Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip From Tokyo with Bullet Train Option

Taking a full-day tour from Tokyo to witness Mount Fuji and the scenic Hakone region can be a fantastic way to escape the city’s hustle. This guided trip, priced at around $122 per person, offers a mix of cultural sights, natural wonders, and memorable experiences without the stress of planning transportation yourself. Whether you’re after stunning views, a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine, or the thrill of a bullet train, this tour ticks many boxes.

What makes this experience stand out? We love that it provides a convenient, guided journey to some of Japan’s most recognizable and beautiful sites—perfect for those who want to see the highlights without hassle. Yet, a notable consideration is the limited time at each stop, which might leave some travelers wishing for more flexibility. This tour suits visitors who appreciate structured itineraries, impressive scenery, and the thrill of visiting multiple sites in a single day.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Visit Mount Fuji, Hakone, and Owakudani without coordinating transport.
• Comfort and convenience: Fully guided with transportation, lunch, and optional bullet train return.
• Stunning views: Expect panoramic vistas of Mount Fuji, volcanic landscapes, and serene lakes.
• Time-sensitive: The itinerary is packed, so expect a fast-paced day with little free time.
• Weather-dependent: Visibility at Mount Fuji can vary; bad weather may limit mountain views.
• Authentic experiences: Includes a traditional Japanese lunch and scenic boat cruise.

How the Tour Works

This tour promises a well-organized day focused on seeing Japan’s natural beauty. Starting early, travelers meet at a central Shinjuku location, where you’ll hop aboard a comfortable coach equipped with free Wi-Fi. The group is usually up to 45 people, which allows for a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Visiting Mount Fuji 5th Station

The journey begins with a visit to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, the most popular starting point for visitors. Here, you’ll have around 30 minutes to take in the breathtaking panoramic views and visit the nearby Komitake Shrine, adding a touch of spiritual significance. The actual experience at this spot varies with weather; on clear days, the views are spectacular, but fog or clouds can limit visibility.

One reviewer, Julie, called this “a must-do for anyone coming to Tokyo,” praising the fabulous food and the bullet train ride that follow. But others, like Robert, noted that access to the 5th Station can sometimes be blocked by road conditions or weather, meaning you might be rerouted to lower stations or alternative sites like the Fujisan World Heritage Center.

Exploring Owakudani and Hakone Ropeway

Next, the tour takes you to Owakudani Valley, a volcanic geothermal wonderland filled with sulfuric vents and bubbling hot springs. It’s a highlight for many, with reviewers describing the landscape as mesmerizing but also mentioning that bad weather can mean the volcanic vents are less active or obscured.

From there, you’ll hop onto the Hakone Ropeway for a scenic 25-minute ride over the volcanic terrain, providing sweeping views of the landscape. The ropeway trip itself is a thrilling experience, with a chance to see steam vents and possibly Mt. Fuji if the weather cooperates.

Lake Ashi Cruise and Optional Bullet Train

The final main stop is the Lake Ashi cruise, which offers a relaxing way to conclude the day. If the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of Mt. Fuji from the deck of the pirate ship or ferry. Several reviewers mentioned that the boat ride was clouded in due to wind or fog, but still enjoyed the serene atmosphere and the scenic surroundings.

For those opting for the bullet train, the trip back to Tokyo from Odawara Station is a highlight—fast, smooth, and a taste of Japan’s famous rail system. This option is ideal if you want to save time and skip the longer bus ride.

Practical Details

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning around 7:30 pm, depending on traffic. It includes lunch (if the optional “+Lunch” is selected), which is a traditional Japanese-style meal, highly praised by some reviewers for its quality and authenticity. The tour also includes all fees and taxes, making it a straightforward, all-inclusive experience.

What to Expect on the Day

The tour’s itinerary is tightly packed, which means you’ll visit several iconic sites in a single day—perfect for travelers with limited time or those eager to tick off multiple highlights. However, reviews reveal that this can also mean rushed stops.

