A solo trip to Japan is incomplete until you see the iconic Mt. Fuji up close. An active stratovolcano, standing tall at 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji throughout history has served as a cultural and sacred symbol of Japan. 

And with Katsushika Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji”, the symmetrical cone-shaped mountain made its debut globally. Since then, its beauty has lured artists, travellers, adventure seekers, and spiritualists from around the world. 

On my solo trip to Japan, the Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo was one of the primary highlights. The Mt. Fuji and its Five Lakes region, the result of its last eruption, offers extraordinary scenery. But, unlike other day trips from Tokyo, exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site in one day requires a solid itinerary. 

How to see Mt. Fuji in one day

If you are not planning to summit Mt. Fuji, it is easy to see Mt. Fuji in one day with a proper plan in place. In fact, many guided Mt. Fuji day trips from Tokyo are available online. But they tend to be on the expensive side and restrictive. So, I suggest doing it solo. Yes, you can DIY your Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo. Pick the places you like to cover from this best Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo itinerary, and the rest is sorted. 

Is it easy to get in and around the Mt. Fuji area?

Just 100 to 120 kilometers from Tokyo, you can easily get to Mt. Fuji by taking a train, bus, or car. No matter what you pick, it takes around 1 to 2 hours to reach the base of Mt. Fuji – the Five Lakes area. 

By Bus

That being said, for a Mt. Fuji day trip, the bus is your best bet. Budget-friendly and convenient. You can buy a round-trip ticket and hop on a bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to reach Mt. Fuji. Don’t forget to grab a window seat and enjoy the views. Book in advance. A one-way bus ticket to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo costs around 2000 to 2500 yen. 

By Train

Now, if you like train rides, use your JR Pass to take the Shinkansen, a.k.a. bullet train. You can also take the direct train to Mt. Fuji – the Fuji Excursion Limited Express, connecting Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station. Then take a bus ride to reach Mt. Fuji Station.

And to get around Mt. Fuji, numerous buses are at your service, connecting you to all the popular destinations of Mt. Fuji. You can access them from the Kawaguchiko Station and the Mt. Fuji Station. Purchase a Mt. Fuji pass for unlimited rides and a smooth hop-on-off.

Perfect Mt. Fuji day trip itinerary from Tokyo with time stamps

After experiencing Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko for one whole day, I feel this is the most compact Mt. Fuji day trip itinerary you will find online. I’ve tried to cover all the top places in Mt. Fuji, but if you want to take it slow, feel free to change the route.

6:30 AM: Arrive at Shinjuku bus terminal

Catch the first bus from Shinjuku to reach Mt. Fuji. If travelling in the summer, take a direct bus to Mt. Fuji 5th Station from Shinjuku. In winter, you can start your Mt. Fuji day trip from the Shimoyoshida bus stop and later transfer to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station. 

8:30 AM: Reach the Mt. Fuji 5th Station bus stop and explore Fujisan Station 

What’s better than starting your Mt. Fuji day trip with a close-up view of the mountain itself? Fujisan Station lies in the middle of the base and the north side summit. While it opens only in the summer, the view from this station is a feast for the eyes. 

And if you are in the mood, hike the Ochudo trail. Comparatively easier. Or else, visit the Komitake Shrine, buy some charms, and then grab a mountain-style hot dog (Fuji yak) before getting on the bus to head to the next destination.   

10:00 AM: Head to Shimoyoshida Station to visit Chureito Pagoda

Chureito Pagoda is a short walk from Shimoyoshida Station. Built in 1963, it is a five-story pagoda within Arakurayama Park on a mountaintop. Even though it gets touristy and is an absolute leg burner, the pagodas with one of the best views of Mt. Fuji at a distance, overlooking the entire city, are a sight to remember forever.

And, if you are here during the cherry blossom or foliage season, the colour contrast increases the beauty tenfold. Even during the winter season, it looks mesmerising. The only challenging part is the 400 steps. But in the end, it’s 100% worth it. 

