Mt Fuji & Hakone Cruise, Drum Show Bus 1 Day from Tokyo

Discover the Beauty of Japan’s Most Famous Mountain with a Full Day of Sightseeing

This Mt. Fuji & Hakone cruise tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and fun experiences for those looking to get a taste of Japan’s iconic landscapes without the hassle of organizing each stop themselves. For around $168.58 per person, you’ll spend about 12.5 hours visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, cruising on Lake Ashi, and riding the Hakone Ropeway to panoramic views of Hakone National Park. The tour is operated by JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc., and it’s popular for a reason — it hits some of the most photogenic and memorable spots in the Fuji-Hakone region.

Two things we particularly like? First, the opportunity to get close to Mt. Fuji — even if clouds sometimes obscure the summit, the stops are well-paced, and the view from the 5th Station is genuinely breathtaking. Second, the Lake Ashi cruise provides a serene moment amid stunning scenery, with the chance to imagine being in a postcard scene. However, a potential consideration is that weather can impact visibility, and some stops may feel rushed, especially during busy seasons or if the weather isn’t cooperating.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-organized day with multiple highlights in a manageable timeframe. It’s perfect for those who appreciate beautiful landscapes, want to avoid the stress of planning, and are flexible with weather-dependent sights. If you’re eager for a mix of scenery, culture, and fun stops, this tour offers solid value with professional guides and memorable views.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Hakone’s top sights in one day
• Includes transportation, guide, and some admission fees, making it convenient and straightforward
• Weather can influence visibility at key spots like Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi
• Group size caps at 44, ensuring a comfortable experience
• Options for lunch (or not) to suit different preferences and dietary needs
• Good reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery as major highlights

Visiting Japan’s Iconic Mt. Fuji and Hakone: What to Expect

If you’re like many travelers, seeing Mt. Fuji is a must — that iconic, symmetrical mountain symbolizing Japan. This tour makes it easier by taking you up to the 5th Station, at about 7,546 feet. From there, you can gaze at the clouds or, on a clear day, spot the surrounding landscapes. The view from the 5th Station is one of those moments you’ll want to frame; however, some reviews note that time is limited at this stop, with only about 30 minutes to explore. That’s enough to take photos, browse souvenirs, and soak in the atmosphere, but if you’re eager to hike or linger, you’ll need to plan accordingly.

Should the Fuji Subaru Line be closed — which can happen due to snow or weather — the tour adjusts by visiting alternatives like Lake Kawaguchi Oishi Park or the Fujisan World Heritage Center. This flexibility means you still get a dose of Japan’s most famous scenery, even if Mt. Fuji itself isn’t fully visible.

Next, the group heads to Lake Ashi, a crater lake formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Here, the Sorakaze cruise ship offers a peaceful, scenic ride across the water. Expect to see the distant outline of Mt. Fuji and Mount Komagatake, with many travelers describing the experience as “relaxing” and “picturesque”. Some reviews mention that weather can sometimes obscure views, but even then, the cruise offers a calming break amid nature.

From the lake, the next highlight is the Hakone Ropeway. This aerial tramway transports you to the mountain summit, where stunning vistas of Hakone’s mountains, Lake Ashi, and sometimes Mt. Fuji await. On clear days, the panoramic views are breathtaking, with some travelers describing it as “spectacular” and “something you won’t forget”. During winter or certain seasons, however, maintenance closures or weather conditions can limit access — the tour provides alternative stops if needed.

If you choose the lunch option, a traditional Japanese-style meal awaits at the Fuji Zakura Hotel, often accompanied by a drum show by the Fugakukai troupe. The performance adds a lively cultural touch, and the meals are generally well-received, with options for vegetarians, Muslims, and Indian diets. If you skip lunch, you’ll need to bring your own, as there are no restaurants at the break point.

The tour ends with a drop-off at Shinjuku Station in the evening, about 5 to 8 hours after departure, making it a comprehensive day trip for those staying in Tokyo. Be prepared for a long day, but one filled with so many sights and experiences that it often earns praise for being well-organized and memorable.

The Itinerary in Detail: What Makes Each Stop Special

Mt. Fuji 5th Station

This is the high point most travelers aim for. The climb to the 5th Station offers sweeping views, and it’s the closest you can usually get to the mountain’s summit without a multi-day hike. The area features a souvenir shop and shrines, giving a sense of spiritual significance. Several reviews note that the time here is tight — usually about 30 minutes — which might be enough for quick photos, but not for detailed exploration.

Weather is a major factor. On some days, Mt. Fuji can be enveloped in clouds or snow, obscuring the views. As one review points out, “Fuji is enshrouded in cloud, so it can be a waste of money depending on the season”. Keep that in mind if your main goal is a perfect photo.

Lake Ashi Cruise

This 15-minute boat ride is a highlight for many. The scenery is peaceful, with lush greenery and mountain peaks framing the lake. Travelers often describe it as “relaxing” and “beautiful,” with a chance to snap some great photos of the distant Mt. Fuji (if visible). Some reviews mention that the views are sometimes obscured by weather, but even on cloudy days, the calm waters and surrounding landscape make it worthwhile.

