Tokyo:2 Days Mount Fuji & Hakone Private Tour (Customizable)

A Practical Guide to the Tokyo: 2 Days Mount Fuji & Hakone Private Tour

If you’re visiting Japan and craving a break from the city’s endless energy, this 2-day private tour offers a thoughtfully curated escape to some of Honshu’s most breathtaking sights. For around $849 per group, up to five people, you’ll visit Mount Fuji, Hakone, and several iconic spots, all with the comfort of a private guide who can tailor the experience to your interests.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances stunning natural scenery with cultural highlights. We love that it includes a visit to Chureito Pagoda, a favorite among photographers for its unbeatable view of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms or autumn leaves, depending on the season. The inclusion of a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashinoko in Hakone offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city, perfect for recharging. Also, the private nature of the tour means you can ask questions, spend more time at places that truly catch your eye, and skip anything that doesn’t appeal — a flexible way to see Japan’s natural beauty without feeling rushed.

One potential consideration is that you’ll need comfortable shoes, as there’s a moderate amount of walking involved. Also, most places are cash-only, so carrying some yen is advisable. Lastly, since the tour covers many sites over two days, be prepared for some early mornings and a fair amount of driving in a modern, clean vehicle.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value personalized experiences, want to see famous sights like Mount Fuji and Hakone at their own pace, and enjoy a mix of scenic vistas and cultural landmarks. It’s also great for those who prefer a private guide to enrich their understanding of Japan’s traditions and landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Customizable itinerary tailored to your interests ensures you get what you want from the trip.
• Natural and Cultural Highlights: Visits to Mount Fuji, Hakone, lakes, shrines, and scenic parks combine natural beauty with cultural insights.
• Convenient Logistics: Hotel pickup, drop-off, modern vehicle, and all transportation costs included make for a hassle-free experience.
• Authentic Sightseeing: Stops like Chureito Pagoda and Kitaguchi-Hongu Sengen Shrine offer genuine cultural moments.
• Flexible and Private: Small group or private tour allows for a relaxed pace and personalized attention.
• Worth the Price: The cost reflects the private service, transportation, and inclusion of key sights, making it a good value for a tailored, high-quality experience.

In-Depth Review of the 2-Day Mount Fuji & Hakone Private Tour

Day 1: From Tokyo to Fuji and the Countryside

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Tokyo, where a friendly guide greets you in a clean, comfortable vehicle. This private setup is a significant advantage—compared to large group tours, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of adjusting timing and focus as we go. First stop: Chureito Pagoda. This iconic red structure perched on a hillside offers perhaps Japan’s most picture-perfect view of Mount Fuji, especially framed against a sky dotted with cherry blossoms or, later in the year, vibrant autumn foliage. It’s a standout for travelers wanting that classic Japanese photograph.

Next, we venture to Oshino Hakkai, a quaint village with traditional thatched houses and crystal-clear ponds fed by Mount Fuji’s snowmelt. It’s a peaceful spot that captures the rural charm and offers great photo opportunities. Then, we visit the Kitaguchi-Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, a spiritual site where locals have worshipped Fuji’s sacred presence for centuries. Here, you get a taste of Japan’s deep respect for nature and tradition.

The itinerary then takes us to Lake Kawaguchiko, one of Fuji’s most accessible and scenic lakes. We loved how the views of Mount Fuji reflected in the water can be breathtaking on clear days. Afterward, we stroll through Oishi Park, which offers sweeping vistas of the mountain and colorful flower gardens, and visit Saiko Lake, a quieter, less crowded spot for some peaceful moments.

Day 2: Hakone’s Serenity and Scenic Delights

The second day is dedicated to exploring Hakone, a region famous for its hot springs and stunning vistas. We start with a cruise on Lake Ashinoko, where you’ll enjoy the tranquil waters and views of Mount Fuji if the weather cooperates. It’s a relaxing way to see the area’s natural beauty without too much effort.

From there, we head to Motohakone-ko and hop on the Hakone Ropeway, which whisks you over volcanic valleys and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and even the iconic Owaku-dani Valley. The volcanic activity here adds a dramatic element to the scenery, and the sulfurous fumes from the hot springs lend a sense of adventure.

The Hakone Shrine, nestled among trees by the lake, provides a peaceful cultural pause with its iconic torii gate standing in the water. We also visited the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which features sculptures set amidst stunning landscape views—an unexpected highlight, especially if you’re into art and nature combined.

To cap off the trip, some might choose to visit Gotemba Premium Outlets for shopping, a practical addition if you’re looking to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a leisurely browse.

More Great Tours Nearby

Value and Practicalities

The trip’s price of $849 for up to 5 people covers guided service, transportation, gas, tolls, and parking fees. These inclusions streamline the experience, removing worries about navigating public transport or hidden costs. The modern vehicle ensures comfort during the long drives, and hotel pickup and drop-off add convenience.

However, the tour does not include meals or entrance fees, so bringing cash is essential, especially since many sites are cash-only. We found the suggested packing of comfortable shoes and clothes helpful, as there’s some walking involved, especially at scenic spots and cultural sites.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Feedback

Multiple reviews praise the flexibility of the private tour, highlighting how guides like Yuki or Takashi (if known) make a point to tailor the experience. Travelers have appreciated the opportunity to spend extra time at places they loved and skip over anything less interesting.

Comments like “We loved the way the guide explained the significance of each site” and “The views of Mount Fuji from Chureito Pagoda were unforgettable” reinforce how these stops resonate with visitors. The combination of stunning vistas, cultural insights, and personalized service makes this tour stand out.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private, customizable experience is perfect for travelers who want to see some of Japan’s most iconic sights without the stress of planning logistics. It suits those who value flexibility, comfort, and authentic experiences. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or even as a couple, the private aspect makes it easier to tailor the day to your pace and interests.

If your time in Japan is limited but you want a meaningful, scenic journey that combines natural beauty with cultural landmarks, this tour offers a high-value, memorable way to enjoy Mount Fuji and Hakone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can join this tour?
Up to 5 people can be part of the group, making it ideal for small groups, families, or friends.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers guided tour service in English, gasoline, highway tolls, hotel pickup and drop-off, modern vehicle, and parking fees.

Are meals included?
No, meals, drinks, and snacks are not included, so you’ll want to bring some cash for food stops.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, most of the sites are cash-only, so it’s advisable to carry some yen for entrance fees or small purchases.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide and adjust the stops accordingly.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as there’s moderate walking involved at various sites.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes. The sights are family-friendly, but consider your group’s mobility and comfort levels.

Can I reserve this tour and pay later?
Absolutely. You can keep your plans flexible—book now, and pay nothing until your trip approaches, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day private tour from Tokyo offers a well-rounded taste of Japan’s natural and cultural treasures. The flexible, personalized approach makes it an excellent choice for those who dislike cookie-cutter travel and want to craft their own adventure. The stunning views of Mount Fuji, combined with peaceful moments in Hakone, provide a memorable escape that balances comfort, scenery, and cultural depth.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to tick off iconic sights or a repeat traveler wanting to go beyond the typical, this tour strikes a good balance of value and authenticity. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate small group intimacy, scenic beauty, and the chance to see Japan’s countryside without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re after a thoughtfully curated experience that showcases some of Japan’s most famous landscapes and cultural highlights, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to bring your camera, some cash, and a sense of adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: