
easy
10 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks, stairs (about 400 steps at Chureito), and standing for photo stops.
See Mount Fuji move from a distant image to an up-close presence on this 10-hour loop from Tokyo. From the 400-step viewpoint at Chureito Pagoda to Hakone’s volcanic vents and Lake Ashi, the day balances accessible walks, cultural stops, and dramatic vistas.
The day begins before most of Tokyo has finished waking: a small coach threads out of the city, headlights carving a line through low clouds while a guide explains the order of the day in clear English. By mid-morning the air is thinner, cooler — and suddenly Mount Fuji stops being a postcard and becomes a presence, its flanks daring you to look up. The itinerary moves with purpose: a climb of roughly 400 stone steps to the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint, a lakeside stroll at Kawaguchiko, a ropeway ascent, then over to Hakone’s volcanic ridges and Lake Ashi.

Temperatures change fast between Kawaguchiko (low) and the Fuji 5th Station (~2,300 m); pack a windbreaker and a warm mid-layer.
Some small vendors, shrine offerings, and toilets still prefer cash — carry a few thousand yen in small bills and coins.
Expect paved paths, gravel, and about 400 steps at Chureito Pagoda; shoes with good traction keep footing confident.
Clear mornings offer the best Mount Fuji reflections at Kawaguchiko; sit near windows on the coach for sudden photo chances.
Mount Fuji has been a sacred mountain for centuries; Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine served as one of the starting points for traditional pilgrimages and still hosts seasonal rituals.
The Fuji region is protected; visitors are asked to stay on marked paths, carry out trash, and respect shrine grounds to reduce erosion and cultural wear.
Protects against wind and cooler temperatures at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
Grip and ankle support help on stairs, gravel paths, and park trails.
Keeps essentials handy during short hikes and at viewpoints.
Battery life and extra storage matter — there are many photo stops across the day.