Mt. Fuji Day Tour
A Day Tour of Mount Fuji from Tokyo by Tour Bus
View highlights of our tour HERE
Mount Fuji is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, and for good reason. The iconic peak is a stunning sight to behold, but it is a rare site as it is often covered by fog and clouds, making it visible only 160 days out of the year. Whether you get to see the almost perfect cone shaped active volcano, there are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area. If you're looking for a day trip from Tokyo, a bus tour is a great option.
How to Get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo
There are several ways to get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Bullet train, private car, car rental and of course, a bus tour. We chose a bus tour and found our tour guide's knowledge worth every minute. We enjoyed ourselves on the comfortable tour bus, had wifi, and did not have to worry about taking a wrong turn driving or getting lost on the railway.
Bus tours typically depart from Shinjuku or Shibuya and take about two hours to reach Mount Fuji. Once you arrive, you'll have plenty of time to explore the area and take in the views.
What to See and Do on a Day Tour of Mount Fuji
There are many things to see and do on a day tour of Mount Fuji. Some popular activities include:
Mt. Fuji 5th Station, is the highest point one can travel up the mountain by transportation. This is where you can dine, shop and have amazing views of the mountain. If Mt. Fuji's 5th Station cannot be reached due to bad weather, an accident on the road, your tour will likely take you to the highest elevation point. We were unlucky in that we were not able to make it to 5th station do to snow, but we did get to see the more uneventful 4th station. At the 4th station, you can get snacks, souvenirs and use the restrooms.
Hiking to the top of Mount Fuji: This is a challenging but rewarding hike that will take you to the highest point in Japan. However this hike is only available during the summer months as it can be quite deadly in the snow.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: This national park is home to a variety of natural attractions, including mountains, forests, and hot springs.
Lunch at Ninja Village: Lunch at Ninja Village is incredibly delicious with beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.
Explore the volcanic area of Owakudani. This are hits you with the smell of Sulfur, and looks like something out of Donte's Inferno. This is also where you can purchase black eggs boiled in the hot springs. Legend says, eating one of these eggs will add 7 years to one's life. They're also quite delicious.
From Owakudani, descend by cable car to Lake Ashi and sail on the famous Pirate Ship.
Fuji Five Lakes: These five lakes are located near Mount Fuji and offer stunning views of the mountain. Our tour took us to Lake Ashi or Crater Lake.
You can also visit the Fuji Shrine: This shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of fire and is a popular spot for pilgrims. We saw this beautiful Shrine from our sailing on the Pirate ship.
Tips for Planning a Day Tour of Mount Fuji
Here are a few tips for planning a day tour of Mount Fuji:
Book your bus tour in advance, especially during the peak season. They truly do fill up fast.
Pack comfortable shoes and clothing for hiking. You will be able to leave your belongings on the bus so you will not have to carry everything most of the time.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also a wind breaker as it does get very windy in certain places along the tour
Bring water and snacks to eat on the bus, especially if you have children.
Bring your devices and some for your children so that they can play during the long drives.
Be prepared for crowds, especially at the top of Mount Fuji. The crowds can be large, but are rather organized and move fast.
A day tour of Mount Fuji from Tokyo by bus is a great way to experience this iconic Japanese mountain. With its stunning views, natural attractions, and religious sites, Mount Fuji is a must-see for any visitor.
My favorite Mt. Fuji tour Mt Fuji
