Mount Fuji from Tokyo is the number one sightseeing trip in Japan. People book a Mount Fuji day trip by the thousands each month (except winter). The day trip up the mountain is by bus, and the view is amazing. The bus will take you to the fifth station (weather permitting), which is the highest point a vehicle can go.
I have been to Mount Fuji’s fifth station twice. I had a spectacular view of the snowless peak the first trip, and a cloud covered mountain the second trip. It’s a good day when you can see Mt. Fuji in its complete glory. If you don’t see Mt. Fuji on your first trip, it means you’ll have to return. At least that’s what the tour guide always says.
I took two different tour routes to Mt. Fuji so I’ll compare them for you.
Mount Fuji Facts
Called Fuji-san by people who live in Japan
Is an active volcano
Elevation: 3,776 m or 12,389 ft
Is a sacred mountain to the Japanese
The tallest peak in Japan
The last eruption was in 1707
There are five lakes just north of the volcano
100 km (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo
Booking
I booked both Mt Fuji day trips on Expedia about a week before going. There are so many trips that you can book the day before if you need to. I used Expedia because their “things to do” option is convenient. It’s easy to find things to do in your area.
- Mt Fuji day trip 1 included:
- Stunning up-close views of Mount Fuji from the 5th station
- A leisurely cruise along the calm waters of Lake Ashi
- Breathtaking drive from Mt. Fuji to Hakone with mountain views
- Japanese or Western-style lunch at a local restaurant
- Mt. Komagatake Ropeway
- Hosted by Japan Oriental tours
- Mt. Fuji trip 2 included:
- Mount Fuji 5th stage
- 40 minutes at Mount Fuji for shopping
- Lunch at Fuji Q Highland amusement park
- After lunch, explore the Fuji Q area
- 2.5 hours at Lake Kawaguchi with excursion ship ride
- Ride the Mount Fuji panoramic ropeway (only if you bought the lunch option)
- Ice cream ticket (not listed)
- Snack on the bus (not listed)
- Hosted by LIMON
Mount Fuji
Day trip 1:
My first trip to Mt. Fuji happened in the 3rd week of October. The temperature was cold enough to wear a light coat the entire time. As we ascended the mountain, the tree colors changed to autumn colors. It was foggy the day before, but the sun was shining, so all the fog had disappeared.
As the bus approached the 5th station, the bus pulled over, and we were able to take pictures of a snowless Mount Fuji peak. I felt so lucky because there were no clouds, and the peak was clear and breathtaking.
Upon arriving at the 5th station, it was cold enough to wear a heavy coat, gloves, and winter hat. The stores were full of people trying to stay warm. The line was too long to finish shopping before it was time to leave. I also wanted to mail a Mount Fuji postcard, but there were too many people. I found this experience frustrating because there wasn’t enough time to accomplish anything before the bus was scheduled to leave.
Day trip 2:
My second trip to Mt. Fuji happened in the middle of August. The temperature was hot, and there was a Typhoon that was causing weather changes. The mountain was completely green, and no coat was needed till we reached the 5th station.
The bus didn’t pull over at the scenic attraction area this time because Mount Fuji was covered in clouds. Since I took a friend with me and it was their first trip to Mount Fuji, this was a major disappointment but understandable because of the weather conditions.
The 5th station was windy and cold. The Typhoon was causing high winds to blow, and the cold from the high elevation mixed with the wind to create uncomfortable weather conditions. Thank goodness I remembered to bring my coat, hat, and gloves.
I had enough time for coffee and a Mount Fuji Mellon bread. I also was able to send a postcard to the United States with the Mount Fuji postal stamp. This raised my enjoyment level even when the mountain was covered in clouds.
Tour Guide
Day trip 1:
The tour guide on my first trip to Mount Fuji was incredibly knowledgeable. They talked almost the whole time. I mean, from the time we boarded the bus till halfway back to Tokyo. They spoke about Tokyo Tower’s history and anything else we passed, like businesses, farms, construction, railroads, and bridges.
The tour guide knew everything about Mount Fuji and the surrounding area. I felt that I was getting premier treatment.
Day trip 2:
On my second trip to Mount Fuji, the tour guide didn’t talk much. They offered a little information about Mount Fuji but nothing in great detail. They mostly told us where to go and what time to return. This was a huge disappointment after my first visit, but the ticket price was quite a bit less.
Here are videos of the difference in tour guides.
Lunchtime and Food
Day trip 1:
I had lunch at a local restaurant near the lake. The food was traditional Japanese, and it was delicious. After lunch, I had time to shop before returning to the bus. I visited a few shops and walked around the area.
Day trip 2:
Lunch at Fuji-Q’s was amazing. The food was a western-style, so I enjoyed the flavor. Right after lunch, everyone walked around the Amusement Park area. Shops sold food and souvenirs, and there were lots of photo opportunities.
Boat Ride
Day trip 1:
The boat ride of my first trip to Mt. Fuji was extremely smooth. There was a recording that played and told the passengers about the lake. The boat wasn’t crowded and went slow so everyone could take pictures. The boat dropped us off at the Ropeway.
Day trip 2:
The boat I rode on my second trip to Mt. Fuji was much smaller, but the ride was smooth. No recording or tour guide was talking on the trip. The boat was extremely crowded, and it wasn’t easy to take pictures or video since I couldn’t move. The boat left and returned to the same dock. Everyone walked to the Ropeway, which wasn’t far away.
Ropeway
Day trip 1:
The ride to the top was smooth, but everyone was packed in and couldn’t move. It was a cool October day, so the ride was enjoyable. At the top of Mt. Komagatake was long stairs leading to a Buddhist temple. The air was thin, so the long walk up the stairs took a while.
The stair climb was worth it because when I arrived at the temple, the Buddhist priests were holding service. Also, the view from Mt. Komagatake was incredible. I couldn’t see Mount Fuji, but I still had a worthwhile view.
Day trip 2:
It was a hot day in August, so being packed together while riding to the top of Mt. Tenjo was less desirable. There was a hiking trail, a Rabbit shrine, and a tea shop that sold souvenirs at the top of the mountain.
The view of Mt. Fuji was incredible, and after an hour, the clouds broke to show the mountain in all its glory. I could see the top, which was still snow-capped.
After descending Mt. Tenjo, we received a ticket for free Ice Cream. We selected soft serve, and it was delicious.
Visit Mount Fuji
In the end, both trips were enjoyable. Each had parts I enjoyed and parts I disliked. Finding a delightful tour would be difficult. Everyone has their own tastes.
I’m a history buff, so I would say the tour guide from Day trip 1 made that trip enjoyable for me. The close view of snowless Mt. Fuji was also incredible.
However, I was pleased that I could send out a postcard while at the 5th station on Day trip 2. The food and the view from the Ropeway were also much better than Day trip 1.
I’ll have to recommend more than one trip to Mt Fuji if you want to enjoy every aspect Fuji-san has to offer.
Check out some Shrines here.
Have you visited Mount Fuji? Let me know how your visit went in the comment section below.
Do you have questions about Mount Fuji? Please leave your questions in the comments.