Many travelers visiting Tokyo take the time also to visit Mt. Fuji as it’s less than 2-hours away by bus, and just over 2-hours by Limited Express train.
That’s a pretty short distance to see such an iconic part of Japan.
When is joining a Mt. Fuji day tour better than traveling on your own?
1. If you’re unable to rent a car.
Mt. Fuji and its surrounding attractions, like Hakone and Fuji Five Lakes, are much easier to access by car. While it’s still possible to take a bus and train in these areas, a one-day trip will not be enough for you to explore much of the surrounding area of Mt. Fuji.
This is because the areas around Mt. Fuji are still very rural and lack the level of transportation infrastructure seen in larger cities across Japan. So having a car is really convenient. That said, this isn’t really a negative in our eyes. Mt. Fuji is both a UNESCO Heritage Site and a protected area within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, so we’d rather not see the natural beauty of the area destroyed to allow for a bit more tourism.
2. If you’re a solo traveler.
It makes sense to join a day tour to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo if you’re only traveling by yourself. This also gives you an excellent opportunity to meet new people. As an added benefit, it’s usually cheaper to join to a day tour than doing it on your own via trains and bus passes. This also dramatically reduces your personal hassle, since everything is already planned and taken care of by the tour operator.
3. If you’re traveling as a family.
Most tours are geared towards families with kids. Now, if you would like to avoid taking public transportation from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji with your entire family in tow, then a group tour can be a great option. Plus on the ride back to Tokyo, you can just relax or sleep on a bus or bullet train, rather than stand on a regular train for over 2-hours.
Comparison Table of all Mt. Fuji day tours from Tokyo
We’ve laid out all the available 1-day tours to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo from licensed tour operators in Japan. You just have to figure out the most suitable Mt. Fuji day tour for you. Also, note that most tours depart from Shinjuku, Tokyo.
New! Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Tours From Tokyo
Cherry Blossom tours are SELLING OUT FAST! Book Now!| Tour Name | Tour Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
 Fuji Shibazakura Festival |
| Best viewing dates: 2nd-3rd week of May |
 Mt. Fuji World Heritage Sites and Cherry Blossom Tour | World Heritage Sites:
| Best viewing dates: Mid-April |
 Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Tour |
| Best viewing dates: Mid-April |
Year-Round Mt. Fuji Day Tours From Tokyo
| Tour Name | Tour Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
 Mt. Fuji with Oshino Hakkai |
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 Mt. Fuji World Heritage Sites Touralso known as Mt. Fuji Golden Tour | World Heritage Sites:
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 Mt. Fuji with Forest & Cave Exploring Tour From Shinjuku |
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 Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing |
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 Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing |
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 Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing |
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 Mt. Fuji with Fuji-Q Highlands From Shinjuku |
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 Mt. Fuji with Gotemba Premium Outlet |
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 Hakone and Gotemba Premium Outlet |
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 Hakone and Arakurayama Sengen Park |
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 Private Tour of Mt. Fuji |
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Area orientation: Mt. Fuji and the surrounding attractions
This section is meant to orient you with all the highlight attractions surrounding Mt. Fuji.
Because our goal here is to help you join the most suitable Mt. Fuji day tour for you. That way, you can better focus your trip around specific activities, rather than trying to cram everything into one day. An impossible task to be sure.
1. Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
Mt. Fuji 5th Station is almost always included in every tour package. That because it’s Mt. Fuji itself, and the starting point for the most commonly used trail to climb Fujisan.
If you’re not climbing, there’s really not much to see here except for a small shrine, some short hiking trails, and souvenir shops. But it’s still nice to visit this place because it makes your experience more authentic because you visited Mt. Fuji itself. It also allows you to fully take in the actual immense size of Mt. Fuji.
2. Fuji Five Lakes.
Fuji Five Lakes was formed 100 of years ago from Mt. Fuji’s lava flows during multiple eruptions. Fuji Five Lakes is comprised of Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji, Lake Sai, Lake Kawaguchi, and Lake Yamanaka. Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular because it’s the most well-developed area and the most accessible from Tokyo.
Attractions around Fuji Five Lakes:
- Lake Kawaguchi. Of all the lakes we recommend Lake Kawaguchi one for first-time visitors. There are so many things to do in and around Lake Kawaguchi alone, including the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, sightseeing in the many beautiful parks surrounding the lake, an incredible number of hiking trails, and some great restaurants. We find it most beautiful during the autumn months. And we recommend visiting Kawaguchi on a day-trip of its own.
However, for a short day trip from Tokyo, we recommend this joining this package tour to visit Lake Kawaguchi.
- Oshino Hakkai. This is a quiet and peaceful place to walk around. Located between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, Oshino Hakkai is a small village with 8 clear water spring ponds which are fed by snowmelt from Mt. Fuji. The water is so clear you can see the fish swimming at the bottom of the ponds. There’s even a place here where you can drink its water directly from the source.