Transportation is a major advantage here. With an air-conditioned coach and the added benefit of free Wi-Fi, you can relax and enjoy the scenery en route. Some reviews mentioned the large group size (up to 45), which can detract from intimacy but does keep the energy lively.

One key point from travelers like Jimson is that most of the day is spent in transit, which can be tiring but necessary to cover multiple sites. The short durations at each stop, generally around 20-30 minutes, mean you’ll get a taste rather than a deep dive.

The Guides and Experience

Multiple reviews praised the knowledgeable guides and friendly drivers. Riko, in particular, received compliments for engaging storytelling and good English skills, making the long bus rides feel shorter with interesting facts about each location.

On the downside, some travelers found poor communication about the return journey. Allan’s review mentioned that the return instructions from Tokyo Station were confusing, which speaks to the importance of clear guidance, especially when coordinating a busy schedule.

Weather and Visibility

A recurring theme among reviews is the unpredictability of Mount Fuji’s visibility. Bad weather, fog, or clouds can obscure the mountain, which disappointed some visitors expecting the classic postcard views. The tour does not cancel for weather, so the experience can vary widely—on good days, the vistas are stunning, but on poor days, the views can be limited.

Cost-Effective Value?

At $121.93, this tour offers a comprehensive, guided experience that includes transportation, a traditional lunch, and entry to key sites. Many reviewers felt the value was good, especially for those who want to avoid the hassle of planning multiple tickets or navigating local transport. The bullet train option adds a special touch and saves time, making it more appealing for travelers seeking efficiency.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see Mount Fuji and Hakone with ease. It’s perfect if you prefer a guided, structured itinerary and want to maximize your day without the stress of transit logistics. It’s also suitable for those interested in mountain and volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and scenic lakes.

However, if you’re a photography enthusiast hoping for perfect Mt. Fuji shots, be prepared for variability depending on the weather. For travelers with more flexible schedules or those seeking a more relaxed pace, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if you don’t like large groups, this tour’s group size could be a downside.

The Sum Up

The Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo offers a solid balance of guided sightseeing, scenic views, and cultural experiences at a fair price. The inclusion of a traditional lunch and the bullet train option makes it stand out as a value-packed adventure. You’ll love the way it simplifies a complex day of travel, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a structured day led by knowledgeable guides.

That said, it’s worth knowing that weather can significantly impact the experience, especially Mt. Fuji’s views. The tour’s fast pace means there’s little free time, but for many, the opportunity to see several iconic sites in one day outweighs this.

If you’re after an organized, efficient way to experience Japan’s famous landscapes without the hassle of planning transport, this tour will likely suit you well. Just keep your expectations flexible regarding Mt. Fuji’s visibility, and you’ll come away with memorable sights, good food, and stories to share.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned coach, and the return from Odawara can be by bullet train, depending on your choice.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts around 11 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning approximately by 7:30 pm.

What are the main stops? They include Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, Owakudani Valley, Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, and Odawara Station for the Shinkansen.

Is lunch included? Lunch is included if you select the “+Lunch” option, featuring traditional Japanese cuisine.

What if the weather is bad? The tour runs regardless of weather, but poor conditions can limit Mount Fuji visibility and affect activities like the ropeway and boat cruise.

Can I choose to return by bus instead of Bullet Train? Yes, you can opt for the bus return to Shinjuku, which takes about 2.5 hours.

What’s the group size? Up to 45 travelers, which can be lively but may feel crowded during stops and meals.

Are children allowed? Yes, children up to 5 can join for free but without seats or lunch; a child ticket is available if needed.

Is this tour suitable for photography? Yes, but views depend on weather. Early morning and clear days offer the best photo opportunities.

Are guides fluent in English? Most reviewers noted guides like Riko had good English and were engaging, making the trip informative and fun.

Whether you’re after iconic views of Mt. Fuji, a taste of Hakone’s hot springs, or the thrill of a bullet train journey, this tour offers a busy but rewarding day in Japan’s most scenic spots. Just remember to pack patience for the weather and the pace, and you’re set for a memorable adventure.