Mt. Fuji Day Trip: Lake Kawaguchi & Oshino Hakkai
- Comfortable coach tour around Mount Fuji’s most popular sights, with no shopping stops at any point.
- Walk through Oshino Hakkai and taste spring water named one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters.
- Cruise Lake Kawaguchi on the Appare sightseeing boat for close-up views of Mount Fuji.
- Photograph Mount Fuji framed with the five-story Chureito Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park.
- Ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to Tenjoyama for the classic Mount Fuji and lake composition.
- Reach the 2,300-meter Mount Fuji 5th Station, visit Komitake Shrine and look out over the clouds.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Spring Cherry Blossom, Autumn Maple, Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Shopping Experience | Local Markets |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Bus tour, Power spots |
| Transport | Bus tour |
| Cruise type | Sightseeing boat |
Product Info
Lake Kawaguchi Sightseeing Boat "Appare"
The Appare takes its design from the warships of the Takeda clan's navy in Japan's Sengoku period. It has a fully open observation deck, a semi-open shaded deck, and a Japanese-style cabin with tatami seating and a large screen showing Mt. Fuji through the four seasons along with the history and sights of the area. On clear days you can watch Mt. Fuji from many different angles out on the open deck.
*The Appare does not operate on June 9, 16, 23, and 30; December 1, 8, 15, and 22; and January 19 and 26. A lakeside walk is arranged on those dates instead.
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (Mt. Tenjo Park)
The ropeway sits on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi and is one of the most popular spots for viewing Mt. Fuji and the lake. The cabin climbs slowly, with the lakeshore spreading out below, and reaches the summit observation deck in a few minutes. From the top, Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi open up in a single sweep; on clear days this is the classic Mt. Fuji-and-lake composition that so many travelers come to photograph. Each season has its own look: cherry blossom in spring, greenery in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.
*The ropeway does not operate from May 11 to July 15, 2026 and from December 7 to 18, 2026; the tour takes the Lake Yamanaka sightseeing boat instead.
Oshino Hakkai
A group of springs beside Mt. Fuji. The "eight seas" are eight ponds: Wakuike, Nigoriike, Kagamiike, Choshiike, Shobuike, Sokonashiike, Okamaike, and Deguchiike. Oshino Hakkai is listed among Japan's 100 Famous Waters; the water is Mt. Fuji snowmelt that has filtered underground for 80 years, which is why it is so clear.
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Home to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and the five-story Chureito Pagoda. Climb the 397 steps beside the shrine and the celebrated view of Mt. Fuji with the pagoda opens up in front of you. It is also a well-known cherry blossom spot: about 650 Somei Yoshino cherry trees line the park and the path to the top, and when they bloom in early April they draw visitors from Japan and abroad to see Mt. Fuji and the blossom together. In autumn the same path turns red and yellow with maple leaves. The timing shifts with the weather each year; as a guide, cherry blossom is best from early to mid-April and autumn leaves from early to late November.
Viral Photo Spot: "Stairway Town," Hikawa Clock Shop, and Fujiyoshida Honcho-dori Shopping Street
Fujiyoshida Honcho-dori became famous through a photo that circulated online of a huge Mt. Fuji rising behind the shopping street. Weather permitting, you can see the mountain clearly from the street itself, close enough to touch.
Lake Kawaguchi
The easiest of the sightseeing spots around Mt. Fuji to reach. It is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, with the longest shoreline and the lowest elevation of the five. You are free to stroll along the shore and take in Mt. Fuji. During the Lake Kawaguchi cherry blossom and autumn foliage festivals, the tour visits the festival site and the famous Maple Corridor photo spot, so you can stand surrounded by blossom or autumn color.
Mt. Fuji 5th Station
At about 2,300 meters above sea level, the 5th Station is the high point on Mt. Fuji that ordinary travelers can reach with ease, and one of the mountain's most representative sightseeing bases. It is the starting point for climbers and the best place to see Mt. Fuji's grandeur up close. On a clear day you look out over a vast sea of clouds and a wide mountain landscape, with the sense of being high in the sky. You can also visit Komitake Shrine to experience Japan's long tradition of mountain worship, adding a moment of prayer to the trip. Restaurants and souvenir shops on site make it easy to rest or pick up gifts.
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
- Departure and destination: Tokyo / Yamanashi
- Trip duration: Same-day round trip
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus companies: Sunshine Kanko / KEY JAPAN Co., Ltd. / Ryuto Kanko, etc.
- Meals: Breakfast 0, lunch 0, dinner 0
- Accommodation: None
- Minimum number of participants: 1
- Tour leader: 1
Reminders
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Please arrive at the meeting point early and wait there. The bus departs on time and cannot wait for latecomers; no refund or rescheduling is available.
All times in the itinerary are estimated arrival times. Traffic is beyond our control, so please avoid scheduling anything for that evening and accept our apologies for any delay.
Please understand that weather conditions may make it impossible to see Mount Fuji in full.
Departure times and routes for each sightseeing stop may be adjusted according to road conditions on the day.
Please note that no refunds are given for itinerary changes or cancelled stops caused by force majeure such as traffic or weather.
No refund is given if a traveler leaves the tour partway through for personal reasons.
Please keep your seatbelt fastened while the bus is moving and stay in your seat. Boarding or alighting partway through the route is not possible.
If poor weather or traffic makes it impossible to reach the 4th Station of the Mt. Fuji Subaru Line, the itinerary changes to Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine or the Yamanashi Prefectural Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center.
