Exploring Mount Fuji in Japan Tour
If you get a chance to visit Japan, you must take the time to explore a Mount Fuji Japan tour. Visiting mount fuji in Japan is not only a chance to see an iconic spot, but to explore Oshino Hakkai, Hakone Shrine, Lake Kawaguchiko, Arakurayama Sengen shrine pagoda, and so much more! Enjoy some local food, wander through a garden, and delight in seeing the most photographed mountain in the world! Let me tell you what you should see, how to get there, and give you some tips for your Fuji day trip from tokyo.
Mt Fuji Japan
Discover the beauty of Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak! Standing at 3,776 meters, this majestic stratovolcano is not only the tallest mountain in Japan but also a symbol of the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Located just south of Tokyo, Mount Fuji attracts hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds deep spiritual significance and has inspired countless artists and poets throughout history. Whether you’re planning to hike its trails or simply admire it from afar, Mount Fuji promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Japan.
The city of Tokyo is so vast you have to carefully look at what region you are going from/to when selecting tours. We ran into a lot of road blocks when planning the final leg of of our Japan trip. We finally landed on a private tour. It worked out great to do a private tour because they picked us up at or Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea Japan area hotel (which is out of the normal pick-up area), took our luggage with us all day, and dropped us off at the Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) which is also outside the normal drop-off area. We then continued on our 2 week trip to Australia!
Mount Fuji in Japan
There are lots of options when choosing to see Mt Fuji. So make sure to research the stops beforehand to see what might interest your group before selecting a tour. If you have lots of time, you may want to choose a group tour as it will be cheaper. But for us a private tour was perfect because we not only customized the beginning and ending points, but we were able to select the stops that intersted us. Our guide asked our preferences and tailored our itinerary when we met him the morning of the tour. We did this private tour of Mt Fuji. Here are some possible itinerary and stopping spots:
- Mt Fuji 5th station (if weather permits)
- Oshino Hakkai
- Hakone
- Hakone Owakudani
- Lake Ashi Pirate cruise
- Lake Kawaguchiko
- Kachi Kachi ropeway
- Oishi park
- Arakurayama Sengen shrine pagoda
Mount fuji japan tour
We wanted to see Mout Fuji behind the flowers and lake, visit a shrine, and see a village. So we asked our guide to prioritize those stops. If you want to go to the Mt Fuji 5th Station, you will be on the mountain for a very different interaction with Mt Fuji, but make sure you wear warm enough clothes as it gets cold.
oshino hakkai
First stop was Oshino Hakkai which is at the foothills of Mout Fuji. This tourist area is a common stop for those exploring Mt Fuji. Oshino Hakkai is known for its eight crystal-clear ponds. Each pond is sourced from the melting snow of Mt. Fuji, offering tranquil waters that reflect the surrounding landscapes.
You can taste water from the famous Mt Fuji. Then take pictures with Mt Fuji background, and a charming bridge. There is also a gift shop where you can get souvenirs or some snacks.
Then wander various scenic trails following the water from Mt Fuji.
Next up you can visit the market with traditional thatched-roof houses. You can eat a HUGE apple or sample some local delicacies.
Our guide also took us to a nearby garden which was a nice way to get some pictures with some Japenes charm we’ve all come to admire. It wasn’t the most vast or amazing garden, but it was a great spot to get some pictures and get out of a passing rain shower as well.
Hakone Shrine
We loved our visit to the Hakone Shrine as it allowed us to see more of the Japanese belief system and culture along with some stunnign architecture. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the significance.
Hakone Shrine is a site of spiritual significance and natural beauty. Visitors from around the world come to explore its serene grounds, where they can participate in traditional rituals, such as offering prayers, drawing sacred omikuji fortunes, and enjoying the calming sounds of nature. As a Cultural Property of Japan, the shrine not only preserves its own history but also serves as a guardian of the rich traditions and customs of the region.
Lake Kawaguchiko
This was my favorite stop of the day! The view of Mout Fuji with the lake in front is spectacular. As the gardens and path by the lake is maintained, the flowers change with the season and make a lovely framing of this iconic spot. This is truly a picture perfect spot of Mt Fuji to enjoy and capture to look back on.
👉 TIP: If you wander along the lake there are different flowers which will allow you to get different pictures of Mt Fuji. Plus the rose arch and gardens are beautiful!
We also really enjoyed the delicious Lavender Ice Cream we got here. Apparently the lavender flavor is a local specialty and it was fantastic – I wish I could get another scoop! Others in my family tried the cherry blossom flavor with is a nearby local specialty and it was also delicious!
Arakurayama Sengen shrine pagoda
The clouds had come in and completely covered the sky with no hopes of seeing Mt Fuji again that day. So we opted to forgo the 395 step hike to see the iconic five-story Chureito pagoda with Mt Fuji view. If you can see Mt Fuji during your visit, don’t miss this dramatic view on the slopes of Mt. Arakura. The view is especially charming when the cherry trees are in bloom!
Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan
We didnt’ have time to visit, but I highly recommend adding Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan to your list of stops. It is a charming, thatch roofed historic village. Not only will it make for beautiful pictures with Mt Fuji as a backdrop, but it is a chance to explore life in Japan from years ago.
Instead we stopped at a town for dinner. We had delicious food and got to enjoy relaxing as we talked about our adventures of the day!
Fuji day trip from tokyo
If you visit Japan, don’t miss the chance to take a Mount Fuji tour, where you can explore iconic sites like Oshino Hakkai and Hakone Shrine, enjoy local food, and capture views of the world’s most photographed mountain, with tips for your day trip from Tokyo.
Looking for more travel tips? We have lots of advice for how to plan a trip for your family from best family cruise to Disney trip planning to destinations all around the globe! I have traveled to all 7 continents with my large family of 8 so I am ready to help you discover some amazing locations all around the world.
