Mt Fuji, Hakone Private Tour by Car with Pickup

Experience the Beauty of Mount Fuji and Hakone with a Private Car Tour

Taking a trip to Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji and the surrounding Hakone area is a must-do for many travelers. This private tour, offered by Karvaan Tours, promises a flexible, personalized day in this stunning region, with the convenience of door-to-door pickup and a dedicated English-speaking driver. Whether you want to snap pictures of Fuji’s majestic peak, enjoy lakeside scenery, or soak in volcanic vents, this tour aims to cater to your interests.

What we love about this experience is its customizable nature. Unlike large group excursions that follow a rigid schedule, this private tour lets you decide what stops appeal most. Plus, the chance to learn from a knowledgeable guide—who provides insights into the sights—adds an enriching layer that many travelers appreciate.

On the flip side, a consideration is the variability in guide quality and communication. While many reviews highlight friendly, fluent guides, some guests have reported challenges with language barriers and limited explanations. This underscores the importance of choosing a tour with well-reviewed guides and clear communication.

This tour is ideal for adventurers who want flexibility, families seeking comfort, or photographers eager for scenic vistas. If you’re after a structured, guided experience with lots of historical commentary, you might prefer a more traditional tour. But if your priority is exploring at your own pace while enjoying the scenic highlights, this private trip stands out.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests allows for a personalized experience.
• Private transportation means comfort, convenience, and minimal fuss.
• Multiple scenic stops including Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, and Hakone’s volcanic vents.
• Expert guides offer insight, though communication quality may vary.
• All-day experience with pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.
• Additional costs include entry fees for some sites and optional activities like boat cruises.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

The First Stop: Mount Fuji 5th Station

Your day begins with a trip to the Mount Fuji 5th Station, the highest point accessible by car (weather permitting). This spot offers some of the best panoramic views of Japan’s tallest peak, making it a favorite for photographers. Keep in mind, during hiking season, access is limited—visitors then need to take a shuttle bus at an extra cost (~¥2500 per person). Reviewers mention that this stop is the highlight, with many noting how close they could get to Fuji’s summit, even if only partially visible due to clouds.

Lake Kawaguchiko: Scenic Lakeside Views

Next, the tour moves to Lake Kawaguchiko, a picturesque spot with serene waters and stunning mountain backdrops. Here, you can take a ship cruise or ride the ropeway cable car up to Kachi Kachi mountain for sweeping views of Fuji. Be aware that entry fees for these activities are not included, but many guests find the experience worth the extra cost. Reviewers love the clear views of Fuji from this area, especially when the weather cooperates, with some describing it as a “beautiful lake” with “very close clear views of Mt Fuji”.

Chureito Pagoda: Iconic Photo Spot

A steep walk of about 400 steps takes you to the Chureito Pagoda, built as a peace memorial in 1963. From this vantage point, you get a perfect postcard shot of Fuji framed by a vibrant red pagoda and lush greenery. Visitors find this spot particularly breathtaking, with some reviewers mentioning that the view of Fuji is most spectacular when the weather is clear. The pagoda itself is historic, adding an extra layer of cultural charm.

Oishi Park: Seasonal Blooms

A quick visit to Oishi Park offers a splash of color with over 90 varieties of flowers, especially renowned for its lavender. This stop is ideal for those who love nature photography or simply want to enjoy a peaceful moment amid blooming gardens. Reviewers highlight the park’s seasonal beauty and the chance to relax before heading onward.

Owakudani: Volcanic Wonders and Black Eggs

Owakudani’s steaming vents and sulfurous smell make it one of Hakone’s most famous sites. You can see volcanic activity up close and try the famous black eggs, boiled in hot sulphur waters, believed to add years to your life—on average, about seven years! The scenery here is dramatic, with plumes of smoke and rugged terrain. Plenty of guests say that the view of Mount Fuji from Owakudani is best on clear days. Entry fees are separate, but many guests enjoy the experience of walking among volcanic vents and tasting the black eggs.

Lake Ashinoko and Hakone Shrine

A visit to Lake Ashi provides beautiful lake views, with options to hop on a pirate ship cruise or take the Hakone Ropeway for more scenic vistas. The Hakone Shrine, with its iconic red torii gate on the lake’s shore, offers a peaceful ambiance and excellent photo opportunities. Reviewers mention the torii’s impressive presence and the serenity of the area, especially when shrouded in mist.

