Mt Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo

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?
Due to the limited travel time for most people, this article will focus on a ‘Mount Fuji day trip’. However, for travelers with a higher budget, a 2-day, 1-night stay is a better option.

Q. How to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji?
The most common way is to take the Highway Express Bus. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station, costing 2,200 yen. 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 when it rains, snows, 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 8 or higher.

Q. If I want to stay overnight in Lake Kawaguchi, where is the best place to stay?
Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso
Private hot onsens available, accessible by walking or taking a free shuttle to Kawaguchiko Station
Fuji View Hotel
It's a 10-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Station, with free shuttle service available, and the room rates are relatively low

Viewing Spots for Mount Fuji

As shown in the map, there are three spots near Lake Kawaguchi suitable for viewing Mount Fuji:

1. Arakurayama Sengen Park - Ideal for travelers who love photography.
2. Tenjoyama Park - Perfect for travelers who want to view Mount Fuji from a high vantage point without hiking.
3. Oishi Park - Great for those who enjoy leisurely walks or cycling.

If you want to visit all three spots, it is recommended to take the earliest bus from Tokyo! In the morning, visit Arakurayama Sengen Park area. In the afternoon, rent a bicycle to explore Tenjoyama Park and Oishi Park. After 5 PM, take the bus back to Shinjuku.

Arakurayama Sengen Park

Pros: Capture classic photos of Mount Fuji
Cons: There are lots of steps waiting for you…

Admission: Free
Duration: 1.5 hours (approximately 20-30 minutes to climb to the mountaintop from the entrance, then possibly a 30-minute wait to take photos from the observation deck)
Transportation:
Recommended as the first stop for a day trip to Lake Kawaguchi. If coming by bus to Lake Kawaguchi, suggest getting off at Chuo EXPWY Shimoyoshida, then walk 15 minutes to the park entrance. If coming by train, suggest getting off at Shimoyoshida Station, then walk 8 minutes to the park entrance

Selected Video: Arakurayama Sengen Park — Walking Tour

Selected Photo:
by Karen Z

Kawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park

Pros: Convenient location, no need for hiking (you can take a ropeway)
Cons: Expect to wait in line for 30 minutes to 1 hour to board the ropeway

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm
Admission: One-way 600 yen, round-trip 1000 yen
Duration: 1.5 Hours (including waiting time)
Website: https://www.mtfujiropeway.jp/en/
Transportation: A 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, or take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus and get off at Sightseeing Boat/Ropeway Ent
Selected Video: Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Selected Photo:
by Joshua Tan

Oishi Park

Pros: Ideal spot for walking or cycling to view Mount Fuji
Cons: Very crowded with tourists; recommend going early

Admission: Free
Park Seasons: Lavender blooms from late June to mid-July; red kochia in October
Duration: 30 minutes
Note: The park has a restaurant offering ice cream, ramen, curry rice, etc.
Website: http://www.fkchannel.jp/naturelivingcenter/
Selected Video: 大石公園　富士山ライブカメラ【ライブ】

Transportation:

• Take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus to Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center (30 minutes, fare 570 yen, but expect a 20-minute wait for the bus).

• If you enjoy walking, it’s recommended to take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus to Kawaguchiko Museum of Art (18 minutes, 370 yen), then walk 3 kilometers / 40 minutes to Oishi Park. The scenery along the way is beautiful. (Avoid going to Oishi Park first and then to the museum, as the bus stop at the museum is likely to be crowded and you may not get on the bus)
  Selected Video: Sight Seeing Bus Red Line Bus

• If you enjoy cycling and prefer not to wait for buses, you can rent a bicycle near Kawaguchiko Station! Three hours is enough time to ride to Oishi Park and back (including stops for photos along the way). There are many rental shops next to Kawaguchiko Station, highly rated ones include レンタサイクル富士乃蔵 (regular bicycle 1,500 yen/day, electric assist bicycle 2,500 yen/day) and E-scooter Rental Rimo (electric scooter 3,000 yen/3 hours)
  Selected Video: Cycling Lake Kawaguchiko

Seasonal Attractions

◉ If you visit Lake Kawaguchi in early April, you can see cherry blossoms near Kawaguchiko Konohana Museum. Take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus and get off at Kawaguchiko Konohana Art Museum. For cherry blossom updates, click here.
Selected Video: Mt. Fuji x cherry blossoms

 
◉ If you visit in mid to late November, you can enjoy the autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor. Take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus and get off at Kubota Itchiku Art Museum. For autumn leaves updates, click here.
Selected Video: Momiji Corridor — Koyo Autumn Leaves Festival

Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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