Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: Sky Gondola, Lake Cruise & 5th Station
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers who can walk short distances and climb stairs; expect periods of standing and brief walks at altitude.
Overview
See Mt. Fuji from the 5th Station, glide over Owakudani in a sky gondola and cruise Lake Ashi on a single day departing Tokyo. This Gray Line tour pairs dramatic volcanic scenery with practical logistics—perfect for travelers who want maximum views with minimal planning.
Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: Sky Gondola, Lake Cruise & 5th Station
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The bus slips out of Tokyo before most of the city has finished brewing coffee, and the skyline softens into rice paddies and low hills. By midmorning, the silhouette of Mt. Fuji—perfectly conical when the clouds allow—begins to dominate the horizon. Gray Line’s day tour stages a compact but cinematic introduction to two of Japan’s most visited natural icons: the highest accessible point on Fuji and the steaming geography of Hakone, finished with a pirate-ship cruise across Lake Ashi.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for altitude and coastal swings
Temperatures vary from Tokyo to Fuji 5th Station (~2,300m) and back down to Hakone—carry insulating layers and a windproof shell.
Bring a mask if you’re sensitive to sulfur
Owakudani emits volcanic gases; visitors with respiratory issues should bring masks or avoid the immediate fumarole zones.
Start early and expect a long day
The tour runs about 10 hours—plan for an early pickup and limited free time at each stop.
Carry small cash for snacks and souvenirs
Some stalls (black eggs, local crafts) are cash-preferred—keep small bills handy.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Japanese macaque (in wooded areas of Hakone)
- Varied waterfowl on Lake Ashi including black-headed gulls
History
Mount Fuji has been a sacred site in Shinto and Buddhist practice for centuries; Hakone developed as a post-town and hot-spring refuge for travelers along the old Tokaido road.
Conservation
Ongoing visitor management aims to protect Fuji’s fragile alpine zones and Hakone’s hot-spring ecology—stick to trails, avoid littering and respect restricted fumarole zones.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulating mid-layer (fleece)
Keeps you warm during winds at the 5th Station and cool mornings.
Waterproof shell or compact rain jacket
Protects against rain and the damp microclimate in Hakone.
Sturdy walking shoes
Necessary for uneven viewpoints, stairs and brief volcanic terrain walks.
Reusable water bottle
Useful for staying hydrated on a long day; refill at stops.
summer specific