A day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, the most loved and highest mountain in Japan, ranks high in terms of popularity amongst visitors from all over the world.
The majestic Mount Fuji symbolizes Japan and is an active volcano located across two prefectures, Shizuoka and Yamanashi.
An icon of Japan, Mount Fuji is located about 98 miles (158 km) southwest of Tokyo and making a day trip to Mount Fuji is easy to do on your own.
Transport: Getting To Mount Fuji from Tokyo
Mount Fuji is conventionally accessible by car, bus and train. Most visitors head to the mountain’s 5th Station, the entrance to climbing the mountain.
Expect to spend 2 to 3 hours traveling from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. Of course, you will have to allocate time for the return journey too.
Car Trip
Taking a day trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by car will take about 2 to 3 hours. It will take about 1 hour from Tokyo to Gotenba on the expressway, or about 2 hours on the national route and additional 1 hour to Mt. Fuji.
Drivers can access the mountain’s 5th Station from Kawaguchiko IC driving through the toll road Fuji Subaru.
Train Trip
Train is also a good choice for those planning to make a day trip to Mount Fuji. Traveling to the mountain by train also allows you to enjoy a spectacular view of it from the train window. This will make a fantastic memory of the occasion. JR and Fujikyuko have ride-through operations between Shinjuku Station and Mt. Fuji Station. Also, taking a day trip to Mt. Fuji by Shinkansen, the bullet trains will save travelers a great deal of time and offers a magnificent experience with stunning mountain views. However, be prepared that this will a bit more costly.
Heading to Mount Fuji quickly by Shinkansen bullet train and taking a slow train ride back to Tokyo on the return journey is also a doable option.
Highway Bus Trip
A day trip to Mount. Fuji from Tokyo by highway bus is a reasonable option. For example, a direct highway bus service is operated by Fujikyuko from Busta Shinjuku (a bus terminal) to Mount Fuji 5th Station, the last destination. The bus service offers a smooth journey at reasonable price.
Visiting the Mount Fuji Area: What to See & Attractions
What are the amazing attractions around the Mt. Fuji area?
There are a wide range of beautiful nature attractions enjoyed by visitors on a day trip to Mt. Fuji.
Five Lakes Region
The Five Lakes region, also known as the Fuji Five Lakes, is a group of five lakes located at the northern base of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Thse are:
- Lake Kawaguchi: It is the most popular and easily accessible of the five lakes. There are many hotels, ryokans, and restaurants around the lake, making it a popular destination for tourists.
- Lake Yamanaka: It is the largest of the five lakes and is located at the highest elevation. It is known for its clear water and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
- Lake Saiko: It is located in the Aokigahara forest, also known as the “Sea of Trees,” which is a popular spot for hiking and camping. It is also known for its beautiful scenery and quiet atmosphere.
- Lake Shoji: It is located between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka. It is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping.
- Lake Motosu: It is located at the foot of Mount Fuji and is known for its beautiful view of the mountain, particularly when the sun is setting or rising.
These lakes offer a perfect setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating and camping. Or, if you have less time, you may enjoy taking a cruise on the lake to get a different perspective of Mount Fuji.
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai are the 8 springs located in Yamanashi, the foothills of Mt. Fuji, formed by the inflow of water and melted snow from the grand mountain. The springs are also part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site. In certain environmental conditions, the mountain is reflected onto the surface of the water, like the surface of a mirror. This is a very rare phenomenon called Sakasa Fuji, and you should consider yourself lucky if you can see it.
Mt. Fuji is not only spectacular to look at, but planning a day trip to Mt. Fuji and the journey itself is also very valuable experience. Once the beautiful symmetrical-cone-shaped mountain is seen, it’s unforgettable and inspiring. The diverse “faces” of the majestic mountain are enjoyed by visitors in four distinct seasons, throughout the year.
Aokigahara forest
If you enjoy hiking and nature, the Aokigahara forest is a great option. It’s located near the town of Fujiyoshida, which is about 2 hours by train from Tokyo.
Sengen Shrine
If you’re interested in visiting a Shinto shrine at the base of Mount Fuji, the Sengen Shrine, located near the town of Fujinomiya, is about 2 hours away from Tokyo by train.
Enjoy Your Day Trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
Decide what you’d want to see and be sure to choose the best means of transportation from the multiple options and enjoy your day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji!
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