From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji & Hakone Tour w/ Return by Bullet Train

Exploring the Iconic Mount Fuji and Hakone in a Day

If you’re looking for a way to see Japan’s most famous mountain without spending days on the road, this guided tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Mount Fuji and the nearby Hakone region for $138. Starting from Tokyo’s Shinjuku, the trip lasts about 11 hours and takes you through some of Japan’s most photogenic and geologically fascinating sights. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll enjoy a mix of scenic views, volcanic phenomena, and local cuisine, all wrapped up with a speedy return on the bullet train.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances nature, culture, and convenience. The chance to visit the 5th Station of Mount Fuji — the highest point accessible by bus — is a highlight, offering close-up views of Japan’s tallest peak. Plus, the Owakudani volcanic area provides an up-close look at volcanic activity, with steaming vents and sulfuric eggs. The Lake Ashi cruise then offers a peaceful way to take in the scenery and snap some unforgettable photos of Mount Fuji if the weather cooperates.

One possible consideration is the weather dependency—clouds and fog often hide Mount Fuji, especially outside of clear seasons. Also, the shorter time at each stop means you won’t have long at any one site, which might be a downside for those wanting a more leisurely or in-depth experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a full-day highlight reel of the Fuji-Hakone area without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s especially good if you’re short on time but want to see iconic sights with a friendly guide to help navigate.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with stops at Mount Fuji, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi.
• Return trip by bullet train provides a quick, exciting end to the day.
• Guide-led experience ensures you get context and local insights.
• Variety of activities including cable car rides, cruises, and scenic viewpoints.
• Weather can impact visibility, so don’t be discouraged if Mount Fuji is obscured.
• Good value for the price, with most transportation, tickets, and meals included.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Departure and Transportation

We start early from Shinjuku, with a comfortable air-conditioned bus whisking us away toward the Mt. Fuji area—a journey of about 2.5 hours. The guide will typically meet you outside the Nishi Shinjuku ‘LOVE’ sculpture, a familiar landmark, making the start straightforward. The bus ride itself is quite scenic, with views of the surrounding mountains and countryside, setting the tone for a day immersed in nature.

Visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station

The highlight for many is reaching the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, sitting at roughly 2300 meters above sea level. From here, you get a close-up view of Japan’s tallest mountain, with clouds often swirling around the summit, creating a dynamic landscape. Clouds move fast, so there’s a real chance to catch a glimpse of the peak, as some travelers have described — “you might just spot it.”

If bad weather or road closures prevent reaching the 5th Station, the guide will instead take you to the highest accessible point, ensuring you still get a sense of the mountain’s grandeur. Along the way, you’ll find some local souvenirs and the Komitake Shrine, adding a cultural touch to the experience.

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The Owakudani Volcanic Area

Next, the tour descends to Owakudani, an area of active volcanic vents and bubbling sulfur springs. Here, you’ll have the chance to buy the famous black eggs, boiled in sulphuric water heated by the volcano. These eggs are a local specialty—some say eating one can add seven years to your life! Although, note that the fee isn’t included, so be prepared for a small extra expense.

This part of the trip offers the most visceral experience of Japan’s volcanic activity. We loved the way the steam rises from the vents and how the landscape looks almost otherworldly. The guide will share insights about the volcanic activity and the area’s importance in local folklore. Reviews highlight how well the staff handle the unpredictable, with one reviewer noting, “I love how they handled the sudden change of activity due to weather.”

Lunch and Local Cuisine

After the volcanic sightseeing, it’s time for a delicious local meal. The tour offers a hot pot and semi-buffet lunch, which reviewers praise as both tasty and filling. If you have dietary restrictions, just let them know — they seem willing to accommodate.

Lake Ashi and Hakone Ropeway

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Hakone, where you’ll hop on the Hakone Ropeway. The gondola ride offers stunning panoramic views of the volcanic landscape and surrounding mountains. If the weather is clear, you’ll love the spectacular vistas of Mount Fuji reflected in the waters of Lake Ashi.

The cruise on Lake Ashi is often described as the highlight by travelers. Many note the beautiful scenery, especially when Mount Fuji is visible. One reviewer raved, “You’ll absolutely love the stunning views of Mount Fuji from the deck of the ship when it’s clear!” Others, however, mention that weather can obscure the mountain, so don’t be disappointed if it’s hidden behind clouds.

