From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji & Hakone Tour w/ Return by Bullet Train

A day that takes in Mt. Fuji, Hakone’s volcanic slopes, a Lake Ashi cruise and a ride on the Shinkansen packs a lot of Japan into 11 hours. I like the mix of mountain, volcano and lake, and I like that the return trip adds a fast train ride rather than another long coach journey.

The main consideration is the weather: Fuji can disappear behind cloud or fog, and the tour does not offer refunds for weather-related complaints. The day also involves long drives and brief stops, so it suits you best if you want a broad introduction to the region rather than hours at any one place.

At a glance

• Mt. Fuji access depends on conditions: The bus aims for the 5th Station at about 2,300 meters. If the road or weather prevents access, the guide takes you to the highest point possible.
• Owakudani puts you near volcanic activity: The Hakone Ropeway passes through the volcanic area, where you can see steam and buy the famous black eggs for an extra fee.
• Lake Ashi brings a change of pace: The cruise offers wide views and, when the sky is clear, a chance to see Mt. Fuji from the water.
• The Shinkansen is part of the day: Your ticket covers a non-reserved seat from Odawara to Tokyo, but you travel without the guide.
• Lunch depends on your booking option: Choose the lunch option for a hot pot and half-buffet meal. Drinks are not included.

From Shinjuku to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station

Meet your guide beside the Nishi Shinjuku LOVE sculpture, outside the Shinjuku i-Land building. The bus ride to the Mt. Fuji area takes about two and a half hours, so think of the drive as a substantial part of the outing, not a short transfer. Guides often use the journey to share context and keep the group informed; guide names reported on past tours include Yumi, Sachi, Ai, Happy and Hide, but the person leading your departure will vary.

The first major stop is the 5th Station on the Subaru Line, at roughly 2,300 meters above sea level. It is not the summit, but it gets you high on the mountain without a climb and gives you a close look at Fuji’s upper slopes. There is a Komitake Shrine and a chance to browse for souvenirs. The view changes quickly: clouds may clear for a glimpse of the peak, or close in and hide it.

Keep your expectations flexible. The tour aims to reach the highest point possible, but bad weather or an accident on the road can prevent access to the 5th Station. In that case, the guide redirects the group to another high point. Fuji visibility is also not guaranteed even when the road is open. Fog, rain and high humidity can block the view, and there is no refund for weather-related disappointment or a guide’s decision to reschedule the tour.

This is a scenic stop, not a hike to the summit. You’ll have time to look around, visit the shrine or shop, and take photos, but some people find the time at the 5th Station short. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a layer suitable for the conditions; the tour specifically recommends comfortable footwear.

Lunch: a Japanese hot pot and half buffet

If you select the lunch option, the meal break lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and includes a hot pot and half buffet. It can be a useful chance to try a mix of Japanese dishes without having to choose a restaurant yourself. Several people have particularly enjoyed the meal, while others found the hot pot less to their taste. Rice and other familiar options may be available, but the precise spread can vary.

Tell the operator about food restrictions so arrangements can be made. Drinks are not included, so budget for them separately if you want something beyond water. If you prefer to choose your own food, check your booking option carefully: lunch is included only when selected.

Owakudani by Hakone Ropeway

In Hakone, the ropeway carries you through the Owakudani volcanic area. From the gondola, you can watch the terrain and elevation change as you pass above the slopes. On clear or active days, steam rising from the volcanic ground makes this a very different scene from the mountain and lake stops.

At Owakudani, you can buy the well-known black eggs, boiled in sulphuric water heated by volcanic activity. They cost extra, as do drinks and other purchases. The stop is also a chance to browse for unusual souvenirs. The ropeway is one of the most praised parts of the day, but if heights make you uneasy, be aware that this is a cable-car ride rather than a roadside viewpoint.

Operations can change. If the Hakone Ropeway or Hakone Pirate Ship is not running, the tour may switch to alternatives such as the Komagatake Ropeway, a Lake Ashi cruise, the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Mishima Skywalk, Narukawa Art Museum, Hakone Checkpoint or Hakone Shrine. The exact substitute depends on what is operating, so the planned combination of stops is not guaranteed.

A Lake Ashi cruise with a Fuji chance

The cruise on Lake Ashi gives your day a slower stretch after the bus and ropeway. The ship is styled as a pirate ship, an unusual touch that gives the ride a bit of theatre along with the lake scenery. From the deck, you may get sweeping views across the water and, if the weather cooperates, Mt. Fuji.

The view is the bonus, not a promise. Cloud and haze can obscure the mountain from the lake just as they can at the 5th Station. If you want a snack from the ship, buy it early: some popular items can sell out quickly. This is also a good time to keep your camera ready, since the view depends on where you are on the lake and what the sky is doing.

