Day Trip to Mt. Fuji & Hakone: 5th Station Views, Lake Ashi Cruise & Ropeway from Tokyo
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
12–13 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—expect short walks and standing at viewpoints; stamina for a long day is helpful.
Overview
In one long day from Tokyo you can stand above the clouds at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, ride a pirate-like cruise on Lake Ashi and ascend Hakone’s ropeway to shrine-studded summits. This guided tour pairs geology and culture with practical logistics suited to travelers who want big views without an overnight pack.
Day Trip to Mt. Fuji & Hakone: 5th Station Views, Lake Ashi Cruise & Ropeway from Tokyo
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The bus peels out of Shinjuku before sunrise and, within an hour, Tokyo’s glass and concrete begin to thin into rice paddies and cedar-dark hills. By midmorning the vehicle climbs the Fuji Subaru Line and the air sharpens; at about 2,300 meters the tour pauses at the 5th Station where clouds sit below you like a slow-moving sea and the volcanic flanks of Fuji push the horizon into a hard, geometric curve.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for altitude
Temperatures can drop dramatically at the 5th Station—bring a warm midlayer and windproof shell even in summer.
Motion-sickness prep
The Subaru Line, lakeside cruise and winding bus roads can trigger nausea—pack travel sickness tablets if you're prone to motion sickness.
Protect camera gear
Wind, ash dust and sudden showers are common—use lens caps and a small protective bag for electronics.
Time your return
If you need a bullet train, choose the Odawara drop-off and confirm in advance to avoid missing connections.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (in higher forested areas)
- varied waterfowl on Lake Ashi such as swans and teal
History
Mt. Fuji has been a sacred mountain and pilgrimage destination for centuries; Hakone developed as a strategic checkpoint and post town along the Tokaido route in the Edo period.
Conservation
The tour supports local conservation with a carbon offset program; visitors should stick to marked paths and avoid feeding wildlife to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulating midlayer
Keeps you warm at high elevations where temps can be much lower than Tokyo.
spring specific
Waterproof shell
Protects against rain and wind on the open 5th Station and ropeway.
summer specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Gravel, boardwalks and uneven surfaces at viewpoints make good footwear important.
Motion-sickness medication
Useful for bus mountain roads and the lake cruise if you are prone to nausea.