- Shinobi No Sato Ninja Village. Also known as Oshino Ninja Village, it’s located just a few minutes from Oshino Hakkai. This village is a fantastic place for both adults and children, with performances and activities sure to entertain and educate about being a ninja.
- Arakurayama Sengen Park. This is where the famous postcard of Mt. Fuji and the iconic Chureito pagoda with a panoramic view was taken. The best time to go here is during the cherry blossom season, but it’s also really packed.
We recommend this tour if you’re visiting during the cherry blossom season. And this one if visiting year-round.
- Aokigahara Forest. Located near Lake Saiko, and is more infamously known as the “Suicide Forest” but Japanese tourism association is now trying to replace that with “Sea of Trees” for obvious reasons. If you’re fond adventure and spelunking, this is where you should go because a trip to Aokigahara is always paired with a visit to its famous Ice and Wind Caves.
We recommend this tour if you’re interested in visiting the Aokigahara Forest with a tour guide.
3. Fuji-Q Highlands.
Famous for its Dodonpa roller coaster, currently the 4th fastest rollercoaster in the world, Fuji-Q highlands is for the thrill seekers among you. You can also see some great views of Mt. Fuji from here on clear days.
- Fuji Airways 4D Flight simulator. This is an attraction inside Fuji-Q Highlands that reopened in 2016. There are tours which include this attraction as a great backup in case of poor weather.
We recommend this package tour if you want to experience the Fuji Airways 4D.
4. Gotemba Premium Outlets.
For the fashion savvy shoppers among you, you’ll find Gotemba Premium Outlets to be a heaven on Earth. With over 200 stores, Gotemba Premium Outlet is one of Japan’s most popular shopping centers and the flagship outlet of Mitsubishi Estate and Simon Property Group.
Located southeast of Fuji in Gotenba City, it’s a bit out of the way but is well worth the trip if you’re looking to purchase some high-end clothing. And if you’re looking for a combination of luxury and local fashion brands, you’ll find it here at significantly discounted prices, especially during New Year.
To sweeten the deal, most of the stores here are tax-free for tourists. So don’t forget to show your tourist passport. And while enjoying your shopping, this mall also boasts a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji.
We recommend this package tour as it allows 2-2.5 hours of visit at Gotemba Premium Outlet.
5. Hakone.
Renowned for its natural hot springs and resorts, Hakone is a small town nestled in the mountains near Gotenba. What it lacks in accessibility, it makes up for in a natural beauty lost in the large cities of Japan.
If you’re into hiking, kayaking, fishing, and just being outdoors, then this is the place for you. The area is a bit spread apart though, so expect to rely on lots of buses. Because of this, we recommend making Hakone an overnight trip of its own.
- Lake Ashi. This is the highlight of Hakone. Visit Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu for the spectacular view of its Torii Gate standing in the lake, as well as a beautiful walk through the forest to reach the shrine proper. For a better view, take a ride on the local pirate ship!
This tour includes a pirate ship Lake Ashi cruising.
- Owakudani Valley. Here you can view the “valley of hell” while riding the ropeway and enjoy some black eggs boiled in sulphuric water.
We recommend this tour if you want to visit Owakudani Valley and its black eggs that are also known to prolong life.
- Mt. Komagatake. This is the highest peak of the Hakone mountain range and where the original Hakone Shrine is located. Going to Mt. Komagatake is slightly off-the-beaten-path, and not covered by any Hakone Free Pass.
We recommend joining a guided tour, to take you there by ropeway.
6. Odawara Castle.
A recreated castle from the 15th century, it contains a plethora of historical items from that time within it as it doubles as a museum.
The grounds surrounding the castle often hosts large festivals where you can try various foods and local craft beers. The castle is best seen during cherry blossom season, as the grounds are surrounded on all sides by sakura trees.
7. Mishima Skywalk.
At 400m, this is the longest suspension bridge in Japan and gives you a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji. Featuring a Skygarden, athletic park, and ziplining, Mishima Skywalk a perfect day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
This tour combines Lake Ashi cruising, Odawara and Mishima Skywalk in one day.
8. Fujinomiya City.
This is another interesting city near Mt. Fuji, it offers some of the best views of Fujisan. A town with ancient roots, Fujinomiya started as a market town which developed slowly around the Sengen Shrine, it’s become a popular starting point for those looking to climb Mt. Fuji.
- Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine. Undoubtedly the most significant cultural location for Fujinomiya outside of Fuji itself. The shrine is where many of those looking to climb Fuji come to wish for safe passage. The shrine also holds over 159 festivals each year, so there’s a good chance there will be one going on during your trip.
- Tanuki Lake. If you’re looking for a quiet overnight camping trip, but want to keep access to amenities like showers, sinks, and bathrooms, then this small artificial lake is for you. Don’t let the ‘artificial lake’ thing fool you, this is still a beautiful area which boasts a view of “Diamond Fuji” from April 20th thru August 20th.
