Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip From Tokyo — Ropeway, Owakudani & Lake Ashi Cruise
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers who can handle short walks on uneven ground and brief altitude changes.
Overview
See Mount Fuji from the 5th Station, peer into Owakudani’s steaming vents from the ropeway, and glide past Hakone Shrine’s red torii on a Lake Ashi cruise. This full-day tour from Tokyo packs geology, history and travel logistics into an accessible, single-day adventure.
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip From Tokyo — Ropeway, Owakudani & Lake Ashi Cruise
Select participants and date
You step onto the coach in Shinjuku before dawn and the city folds behind you—skyscrapers give way to rice fields and, if the day is clear, a perfectly conical silhouette rises on the horizon. By mid-morning the bus climbs toward Fuji’s fifth station, where thin air and a wide, cold light press on the landscape. Steam hisses in the distance at Owakudani; the ropeway lifts you over volcanic vents and ridgelines, and on Lake Ashi a wooden pirate ship pushes gentle wakes toward a vermilion torii that leans as if to greet you.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for sudden temperature shifts
Temperatures at the 5th Station can be 8–12°C colder than Tokyo; bring a windproof midlayer even on warm days.
Carry small change
Some vendors and shrine donations at Hakone prefer cash; keep a few thousand yen on hand.
Pack a refillable water bottle
Higher elevation and volcanic steam can dehydrate quickly—refill at stops or onboard the coach.
Plan for limited stop times
Viewpoints are typically 20–45 minutes; prioritize what you want to photograph or explore ahead of time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (in lower Hakone forests)
- Various migratory waterfowl on Lake Ashi in cooler months
History
Mount Fuji has been a pilgrimage site for centuries; the 5th Station served as a waypoint for worshippers and is dotted with small shrines and markers.
Conservation
Hakone and Fuji regions balance tourism with fragile geothermal and alpine ecosystems—stick to paths, avoid feeding wildlife, and use public transport where possible.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Walking shoes with grip
Stable shoes handle gravel and steps at the 5th Station and Owakudani viewpoints.
Warm, compressible jacket
Lightweight insulation protects you against wind and rapid temperature drops at altitude.
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important at higher elevations and during a long day of travel.
Portable charger and camera
Phone batteries drain fast with photos and translation apps—carry external power.