Mount Fuji is definitely one of the most iconic sights in Japan. If time allows during your trip to Japan, I would definitely recommend adding a Mount Fuji day trip to your itinerary, especially if you’re going to be in Tokyo.

This itinerary can be used even without driving to the Mount Fuji area. Just follow the spots listed here in order.

Getting to Kawaguchiko For Mount Fuji Day Trip

Start early (around 7 – 8am) and take a limited express or highway bus to Kawaguchiko, which realistically takes about 2 hours door to door. You can use Google Maps to get the best route at the point of your departure. Anything later than this increases your risk of crowds and Mount Fuji hiding behind clouds.

Tip: Depending on your travel style, you might want to check the weather forecast first before heading out to increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji and only head there if the forecast is favourable. However, there is also a chance that transport options will be fully booked, especially the popular timings.

Kawaguchiko Lawson

This Lawson is popular purely for photos, not shopping, and it get crowded quickly by late morning. Keep it brief, grab your shot, and move on to avoid wasting precious daylight.

During our time at Kawaguchiko, we visited Lawson both in the morning (9am) and evening (5pm), and it was less crowded in the evening, so if you intend to visit, either go really early (before 8am) or nearer to sunset. The Lawson is just 5-minute walk from Kwaguchiko station, so you can head there once you reach Kawaguchiko, or right before departing the area back to Tokyo.

Recommended time spent: ~10 minutes

Address: 3495-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

Arakura Sengen Shrine (Chureito Pagoda)

This is the most iconic Mount Fuji viewpoint, but expect a steep climb of around 400 steps to the viewing platform. It also gets really crowded after mid-morning.

Arakura Sengen Shrine is roughly a 10-minute walk from the nearest train station.

Recommended time spent: ~60 minutes

Opening hours:
Shrine: 9am – 4pm
Pagoda viewing platform: 24 hours

Entrance fee: Free
Address: 2-chome-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0031, Japan

Honcho Street

Famous for the Mount Fuji street-view shot, this spot is a quick stop rather than a long wander. Be careful while taking photos, as it is a busy street. Do not obstruct traffic as well!

Recommended time spent: ~10 – 20 minutes

Hoto Fudo

Hōtō noodles are a local specialty in the Yamanashi prefecture, and this branch is convenient as it is right across the street from Kawaguchiko Station. There will likely be queues at lunchtime, so do take that into account. The menu is small, but the portions were huge. If you’re up for it, you can also try horse sashimi here.

Opening hours: 11am – 7pm
Address: 3631-2 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

Oishi Park

Oishi Park offers one of the most relaxed and unobstructed views of Mount Fuji, with seasonal flowers adorning the lakeside. There is also a souvenir shop and snacks for sale here.

Recommended time spent: ~30 minutes

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0305, Japan

Depart

Aim to leave Kawaguchiko by early evening, as transport options thin out and delays are common. If you’re taking the bus back to Tokyo, expect the possibility of a traffic jam heading into Tokyo, so avoid arranging anything that night if possible.

For context, my hour long bus ride turned into a 4-hour once, due to peak hour traffic in Tokyo.

Bonus Options (If You Have More Than 1 Day around Mount Fuji)

Fuji-Q Highland

Fuji-Q is best enjoyed as a full or half day, especially if you want to experience multiple rides without rushing. Entrance to the theme park is free, just get the ticket from the counter at the entrance. The theme park operates based on pay-per-ride basis, or if you intend to play multiple rides, a day pass might be more worth it.

Tip: check the operating hours and status of rides before going as different rides have different operating hours. Rides may also be suspended due to weather. The park also has different closing times daily, and closing time is usually between 5 – 7pm.

Opening hours: 10am – 5/6/7pm (closing time subject to changes)

Gotemba Premium Outlet

Gotemba Premium Outlet, as its name suggests, is a huge outlet mall, about an hour from Kawaguchiko. Due to its size and location, it is not realistic to visit on the same day as sightseeing around Mount Fuji.

We booked the limited express bus through the Gotemba website, which cost ¥1,850 one way/pax.

Opening hours:
Mar – Nov. 10am – 8pm
Dec – Feb 10am – 7pm

Address: 1312, Fukasawa, Gotemba-Shi, Shizuoka, Japan 412-0023

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What month is best to see Mount Fuji?

December to February (winter) is best, as the air is drier, reducing the chances of it being foggy. Mount Fuji is visible on most days in winter.

Is it better to do a day trip to Mount Fuji or stay overnight?

A day trip is sufficient to see the highlights of the area, but you will not be able to cover all the spots around Mount Fuji. Stay a night if possible, so that it would increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji should the weather not be favourable on your first day.

Is it cold around Mount Fuji? How is the weather around Mount Fuji?

It is generally around 5 – 10 degrees colder than in Tokyo, so do dress appropriately.

Also read: Tokyo Itinerary for first timers