Hakone Ropeway

This 7-minute ride takes you from the lake to the summit of Mount Komagatake. From above, you gain a panoramic view of Hakone’s volcanic landscape, Lake Ashi, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji. The top of the mountain offers walking paths and photo spots, making it a popular destination for hikers and photographers alike.

However, the Ropeway does close for maintenance during part of the year (January 14 to March 4, 2025), so check beforehand. During the ride, the scenery is often described as breathtaking, especially when the weather cooperates.

Lunch and Cultural Show

The Japanese-style lunch is served at the Fuji Zakura Hotel, with options for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. The drum performance adds a lively cultural touch to the break, providing entertainment and a taste of traditional Japanese arts.

Final Stops and Return

After the Ropeway, the group might visit an alternative site if the original plans are disrupted. The Odawara Station stop is mainly for those who choose the Odawara drop-off in their booking.

The return to Shinjuku wraps up the day, with most travelers arriving between 6 pm and 9 pm. It’s a long day, but the scenery, cultural insights, and the chance to experience multiple highlights make it worthwhile.

What Travelers Are Saying: The Honest Reviews

Most reviews are quite positive, praising the guides’ knowledge and the beauty of the scenery. One reviewer mentions, “Marie our guide was excellent. Learned a lot about local culture as well”, highlighting the value of a passionate guide. Many appreciated the smooth organization and the well-paced stops.

On the flip side, some travelers found the time at each stop limited, especially at the 5th Station, which can feel rushed if you want to explore or take photos. One reviewer felt that “the cable car at Hakone is a waste of money and time”, indicating that not every aspect is perfect for everyone.

Weather often comes up as a big factor. Several reviewers mention that cloud cover can obscure views of Mt. Fuji, which is a common issue in the region. For some, this was disappointing, but they still found the overall experience enjoyable, especially if they appreciated the scenic boat cruise and Ropeway ride.

A few reviews expressed frustration over rushed visits or lack of reserved seats on the train back, so if comfort and relaxation are priorities, it’s worth noting these potential hiccups.

Analyzing the Value: Is This Tour Worth It?

At around $168.58, this tour offers a full day of sightseeing without the hassle of coordinating transportation or guides. Given that admission fees for the cruise, Ropeway, and stops are included, the value is fair, especially considering the guided commentary and structured itinerary.

The professional guides and comfortable air-conditioned bus make the long day easier, and the cultural experiences like the drum performance add depth to the trip. However, the weather-dependent nature means that sometimes you pay for a view that’s hidden behind clouds — a common reality in mountain sightseeing.

On top of that, the option for lunch enhances the experience, especially with local dishes and the cultural performance, though those skipping it should be prepared with their own snack or meal.

In the end, this tour is a solid choice for travelers wanting a scenic overview, especially those who are flexible about weather and understand the time constraints. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors to Japan wanting a comprehensive yet manageable day trip from Tokyo.

The Sum Up

For anyone eager to see Mt. Fuji and enjoy Hakone’s scenic highlights without the stress of planning each step, this tour offers a good balance of convenience and memorable sights. The guides’ knowledge and beautiful landscapes are its strongest points, making it a worthwhile option for those with a day to spare in Tokyo.

While weather can sometimes limit the views, the overall experience remains enjoyable thanks to the cruise, cultural performances, and panoramic rides. It’s best suited for travelers who value organized itineraries, cultural enrichment, and scenic photography, and who are okay with a long day on the road.

If you’re looking for an authentic, well-structured day trip to some of Japan’s most loved sights, this tour checks most boxes — just keep your expectations flexible around the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Mt. Fuji if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour still proceeds, but the visibility of Mt. Fuji and other scenic spots like Lake Ashi might be limited or obscured by clouds or snow.

What happens if the Fuji Subaru Line is closed?
The tour will be diverted to alternative locations like Lake Kawaguchi Oishi Park or the Fujisan World Heritage Center, so you still get a memorable experience.

Is lunch included?
You can choose the “With Lunch” option, which includes a Japanese-style meal and a drum performance. If you select “No Lunch,” you should bring your own food, as there are no nearby restaurants during the stop.

How long is the tour?
The full-day experience lasts approximately 12 hours and 35 minutes, from early morning pickup to evening return.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is recommended, especially at high altitudes, and an umbrella or rain gear if the weather forecast predicts rain. Camera gear to capture the scenery is a must.

Are the stops rushed?
Many reviews say the stops are well-paced, but some feel the time at sites like Mt. Fuji 5th Station is brief, around 30 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children up to age 5 can join free, but they won’t have a seat or lunch unless you book a child’s ticket.

What about accessibility?
The tour is near public transport, but details on wheelchair access aren’t specified. It’s best to check directly if needed.

What if I want a more personalized experience?
This is a group tour with up to 44 travelers, so for a more tailored experience, consider private tours or smaller group options.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Booking is usually done about 35 days in advance on average, but last-minute availability depends on season and demand.

In all, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Japan’s natural wonders with convenient organization and engaging sights. Just remember to go with flexible expectations about weather and timing, and you’re likely to have a memorable day exploring Mt. Fuji and Hakone.