride) Advance reservation required on the official website (at least 1 hour prior) Return bus must be booked at the front desk upon arrival
Shuttle Schedule:
Lake Kawaguchi → Onsen: 11 AM / 1 PM / 3 PM / 6 PM
Onsen → Lake Kawaguchi: 12:30 PM / 2:30 PM / 5:30 PM / 8 PM
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
ヽ(´▽`)/