Ultimate Day Trip to Mt. Fuji Guide

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If you’re planning a day trip to Mt. Fuji, you’ll most likely find yourself heading to the charming town of Fujikawaguchiko. Nestled in the foothills of Japan’s iconic mountain, Fujikawaguchiko offers breathtaking views, serene lakes, hot springs, and plenty of outdoor adventures, making it the perfect destination for a Mt. Fuji day trip! If catching a clear view of Mount Fuji is your top priority, I recommend either staying longer or booking your day trip on a whim when you spot sunny skies in the forecast—November to February tends to be the best time for those postcard-worthy views!

When we visited, gloomy skies unfortunately blocked our view of Fuji, but I still fell in love with this beautiful town. Rain or shine, Kawaguchiko’s charm shines through, and I’d visit again in a heartbeat! So, pack your umbrella just in case, and let’s dive into why Fujikawaguchiko makes for the ultimate Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo!

In this guide, I’ll give you a list of the best things to do in Kawaguchiko, so you can mix and match activities that excite you! We skipped a few Fuji-focused attractions like the iconic viewpoints and the panoramic ropeway due to the weather, but trust me—there’s still so much to experience in this lovely town, whether or not you catch a glimpse of the mountain.

Note: In November 2003, Kawaguchiko merged with the villages of Katsuyama and Ashiwada to form the new town of Fujikawaguchiko.

For a full travel plan, check out my 10-day Japan itinerary to help you explore all Japan has to offer.

Things to Do During Your Day Trip to Mt. Fuji

Grab Coffee and Breakfast From Haostay Coffee

Oh my gosh, if you only try one thing during your Mt. Fuji day trip, let it be the egg salad sandwich from Haostay Coffee! I’m actually lying, there are a few more things you have to try, but I will be dreaming about this sandwich for years to come—it was that delicious! Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

And of course, the coffee paired perfectly with it, though I needed to ask for it a bit sweeter. Once they sweetened it up for me, I really enjoyed it.

Chureito Pagoda

Chureito Pagoda is that iconic Mount Fuji photo you’ve probably seen a million times! Unfortunately, we skipped this spot because the visibility wasn’t great, and you really want clear skies to capture that breathtaking view of Fuji with the pagoda in the foreground. If you’re lucky with the weather, make sure to take a short train ride (around 15 minutes) to get there. You’ll have to climb up 400 steps to reach the top, but the reward is well worth the effort on a clear day!

Oishi Park

Oishi Park is a stunning lakeside spot, especially known for its seasonal beauty. Depending on when you visit, you might catch blooming lavender fields, gorgeous autumn foliage, or even a colorful flower festival. While we missed out on seeing Mount Fuji from here due to the clouds, the park itself is still a lovely place to stroll around. Make sure to check for any events happening during your trip—there’s always something to enjoy!

Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko is the centerpiece of the area, with picturesque views and plenty of activities. Whether you’re strolling along the lakeside, snapping photos of Mount Fuji (if the weather cooperates), or just soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of the area. There are also several viewpoints around the lake, so even if the weather isn’t on your side, you’ll still enjoy the stunning scenery!

Rent one of the swan paddle boats if you want to enjoy views from a different perspective!

Grab a Treat From Fujiyama Cookies

If you’re looking for a little treat, Fujiyama Cookies has you covered! These Fuji-inspired shortbread cookies come in so many fun and unique flavors and are baked carefully one by one every day at the foot of Mt. Fuji. They are almost too pretty to eat! They also make a great souvenir to bring back to friends and family—just be warned, you might want to keep a few for yourself after trying them!

Eat at the Beef Cutlet Specialty Store Koshuya

After working up an appetite exploring, treat yourself to some amazing Japanese comfort food at the Beef Cutlet Specialty Store Koshuya. It is known for its crispy, juicy beef katsu made from high-quality, carefully selected sirloin.

Freshly fried to a perfect medium rare, but feel free to grill it further to your liking on a Mt. Fuji lava plate. They offer a variety of flavorful sauces like wasabi soy, homemade grated daikon radish, Hiroshima lemon, and rock salt. This place was hands-down one of my favorite meals!

