Day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo: a day in Fujikawaguchiko Japan

The alluring Mount Fuji beckons travelers from all corners of the world to Japan, and we were no exception. Despite knowing it’s rare to see the majestic mountain on a clear blue-sky day, I was full of hope when we included a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo in our travel itinerary. And I couldn’t believe our luck for having aligned our visit to Fujikawaguchiko on a day of perfect weather conditions, in the midst of Sakura bloom. It was an absolute highlight of our trip to Japan and an unforgettable travel experience. To inspire your visit, I curated this Fujikawaguchiko 1-day itinerary for independent travelers. Here’s a summary of what you’ll find in this guide:

From where to view Mount Fuji

Figuring out the best way to view Mount Fuji can be overwhelming, so let me start from the beginning. I suspect we all believed that Mount Fuji was situated in the outskirts of Tokyo at some point of our lives. And that’s pretty understandable, given the deceiving images that come to mind when we think of Japan. But the truth is, although it’s possible to see Fuji from Tokyo – in rare occasions and from specific angles – that’s not the best way to do it. So, if you want to have a proper Mount Fuji experience, you’ll have to travel to a destination around Fuji Five Lake region. That’s where the best angles of the Mount Fuji can be found!

Nestled at the northern base of Mount Fuji lie Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko, the lakes comprising the Fuji Five Lake region. Among them, two destinations stand out as the most accessible, tourist-friendly and beautiful: Fujikawaguchiko and Hakone. Although Hakone is renowned by their world-class onsens and beautiful Fuji views, we opted for visiting Fujikawaguchiko. That’s because we wanted to check the iconic Chureito Pagoda, which is close by, and enjoy the most breathtaking angles of Mount Fuji. It was the best choice and I couldn’t recommend it more as a destination for a daytrip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo.

Day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo

While it’s feasible to visit Fujikawaguchiko as a day trip from Tokyo, I’d recommend staying for at least a night to make the most of the destination. Book a room at Mizno Hotel for splendid Mount Fuji views from your window. But if you’re a fan of wellness hotels like us, I recommend booking Hotel Asafuji or Onsen Konanso. Both hotels boast onsen facilities with Fuji views. What a dream!

If you can’t fit couple of days in Fujikawaguchiko in your Japan travel itinerary, no problem. You can still enjoy a lot by taking an independent day trip from Tokyo. That’s what we did and, although tiresome, it turned out a fantastic day. From Tokyo, it’s possible to reach town in about 2,5 hours by bus or train. But, instead of heading directly to Fujikawaguchiko, I’d recommend making a stop at Chureito Pagoda, which one of the most iconic sites in Japan. More details on how to get there details are coming up!

If embarking on an independent day trip seems too much of a hurdle, join an organized day trip from Tokyo and let someone else guide you!

1-day itinerary to see Mount Fuji from Fujikawaguchiko

We’d planned for a classic itinerary in Fujikawaguchiko including visits to the ropeway and museums, but spontaneously changed plans upon arriving and realizing how crowded it was. Our intention was to have a relaxed day by the lake and skip the long lines for popular attractions. And gladly, our impromptu and slightly “off the beaten path” itinerary turned out the best way to spend a day in Fujikawaguchiko. So, in the hopes of inspiring you to spend a slow day romanticizing life at the base of mount Fuji, I’ll share our suggestion for a 1-day itinerary in Fujikawaguchiko. It’s based on our real experience, and I couldn’t recommend it more!

Morning: visit Chureito Pagoda

On your way to way to Fujikawaguchiko from Tokyo, plan for a visit to Chureito Pagoda. The earlier you can get there, the better, as this is one of the most popular and crowded tourist spots in Japan. You can reach the temple in less than 2,5 hours from Tokyo with a combination of JR trains with a local line. The most optimal itinerary is:

• JR Chuo line from Shinjuku station in Tokyo to Otsuki Station. This trip will last around an hour and is included in the JR Pass.
• From Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyu Railaway line and stop at Shimoyoshida Station. This trip will last around 40 minutes and must be paid separately (¥ 1000).
• From Shimoyoshida Station, walk to Chureito Pagoda. It’s a 15 minutes’ walk and you’ll certainly not be alone, so just follow the flow or your Google Maps instructions.