Additional Stops: Oshino Hakkai and Kachi Kachi Mountain

Oshino Hakkai is a charming village with crystal-clear ponds fed by Fuji’s snowmelt, offering a quintessential Japanese rural scene. It’s also a great spot for panoramic views of Fuji. Many guests find this a peaceful, scenic stop that balances the more active volcanic and lakeside experiences.

Kachi Kachi Mountain Ropeway offers close-up views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape, with some reviews mentioning that clear weather makes this stop particularly rewarding.

Travel Experience and Practicalities

This tour, priced at around $500 for up to six people, provides excellent value for those wanting a personalized experience without the hassle of booking multiple tickets or navigating public transport. The private vehicle is air-conditioned, clean, and comfortable, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery rather than worry about logistics.

The guide’s role is to provide insights and help you make the most of each stop, though opinions vary on the level of commentary. Many reviews praise guides like Cheema, Sarfy, and Goraya for their professionalism, friendliness, and fluency in English. One guest noted that Goraya was particularly relentless in finding the best viewpoints for Fuji, even climbing stairs to get a perfect shot.

Timing is flexible, but most stops last about 30 minutes to an hour, making this a full-day adventure of roughly 9 to 10 hours. You should plan for your own lunch, as it’s not included, and be prepared for additional activity fees like boat cruises or entrance tickets.

Pros and Cons from Travelers

• Pros: Excellent for customizability, comfortable private transport, knowledgeable guides, and amazing scenery. Many guests emphasize how this trip offers a relaxed, flexible way to see multiple highlights without feeling rushed.
• Cons: Some reviews mention inconsistent guide communication, with a few guests feeling the explanations could be more detailed or fluent. Others found the tour more of a transfer service than an immersive guide-led experience, highlighting the importance of setting expectations.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a tailor-made day that allows you to pick the sights you most want to see, this private tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or small groups who value comfort, flexibility, and personalized service. Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the stops at lakes, parks, and viewpoints, while those eager to learn about Mount Fuji and Hakone from a friendly guide will find this an enriching experience.

However, travelers expecting a highly detailed, guided commentary throughout may want to clarify what the tour offers in terms of insights. This experience leans more toward “your own customized itinerary with expert transport” rather than a deeply educational guided tour.

The Sum Up

This Mt Fuji and Hakone private tour from Tokyo combines flexibility, comfort, and scenic beauty into one package. For travelers who prefer to control their schedule and destinations, this tour offers a fantastic way to tick off multiple highlights in a single day without feeling rushed. The inclusion of a private vehicle and a friendly, approachable guide makes it a practical choice, particularly for those who want to avoid large crowds or rigid schedules.

The overall value is quite high, considering the personalized service, the convenience of pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, and the sheer number of iconic sights you can visit. The experience is especially rewarding when weather cooperates—so being flexible and patient with the forecast is wise.

This tour is best suited for those seeking a comfortable, customizable day in the Fuji-Hakone region, with an emphasis on scenic views, photo opportunities, and hassle-free travel. If you’re comfortable with some optional extra costs and variable guide communication, this option promises a memorable and enjoyable adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private transportation, an English-speaking driver, air conditioning, petrol, gas, and highway tolls. It does not include entrance fees for sites or optional activities like boat cruises.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, this tour is designed to be fully customizable. You can choose which sites interest you most, and your guide will help tailor the day accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring suitable walking shoes, camera, snacks, and cash for admission fees or activities not included. A raincoat or umbrella is advisable if the weather forecast predicts rain.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, the private nature and flexible stops make it suitable for families and elder travelers, especially those with mobility aids. Just ensure to communicate any specific needs in advance.

How long is the tour?
Expect approximately 9 to 10 hours for the full day, including driving time and sightseeing at each stop.

What if the weather is cloudy?
Mount Fuji’s views depend heavily on the weather. While some stops, like Owakudani, still offer unique volcanic sights, the main Fuji vistas might be obscured. Flexibility is key.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You should plan to bring your own or purchase food during the day.

What if I want to visit more sites or change the itinerary?
Since this is a private, customizable tour, you can discuss your preferences with your guide beforehand and make adjustments as needed.

How do I book or confirm the tour?
Booking can be done via Viator, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. You’ll receive contact details to coordinate specifics or ask questions.

In summary, this private tour offers a flexible, scenic, and comfortable way to explore Mount Fuji and Hakone. It balances the desire for personalized attention with the practicality of door-to-door service, making it a solid choice for those seeking an authentic yet hassle-free experience in Japan’s iconic landscape.