
moderate
10 hours
Light-to-moderate fitness for short walks, steps at shrines, and standing on viewing platforms; most travel is by vehicle.
Escape Tokyo for a private 10‑hour drive through the volcanic heart of Honshu. This customizable Mt. Fuji and Hakone tour pairs an English‑speaking driver with ropeway rides, a Lake Ashi cruise, and optional stops like the Open‑Air Museum or Gotemba outlets.
The car eases out of Tokyo's morning grid and the city’s glass facades give way to low farmland and highway pines. An hour and a half up the expressway, Mount Fuji first appears as a hard-edged silhouette—an almost impossible cone that tucks itself behind clouds, daring you to read its mood. This private day tour hands you the wheel of choice: where to linger, when to move on, and how close you want to get to Japan’s most recognizable summit.

Reserve your tour as early in your trip as possible and request a morning start—visibility for Fuji is best before midday when clouds often roll in.
From July 4–Sept 10 private car access may be restricted; budget ¥2,500 per person round‑trip for the shuttle and ¥1,000 for parking if you plan to visit the 5th Station.
Some sites and shuttles accept only cash; carry small bills and coins for parking, snacks, and shrine offerings.
If you’re prone to motion sickness or sensitive to altitude, sit near a window, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals before steep climbs to Owakudani or the 5th Station.
Fuji and the Hakone corridor have served as spiritual and travel routes since the Edo period; Hakone was a critical post town on the historic Tokaido.
Mount Fuji and surrounding lakes are protected landscapes; visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and use designated paths to reduce erosion and habitat disturbance.
Needed for shrine steps, short trails and uneven paths at viewpoints.
Wind and temperature change quickly near Owakudani and higher elevations—layers keep you comfortable.
winter specific
Showers are common; a compact umbrella prevents a sudden downpour from ruining views.
spring specific
Captures expansive Fuji views and the Lake Ashi torii—bring extra batteries or a power bank.