At a 6-minute distance is Honcho Street; if you want to capture the nostalgic frame, head down towards it. But I suggest skipping it, and even if you go, be respectful and responsible. 

12:00 PM: Now take a ride to one of the highest stations in the world – Kawaguchiko Station 

Usually, Kawaguchiko Station is the last stop in the Mt. Fuji area from Tokyo, except in summer. Named after one of the famous lakes, Lake Kawaguchi, the station is your base to travel in and around the Five Lakes region.

Store your luggage in a coin locker before moving to Oishi Park, and prepare to indulge in local Hoto noodles in miso-based broth with pumpkin and pork at Kosaku Kawaguchiko in a traditional Japanese setting. 

1:30 PM: Take a stroll at Oishi Park and gaze at a full view of Mt. Fuji

Now board a Red Line bus to the scenic, peaceful, and vast Oishi Park. Over a bed of seasonal flowers, on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, Oishi Park is another great place to view Mt. Fuji. Walk down the Lake Kawaguchi promenade, “Hanakaido” – the flower road. 

Additionally, you can also explore the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum and the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art. By the way, instead of the bus, you can walk to the park from the station. In fact, that’s the best way to escape tourists and get surreal views along the lake. While exploring, stop by to taste the soft-serve ice cream. 

3:30 PM: Ride the infamous Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway 

A Mt.Fuji day trip is incomplete without the 400-meter ascent ropeway over Lake Kawaguchi to the Mt. Tenjo observation deck. Aim to do it around sunset to end the day trip on a high note. There are several trails in this area. If you have energy left, hike 300 meters to the summit of Mt. Tenjo and visit a shrine.   

4:30 PM: Shop souvenirs and slow down

Don’t forget some last-minute shopping. Straightaway, head to Kawaguchiko Herb Hall and shop from a wide range of items – Mt. Fuji souvenirs, herbs, scents, local crafts, etc. If you still have time, go for a quick mini foot onsen. 

Now, here’s a quick route recap… 

• Route for Mt. Fuji Day Trip by Bus
• Tokyo to Mt. Fuji 5th Station via direct bus in summer
• Mt. Fuji 5th Station to Shimoyoshida Station to Chureito Pagoda
• Shimoyoshida Station to Kawaguchiko Station 
• Kawaguchiko Station to Oishi Park and Lake Kawaguchi Promenade 
• Oishi Park to Mt. Fuji Ropeway
• Mt. Fuji Ropeway to Kawaguchiko Herb Hall
• Back to Kawaguchiko Station and then to Tokyo

Before wrapping up, there’s a question I need to address: “Is it better to stay at Mt. Fuji or take a day trip?” Well, that’s the objective. If you want to hike, watch the sunrise from the Fuji 5th Station, dedicate time to photography, and get a full experience of an onsen on the lakeside overlooking Mt. Fuji, you should stay overnight. But if you are short on time, a Mt. Fuji day trip does justice equally. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for the Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo? 

The best time to visit Mt. Fuji is from October to February, i.e. autumn, winter, and early spring because of clear skies and views. Avoid the rainy season at any cost and peak summer, unless you plan to climb Mt. Fuji.

How long does it take from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji by bullet train?

Approximately, it takes 2 hours to reach Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by bullet train. 

How much does it cost for the Mt. Fuji day trip?

Considering you are travelling by bus, on average, it will cost you about 10,000 yen per person for a comfortable Mt. Fuji day trip.

Is Mt. Fuji closer to Tokyo or Kyoto?

Mt. Fuji is closer to Tokyo. From Tokyo, Mt. Fuji is about 100 to 120 kilometers away. Whereas, from Kyoto, Mt. Fuji is approximately 250 kilometers away.

Can tourists go up Mt. Fuji?

Yes, tourists can go up Mt. Fuji, but only during the climbing season, i.e., summer.