Weather conditions affect the best viewing period for flowers and autumn leaves. This is not grounds for cancelling the tour or issuing a refund.
Crowds are heavy during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons and severe traffic congestion is possible, so bringing your own light snacks is recommended.
The cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods shift slightly with weather conditions. Once the tour is confirmed it runs as scheduled regardless of how far the blossom or foliage has progressed.
If the tour is terminated after departure because of force majeure such as weather or a natural disaster, the unfulfilled portion is refunded based on costs actually incurred. Additional expenses such as return transport or local accommodation must be borne by the traveler.
Travellers under 18 cannot join on their own and must be accompanied by a traveler aged 18 or over.
You may be seated with other members of the group on the bus and at restaurants, depending on the arrangements made by the tour leader and the venues on the day.
Luggage compartment space is limited. If you wish to bring a suitcase on board, please tell us in the remarks field. Thank you for your cooperation.
The vehicle type is assigned according to the number of participants. For small groups the driver also acts as the accompanying staff for the whole tour and no separate tour leader is assigned; you explore each stop on your own once you arrive.
Bus seats are allocated on site and cannot be requested in advance. Thank you for your understanding.
Please take care of your own safety during free time. Travellers bear responsibility for any accident or loss resulting from ignoring advice given.
If the Appare sightseeing boat on Lake Kawaguchi is officially suspended due to weather or other force majeure, a partial refund is given and time at the other stops is extended instead.
From 1 to 23 November, during the peak autumn foliage period, the tour does not visit Oishi Park and goes to the Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor instead.
The Appare does not operate on 9, 16, 23 and 30 June; 1, 8, 15 and 22 December; and 19 and 26 January. A lakeside walk is arranged on those dates instead.
From 11 May to 15 July 2026 and from 7 to 18 December 2026 the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway does not operate; the tour takes the Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka sightseeing boat instead, subject to arrangements on the day.
FAQ
1. What makes Arakurayama Sengen Park a must-visit attraction on a Mount Fuji tour?
Arakurayama Sengen Park is renowned for offering one of Japan's most iconic views: the striking Chureito Pagoda beautifully framed by Mount Fuji in the background. Depending on the season, this view is enhanced by cherry blossoms or vibrant autumn foliage. Its unique perspective on the majestic mountain makes it a highly sought-after photo spot and a highlight for any visitor exploring the Fuji area, blending natural beauty with cultural landmarks.
2. What views can visitors expect of Mount Fuji and the five-storied pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park?
From Arakurayama Sengen Park, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panoramic vista. The majestic Mount Fuji dominates the distant skyline, while the foreground is famously adorned by the vibrant red five-storied pagoda, officially known as Chureito Pagoda. This classic composition, especially captivating during cherry blossom season or autumn, offers one of Japan's most iconic and postcard-perfect photographic opportunities.
3. What is involved in reaching the iconic viewpoint at Arakurayama Sengen Park as part of a tour?
The Mount Fuji day tour includes a visit to Arakurayama Sengen Park, allowing time to enjoy its stunning scenery. To reach the iconic viewpoint featuring Mount Fuji and the five-storied pagoda, visitors will make their way up to the observation deck, which involves climbing steps. The tour ensures comfortable transportation to the park, and participants can explore the area at a comfortable pace to take in the breathtaking views.
4. Are there any entrance fees or additional costs when visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park as part of a tour?
Arakurayama Sengen Park generally does not require a separate entrance fee for visitors to access its grounds and main viewing areas. As part of a comprehensive Mount Fuji day tour, the primary access to the park is typically covered or inherently free. Any potential costs for specific, optional facilities or experiences within the park would be clearly communicated by the tour operator, ensuring transparency for all participants.
5. What unique natural features can be observed at Oshino Hakkai?
Oshino Hakkai is famous for its eight exceptionally clear spring water ponds, which are fed by melted snow filtering down from Mount Fuji. Visitors can marvel at the pristine, crystal-clear waters, often teeming with fish, and admire the traditional thatched-roof houses that surround the ponds. It is a tranquil area, celebrated for its natural beauty, traditional charm, and scenic views of Mount Fuji.
6. What kind of experience does the Lake Kawaguchiko Appare Sightseeing Boat offer?
The Lake Kawaguchiko Appare Sightseeing Boat provides a unique perspective of Lake Kawaguchiko and its surroundings. Passengers can enjoy a relaxing cruise that offers magnificent close-up views of Mount Fuji reflected on the lake's serene surface. It's an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photographs and appreciate the panoramic natural beauty of the Fuji area from a different vantage point.
7. What makes the Hikawa Clock Shop (Fujiyoshida Honcho Street) a popular photo spot?
The Hikawa Clock Shop, located on Fujiyoshida Honcho Street, has become a popular spot for photography due to its unique urban perspective of Mount Fuji. The street's traditional Japanese shops and overhead power lines create a distinctive frame for the majestic mountain, which appears strikingly at the end of the street. This iconic composition offers a blend of local street life and natural grandeur, making it highly Instagrammable.
8. What are the highlights of visiting Lake Kawaguchiko Oishi Park?
Lake Kawaguchiko Oishi Park is celebrated for its 'flower road' and stunning panoramic views. Throughout the seasons, visitors can enjoy various seasonal flowers, such as vibrant lavender or kochia, cultivated along the lakeside. The park offers an unobstructed and picturesque backdrop of Mount Fuji paired with the shimmering waters of Lake Kawaguchiko, making it an ideal location for photography and appreciating nature's beauty.
