MT FUJI DAY TOUR - TOKYO JAPAN

Discovering Mt. Fuji on a Guided Day Tour: Scenic Spots, Local Flavours, and Thrills!

If you're in Tokyo, you should really consider exploring a guided day tour to majestic Mt. Fuji. Having a guide with a car can enhance your trip, making it convenient to explore the mountain and nearby spots. Here's a breakdown of our day and some tips to help you plan your own adventure.

Early Start: Tokyo to Mt. Fuji

Leaving Tokyo early in the morning, our guide picked us up right at our hotel in Ginza. This saved us the hassle of public transport and allowed us to sit back and enjoy Japan’s stunning countryside views. With a local guide behind the wheel, we were able to visit multiple iconic spots around Mt. Fuji in a single day.

Stop 1: Arakurayama Sengen Park

Our first stop was Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to the famous Chureito Pagoda and one of the most scenic views of Mt. Fuji. Known for its breathtaking cherry blossoms in spring, the park provides an incredible photo opportunity year-round. Our guide led us to the best photo spots, giving us tips for capturing the best angles and lighting.

Entrance Fee: Free
What to Do: Climb the 400 steps to the pagoda for sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the town below. Our guide pointed out historical facts about the pagoda and its role in Japanese culture.
Tips: Go early to avoid crowds, as this spot is popular with photographers and tourists alike.

Stop 2: Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru-Gun - Azagawa

After marveling at the views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, we made our way to Fujikawaguchiko in the Minamitsuru-Gun area, specifically Azagawa.

This charming town offers more than just traditional streets and cozy cafes – it’s also the starting point for the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (also known as the Kachi Kachi Yama Ropeway).

This cable car takes you up to an observation deck that offers sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from above.

Entrance Fee: Free to explore the town; ¥900 for a round-trip ticket on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. You have to get your ticket from this machine.
What to Do: Once at the top, explore short walking trails, snap photos from different viewpoints, and enjoy traditional Japanese snacks at the mountaintop cafe. Don’t miss trying the famous Mt. Fuji melon bread — shaped like Fuji itself and perfect for that Instagram shot. The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway makes for a memorable and scenic experience that showcases the beauty of the region from a bird’s-eye view.
Tips: The cable car can get busy, so our guide recommended arriving early or buying tickets in advance if possible. On clear days, the view from the top is fantastic, so keep your camera ready!

Fujikawaguchiko and the Panoramic Ropeway to our itinerary was a highlight, as the views from the observation deck were amazing. This unique vantage point gave us another perspective on Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect addition to any Mt. Fuji day tour.

Stop 3: Lake Kawaguchi

Next, we drove to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the most famous of the Fuji Five Lakes. Known for capturing stunning reflections of Mt. Fuji on calm days, this lake is a must for any photo enthusiast. Our guide knew the best spots along the lake’s shore and shared a bit about the lake’s volcanic origins.

Entrance Fee: Free
What to Do: Stroll along the lakeside or simply relax by the water with Mt. Fuji's reflection in view. For those interested in water activities, there are rowboats and paddle boats for rent.
Tips: Our guide suggested stopping by a lakeside café for a quick drink, offering a unique perspective of Mt. Fuji from indoors.

Stop 4: Lake Saiko

After exploring Lake Kawaguchi, we made a brief stop at Lake Saiko—one of the quieter, less-traveled lakes among the Fuji Five Lakes. Nestled between lush forests and mountains, Lake Saiko offers a serene atmosphere and, on clear days, spectacular views of Mt. Fuji peeking over the hills. This spot felt wonderfully peaceful, providing a unique contrast to the more popular Lake Kawaguchi, and allowed us to experience a more intimate side of the Fuji region.

Entrance Fee: Free.
What to Do: Walk along the lakeside to find the best angles for photographing Mt. Fuji reflected in the calm waters. There are several spots around the lake for scenic photos, and our guide pointed out a few secluded areas where Fuji can be seen from a more tranquil vantage point.
Tips: Lake Saiko is less crowded than Lake Kawaguchi, so it’s a great place to pause and appreciate the natural beauty without distractions. Our guide recommended bringing a tripod here for capturing stable, clear photos of Fuji, especially if you’re aiming for that iconic mirrored reflection in the water.

Stopping at Lake Saiko was a wonderful addition to our day, providing us with a peaceful break in a more remote setting and a chance to capture Mt. Fuji from yet another beautiful perspective.

Stop 5: Lunch with a View

After exploring the lake, our guide took us to a cozy, budget-friendly restaurant offering traditional Japanese dishes and an impressive view of Mt. Fuji in the distance. With fresh sashimi, udon noodles, and local specialties, lunch was an experience in itself!

Average Cost: ¥1,000-¥1,500 per person
What to Try: Tempura, soba, and sashimi are must-try dishes in this area.
Tips: The restaurants around Lake Kawaguchi offer great views, so it’s worth planning a stop here for lunch!

