What to do in Mt Fuji in one day

We loved our day trip to Mount Fuji. There’s a lot to see, here are our favourite spots and the tours we recommend!

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Best time to see Mt Fuji

During autumn and winter (November to February) you’ll get the clearest views of Mount Fuji. Try to get out during the early morning for the best chance as well as late afternoon. During summer the sky is often hazy.

How to Get to Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko From Tokyo

By train, to reach the Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji area, take the Chuo line from Shinjuku which connects with the Fujikyuko Line.

By bus take the Kawaguchiko Eki Bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, taking about 1hr 50min to reach Mt Fuji station in Fujiyoshida or Lake Kawaguchiko.

Getting Around Lake Kawaguchiko & Yamanaka

Tourist loop buses around Lakes Yamanaka and Kawaguchiko are convenient, with hourly services. You can buy a day (not 24 hour) pass for 1500 JPY or 2 day passes at Kawaguchiko and Fujisan train stations. Just hop on hop off at the many points of interest. You can also go by train between Fujiyoshida and Kawaguchiko, we also saw people driving around the lakes and towns, to hire a car you need an international license.

Whilst the tourist loop buses are an easy option, for this itinerary you don’t need to use them. They cost 1500 JPY but if you are able to walk along flat scenic distances it is cheaper to pay as you go using the sucia card.

The only caveat to this is if you have 2 days available, then on the second day I would purchase the tourist loop buses that goes around Lake Yamanaka As it is further to go.

Where to Stay Near Mt Fuji

The best places to base yourself with loads of accommodation are Fujioshida and Kawagachi. You’ll find everything from luxury to basic options.

Yabukiso – a beautiful traditional Japanese experience

Fuji Onsenji Yumedono – a magical immaculate experience. Truly beautiful with breakfast and Onsen included.

Fuji Speedway Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt – stunning fuji views from some rooms, excellent stay.

Habitacion NIIYA Mt Fuji – a popular cheaper option

HAOSTAY河口湖美術館前. – comfortable rooms with ensuite

Resort Inn Fujihashi – a traditional ryokan stay, shared bathrooms and very clean. Cheap-reasonable pricing

Can You Do A Mt Fuji Day Trip?

Definitely! Make sure you are well planned. This blog will help you detail how to do it exactly so you can just follow the steps here.

Make sure you leave early to maximise the day. Get the bus from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchiko which takes 1hr 50min, the first of the day leaves at 7am and you’ll need to book at least a few days in advance. You book directly at the Shinjuku station express busway 5B where the bus departs from. There is a counter or self serve option.

Mt Fuji Day Trip Tours

Booking a day trip tour can really make what to do in Mt Fuji for a day a serious breeze! These are the ones we recommend. They are super popular so make sure to book them as early as possible, they really do cover a lot of ground!

Tokyo: Full-day Tour of the Four Majestic Spots of Mt Fuji – Embark on a day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. Explore the charm of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, stroll around Lake Kawaguchiko and Arakura sengen park.

From Tokyo: Mount Fuji Private Day Trip with Driver – an excellent private tour! Experience a scenic escape from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s iconic spots on this day tour. You can customize the itinerary to include stops like the Chureito Pagoda, Oishi Park, and the Hakone Ropeway.

From Tokyo: Mount Fuji & Hakone Customize Private Day Tour – Visit Mount Fuji and explore its surroundings with this personalized private tour from Tokyo. Discover the Majesty Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai, Oishi Park, Chureito Pagoda, and the Hakone Ropeway. This one is super popular!

Private Mt Fuji Tour from Tokyo: Sc enic BBQ and Hidden Gems – This private tour of Mount Fuji from Tokyo combines several experiences. In addition to sightseeing, you’ll enjoy a Japanese BBQ lunch at the foot of Mount Fuji and a photo session among scenic hidden gems in the area.

One-day tour to Mount Fuji’s popular attractions – if you want to hit all the instagram hot spots this tour is for you.

What to do in Mt Fuji in one day

If you are visiting Mt Fuji in one day on your own without a tour you are going to want to visit the best and easiest to get to viewpoints. Below is our list of what to do in Mt Fuji in one day.