- Shiraito Falls. Ranked as one of the most beautiful falls in Japan, Shiraito is a 150m wide waterfall that’s not too difficult to reach, making it a popular spot for families to visit. Fed by Mt. Fuji’s spring water, the falls gets its name from the thin white strands of water, giving it an almost silky look.
We recommend joining The Golden Tour if you want to visit Shiraito Falls and the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine.
When is the best time to visit and see Mt. Fuji?
November to February offers the best time to visit and see Mt. Fuji with extremely clear skies. In fact, February is the “sweet spot” of the year as the weather is almost always sunny and dry.
Meanwhile, visiting Mt. Fuji from May to September can be tricky. And although June to August is the climbing season, it is also the worst time of the year to visit due to the high probability of rain and being typhoon seasons.
So if you’re visiting during typhoon season, always check the latest weather forecast of Mt. Fuji.
Ideally, using the weather link provided, you should plan your tour if the date has a “Plenty of Sunshine” forecast. This means clear skies and excellent chances of seeing Mt. Fuji unobstructed.
Which Mt. Fuji day tour has the best view of Mt. Fuji?
For the best view of Mt. Fuji, we highly recommend getting a tour package paired with a visit to any areas of Fuji Five Lakes, Fujinomiya City, or Gotenba City.
These areas are closer to Mt. Fuji, and you’ll have a better chance of seeing a clear and unobstructed Mt. Fuji than you would in tours with Hakone.
Which Mt. Fuji tour do you recommend for first-timers?
For first-timers, we recommend Mt. Fuji with Oshino Hakkai and Lake Kawaguchi tour. This tour will take you from one highlight to the next and ends with an exhilarating Fuji Airways 4D simulation ride in Fuji-Q Highlands.
We’ve been to all attractions listed in this tour package, and visiting these attractions is the best way to experience Mt. Fuji — if you’re not climbing it. For the best experience, time your visit for a clear day. Because each attraction offers a different yet still breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji.
We’d also like to point out that this tour is child-friendly and vegetarian or Halal meal is available on request.
Which Mt. Fuji tour do you recommend for adventurers?
No doubt, it’s the Mt. Fuji with Aokigahara Forest & Cave Exploration Tour. The most underrated Mt. Fuji tour, but for those who give it a try, ourselves included, it offers you a wonderful experience.
The Japanese consider Aokigahara Forest to be haunted by mythical elements. Also known as the “Sea of Trees,” but is known more infamously as the “Suicide Forest.”
This area has unfortunately been popularized as a place where many depressed and overworked Japanese go to end their lives. Despite that unsettling fact, the forest certainly does feel like it has a presence of its own; as if you’ve wandered into a forest out of a fantasy novel. So it still holds a mysterious allure for the more curious traveler.
Which Mt. Fuji and Hakone Tour do you recommend?
You’re probably wondering why we don’t mention Hakone that much despite its popularity. That’s because, for us, Hakone isn’t really the best place to see Mt. Fuji. Hakone is a fog-prone area, which means, the visibility here is often poor. So Hakone should be the least destination to visit if you wish to see Mt. Fuji.
But that’s not to say that you should not visit Hakone! In fact, Hakone is a charming small town, with many attractions and adventures of its own. Instead of a day trip, we recommend staying overnight or at least 2 days to experience all Hakone has to offer.
So for first-timers, we recommend the Mt. Fuji with Owakudani Valley. And if you also want to ride the bullet train, this tour has an option for that.
Private tours of Mt. Fuji we recommend
We trust Tokyo Star Agency in Yokohama to book your private tour of Mt. Fuji. However, they only accept bookings from Veltra, which is a JNTO official partner. You can be sure you are in good hands.
Summary of Comparison Table of all Mt. Fuji day tours from Tokyo
New! Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom Tours From Tokyo
Cherry Blossom tours are SELLING OUT FAST! Book Now!| Tour Name | Tour Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fuji Shibazakura Festival |
| Best viewing dates: 2nd-3rd week of May |
| Mt. Fuji World Heritage Sites and Cherry Blossom Tour | World Heritage Sites:
| Best viewing dates: Mid-April |
| Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Tour |
| Best viewing dates: Mid-April |
Year-Round Mt. Fuji Day Tours From Tokyo
| Tour Name | Tour Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Fuji with Oshino Hakkai |
| |
| Mt. Fuji World Heritage Sites Tour also known as Mt. Fuji Golden Tour | World Heritage Sites:
| |
| Mt. Fuji with Forest & Cave Exploring Tour From Shinjuku |
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| Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing |
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| Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing |
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| Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing |
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| Mt. Fuji with Fuji-Q Highlands From Shinjuku |
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| Mt. Fuji with Gotemba Premium Outlet |
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| Hakone and Gotemba Premium Outlet |
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| Hakone and Arakurayama Sengen Park |
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| Private Tour of Mt. Fuji |
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If you have any other questions or need help with choosing the best Mt. Fuji day tour, please feel free to leave your comments below.
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