Day trip to Fuji from Tokyo: Doable?

Want to get up close and personal with Mt Fuji? A day trip is very doable from Tokyo

Planning a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo can be much easier than you might imagine. Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest peak and a significant cultural and spiritual symbol, having been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and an inspiration for countless works of art.

Located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo, the Mount Fuji area is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. You might be wondering if it's really possible to visit the area on a day trip from Tokyo. The answer is a resounding "yes"! This article will walk you through how to get there, the costs involved, the best destinations for viewing Fuji, and what to do once you arrive.

1. First things first: what's your goal?

Before you book a single ticket, you need to decide what you want to achieve on your day trip. Do you want to:

• Climb Mount Fuji? Seriously? Well, first of all you need to keep in mind that climbing Fuji to the summit is only possible during the official climbing season (usually from early July to early September) and you'll need a permit. You'll also need to pull off quite a feat of endurance and speed if you want to climb to the summit in one day! The fastest climbers are said to need around four and a half hours to reach the summit from the fifth station, but the climbing route is so busy these days that you're likely to have hoards of other climbers slowing you down. You will also need to factor in the time it takes to get to the fifth station from Tokyo (2 hours by car, 4 hours by public transport). Our conclusion: just about doable but not necessarily advisable and will require very careful planning and an early start.

  But, if you desperately want to set foot on Fuji (without doing your knees a disservice), you could visit the Fifth Station, which is the highest point accessible by road and the most popular starting point for all those climbers that you can now in full comfort wave off on their merry way. You won't need a permit to visit the fifth station but be aware that the roads to the Fifth Station aren't open all year round either: they are generally closed from the end of November until mid-April but can also be blocked earlier or later than this depending on the weather. Always check the road conditions before you go and wrap up warm, as temperatures can be much colder than in Tokyo.

  
  

• See Fuji from a scenic viewpoint? There are several famous spots to get that iconic postcard shot, including:

  • Hakone: This area is famous for its hot springs and stunning views of Fuji. You can get a fantastic view from the shores of Lake Ashi or even from a pirate ship sightseeing cruise!

  • Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko): This area offers some of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji, with the mountain reflected in the serene lakes.

• Seek Thrills? Maybe your ideal day involves roller coasters with a view of the mountain. In that case, your destination is the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.

  
  

The Fuji area is vast, so you want to see and do will determine your arrival point and how you get there from Tokyo.

2. Getting to Mount Fuji: your transport options

You have several options for getting to the Fuji area from Tokyo and your choice will depend on how much freedom you want to travel around and where exactly you want to go.

• Organised day trip: This is the easiest option for a stress-free experience. These tours typically include transport, a guide, and a set itinerary that hits the major highlights. They generally leave from a central location in Tokyo, and prices and departure times vary. This is a great choice if you're not comfortable navigating Japan's public transport system on your own and you're guaranteed to be back in your Tokyo hotel at the end of the day.

  
  

• Doing it yourself: For the independent adventurer, this gives you the most flexibility to explore at your own pace.

  
  

  • Train: It goes without saying that Japanese trains are reliable, comfortable and good value, so this is a convenient option. You can choose between the super-fast Shinkansen (bullet train) or a regular train, depending on your destination and budget. They depart from various stations in Tokyo and take you to a station near the Fuji area, such as Odawara for Hakone or Kawaguchiko for the Five Lakes area. From there, though, you will have to rely on buses or taxis.

    
    

  • Bus: Bus connections, including shuttle buses, can often be a more budget-friendly option. They typically leave from major bus terminals in Tokyo and take you directly to your destination. Be prepared for potential traffic, but it's a good way to see the landscape on the way. Another advantage over train is that you can get closer to your destination without having to change mode of transport.

    
    

  • Taxi: For ultimate convenience, you could hire a private taxi from Tokyo or from one of the local stations. This is the most expensive option, but a local driver will know the best viewpoints and hidden gems that public transport can't reach.

    
    

  • Car hire: Cheaper than hiring a taxi but still affording optimum flexibility, you could also rent your own vehicle. This is a fun and affordable option if you're travelling with friends. The designated driver will of course have to have an international driver's licence or an official translation of their home licence (depending on your home country) and you should bear in mind that Japanese cars tend to be on the small side, so it could be a tight squeeze in the back!

    
    

3. What to see and do (besides appreciating Fuji)

Owakudani is an active volcanic zone where you can view the surrounding area from a cable car and eat black eggs boiled in the sulphuric hot springs.

While Fujisan is the star of the show, the area is packed with other incredible things to see and do. You can relax in natural hot springs (onsen), visit peaceful

shrines and temples (many of which are dedicated to the worship of Mount Fuji), or explore unique places like museums, wineries, and orchards. For nature lovers, there are hiking trails and fascinating volcanic areas to explore.

4. Seasonal highlights

The time of year you visit will dramatically change your experience.

• Best time to view Fuji: Fujisan is often at its most visible on crisp, clear days in the cooler seasons (autumn and winter). But even then, there is no guarantee and cloud cover often creeps in later in the day. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you!

  
  

• Cherry Blossom (late March to April): See the delicate pink flowers with Fuji as a breathtaking backdrop. The humidity is generally still low at this time of the year so chances of seeing Fuji are better than later in spring or in summer. The Chureito Pagoda is a very popular viewing spot but be prepared to wait in line.

  
  

• Shibazakura (mid-April to late May): These small moss phlox blooms form a stunning carpet of pink and purple and have their own dedicated festival near Lake Motosu. With Fuji in the background, it's the ultimate Instagram shot!

  
  

• Autumn Leaves (late October to November): Experience fiery red and orange foliage around the lakes and hiking trails. Because it's a little colder in the Fuji area, the leaves turn colour earlier here than around Tokyo, so this is a good option if you're going to miss the koyo season in the city.

  
  

• Pampas Grass Fields in Hakone (autumn): Often missed by tourists, Hakone's grassy plains turn a beautiful golden colour with the pampas blowing in the breeze and are considered by the locals to be a beautifully romantic spot.

  
  

So, you want to make a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo and swap the city hubbub for cool, crisp air and one of the most iconic scenes that Japan has to offer?

A day trip to Fuji from Tokyo is absolutely doable and a fantastic way to break up your city itinerary while catching some of Japan's most breathtaking scenery. Just be realistic about what you can fit into a single day and be prepared for the weather. Visibility can be unpredictable (even on an hour-to-hour basis), so try to go on a clear day if possible and explore more of what the area has to offer should Fujisan decide to take a day off from being fabulous. Don't forget, compared to Tokyo, the weather in the Fuji area can be much colder, so dress in layers.

If you have any tips or must-sees from your own trip, please leave a comment below! We'd love to hear about your experience