Stop 6: Oishi Park

Next on our tour was Oishi Park, located along the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi. This scenic park is famous for its expansive flower gardens that bloom vibrantly against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Fuji, making it a dream stop for photographers and nature lovers. From spring’s lavender and azalea blooms to autumn’s fiery red maples, Oishi Park offers a spectacular seasonal display with uninterrupted views of Japan’s iconic peak.

Entrance Fee: Free.
What to Do: Stroll through the park’s well-maintained paths lined with seasonal flowers, and head to the viewing area that frames Mt. Fuji against Lake Kawaguchi. Our guide also suggested the small café on-site, where you can grab a warm coffee or snack while enjoying the scenery.
Tips: If you’re a photography enthusiast, bring a wide-angle lens to capture the breadth of the flowers, lake, and Mt. Fuji together. The park also has several benches and picnic spots, so it’s a lovely place to relax and take in the view before continuing on your journey.

Oishi Park was another highlight of the day, offering serene landscapes and picture-perfect views of Mt. Fuji framed by vibrant, seasonal flowers—truly a spot that captures the charm of the Fuji Five Lakes region!

Stop 7: Fuji-Q Highland

Thrill-seekers, this stop is for you! Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park famous for its record-breaking roller coasters and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. We decided not to ride any of the rides as we were running out of time. However, our guide helped us with tickets for general entry so we could walk around the grounds and choose to pay for rides on a one off basis if desired. It was still worth a look.

Entrance Fee: ¥1,500–¥2,000 for park entry, plus ride tickets or day passes
What to Do: Go for the thrilling rides like Fujiyama and Dodonpa, or enjoy the themed areas with great views of Mt. Fuji.
Tips: If you’re tight on time, prioritize the major rides or visit the souvenir shop, which has unique Mt. Fuji-themed gifts.

Stop 8: Oshino Hakkai Village

After lunch, we headed to Oshino Hakkai, a quaint village known for its crystal-clear ponds fed by Mt. Fuji’s snowmelt. The village felt like stepping back in time, with its thatched-roof buildings, traditional shops, and beautiful ponds that perfectly reflect Mt. Fuji.

Entrance Fee: Free
What to Do: Wander around the ponds, sample local snacks from vendors, and enjoy the historic charm of the area. Our guide explained the cultural significance of each pond, making our visit much more meaningful.
Tips: Look out for the fresh wasabi and local sweets—unique treats you won’t find elsewhere!

Stop 9: Sunset View of Mt. Fuji from Shibokusa

As we began our journey back to Tokyo, our guide suggested one final, magical stop: capturing Mt. Fuji as the sun sets behind it from the viewpoint at Shibokusa. This spot is well-known for its stunning views of the mountain, especially at sunset when the last rays of light paint Mt. Fuji in hues of pink and orange. It was the perfect, serene close to an unforgettable day.

Entrance Fee: Free.
What to Do: Pull over at the viewpoint area in Shibokusa and take in the breathtaking scenery. As the sun dipped lower, Mt. Fuji appeared silhouetted against the colorful sky, creating a dramatic scene that’s truly worth a photo or two. Our guide helped us find the best angle and timing to capture the mountain in all its glory.
Tips: Bring a tripod if you have one, as the lower lighting at sunset is perfect for slower shutter speeds and capturing every detail. Also, stay a few extra minutes after the sun dips to see Mt. Fuji illuminated against the twilight sky—it’s a sight you won’t forget.

With the sun setting over Mt. Fuji, this final stop gave us a peaceful moment to reflect on the day’s adventures, wrapping up our Mt. Fuji tour in the most beautiful way.

Wrapping Up the Day

After an action-packed day, our guide drove us back to Tokyo, allowing us to relax and reflect on an amazing journey around Mt. Fuji’s top attractions. We were very lucky with the weather with a cool temperature, yet sunny and not hot enough to melt the remaining ice cap on MT Fuji. This tour was an incredible mix of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and adrenaline-pumping fun—all made smoother by having a knowledgeable guide to show us around.

Final Tips for Your Own Mt. Fuji Day Tour:

Book a Tour with Transportation: Having a private guide with a car made navigating and timing our trip much easier, especially for reaching multiple sites in one day.
Start Early: To avoid crowds and maximize time at each location, get an early start from Tokyo.
Pack Light but Be Prepared: Bring essentials like water, snacks, and a jacket for the higher altitude areas.
Budget Wisely: While some attractions are free, rides and food can add up, so plan ahead. Look for local eateries for an authentic experience without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

From awe-inspiring pagodas and serene lakes to thrilling rides and traditional villages, this Mt. Fuji day tour was an unforgettable adventure! If you’re in Tokyo and looking for a day trip that combines nature, culture, and excitement, we can’t recommend this journey enough.

Have you done this day tour? What was your favorite part of the day? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow us on Travel Asia on a Budget for more tips on exploring Asia affordably!