As required by Japanese law, please wear a seat belt on the bus.
Please note that the arrival location of the tour cannot be changed.
Due to bad weather, Mount Fuji may not be visible even from the base. **Please note that the tour cannot be cancelled or refunded for this reason.
The order of visits on the itinerary may be changed.
In case of traffic congestion or other uncontrollable reasons, please note that the schedule may be changed or time shortened at any of the sightseeing spots.
As it may be cold in the mountains, please bring warm clothes.
If the arrival time to Tokyo is delayed due to traffic or other reasons, we will not be responsible for taxi fares, overnight accommodations or other expenses.
If there is only a small group of participants, other smaller vehicles may be used instead of the large bus.
In addition, please note that regardless of the method of return to Tokyo, all participants will depart in the same vehicle.
Yes, it is entirely feasible to visit both Mt. Fuji and Hakone on a well-planned day trip from Tokyo. Many tours are specifically designed to cover key highlights in both regions within a single day. This typically involves efficient bus travel, allowing you to experience sights like the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the volcanic activity at Owakudani, and a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, all within daylight hours. Joining an organized tour is highly recommended to maximize your time and ensure a smooth itinerary.
Traveling between the Mt. Fuji area and Hakone typically involves a combination of transportation methods due to the mountainous terrain. For convenience, organized day tours often use private buses to efficiently connect these regions, stopping at popular attractions. Independent travelers can utilize local buses, trains such as the Fujikyu Railway and Odakyu lines, or a combination of these with the Hakone Ropeway or sightseeing boats on Lake Ashi to navigate between the main points of interest in each area effectively.
Visitors can access and explore the Mt. Fuji 5th Station area without a private car primarily through organized bus tours or public transportation. Many day tours from Tokyo include direct bus transport to the 5th Station, providing a hassle-free way to reach this elevation. For independent travel, regular bus services operate from Kawaguchiko Station to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station during the climbing season and shoulder months, allowing exploration of the observation points, souvenir shops, and the small shrine at the station.
At Owakudani, visitors can experience a unique volcanic landscape often referred to as 'Hell Valley.' The area is known for its active sulfur vents, hot springs, and breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. A popular activity is riding the Hakone Ropeway, which offers stunning aerial views of the steaming vents and the surrounding geological activity. You can also try a 'black egg' (kuro-tamago), which are eggs boiled in the hot sulfurous springs, said to extend one's life.
Lake Ashi in Hakone offers serene sightseeing opportunities, particularly aboard a Hakone sightseeing cruise. These cruises provide picturesque views of the lake's placid waters, the surrounding mountains, and often feature sightings of the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine rising from the water. On clear days, the cruises offer stunning, unobstructed views of Mount Fuji in the background, making it an excellent spot for photography and enjoying Hakone's natural beauty from a unique perspective.
During a typical organized day tour that includes both Mt. Fuji and Hakone, visitors usually spend approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station. This duration allows enough time to take in the views from an elevation of about 2,300 meters, visit the small shrine, explore the souvenir shops, and capture photographs of the surrounding scenery. It provides a good balance between experiencing this iconic stop and adhering to the overall day trip itinerary to also cover Hakone attractions.
Choosing the bullet train (Shinkansen) option for returning from Hakone to Tokyo offers several significant advantages. It provides a fast and efficient journey, significantly reducing travel time compared to traditional train lines or buses. This option allows for a more relaxed return after a full day of sightseeing. Additionally, experiencing Japan's renowned Shinkansen itself is often considered part of the travel experience, offering superior comfort and punctuality compared to other transport methods.
The Mt. Fuji 5th Station is generally accessible for much of the year, but its availability can be affected by weather conditions, especially during winter months. The Fuji Subaru Line, which leads to the 5th Station, may close due to heavy snow or icy roads, typically between late autumn and spring. The peak climbing season usually runs from July to September, when access is almost guaranteed. Outside of this period, it's advisable to check current conditions, as access may be restricted or limited to lower stations during severe weather.