1 Day: Kawaguchiko & Mt. Fuji from Tokyo

Tony Xia - (YamaTrips.Japan)
Itinerary created by
Tony Xia
What you’ll do

Highlights:

  • Spectacular Mt. Fuji Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji throughout your journey, from the train or bus ride to the hiking trails and lakeside.

Itinerary

  1. Start from Shinjuku Station

    • Take the express bus from Busta Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko. Get off at Chuodo Shimo Yoshida. Advice: expect heavy traffic on weekends.

  2. Hike from Arakurayama to Kawaguchiko

    • From Chuodo Shimo Yoshida, it's a short walk to Arakurayama Sengen Park.

    • Begin your hike at Arakurayama, passing through the iconic Chureito Pagoda.

    • Continue hikinig up towards the summit to Shimoyama, traversing scenic trails, and descend through Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama) to reach Kawaguchiko.

    • Total hike: 7 km, 800 m elevation gain, 5 hours (beginner intermediate).

  3. Enjoy lakeside activities at Kawaguchiko

    • Unwind with some lakeside relaxation, soaking in the tranquil views of Mt. Fuji mirrored on the water.

  4. Dinner at Kawaguchiko Station

    • Wrap up your day with a hearty bowl of houtou, the local noodle specialty, at a restaurant near the station.

  5. Return to Shinjuku Station

    • Catch a train or bus back to Shinjuku

Perfect For:

  • Beginner & intermediate hikers looking for a scenic hike.

  • Nature lovers seeking peaceful views of Mt. Fuji.

  • Traveling on a budget between 10,000 ~ 15,000 yen per person.

Best Months to Visit:

  • November to May offers exceptional view of snow-capped Fuji.

Tips for Your Trip:

  • Bring cash for local shops and transportation.

  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress in layers for changing weather.

  • If visiting in winter (January–March), be prepared for potential snow on the trails.

7:15 Ride the express bus heading to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Get off at Chuodo Shimo Yoshida at 9:05.

1

Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Tokyo bus terminal for travelers
Category
Public Transport
Transport Type
bus

99.1 km (61.6 mi)

1 hr 24 min

10:00 Enjoy Arakurayama Sengen Park

2

Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Iconic Mt. Fuji view with cherry blossoms
Category
Photospot

1.3 km (0.8 mi)

5 min

11:30 Hike to the summit of Arakurayama

3

Arakurayama
Arakurayama
Incredible view with very few people
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
1-2h

6.4 km (3.9 mi)

25 min

12:00 Continue hiking to Shimoyama then head down towards Kawaguchiko.

4

Shimoyama
Shimoyama
Mysterious disappearance of railway president
Category
Hike
Est. Duration
3-4h

7.3 km (4.5 mi)

27 min

13:00 Enjoy the stunning views from the summit of Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama). Treat yourself to ice cream, warm soup, or other snacks and drinks available from vending machines and nearby stalls.

5

Kawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park
Kawaguchiko Tenjoyama Park
Scenic Mt. Fuji viewpoint
Category
Sightseeing

400 m (0.2 mi)

2 min

14:00 Take the ropeway down to Kawaguchiko.

Alternatively, you can hike down which takes 45 minutes.

6

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Stunning views of Kawaguchiko
Category
Public Transport
Est. Price
$
Transport Type
other

2.9 km (1.8 mi)

7 min

15:00 Enjoy lakeside activities and indulge in traditional Yamanashi cuisine at one of the many houtou restaurants in the area.

7

Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi
Most popular lake with Mt. Fuji view
Category
Photospot

3.1 km (1.9 mi)

8 min

17:30 Take the Fujikyuko Line train from Kawaguchiko Station to Shinjuku Station, arriving back in Shinjuku by 19:30.

Alternatively, you can catch an express bus back to Shinjuku Station later in the evening if you’d like to stay and enjoy the sunset. Just be sure to reserve your bus tickets in advance.

8

Kawaguchiko Station
Kawaguchiko Station
Gateway to Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko
Category
Public Transport
Est. Price
$$
Transport Type
train