Tokyo: Mount Fuji, Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise and Owakudani Day Tour

Experience the Best of Japan’s Natural and Cultural Highlights in One Day

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, this Mount Fuji, Hakone Lake Ashi Cruise, and Owakudani Day Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Japan’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. For just under $65, you’ll spend about 10 hours exploring some of the most iconic sights near Tokyo, including the legendary Mount Fuji, the geothermal marvel of Owakudani, and the charming island of Enoshima.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines scenic boat rides with nature walks and cultural stops, giving you a well-balanced experience. Another highlight is the knowledgeable guides, who help make the day both informative and engaging. It’s a great way to see a lot in one day without feeling rushed.

That said, one possible drawback is the reliance on weather conditions for the best views of Mount Fuji. On less clear days, the mountain might be hidden behind clouds, which can be disappointing if you’re hoping for a postcard-perfect shot.

This tour suits travelers who want a value-packed day out with diverse scenery and insights into Japan’s volcanic landscape and seaside culture. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate guided experiences and want to cover several attractions without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

Key Points

• Includes iconic sites like Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and Enoshima for a full-day adventure.
• Scenic boat cruise and Ropeway ride provide memorable views and photo opportunities.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with interesting facts and assistance.
• Flexible itinerary with optional sights depending on weather and traffic.
• Value for money at around $65, including transportation and guide.
• Not suited for travelers seeking total independence or with mobility issues due to walking and stairs.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Basics: What’s Included and How It Works

For $64.90 per person, you get a 10-hour guided day trip departing from either Tokyo or Shinjuku, with an air-conditioned vehicle, a friendly guide, and visits to several key sites. Admission tickets for the cruise and Ropeway are paid separately, which is common in Japan’s tourism scene. This means you can choose whether to indulge in the cruise for 1,200 yen or the Ropeway for 1,500 yen, or skip them if you prefer.

The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with most participants able to join unless mobility is a concern. The group size is capped at 45, so it’s not a tiny tour but still manageable for a comfortable experience.

The Morning: Lake Ashinoko and Hakone Cruise

The day begins at Lake Ashinoko, a tranquil caldera lake formed thousands of years ago after an eruption of Mt. Kami. We loved the way the calm waters mirror the surrounding mountains, creating a perfect setting to start the day. As one reviewer pointed out, “The cruise was relaxing with great scenery,” and you’ll likely agree, especially if the weather is clear.

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is inspired by European battleships, adding a touch of maritime history to your journey. For 25 minutes, you glide across the lake, enjoying views of Mount Fuji on clear days—a real highlight. However, some reviews mentioned that mountain visibility can be unpredictable, so don’t be too disappointed if it’s obscured.

The Volcanic Wonder: Owakudani Valley

Next, you’ll visit Owakudani, a volcanic area with bubbling hot springs, sulfur vents, and steaming craters. It’s a place that showcases Japan’s volcanic power firsthand. Many visitors enjoy tasting the famous black eggs, cooked in the hot springs—an unusual snack that’s fun to try. It’s a quick stop, about 30 minutes, but packed with sights and smells that remind you of Earth’s fiery core.

Some reviews mention that the views vary depending on weather, but the experience of walking amid active volcanic terrain remains impressive. The sulfur smell and the rugged landscape make for memorable photos, especially if you’re a geology enthusiast.

The Ropeway: Panoramic Views of Hakone

The Hakone Ropeway passes directly over Owakudani, providing sweeping views of the volcanic landscape and lakes below. For around 25 minutes, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective that few other attractions can match. When skies are clear, you might catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance, which many find to be a highlight.

However, some travelers noted that if the weather isn’t cooperative, the views can be limited. Still, the ride itself is fun, and the experience of ascending in a gondola adds a dash of adventure to the day.

The Coastal Charm of Enoshima Island

By mid-morning or early afternoon, the tour shifts to Enoshima, a small, scenic island connected to the mainland. You’ll explore Enoshima Shrine, which is dedicated to deities of fishing and maritime transport. Many reviews praise the ease of walking through the shrine grounds and enjoying the sea breeze.