Once you get there, you’ll need to climb 400+ stairs. It’s totally worth the effort, especially if like us, you’re lucky to have a perfect view of Mount Fuji. Seeing the 5-story pagoda surrounded by cherry blossom trees with Mount Fuji in the background was a once in a lifetime experience. Definitely one of the most impactful places we visited in Japan, but also super crowded, so try to get there as early as possible to make the most of your visit.

Seize the opportunity to visit one of the most iconic streets of Japan: Shimoyoshida Honcho Street. It’s a 25 minutes’ walk from the pagoda and one of the most photographed spots in the country. Traditional Japanese buildings adorn this street and Mount Fuji rise imposing in the background. A true must see!

Lunch time: Picnic at lake shore

After visiting Chureito Pagoda, head to the town of Fujikawaguchiko. The same Fujikyu train takes you to the city and offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji along the way. There’s much to do in the center and most people head directly to Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. But I’d recommend skipping the crowds and heading to Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, the final stop of the red bus line, instead. But not before grabbing some lunch and/or snacks for a picnic by the lake. We shopped at the closest 7-Eleven store, but you could also get takeaway from Fuji Tempura Idaten. If you prefer to have a proper sitting meal, try Shaw’s Sushi Bar or Hotou Fudo right across the station or head to the lake shores and have a meal there.

There were some stalls selling fresh strawberries and other snacks at Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, so we complemented our picnic bag with some local products. I hope they’re there when you visit because the strawberries were delicious. Then, walk towards the lake shores and find a cozy spot to lay down a blanket and have one of the most idyllic experiences of your life. We spent at least a couple of hours in awe with the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and even took a nap on our picnic spot. It was so relaxing and inspiring. Honestly, this was one of the best memories we made in Japan, and I can’t recommend enough you try this experience for yourself!

Afternoon: Walk the promenade

After some unforgettable hours spent at Lake Kawaguchiko shore, it’ll be time to explore the promenade. But not before checking the beautiful Oishi Park and Fuji Oishi Hana Terrace, where you’ll find a nice cafe and shop. When you’ve explored enough, I suggest you start walking by the lake shore, towards the city center.

There’s just so much to see and do on and around the promenade and the first point of interest you’ll find is Nagasaki Park. From there, you can head to Kubota Itchiku Art Museum dedicated to kimonos. After visiting the museum, I recommend walking to Kogamasao Memorial Park, where you’ll see some of the most beautiful views of Mount Fuji. This section of the promenade is simply stunning, so you take your time walking around and taking in the views. If you’re interested, visit Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum and Kawaguchiko Museum of Art which are close by.

We were lucky enough to visit Fujikawaguchiko in the beginning of Sakura bloom period. Admiring the hundreds of cherry blossom trees adorning the majestic vulcano in the background was an experience for the books. We simply lost track of time enjoying the walk and photographing Mount Fuji and didn’t have time to go up Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Depending on your pace, it may be possible to check the views from up there, as the ropeway closes at 4pm. I do believe it’s a beautiful spot, but I’m not sure if it’s worth investing hours in queue when you have a similar (or better) experience by walking the promenade. Up to you!

Evening: Early dinner and back to Tokyo

There are few great restaurants in Fujikawaguchiko which you can try before heading back to Tokyo. If you’re craving ramen, head to Ramen Kaneyuki. But if you’d prefer to have an Izakaya meal, Izakaya High Spirits is your best option. Both restaurants are fairly close to Kawaguchiko station, so you can easily jump on a train back to the fantastic capital of Japan!

Day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo: a wrap up

In my opinion, Fujikawaguchiko is the best destination for a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Although popular, it’s totally possible to enjoy this charming town while avoiding most of the crowds. The views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko are simply unbeatable and the convenience of getting to the destination is a plus. But what stands out the most is the possibility to combine a visit to Fujikawaguchiko town with Chureito Pagoda, one of the most beautiful temples in Japan.

You can easily follow this itinerary independently but keep in mind there are great group day trips to join if you can’t handle the commute hassle. If you’re a family, it may be worth investing on a private day tour from Tokyo instead. I hope you enjoyed our guide to planning a perfect day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Make sure to check more of this trip on our Instagram highlights and to explore our curated travel guides about Japan. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment box below and hope you’ll have a fantastic time in Japan!