I discover that vacationers to Japan fall into two camps: Those that imagine Fujisan rises straight above Tokyo; and those that assume you merely can’t take a Mt. Fuji day journey. The reality, after all, lies someplace between these two extremes. You’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji from varied locations in Japan’s capital (although not like this, actually)—and it’s really very simple to take a day tour to the Fuji 5 Lakes area.
After all, many firms will attempt to promote you a Mt. Fuji tour, although since that is Japan we’re speaking about, I’ll go forward and assume they’ve good intentions. But mine are higher: With the data on this article, you’ll be able to simply have an incredible time at Mt. Fuji all by yourself—and get again to Tokyo in time for supper.
And I’m not speaking about Tokyo to Hakone, which is a stunning place, however is way from the very best place to view Fuji. Proceed studying to be taught extra about the right way to get up-close-and-personal with Japan’s most well-known mountain in half a day or much less.
Don’t wish to learn the entire article? Then take only one tip to begin: If the climate forecast on your vacation spot isn’t completely clear, it most likely isn’t price making the journey!
The way to Attain Mt. Fuji from Tokyo
One cause to not e-book a Mt. Fuji tour from Tokyo? Direct buses depart Shibuya day-after-day, sure for Kawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida, the 2 main cities of the Fuji 5 Lakes area. It takes simply over two hours to journey from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, and you’ll be able to e-book the tickets on-line right here as much as three months upfront.
This isn’t interesting to some vacationers, particularly as a result of they’d quite take a Tokyo to Mt. Fuji prepare (which might be coated by the Japan Rail Cross—the bus isn’t). Sadly, whereas a brand new direct service from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko now exists, the service requires a hefty ¥1,140 “complement” for JR Cross customers, which makes it a lower than engaging different.
Issues to Do on Your Mt. Fuji Day Journey
See Fuji’s reflection in Lakes Kawaguchi or Yamanaka
My #1 favourite a part of a Tokyo to Mt Fuji day journey? Seeing the mountain mirrored within the waters of Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka, after all! To get the very best view of the previous, both stroll, bike or take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to the north shore of the lake, which is about 3 km away. Lake Yamanaka, in the meantime, is just accessible by bus, however the lake is actually steps from the bus cease!
Go to a singular museum
A museum could be the very last thing you anticipate so as to add to your Mount Fuji day journey itinerary. Nonetheless, there are a pair which are very worthy of your time, particularly if the climate is lower than superb. When you’re in Kawaguchiko, go to Kubota Itchiku Artwork Museum, which is devoted to the person who revived the traditional kimono model of costume for the trendy period, and shows dozens of the clothes inside. In Fujiyoshida, go to the Fujisan Museum, which tells the story of a number of notable climbs up Mt. Fuji.
Benefit from the view from Chureito Pagoda
Though Chureito Pagoda may not come up while you Google “the right way to see Mt. Fuji,” it actually supplies some of the iconic views of the mountain—particularly throughout cherry blossom season. Nicely, when you get a transparent day that’s—if not, you’ll do not know that Fuji looms behind the wall of clouds. Nonetheless, a stroll right here (about quarter-hour from Shimoyoshida station, after which 20 minutes up a few set of stairs) is way from a wasted endeavor, because the pagoda and Arakura Fuji Sengen temple itself are charming.
Or from an exhilarating rollercoaster
Need to take a Mt. Fuji day journey that’s extra thrilling than tranquil? Skip the scenic views and revel in a extra hair-raising one. Particularly, get off the bus at Fujikyu Highlands, which could simply be probably the most scenic amusement park on this planet. You don’t must experience rollercoasters like Fujiyama and Eejanaika, after all—entrance to the park itself is free; you merely must pay to get on the rides themselves, which admittedly present the very best views of Fujisan throughout your Mount Fuji day journey.