Ide Sake Brewery

If you’re a sake lover (or just curious to try it), a visit to Ide Sake Brewery is a must! This family-run brewery has been crafting sake for over 150 years and offers tours where you can learn about the traditional brewing process. The best part? You’ll get to sample some of their best creations! Even if you’re not a huge sake fan, the experience is fun and the rich history of the place makes it a worthwhile stop on your Mt. Fuji day trip.

The brewery is open from 9:30 AM–5:30 PM for sake tastings, which cost ¥300.

Feel Like a Local at Oar Blue

For a cozy, local experience, head over to Oar Blue, an adorable, man-made bar with rustic charm. The upstairs area is where we hung out with the kids, enjoying drinks and the friendly service from the owner. It felt like stepping into a little cabin, and the atmosphere was so warm and inviting. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or spending time relaxing, Oar Blue is a must-visit for anyone who loves discovering hidden gems!

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway offers stunning views of Lake Kawaguchi and, on a clear day, the iconic Mt. Fuji. It’s a must-do if you’re lucky with the weather! The ropeway takes you up to the observation deck on Mt. Tenjo, where you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views.

Even better? It’s incredibly affordable—less than $10 for a round trip! This scenic ride is a great way to take in the natural beauty of the area, and the experience feels like a steal for the price.

If you’re just doing a Mt. Fuji day trip, you may not have time for these, but if you extend your stay, be sure to check out these additional spots:

• Tenku no Torii: This stunning Torii gate offers some of the most picturesque views of Mount Fuji. It’s located in the Kawaguchi Asama Shrine area, and you can take a bus most of the way and hike for 30 minutes, or to save time you can take a taxi to the top, walk down, and catch the bus back to town to save time. The entry is only 100 yen, but be prepared for a potential line!
• Lake Saiko: A quieter lake near Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko is perfect if you’re looking to relax and enjoy some peaceful views. It’s much less crowded than Lake Kawaguchi, offering a more tranquil experience.
• Relax at Fuji Yurari Onsen: If you extend your trip, don’t miss out on soaking in a traditional onsen. Fuji Yurari Onsen is a popular choice, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji while you unwind in the hot spring. There will be an admission fee.
• Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave: These natural lava caves are fun to explore if you’re looking for something unique. Be sure to bundle up, as it can get quite cold inside, especially the Ice Cave, which stays frozen year-round! This tour from Tokyo includes transportation, the caves, and time at Fujiyama Onsen.
• Visit the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum: For something a little different, check out the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. This European-style garden and museum is full of charm, featuring beautiful music boxes, antique organs, and other fascinating instruments. The museum’s architecture and surrounding gardens give it a fairytale feel.
• Take in the views at Nagasaki Park: If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy some beautiful views of Lake Kawaguchi, Nagasaki Park is perfect. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or just to take a breather during your busy day. If you’re lucky with the weather, the view of Mount Fuji reflecting on the lake is stunning! Even if you’re visiting on a cloudy day, the serene atmosphere and fresh air make it worth a stop.

How to get to Kawaguchiko

If you’re planning a Kawaguchiko day trip from Tokyo, the easiest and most popular way to get there is by train. Start at Shinjuku Station and take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station. Then transfer to Otsuki. Once you arrive at Otsuki Station, transfer to the Fujikyu Railway, which will take you straight to Kawaguchiko Station.

This journey typically takes around 2 hours, making it perfect for a day trip. Plus, the train ride is super scenic, so sit back and enjoy the views of the countryside and, if you’re lucky, Mount Fuji along the way!

Are you ready for your epic Mt. Fuji day trip?!

I hope this guide has you excited and ready to plan your own day trip to Mt. Fuji! Whether you’re lucky enough to catch a clear view of the mountain or just enjoy all the fun and beauty Kawaguchiko has to offer, I know you’ll have an amazing time. Let me know which spots you’re most excited to visit, and if any of these suggestions surprised you!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Japan blog posts:

2 day Tokyo itinerary

Japan packing list

Things to know before traveling to Japan