As for private tour, visiting both in a day is possible with a hired car. But even with a car, it's not so recommended for the above reason. One day for Mt. Fuji and one day for Hakone is recommended to appreciate the area fully.
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Mt Fuji is on the list for many travellers to Japan and one of the easiest access points is from Hakone. You can visit Fuji easily by bus, get great views from the ropeway heading up Owakudani, or hike up to one of the surrounding peaks for a breathtaking view of the mountain.
Many visitors try to include both Hakone and Kawaguchiko into their itinerary because they are both close to Mt. Fuji. Getting between the two popular areas is possible, but not very efficient and may take some time if done as a day trip from Hakone.
There is so much to see and do in the Hakone Region that we would definitely recommend that you plan to stay in Hakone for at least 1-2 nights to make the most of the local options. However, many people are on a tight timeframe when they visit Japan so plan to do a day trip to Hakone instead.
Helpful InfoHAKONE AND KAWAGUCHIKOKawaguchiko gives one of the best views of Fuji in all of Japan, but the logistics of getting there and other activities are very limited. Hakone has good views of the mountain, but convenient connection to transportation and many other attractions in the area.
A 1-Day hike to the summit of Mt.Fuji requires a very early start, strength and endurance. A 1-Day hike evades the sunrise urgency and staying at a Mountain hut completely, plus reaching the summit around midday allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding views while appreciating the warmest stage of the day.
There are also many scenic spots to be seen from the ropeway. Traveling from Sounzan to Owakudani, passengers can see the bottom of the valley below, and, when on route to Togendai, they can enjoy views of Mt.Fuji and Lake Ashi.
Alternatively, the Odakyu line runs between Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station. There is an express train which takes around 85 minutes or a slower, cheaper train which takes around two hours (you change at Odawara Station). Another option is to buy a Hakone Free Pass.
Most of all this area is known for the unforgettable view of Mount Fuji rising up above Lake Ashinoko. Although Hakone is closer to Tokyo, it can be reached from Osaka fairly easily by train, and by bus.
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.
If seeing Mount Fuji is one of your main goals when visiting Japan, plan your travel dates around December and January to get the best views of the mountain and its peak unobstructed by clouds. The best time of the day to spot the mountain is early morning between 7.00am to 10.00am, so be sure to set that alarm clock!
Mount Fuji is an iconic and stunningly beautiful volcano. Reaching its summit allows you to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, and the sunrise from the top is a truly unforgettable sight.
The Japan Rail Pass is valid only on a portion of the travel from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. At Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station. This leg takes around 1 hour, and is covered by your JR Pass. At Otsuki Station, you must transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to reach Kawaguchiko Station.
Kawaguchiko gives one of the best views of Fuji in all of Japan, but the logistics of getting there and other activities are very limited. Hakone has good views of the mountain, but convenient connection to transportation and many other attractions in the area.