Take a hike
The dangerous information? You received’t be capable of take a Mount Fuji climbing tour when you’re taking a day journey to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo. The excellent news? There are many superb hikes within the Fuji 5 Lakes area, even when you merely stroll across the base of Lake Kawaguchi. Need to achieve some elevation? Make a beeline for the path head of the Panorama-dei trek, which is definitely nearer to Lake Yamanako, one other within the Fujigoko space. You could even decide to hike by means of the Obuchi Sasaba tea fields (if the house owners don’t run you off!).
Greatest Time to Go to Mt. Fuji
Because you’re most likely planning your Mt. Fuji itinerary as half of a bigger Japan journey (and possibly, for everytime you plan to be within the Tokyo space) I think about you may have restricted flexibility. With this being stated, it’s best to hold a brief record of the issues to do in Mt. Fuji in your individual as you put together on your journey, significantly when you don’t fee a customized Japan itinerary from me.
The 2 most vital issues to bear in mind on your Mt. Fuji day journey are as follows. To start with, that summer season in Japan (aka the tsuyu monsoon) bears the best danger of rain and, subsequently, the best likelihood that you simply received’t be capable of see the mountain. Secondly, the seasonal delights I discussed earlier (sakura in spring and colours of the autumn) are later and earlier, respectively, than they’re in Tokyo. Sakura attain their peak in Fujigoko in mid- to late-April, whereas autumn colours peak in the course of the first half of November and even earlier.
Ought to You Spend the Night time at Mt. Fuji?
Whether or not you select an costly Fuji view lodge on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi (Shuhokaku Kogetsu might be my present favourite) or a extra budget-friendly lodging like Peace Kawaguchiko, there are many nice locations to remain an evening at Mt. Fuji must you resolve to remain there. However is it vital?
There are just a few causes this could be a good suggestion—firstly, that Fuji might be fickle to indicate its face, so the longer you may have, the higher likelihood you must get the cash shot. It ought to go with out saying that you simply’ll must spend no less than one evening when you plan to climb Mt. Fuji. Moreover, when you plan to do greater than a few the actions I’ve listed above, you’ll undoubtedly wish to scout out the place to remain close to Mt. Fuji, as a matter of necessity.
Different FAQ About Your Mt. Fuji Day Journey
Are you able to do Mount Fuji in a day?
You’ll be able to journey to any variety of the greatest locations to see Mt. Fuji in a day, though you’ll be able to’t realistically climb the mountain (plus get there and again) with out spending an evening. If you wish to climb Mt. Fuji, journey to the trailhead within the morning of your first day, so you’ll be able to attain the “eighth station” earlier than dusk. Rise lengthy earlier than daybreak the subsequent morning so you’ll be able to watch the dawn from the highest, then return to no matter metropolis you’re staying within the subsequent afternoon.
Are you able to do a day journey from Tokyo to Mt Fuji?
You’ll be able to take a day journey from Tokyo to Mt Fuji (and adjoining locations), resembling the recent springs city of Hakone or the Fuji 5 Lakes, which sit simply on the base of the mountain. Nonetheless, if you wish to climb Mt. Fuji it’s actually greatest to remain no less than one evening, for causes I describe within the earlier paragraph.
Is Mt. Fuji price visiting?
Mt. Fuji is totally price visiting, assuming you’ll be able to get a transparent view of it. It’s because of this that it’s important to rigorously monitor climate circumstances earlier than making the journey—a very clear day is right, and your solely assure of seeing Mt. Fuji. Whereas it’s not completely nugatory to go to the Fuji space with out seeing the mountain, it does considerably defeat the aim.
The Backside Line
A day journey from Tokyo to Mt Fuji can take many kinds, however all are comparatively simple to execute. If the climate is nice, head straight to Kawaguchiko, and marvel on the reflection of Fujisan within the lake. When you’re looking for a thrill, take pleasure in views of the mountain from the rollercoasters of Fujikyu Higlands. Even when circumstances for viewing the mountain are lower than superb, an eclectic array of cultural points of interest make the Fuji 5 Lakes area worthy of a go to. Want personalised assist planning your Mt. Fuji day journey? Fee a customized Japan itinerary!