Mt Fuji and Hakone Day Tour: 5th Station, Owakudani & Lake Ashi
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers comfortable spending a full day on their feet with short walks and some steps; not a technical hike.
Overview
A one-day sweep from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, across Lake Kawaguchi, into the sulfur-scented valleys of Owakudani and finishing with a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi. This guided tour packs geology, culture and practical comforts into a clear, do-able day trip.
Mt Fuji and Hakone Day Tour: 5th Station, Owakudani & Lake Ashi
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The coach pulls out of Tokyo before dawn and the city’s neon loosens its grip. Asphalt gives way to cedar-dark valleys and, if the day is honest, a cone of snow-capped rock rises through a strip of cloud like a giant quietly reclaiming the horizon. On this full-day circuit — Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchi’s mirrored shore, Owakudani’s fumes, Hakone Shrine and a pirate-ship cruise on Lake Ashi — the landscape does the work of telling the story: volcanic force, pilgrimage, and a culture that knows how to slow down.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book early-morning departures
Visibility for Mt. Fuji is best early; afternoons often bring haze or cloud so an early pickup increases your chance of clear views.
Layer for altitude swings
Temperatures drop by several degrees at the 5th Station — pack an insulating mid-layer and a windproof shell.
Carry small change
Vendors at viewpoints and Owakudani often accept cash only for snacks and souvenirs like kuro-tamago.
Respect onsen rules
If you visit a hot spring after the tour, follow local etiquette—shower thoroughly and keep towels out of the water.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (in higher forested areas)
- Varied mountain and water birds around Kawaguchiko and Ashi
History
Mount Fuji has been a sacred pilgrimage mountain for centuries; Hakone developed as an important waypoint on Edo‑period routes and houses shrines dating to the 8th century.
Conservation
These landscapes are ecologically sensitive — stay on designated paths, avoid touching fumaroles at Owakudani, and follow local signage to reduce erosion and human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hakone
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell
Blocks wind and light rain at high elevations and during sudden weather changes.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provide grip on uneven lookout platforms and short trail sections around viewpoints.
Daypack with water and snacks
Keeps layers, camera gear and hydration accessible during stops.
Sunscreen & sunglasses
High-altitude sun and reflective water surfaces increase UV exposure.
summer specific