Sightseeing Day Trip to Mount Fuji and Hakone Green Number

Exploring Japan’s Iconic Landscapes: A Private Day Trip to Mount Fuji and Hakone

If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing Mount Fuji up close and personal, this private guided day trip from Tokyo offers a smooth, personalized way to tick that box. For $527 per group (up to five people), you’ll spend about 10 hours exploring some of Japan’s most breathtaking sights, with options to focus solely on Mount Fuji or include the scenic Hakone area. Your guide – who doubles as your driver – will navigate the routes, share insights, and make sure you don’t miss the highlights.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to see famous viewpoints like the 5th Station and Oshino Hakkai, plus the chance to enjoy Hakone’s lakes and hot springs. The flexibility in itinerary allows you to tailor your day, which is perfect if you want a more relaxed pace or want to focus on specific spots. The downside? The Mt. Fuji 5th Station is weather-dependent, so your view might be obscured if clouds roll in. This tour suits those who appreciate a personalized, small-group experience and want to learn more about the sights from a knowledgeable guide.

If you’re eager to enjoy Japan’s iconic mountain and scenic surroundings without the hassle of planning transportation and navigation, this is a solid choice. It’s especially good for travelers who value authentic guidance and want to fit a lot into one day, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Key Points

• Flexible itineraries allow you to focus on Mount Fuji or include Hakone’s highlights.
• Private guides provide personalized insights and make the day more engaging.
• Stunning views at key spots like the 5th Station, Oshino Hakkai, and Lake Ashi.
• Transportation included means you won’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads.
• Weather dependency for Mount Fuji views; cloud cover can obscure the summit.
• Value for money considering the personalized service, transportation, and access to exclusive viewpoints.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey Begins: What to Expect

Starting from Tokyo, your day kicks off with a convenient hotel pickup, setting the tone for a hassle-free experience. Once in the vehicle, your guide—who acts as both driver and narrator—begins the journey into Japan’s scenic Chubu Region. We’ve found that having a private guide really makes this tour stand out. Not only do they handle logistics, but their local knowledge enhances every stop.

Oshino Hakkai: Japan’s Hidden Gem

Your first stop is Oshino Hakkai, a charming village of eight natural springs fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji. This area is known for its crystal-clear water and traditional thatched-roof houses. Visitors often find this spot photogenic, and it’s a peaceful introduction to the region. One review describes it as “a wonderful visit,” highlighting the serenity and natural beauty. Expect about an hour here, making it an ideal place for photos and a quick walk around.

Lake Ashi: A Scenic Lake with a View

Next up is Lake Ashi, one of Hakone’s most famous sights. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountains, the lake offers iconic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Many tours include a ride on the Kachi Kachi Ropeway or the Hakone Ropeway for a bird’s-eye view of the area. The reviews mention that your guide will likely take you to “some wonderful places,” and the scenery here indeed lives up to its reputation. Expect about an hour at this stop, enough to soak in the views or take a boat cruise if time permits.

Optional: Mount Fuji 5th Station

If the weather cooperates, you’ll visit the Mount Fuji 5th Station, the most popular viewing point before the summit. It’s a surreal experience to stand amidst clouds and imagine the climb ahead. There’s an entry fee of ¥2,100, but it’s well worth it for the views and photos. Keep in mind, since the 5th Station is weather-dependent, your guide will advise you if conditions aren’t ideal.

More Great Tours Nearby

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Focused Mount Fuji Visit

If you choose the Mount Fuji only itinerary, your highlights include the 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchi, and Oshino Hakkai. The lake offers a mirror-like surface reflecting the mountain, perfect for photos. Visitors often comment that their guide took “very nice pictures” and made the day more memorable.

Including Hakone’s Attractions

Opting for the combined Hakone itinerary adds visits to Lake Ashi, Wakudani (famous for black eggs boiled in hot springs), and the Hakone Ropeway. The Kachi Kachi Ropeway provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and Mount Fuji itself when visible. The hot springs and lakes make this option more relaxing, especially after a busy morning exploring.

Customization and Flexibility

A key advantage of this tour is the chance to customize your experience if time allows. Whether you want to linger longer at a particular spot or include additional sights like the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, your guide may accommodate your requests. This flexibility is a big plus, especially for those who want a more personalized adventure.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer praised their guide, Mukarram, saying, “He drove us to all the important places and took very nice pictures.” Others appreciated the informative commentary and the effort to “see as much as possible in a one-day tour.” The common theme is that having a knowledgeable guide enhances the experience, turning a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable day.

Some travelers note that weather can limit the views, but overall, the experience remains positive thanks to the guide’s flexibility and the variety of stops. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics smooth, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

Why This Tour Might Be Right for You

This experience is perfect if you value personalized attention and want to maximize your sightseeing in one day without the stress of navigating public transport or rental cars. It suits small groups or families who want a more intimate experience, as the tour is private. Travelers eager to learn about the areas they visit will appreciate the guide’s insights, making the day both fun and informative.

However, keep in mind that the weather can impact the view of Mount Fuji, so flexibility is key. If you’re visiting during a season prone to clouds, you might find some frustration with the summit visibility, but the surrounding sites still offer great experiences.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to see Mount Fuji and Hakone’s scenic spots, this private day trip hits the mark. It offers a good balance of stunning scenery, cultural stops, and expert guidance, making it ideal for first-timers or those short on time. The personalized nature of the tour adds value, especially since travelers rave about guides who go “above and beyond” to ensure they see the best of the region.

This tour is particularly well-suited for small groups or families who want flexibility and more personalized service. If your priority is spectacular views and learning about the sights from someone who knows the area well, you’ll find this tour rewarding. Just be prepared for the possibility that weather might obscure Mount Fuji — but even then, the scenic stops along the way make this trip worthwhile.

FAQ: Practical Questions About the Tour

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, with exact times depending on your selected itinerary and traffic.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, private roundtrip transportation, and a private guide who also acts as your driver.

Are entry tickets included?
No, entry to the Mount Fuji 5th Station (¥2,100) is not included and must be paid separately if you visit that location.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, you can tailor the tour and add requests if time allows, making it flexible to your interests.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour suits most travelers, but keep in mind that some stops involve walking, and the duration is about 10 hours.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Your guide will advise if conditions aren’t ideal for Mount Fuji views. Even if the summit isn’t visible, the surrounding scenery remains impressive.

Where do I meet the guide in Tokyo?
The tour includes hotel pickup, so you won’t need to worry about finding a meeting point.

How many people can join?
The tour is designed for groups of up to five people, making it intimate and personalized.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your camera. An umbrella might be useful if rain looks likely.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this private day trip to Mount Fuji and Hakone offers a tailored, scenic, and informative experience, perfect for travelers who value expert guides and flexible plans. It balances the allure of Japan’s most famous mountain with the tranquility of its lakes and hot springs, making it a memorable addition to your Japan itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: