One Day at Mt. Fuji from Tokyo: How to Get There, What to See & Is It Worth It?
- 17 hours ago
- 6 min read
When I was in my twenties, I believed every staircase led to a life-changing view. The higher the climb, the more poetic the reward. Fast forward a couple of decades, and I still chase the views, but I just stretch first and take breaks when my heart rate peaks at 150 bpm.
I saw Mount Fuji on my first trip to Japan over 20 years ago and the majestic image was so clearly etched in my brain that I knew it was worth every dime to see it again. Now, let's be clear, climbing Mt Fuji has never been on my bucket list, but kudos to those who take on the feat. But standing somewhere peaceful and seeing creation from a vantage point that humbles you and keeps you awe inspired at the same time, is definitely more my cup of tea. While at the same time trying not to calculate how many steps I have to take to get back down.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and wondering whether you can do Mt. Fuji in one day — you absolutely can. You just need a plan.
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Can You Do Mt. Fuji in One Day from Tokyo?
Yes, and it’s one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo!
It takes about 2–2.5 hours each way depending on whether you go by train or highway bus. While a great sighting of the mountain isn't ever guaranteed, try and leave early, before 8 a.m., to get the best view. Fuji likes to hide behind clouds by mid-afternoon.
If you’re planning Tokyo too, read my full guide: 3 Days in Tokyo: The Ultimate Travel Guide (What's Worth It and What's Not)
See Mt. Fuji from Hakone or Fuji Five Lakes
You can see Mt Fuji in one day from Hakone or Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko area). If you have just one day, choose one region.
Hakone - Roughly 1.5–2 hours from Tokyo. It's a bit more polished and you'll find onsen towns, art museums and a pirate ship across Lake Ashi.
Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko area) - About 2–2.5 hours from Tokyo. This area is more laid back and less polished but you'll most likely get closer and clearer views of Fuji all year round.
I chose Kawaguchiko for that same reason: that postcard-perfect view of Mt. Fuji behind the Chureito Pagoda.
How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo via Fuji Five Lakes
You have two main options:
1️⃣ Train
Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko.
It’s efficient and scenic. If you’re using a JR Pass, part of the trip may be covered.
2️⃣ Highway Bus (Direct & Simple)
The highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station is straightforward and often cheaper. Expect to pay around 2,200 yen each way and if you're traveling during high season, you might want to purchase the tickets in advance.
Important: Your Suica card does NOT cover the full highway bus fare. You’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for the bus to Kawaguchiko Station.
Once you arrive at the Kawaguchiko Bus Station, you take a local train to Shimoyoshida Station (about a 10 minute train ride) and then it's about a :15 minute walk to the lookout climb. The trail is clearly marked so just follow the crowd.
Pro Tip: Sit on the left side of the bus for a chance to catch your first glimpse of Mt. Fuji as you approach the Kawaguchiko area—especially on clear days.
The Chureito Pagoda Viewpoint (And the Steps)
This is the photo you’ve seen everywhere.
Red pagoda.
Cherry blossoms (if it's high season).
Mt. Fuji sitting quietly in the background like it owns the sky.
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To see the Pagoda, you have two options:
• The staircase (a steep, roughly 400 step climb)
• The sloped road
If you’re over 40, I suggest the road up and the stairs down.
Not because you can’t handle the stairs, but because you might not make it back alive to tell the story.
If you do take the stairs up, you may, however, make new Japanese friends: a paramedic and an ambulance driver. You might also briefly see a white light.
If that happens, remember not to stare directly at it.
But once you reach the top something special happens.
Silence. Space. Perspective.
It’s worth every step, and don't forget to remind your knees and calves about that when they lash out at you at night.
What to Do Around Kawaguchiko
After the pagoda, and after you’ve taken the photo you came for, don’t rush back to Tokyo. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here so you can depart back on the bus to Tokyo by 5 or 6pm.
Walk along Lake Kawaguchi and let Fuji follow you from different angles. The mountain looks different depending on where you stand — sometimes sharp and clear, sometimes soft behind a veil of clouds.
You can rent a bike and cycle around part of the lake if your legs are still cooperative.
You can rent a boat and pedal in the lake.
You can also take a cable car and see aerial views of the lake and Mt. Fuji.
Or, just find a small café facing the water and sit longer than you planned. No agenda. No rush.
I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to experience a place isn’t to do more, it’s to do less, on purpose.
What to Eat
After climbing (or strategically navigating) your way to the pagoda, you’ll have earned a proper meal.
The region is known for the famous local specialty, hoto noodles of Kawaguchiko. These are thick, hearty noodles served in a miso-based broth with vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that feels restorative without being heavy. You’ll also find fresh tempura, simple rice dishes, and plenty of matcha desserts. And yes, soft serve ice cream appears almost everywhere. Often with Mt. Fuji casually positioned behind it as if it’s part of the marketing team.
Since Kawaguchiko is a big tourist attraction you'll find food from all over the world and you never know what international delight you might come across.
Nothing overly fancy. Just comfort food that tastes better because you’ve been outside all day.
Is a Mt. Fuji Day Trip Worth It?
If you’re looking for constant stimulation, neon lights, and nonstop movement — stay in Tokyo.
But if you want...
To step outside the city and stand in front of something that has been quietly present for centuries…
A day where the highlight isn’t a schedule, but a view…
To take a deep breath and pause...
Then yes, it’s worth it!
And if you're over 40, remember you don’t always need an adrenaline rush to feel alive. Sometimes you just need perspective — and a reminder that not everything has to move at the speed of your calendar.
Mt. Fuji doesn’t rush. And for a day, neither should you.
Mt. Fuji Day Trip FAQ
1. What is the best time to visit Mount Fuji for clear views?
The best chance of seeing Mount Fuji clearly is early in the morning, especially between October and February when skies are typically clearer. In warmer months, clouds often cover the summit by midday.
2. How long do you need for a Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo?
Plan for 8–10 hours total, including transportation time. The journey takes about 2–2.5 hours each way, and spending 2–3 hours in Kawaguchiko allows you to explore without rushing.
3. Is it better to visit Hakone or Kawaguchiko for Mt. Fuji views?
Hakone is easier to access and offers hot springs and museums, while Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes area) typically provides closer and clearer postcard-style views of Mount Fuji.
4. Can you see Mount Fuji year-round?
Yes, but visibility depends on weather conditions. Winter offers the clearest skies, while summer has a higher chance of cloud cover.
5. Is the Chureito Pagoda climb difficult?
The staircase to the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint includes about 400 steps. It’s manageable for most visitors, but take your time — especially in warmer months.
Have you traveled to Mt. Fuji yet? Was it everything you hoped it would be? We'd love to hear more about it.
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Great information about Mt. Fuji! I hope to see it one day.