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Mount Fuji, at 3,776 meters, is Japan’s highest mountain. In fact, it’s actually a volcano. It has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 2013, and many travelers visiting Tokyo take a day trip to Mount Fuji to experience its breathtaking scenery.
A Day at Mount Fuji – Trip From Tokyo
Although Mount Fuji is a volcano, there is currently no danger, and you can visit the mountain and surrounding areas without concern. The last eruption occurred in 1707, which was quite some time ago. In this article, we’ll tell you what you can see on a trip to Mount Fuji, how to get there from Tokyo, and where to take the best photos.
Accommodation in Tokyo – Our Hotel Tip
The selection of hotels in Tokyo is huge, and it’s always a good idea to have a metro station close to your hotel. The Hotel SUI Akasaka by Abest and can highly recommend it. We even stayed there a second time because we really liked it overall.
Rooms in Tokyo are usually much smaller, but they offer everything you need. At the Hotel SUI Akasaka by Abest, they are equipped with a coffee machine, kettle, refrigerator, air conditioning, bathroom with modern Japanese toilet, tablet, TV, and reliable, free Wi-Fi. There are also USB ports and sockets for non-Japanese plugs. Nothing is left to be desired. Another highlight is the roof terrace, and there are other amenities such as washing machines and a directly connected café.
Popular neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo include Shinjuku, Akihabara, or Asakusa. You can find more hotels in other districts of Tokyo here.
Bus Ride From Tokyo for the Mount Fuji Day Trip
The trip to Mount Fuji on your own starts at the bus terminal in the Shinjuku district, at the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. You can reach it via Tokyo’s Marunouchi Line or Toei Oedo Line. From there, it’s just a short walk to the terminal.
Once there, head to the ticket counters for the buses. While many visitors travel to Kawaguchiko, you can buy a ticket to the Chureito Pagoda. The price is 1,900 Yen, and the ride takes about 1.5 – 2 hours.
This route is operated by both the Fujikyuko Bus and the Keio Bus. If you buy a ticket to the Chureito Pagoda, the driver will drop you off at a highway stop near the pagoda. That’s what happened to us. It felt a bit strange at first since it seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. However, the path was clearly marked, so it turned out to be a great option without the mass tourism. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the stairs leading up to the Chureito Pagoda. Along the way, we explored the small village and the surrounding landscape and stopped for a break at a cozy café.
Alternative: You can also reach the pagoda by train. Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station. Once there, transfer to the Fujikyuko Line and ride to Shimoyoshida Station. From there, you’ll need to walk the remaining distance, which takes about 15 minutes.
The cost is roughly the same, but the train takes a bit longer, unless you have a Japan Rail Pass. In that case, you can use your pass for the first segment on the JR Chuo Line without paying extra. Only the section between Otsuki and Shimoyoshida costs around 600 Yen, as it’s not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Chureito Pagoda
The Chureito Pagoda is located in the city of Fujiyoshida. It is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine and is considered one of the best viewpoints in Japan. Especially to admire Japan’s highest mountain and one of its most iconic landmarks, Mount Fuji.
To reach the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint, you’ll need to climb about 400 steps up the mountain. This can be a bit tiring, especially in the summer heat, but it’s manageable for most visitors regardless of fitness level. Along the way, you can take breaks, look back, and enjoy the stunning view of the majestic Mount Fuji.
The five-story pagoda, built in 1963 as a memorial to those who passed away and as a symbol of peace, is a very popular stop on a Mount Fuji day trip. You’ll almost always find other visitors and photographers here. During Japan’s cherry blossom season, it can get particularly crowded. Even during our visit in September, many people came to capture the iconic photo of the pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background. Unfortunately, the mountain’s peak is sometimes covered by clouds. You’ll need a bit of luck for the perfect view, which we didn’t have at first, as you can see in the photos.
You can also explore the rest of the Arakura Sengen Shrine, which was originally built in 705. You’ll naturally come across the large Torii gates and the main hall as you make your way up the steps to the pagoda. The shrine is open 24 hours a day, making it a great spot to enjoy the evening view over Fujiyoshida as well. Admission is free.
Kawaguchiko at the Foot of Mount Fuji
After visiting the Chureito Pagoda, you can take a train from Shimoyoshida Station to Kawaguchiko in about 15 minutes. The town lies at the foot of Mount Fuji and offers a breathtaking view of the mountain from the lakeshore. We were lucky. The clouds finally cleared, revealing the summit of Mount Fuji, and we were absolutely amazed!
From the train station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the lake, but you won’t see Mount Fuji directly from there. You can either continue walking to the opposite lakeshore or rent a bicycle locally. Another option is to take the cable car up to the Fujimidai Station viewpoint, which offers an elevated observation platform. The round-trip fare is 700 Yen. Alternatively, you can enjoy a sightseeing cruise on the lake, sometimes available as a combo ticket with the cable car for 1,600 Yen.
There are also plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding area, which are especially popular in summer. Many hikes up Mount Fuji begin from Kawaguchiko. In addition, you can relax in a local onsen, visit museums such as the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, or simply take a leisurely walk along the lake promenade. Combined with a visit to the Chureito Pagoda, this makes for a perfect day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji.
Return Trip to Tokyo
To return to Tokyo, the best option is to take the bus from the Kawaguchiko bus terminal. It’s about a 10–15-minute walk from Lake Kawaguchiko (depending on where you start). You’ll likely see other people heading in the same direction, making it easy to find the station.
Once inside, buy a ticket back to the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. The friendly staff are happy to assist, and the buses depart directly from outside the terminal. You’ll be given a bus number, just wait for your assigned one to arrive.
Since many travelers take this route back after their Mount Fuji trip, there are staff on-site to help you find your bus number. Everything is well-organized and easy to manage on your own. Buses depart for Tokyo every 15–30 minutes and cost 1,950 Yen. The ride takes around 2 hours, though it can take longer depending on traffic when approaching Tokyo.
Mount Fuji: Tours and Tickets
Do you prefer to be guided by someone who knows their way around? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way, you can get to know Mount Fuji in a completely different way. At GetYourGuide, you will find many exciting tours for Mount Fuji and Tokyo.
How to Get to Tokyo
International travel to Tokyo doesn’t offer many options, as Japan is an archipelago. Thus, the airplane is usually the only option to reach the Japanese capital. Tokyo boasts two airports, Narita and Haneda Airport.
From around the world, as well as Europe or other Asian countries, there are direct flights to Tokyo. Narita Airport serves most international flights, but Haneda also handles some of them. However, the majority of flights at Haneda Airport are domestic. For a good overview of times, prices, and airlines, we can recommend Skyscanner.
Note: Although there are ferry connections, for example, from China or South Korea to Japan, they do not go directly to Tokyo. There you would have to travel further to Tokyo via Kyushu or Osaka. You can find more information about this at 12go.asia.
Other options when traveling to Tokyo within Japan are by bus and train. The most popular ones are the high-speed trains of the Shinkansen, but there are also many other trains to choose from. If you’re staying in Japan for a while, it’s worth getting a Japan Rail Pass, as it allows you to travel quickly and comfortably by train on most routes within Japan. Absolutely recommended!
Did you also take a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo? How was your experience? Do you have any tips you’d like to share?
