2-Day Mt Fuji & Hakone Trip — 5th Station Night Hike, Sunrise Summit, and Hakone Sightseeing
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days (overnight ascent & day 2 sightseeing)
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and experience with sustained uphill hiking; comfortable moving 6–8 hours with a pack.
Overview
Head out from Tokyo for a private, customizable 2-day trip that drops you at Mt. Fuji’s 5th station for a night ascent to watch sunrise from the summit, then eases into Hakone’s volcanic sights and Lake Ashi. Expect volcanic scree, big elevation gain and an unforgettable dawn.
2-Day Mt Fuji & Hakone Trip — 5th Station Night Hike, Sunrise Summit, and Hakone Sightseeing
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The driver eases out of Tokyo's neon grid before dawn, headlights cutting through the thinning city air. Asphalt gives way to cedar-scented highway and then to the low clouds that cling to Mount Fuji like a loose shroud. You're dropped at a 5th station—roughly 2,300 meters above sea level—with a headlamp and a plan: hike up through volcanic grit and switchbacks in the dark, time your final steps for the sun as it pries the peak out of night, then sleep and return to Hakone for a softer day of hot springs and a pirate-ship cruise on Lake Ashi.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start Late for Sunrise
If your goal is sunrise on the summit, plan a late-evening start from the 5th station—allow 4–7 hours to ascend at a steady pace.
Layer for Summit Cold
Temperatures can drop below freezing at the crater even in summer—carry an insulating layer and wind shell.
Bring 2–3 L Water
High altitude and exertion dehydrate fast; drink small amounts frequently and plan for limited vending options on route.
Use Trekking Poles for Scree
Poles improve balance on loose volcanic scree and reduce strain on knees during descent.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (in lower forests)
- Mountain warblers and alpine beetles near trail edges
History
Fuji has been a pilgrimage site since at least the Edo period; wooden votive tablets and historical guideposts mark routes locals used for centuries.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails to reduce erosion on fragile volcanic soils; local programs limit climbing numbers and support hut waste management during peak season.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction on volcanic rock and loose scree are essential.
Headlamp with spare batteries
Night ascent requires reliable light; hands-free illumination improves safety.
Insulating jacket (down or synthetic)
Summit and overnight hours are cold—even in summer—so warm layers matter.
summer specific
Trekking poles
Helps stabilize on scree and eases downhill impact on knees.