The Benzaiten Shopping Street is perfect for a stroll, with charming shops and snack stalls. The old-fashioned atmosphere—highlighted by the bronze torii gate—is a favorite among visitors. It’s a lovely spot to relax, grab some local snacks, and enjoy views of Sagami Bay with Mount Fuji sometimes peeking from afar.

Afternoon Highlights and Flexibility

The itinerary offers some flexibility depending on traffic and weather, but most travelers agree that the day is well-paced. Some reviews mention that the timing at each stop is short, which can leave you wanting a bit more, especially at visually stunning sites. But overall, the experience balances sightseeing with time for photos and exploration.

What the Reviews Say About This Tour

Authentic feedback from travelers helps paint a complete picture:

• Positive experiences highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the day enjoyable, with comments like “Jimmy was a nice guy but not a great guide,” and “Jimmylin did a great job translating into both English and Chinese.” Guides who shared interesting stories and answered questions well made a difference.

• Scenic beauty is a big draw, especially the Lake Ashi cruise and Ropeway rides, cited as “stunning,” “relaxing,” and “great for photos.” Several reviewers mention the views of Mount Fuji, even on cloudy days, and the opportunity to catch a glimpse from Enoshima or Hakone.

• Value for money gets a lot of praise: “This tour exceeded our expectations and was excellent value,” says one guest. Considering the number of stops, transportation, and guides, many find it a worthwhile deal despite the extra costs for cruise and Ropeway tickets.

• Some criticisms include the weather-dependent visibility of Mount Fuji, and in a few cases, traffic delays that shortened or shifted parts of the itinerary. One reviewer called it “a day largely wasted,” but this was mainly due to weather and timing issues outside the tour’s control.

Comfort and Group Size

Most travelers found the bus comfortable and appreciated the good organization of the day. Jokes aside, several comments noted that the vehicle was cozy but manageable, and the guides kept things moving smoothly. A few felt the timing was rushed, but overall, the experience was well-received.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager to see multiple sites in a single day with guidance to help navigate, this tour is a strong choice. It’s particularly great for those who value scenic boat rides, volcanic landscapes, and cultural sites. Travelers who want a relaxed, informative experience without the hassle of planning every detail will find this a good fit.

Final Thoughts

This Mount Fuji, Hakone, and Enoshima Day Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Japan’s natural beauty and local culture. The combination of scenic views, geothermal wonders, and seaside charm makes it an appealing option, especially for first-time visitors wanting to maximize their time outside Tokyo.

The tour’s value lies in its diversity of experiences—from boat cruises to shrine visits—and the expert guides who help bring these places to life. It’s true that weather can influence the experience, but even cloudy days can still provide memorable moments.

For adventurous travelers eager to pack a lot into a single day, or those who appreciate guided tours with local insights, this trip delivers a satisfying blend of nature, culture, and scenic beauty. It’s worth considering if you want to see iconic sights with the comfort of a group and the convenience of organized transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll need to bring your own snacks or plan to buy food at stops like Enoshima or Hakone.

Are the cruise and Ropeway tickets included?
No, these are paid separately—about 1,200 yen for the cruise and 1,500 yen for the Ropeway—so budget accordingly if you want to participate.

How long do we spend at each site?
Timing varies based on traffic and weather, but generally, you’ll have about 20 minutes at Lake Ashi, 25 minutes on the cruise, 30 minutes at Owakudani, 25 minutes on the Ropeway, and 30-50 minutes exploring Enoshima.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most travelers, including families, can enjoy it, but be aware that there are stairs and walking involved, particularly at Enoshima Shrine and the volcanic areas.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Views of Mount Fuji may be obscured on cloudy or rainy days, which some travelers found disappointing. The itinerary can shift to focus more on indoor or sheltered sites if needed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour runs on a set schedule, but some flexibility exists depending on traffic and weather. For specific requests, it’s best to check with the guide.

How large is the group?
Up to 45 travelers, which means it’s a lively but manageable size for a day tour.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and some cash for optional tickets and snacks.

In a nutshell, this tour offers a very good balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and practical convenience. It’s a smart choice for those wanting to tick off several highlights without the stress of independent planning, especially if weather cooperates for the best view of Mount Fuji.