The Shinkansen back from Odawara

The tour ends at Odawara Station for passengers on the Shinkansen return route. From there, the ride to Tokyo takes about 34 minutes. Your ticket is for a non-reserved seat, and the guide does not travel with you, so listen closely to the departure instructions and be ready to manage the station on your own.

The bus’s arrival time at Odawara depends on traffic. There are typically two trains an hour, and you can use any non-reserved coach. The stated timetable is subject to change; check the current options on the day rather than treating a listed departure as fixed. You can also get off at Shinagawa, one stop before Tokyo, and use the same Shinkansen ticket to transfer to the Yamanote Line for Shinjuku or other stops on that route.

This independent return is straightforward if you are comfortable following signs and boarding a train without the guide. It is also a real advantage over spending the entire return journey on the bus. If you would rather not use the Shinkansen, a separate version of the same tour returns by motorcoach; it costs less but takes longer.

What the $117 price buys you

At $117 per person, the value comes from combining several costly-to-arrange pieces into one day: air-conditioned bus transport, a guide, the Hakone Ropeway, the Lake Ashi cruise and a Shinkansen ticket back to Tokyo. Lunch is included only if you select that option. The tour takes care of transport between far-flung stops, which would require more planning if you tried to combine them independently in one day.

The price does not cover drinks or black eggs, and you should check whether your chosen booking includes lunch. Also count the time cost. The tour lasts 11 hours, with about two and a half hours on the outward drive alone, plus additional bus travel between the stops. The schedule is full, and stops can feel brief. That is a fair trade if your priority is seeing several places efficiently; it is less appealing if you want a slow visit at the mountain or a long meal.

Practical details before you book

Arrive on time at the meeting point. If you miss the departure, you cannot join the group later because of the schedule. The meeting place is the LOVE sculpture outside Shinjuku i-Land, not a hotel pickup; transport to and from your hotel is not included.

The tour has English- and Spanish-speaking guide options. A child aged three or younger may join free, but that child will not receive a bus seat or lunch. If you need either, book at the child rate. Pregnant women are listed as unsuitable for this activity.

The sightseeing stops are wheelchair-accessible, but the standard buses do not have lifts or ramps. Folding wheelchairs can generally go in the luggage compartment. Electric wheelchairs may not fit because of size and weight limits, so contact the operator when booking if you plan to bring one.

Is this Mt. Fuji and Hakone tour right for you?

Book it if you have one day to spare in Tokyo and want to see a range of scenery without arranging each connection yourself. The combination of the 5th Station, volcanic Owakudani, Lake Ashi and a Shinkansen ride makes the day varied, and the train return adds a memorable finish. It is especially practical if you would find the regional transport connections daunting on your own.

Think twice if seeing Mt. Fuji clearly is your sole reason for booking. Weather can hide the mountain, and the tour offers no weather-related refund. Also consider whether you are happy with a long coach ride, a packed schedule and limited time at each stop. If those trade-offs suit you, this is a strong-value day trip; if you want more time to explore one area, choose a slower plan.

FAQ

How long is the Mt. Fuji and Hakone tour?

The tour lasts about 11 hours. The drive from Shinjuku to the Mt. Fuji area takes about two and a half hours, and the Shinkansen ride from Odawara to Tokyo takes about 34 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet your guide beside the Nishi Shinjuku LOVE sculpture outside the Shinjuku i-Land building. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Will I definitely see Mt. Fuji?

No. High humidity, heavy rain, fog and other weather conditions can hide the mountain. Road or weather problems may also prevent the bus from reaching the 5th Station, in which case the group visits the highest point possible.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is included only if you select that option when booking. The meal is described as a hot pot and half buffet. Drinks are not included.

Is the Shinkansen ticket included?

Yes. The tour includes a Shinkansen ticket from Odawara to Tokyo. It is for a non-reserved seat, and the guide does not accompany you on the train.

Can I return to Tokyo by bus instead?

Yes. A separate version of the tour returns by motorcoach. The sightseeing itinerary is the same except for the return transport; the bus takes longer and costs less.

What happens if the Hakone Ropeway or pirate ship is not operating?

The tour may be redirected to alternatives such as the Komagatake Ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Mishima Skywalk, Narukawa Art Museum, Hakone Checkpoint or Hakone Shrine.

Can a wheelchair user join the tour?

The sightseeing stops are wheelchair-accessible, but the standard buses do not have wheelchair lifts or ramps. Folding wheelchairs can generally be stored in the luggage compartment, while electric wheelchairs may not fit. Tell the operator when booking.

What should I bring, and what if I arrive late?

Wear comfortable shoes. You must arrive on time at the meeting point; late arrivals cannot join the tour midway.