See the best views of Mt Fuji

These are all around Lake Kawaguchiko and its town. While they don’t seem like many the time will fly by while you’re enjoying spectacular views.

The train station

At both Fujisan and Kawaguchiko train stations thre are great views of Mount Fuji. You can see the mountain from the train or walk the area. You can jump on tourist loop buses here too.

Lawson Mt Fuji convenience store

In Lake Kawaguchi town the famous Lawson convenience store has Mt Fuji looming in the background. Snap a pic, grab some snacks but you might also find it busy with other tourists taking pictures. Tour buses were pulling up while we were there also. Go early to avoid crowds.

Lawson Town Hall

Another Lawson with Mount Fuji views and may be slightly quieter.

Lake Kawaguchiko

This lake is the busiest and has the most vantage points, check them out below – it is where we would spend a day at Mt Fuji.

Lake Kawaguchiko

This is by far the most popular lake for Mount Fuji viewing. It’s really picturesque with lots of viewpoints. It also has lots of activities to do while you are moving between photos spots. It is absolutely the easiest place to both fill your time and see beautiful Fujisan. There are loads of restaurants here to enjoy. This is how we would visit Lake Kawaguchiko and see what to do in Mt Fuji for one day:

Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center

Pay using your sucia card on the bus and jump off at the stop for the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center. Here you will get open sweeping views of the lake with Fuji behind it. I highly recommend trying the ice cream, I had blueberry swirl and Mike went with full blueberry both were great! I’ve heard the grape (which was sold out) is excellent as is the peach. They also sell a Mount Fuji curry shaped like a mountain from the upstairs cafe which has a view also.

Walk along the path in front of the cafe for views across the lake, you’ll find a vegetable garden and some uniquely shaped plants as well.

Stop 17

Jump back on the bus and get off at stop 17 where you will wander along the lake front. Pass by our favourite spot here with the fence and Mount Fuji set amongst a herb garden.

Maple Corridor

Walking back towards town you’ll pass by the many attractions, pop over the road to the maple corridor which is beautiful during the day and evening. You’ll find a market here selling goods and crafts.

Music Forest

Back on the lake side walk along the waterfront to capture views so Mount Fuji through the trees. It was beautiful here during August. You’ll take this path meandering along until you reach the Music Forest. You can walk the gardens of the music forest for free which has a lovely rose garden.

By now it should be late afternoon. The sun will soon start to set brightening the sky with beautiful colours. Enjoy the show by sitting on one of the many seats provided. Make sure to bring a scarf, beanie and jumper with you as it gets cold in the evenings starting November. Across the road from the music forest is a family mart if you are looking for coffee or snacks. we grabbed a roasted sweet potato and Mike had some Famici chicken with a coffee to warm up.

If you are enjoying the walk carry on around the bend and check out the onset town before heading back into Lake Kawaguchi town or jump on the bus at the family mart bus stop.

What to do in MT Fuji if you have a couple of days!

If you have 2 days at Mount Fuji add these spots, for this day I would purchase the tourist loop bus pass for Lake Yamanaka as you’ll make more stops and it’s a longer distance.

Tenku no Tori, Asama shrine

Walk to the Asama shrine which is mostly flat and is about 1.3km from the Monkey Forest bus stop. The path stops at the shrine which is lovely then you walk a further 25min up the mountain to the Torii gates. Here you’ll find a direct Mount Fuji view with the bright red gates.

Lake Yamanaka

Full of natural Mt Fuji View spots, the lake is really pretty, and even freezes in winter. There is a festival with swans here during January which is beautiful.

The Yamanaka Kawaguchiko tourist loop bus services this area.

The Park Cafe

At this cafe located on Lake Yamanaka you can eat fluffy soufflé pancakes with Miout Fuji views!

Arakura Shrine

This is the temple on the way up to the pagoda. It creates a frame around Mount Fuji and is quieter than the pagoda.

Chureito Pagoda

This is the ultimate Mount Fuji viewpoint, particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season or in Winter. You’ll walk 15 minutes uphill from Arakura Pagoda to reach it but it’s worth it.

Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a little further out so you need to buy a local bus ticket to reach it. It’s a very pretty tourist village showcasing historic traditional life with Mount Fuji in the background.