Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Owakudani Ropeway & Hakone Pirate Ship Day Tour from Tokyo

THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel

Read the full experience

You step off the coach into thin air at the Mt. Fuji Fifth Station—the wind tugs at your jacket and the cloud sea spills across the valley below, daring you to look farther. Later the ropeway lifts you over Owakudani’s steaming vents; sulfurous plumes curl like living breath from the earth. The day closes with a bright, briny glide aboard the Hakone “pirate” ship across Lake Ashi, where a lone torii punctuates the shoreline and the water pushes gently against the hull.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

10–11 hours.

Fitness level

Mostly bus-based with brief walks and short stair sections; suitable for moderate mobility and general fitness.

Frequently asked questions

Will I reach Mount Fuji’s summit on this tour?

No—the tour visits the Mt. Fuji Fifth Station (around 2,300 m) for viewpoints and Komitake Shrine; summit ascents require separate multi-day plans and permits.

What happens if the Owakudani ropeway or pirate ship is closed?

Operators may reroute to Oshino Hakkai or issue gift certificates (not cash refunds) when ropeway or ship services are suspended for safety; itineraries can change with little notice.

Is lunch included?

A Japanese bento box is usually provided, but from Dec 21–Apr 25 lunch boxes may not be included—plan to purchase food at outlets or tourist facilities during that period.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Transportation and many stops are wheelchair and stroller accessible, though some observation areas involve steps—contact the operator for assistance needs.

Local insights

Wildlife

Japanese macaque (in lower mountain forests)
Waterfowl and herons on Lake Ashi

History

Mount Fuji has been a sacred mountain in Japan for centuries and an active volcano whose eruptions shaped local lakes and valleys; Hakone developed as a post-town and hot-springs region during Edo-period travel routes.

Conservation

Owakudani is monitored for sulfur emissions and occasional closures protect visitors and ecosystems; stay on paths, pack out trash, and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human impact.

About Tour&Charter International

Tour&Charter International operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.

Base locationTokyo, Tokyo

Tours offered4+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace

Adventure tips

Layer for altitude swingsTemperatures at the 5th Station can be 5–10°C cooler than Tokyo—pack insulating mid‑layers and a windproof shell.

Cash for small purchasesSome shrine stalls, snacks at Owakudani and small vendors at Gotemba prefer cash or IC cards—carry a few yen.

Check volcanic/ropeway statusOwakudani and the pirate ship may be suspended for safety; operators may substitute Oshino Hakkai or offer compensation vouchers.

Timing for photosClear skies are most common in early morning; ask to be near windows on the coach’s mountain side for unobstructed views.

Recommended gear

Insulating mid-layer: Warmth for cold, windy conditions at the Fifth Station and Owakudani viewing platforms.
Waterproof wind shell: Blocks wind and light rain at high elevation and on the lakeside deck.
Sturdy walking shoes: Comfortable shoes with traction for uneven observation paths and short hikes.
IC transit card or cash (yen): Handy for snacks, small shrine purchases and outlets that may not accept foreign cards.