Best Day Trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji: DIY Guide

1 Fujiyoshida

Fujiyoshida is a beautiful city located in the Yamanashi Prefecture. With a population of around 49,000, it has magnificent viewing spots of Mount Fuji in all of its glory.

Some iconic spots you can visit here are the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, Honcho Street, Mount Fuji Station and of course, Lake Kawaguchi which was my personal highlight.

2 How to get to Mount Fuji

It takes around 2 hours to get from Tokyo to Fujiyoshida which is the main town you’ll want to visit to actually view Mount Fuji. Of course, there are several towns you can visit, but in this article, we’ll focus on Fujiyoshida. It’s the perfect place for first-timers and has those iconic views you’re looking for.

By Train – Chuo Line Limited Express

From Shinjuku station, take the Chuo Line Limited Express to Otsuki Station. Then take the Fujikyoko Line to Mount Fuji Station.

The Chuo Line Limited Express runs every half an hour from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Can I use my JR Pass to Mount Fuji?

Yes but not fully. Only part of the trip to visit Mount Fuji is covered by the JR Pass. You’ll need to use your JR Pass from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station. After that, you should take the Fujikyuko Line train to reach Mt. Fuji Station. For the 2nd part of your journey, make sure to prepare a loaded Suika or Pasmo card to cover the rest of the journey.

If you already have a valid JR Pass ticket, you can reserve your seat on the Chuo Line Limited Express!

By Bus

The bus is fairly simple and only takes 2 hours to get to Kawaguchiko. You can simply take the bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal! However, you can also check the website to get a bus from a few other stations in Tokyo as well. You can buy tickets in advance from https://willerexpress.com/. The bus typically costs less than the train and is quite a direct option.

3 Things to See and Do at Fujiyoshida

Hangout at Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is a must-see attraction during your day trip. It can be completely free but also quite affordable if you want to take the Swan boats or the sightseeing cruise. Read on to know more 🙂

Lake Kawaguchi 2nd biggest of the Fuji Five Lakes and the most popular due to its serene beauty and cool activities in the area. Just see the breathtaking sunset below!

Ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The Mt Fuji Panoramic Ropeway is a really cool way to see both the Lake and Mount Fuji in all its glory. This aerial lift has been in operation since 1959.

Cruise on the Lake Kawaguchi Sightseeing Boat

If you want to have a cool experience that gives you great views of Lake Kawaguchi, look no further than the Sightseeing Boat “Appare”! It is only a 20-minute ride that offers scenic views of Mt. Fuji and the lake from an awesome looking Japanese-style ship.

You can simply buy tickets down at the dock and wait for the next tour. The boat tour is quite frequent. What’s even better is that it’s located right near the Panoramic Ropeway.

Ride on Romantic Swan Boats

I highly recommend you take the Swan pedal boats at Lake Kawaguchi! They come in a few different colours and are available quite close to the entrance of the Panoramic Ropeway at Tozawa Centre.

Visit Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda

The Chureito Pagoda might be one of the most iconic pagodas in Japan. It has a dazzling view of Mount Fuji and is encapsulated by either Cherry blossoms or Red autumn leaves depending on the season. Located in the Arakurayama Sengen Park, you’ll need to do a small hike of 398 steps to reach this magnificent view.

I was so amazed while climbing up the steps in the Sengen Shrine because this entire shrine was surrounded by hundreds of Sakura trees. I recommend you make your way up there during the day and then head to the other spots such as the Lake Kawaguchi area.

Take an Instagrammable Shot at Honcho Street

If you are looking for a unique spot to admire the majestic Mount Fuji, you should definitely check out Honcho Street in Fujiyoshida! This narrow shopping street is lined with colourful signboards and lanterns, creating a contrast with the snow-capped peak looming in the background.

You can also find some old-fashioned weaving shops that showcase the local textile industry, as well as some cozy cafes and restaurants. Honcho Street is a great place to experience the charm and history of Fujiyoshida while enjoying one of the best views of Japan’s icon. 🙂

Hangout at the Iconice Lawson Convenience Store with Mount Fuji View

4 Best Times to Visit Mount Fuji

The best time to visit Mount Fuji would be in the cooler months, from November to February, when the skies are generally clear. Another great time to visit is in late March during the Sakura season!

Weather Conditions

Mount Fuji is truly a breathtaking sight to behold. However, on some days, it can get shrouded in clouds. To ensure your trip is not spoilt, check the weather forecast and if Mount Fuji will be visible that day. If you’re doing a day trip, try to keep your trip a bit flexible so that you can exchange your days of visiting the place.

Best Time to Visit

As I mentioned, Mount Fuji is breathtaking during the colder months due to its ice cap. If you would like a guaranteed stunning view of its iconic peak, October to April is the best time when it is at its peak visibility!

Seasonal Considerations

Different seasons offer unique views and experiences. Consider whether you prefer seeing a snow-capped Mount Fuji in winter, the cherry blossoms in spring or even fiery red leaves in autumn!

Best Time of the Day

Sunrise and sunset provide stunning views of Mount Fuji. Plan your visit accordingly to capture the mountain in different lighting conditions. Early morning is often recommended for clearer skies.

Climbing Mount Fuji

The climbing season for Mount Fuji is from early July to early September. However, you should be prepared for challenging hiking conditions. The view from the top is breathtaking!

5 Mount Fuji During Sakura Season

The whole of Japan is iconic during the Sakura season. Some spots like the Chureito Pagoda have hundreds if not thousands of Sakura trees filled with vibrant pink petals of cherry blossoms. A day trip during cherry blossoms will ensure you have the most beautiful flowers in your photos.

6 Mount Fuji During Autumn

Fujiyoshida great visit in autumn, when the leaves change colour and create a stunning contrast with the snow-capped peak. The Autumn months are around late October to November when the leaves turn a fiery red and provide an unreal experience!

7 Which Towns can I see Mount Fuji?

8 Conclusion

Mount Fuji is a national icon of Japan. While you can see it from Tokyo, it’s a completely different experience to view it from smaller cities nearby as it let’s you immerse into Japanese culture and its nature. Do you plan on visiting Mount Fuji? Let me know in the comments below!

9 FAQ about Mount Fuji Day Trip