Return via Bullet Train

The final leg involves traveling back to Tokyo on a Shinkansen from Odawara Station. The train ride, around 34 minutes, is a fast and fun way to complete the day. One reviewer said, “The journey back to Tokyo by Shinkansen was a great end to the day,” highlighting how this part of the trip adds a modern, high-speed thrill to the traditional sightseeing.

Note: The guide does not ride the train with you, so planning your transfer at Odawara or Shinagawa is essential. The train options are flexible, with multiple departures per hour, providing some leeway.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a pretty consistent picture of an enjoyable, well-organized trip. Many mention the friendly and knowledgeable guides— one called out a guide named Yoshi for being particularly informative and patient. Several reviews highlight the value for money, noting that the packed itinerary, combined with included tickets and transportation, adds up to a very good deal.

However, a few pointed out weather as a variable—mountain views can be obscured by clouds or fog, especially outside summer. One reviewer mentioned, “The weather was amazing, but if it’s raining or foggy, you might not see Mount Fuji.” Also, some noted that time at each stop was limited — but that’s the trade-off for fitting so much into a single day.

Food also receives mixed reviews— many praise the local cuisine, but some wish there were more vegetarian options. The black eggs at Owakudani are a favorite souvenir, even if they come with an extra cost.

Practical Details

• Price: $138 per person, which covers most transportation, tickets, and lunch if you choose that option.
• Duration: About 11 hours, with departure times varying by season.
• Meeting Point: Outside the Nishi Shinjuku ‘LOVE’ sculpture — easy to find.
• Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned bus, plus bullet train for the return.
• Includes: Guide, tickets for the Ropeway and cruise, lunch (if selected), Shinkansen ticket.
• Excludes: Drinks, hotel pickup, and drop-off.
• Suitable for: International travelers, those with reasonable mobility, and anyone keen to see iconic sights without a long stay or complicated planning.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a lively, efficient way to tick off Mount Fuji and Hakone in a single day. It’s especially good for travelers who want to maximize sightseeing without the hassle of figuring out transportation. The guided approach means you’ll get context and local insights, enriching the experience beyond just photos.

While the weather can be unpredictable, the tour’s flexibility and the guide’s handling of changing plans often keep the experience smooth. You’ll appreciate the variety of activities — from volcanic vents and cable cars to boat cruises and high-speed rail — all packed into a tight day.

On balance, the value for money is solid given the number of attractions, tickets, and included meals. Be prepared for a busy schedule, and don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and patience for crowded spots. This trip is perfect if you want a comprehensive, fun, and scenic taste of Japan’s most famous mountain and its stunning surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children up to 3 years old can join free of charge, but they won’t get a bus seat or lunch. If you want a seat or meal, book at the child rate.

How is the weather affecting the tour?
Weather can impact visibility of Mount Fuji. If it’s foggy or rainy, the mountain might be obscured, but the volcano and other sites are still worth visiting.

What if I can’t reach the 5th Station?
If road conditions or weather prevent reaching the 5th Station, the guide will take you to the highest point accessible, so you still get a close-up experience.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Most tickets, including the Ropeway, cruise, and Shinkansen, are included in the tour price, so no need to purchase separately.

Can I customize the return trip?
Yes, you can choose to return from Odawara Station or transfer at Shinagawa for better access to Tokyo’s Yamanote Line.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking and uneven terrain. Consider bringing a raincoat or umbrella in case of bad weather.

Is there a lunch option?
Yes, the tour includes a local meal — a hot pot and semi-buffet. Vegetarian options can be arranged if notified in advance.

Will I get enough time at each site?
The itinerary is packed, so while you’ll see many highlights, your time at each stop is limited—perfect for a snapshot, less for a deep dive.

This day trip from Tokyo balances scenic beauty, cultural touches, and modern convenience. It’s a smart choice if you want to see Mount Fuji and Hakone with a guide to fill you in on the details, all without needing to plan every detail yourself. Just remember, a clear day makes all the difference, so check the weather forecast before you book!

You can check availability for your dates here: