Can I do a day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji?

A day-trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji and the lesser-known Hakone five lakes area is among the favorite experiences of many travelers to Japan, so here is our guide on how to visit this famous landmark with the Japan Rail Pass.



Yes, a day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji is one of the most popular excursions in 2026 and is very feasible with proper planning. The most efficient way is taking the Fuji Excursion limited express train from Shinjuku, which goes directly to Kawaguchiko in about 2 hours. Alternatively, many travelers choose organized bus tours that depart from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station; these often include stops at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Chureito Pagoda, and the Hakone Ropeway for a diverse itinerary. If you travel independently, you can spend the day exploring the Fuji Five Lakes area, taking a boat cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, or visiting the Oshino Hakkai springs. Keep in mind that visibility is the biggest variable—winter (December–February) offers the highest chance of a clear view of the peak, while summer often brings clouds. If you leave by 7:30 AM, you can easily enjoy a full 8–10 hours in the shadow of the mountain and return to Tokyo by dinner time. For those with a JR Pass, taking the Shinkansen to Mishima or Odawara is another fast option to reach the southern base.

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Travelling between Tokyo and Mount Fuji by local trains takes about 2 to 3 hours, and includes at least one transfer. At Shinjuku Station, you can catch the JR Chuo limited express train and arrive to Kawaguchiko Station in about an hour.

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Although there is no Shinkansen to Mount Fuji, there is a convenient train called the Fuji Excursion, which connects the Mt. Fuji area directly to Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo's busiest transit hubs. Follow along as we introduce the Fuji Excursion, its schedule, and fees!

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Travel time by train is a little over 2 hours from Tokyo. To get there: Take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station, using your JR Pass. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu.

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Highway bus There are several bus companies that serve the Tokyo-Mount Fuji route. You can catch them at Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station, or Shinjuku Station. At Tokyo Station, JR Kanto and Fujikyu buses depart for Kawaguchiko Station once or twice in an hour. They take around 2 hours, and cost 1,800 yen.

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Fuji is, that the probability to actually see the mountaintop lies between 20 and 30 %, some say it's closer to 20 than to 30. He loves to hide behind clouds and there's nothing more frustrating to plan a trip and you have to leave without seeing Mt. Fuji.

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Mount Fuji was once free to climb. The donation-based entrance has since turned into a mandatory fee, helping to protect and maintain the trails. The climbing pass now costs around ¥1,000 – less than $10. Buses from Kawaguchiko train station to the 5th Station cost 1,500 Yen one-way (Around $11).

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From the train Mount Fuji can be seen from the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka. When coming from Tokyo, the mountain appears on the right side of the train and is best viewed around Shin-Fuji Station, about 40-45 minutes into the journey.

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Kawaguchiko is not a JR station. Therefore, the Japan Rail Pass will not be accepted for passage on between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. IC cards such as Pasmo and Suica are accepted.

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The ideal duration to explore Tokyo is at least 5 days to discover the main areas of the city and the outskirts of the prefecture. To explore Japan's best, spend at least 2 weeks here. Even then, you will realize that there are so many things to discover in Japan.

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