Mount Fuji Day Trip: Lake Kawaguchi & Oshino Hakkai Tour

The drive takes 2.5 hours each way, leaving most of your day for the mountain itself.

A private 10-hour van tour from Tokyo to Mount Fuji's base in Yamanashi Prefecture, with an English-speaking driver and your own vehicle for the full day. You visit Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka for views of the peak, stop at Oshino Hakkai's eight spring-fed ponds, and see the Chureito Pagoda at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. The van size adjusts to your group (from a 7-seater for smaller parties to a 14-seater for larger ones), and includes all fuel, tolls and parking. A 24-hour travel consultant helps arrange restaurant reservations or adjust the stops to suit your needs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private round trip tour to Mount Fuji

• Depart from Tokyo
• Visit Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and Chureito Pagoda
• Explore Lake Kawaguchi
• See Kanadorii grand torii gate
• Visit Oshino Hakkai ponds
• Stop at Lake Yamanaka
• Return to Tokyo

The Experience

The Chureito Pagoda at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine frames Mount Fuji from a historic shrine in Fujiyoshida, and it's the first landmark most visitors photograph. From there, the route moves through Yamanashi Prefecture to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, where the mountain reflects in calm water and hot springs dot the shoreline. The drive from Tokyo takes 2.5 hours each way, which means you have roughly five hours on the ground to move between the lakes and smaller stops without rushing.

Oshino Hakkai is eight crystal-clear ponds fed by Mount Fuji's melted snow, ringed by traditional thatched-roof houses and green slopes. Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the five lakes, sits at the mountain's base and offers its own unobstructed views. You'll also pass Kanadorii, the grand torii gate marking the entrance to Fujiyoshida City: a spiritual threshold and a photo stop. The driver navigates the route and handles all logistics. You choose the pace and which stops matter most to you.

After booking, a travel consultant is available around the clock to help you refine the itinerary, make restaurant reservations at specialty spots, or adjust stops based on what you want to see. The van comes with an English-speaking driver only, not a guide offering commentary, so the experience is quieter and more flexible than a group tour. Fuel, tolls and parking are all included in the price.

What’s included

• English-speaking driver for the full 10 hours.
• private van sized to your group with fuel, tolls and parking included.
• access to a 24-hour travel consultant who can arrange restaurant reservations and adjust your stops.

Days and timesDaily

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Diper Tour

Is this one for you?The 10-hour commitment is mostly driving, 2.5 hours each way, so this suits a day trip from Tokyo when you want to see Mount Fuji's base without staying overnight. If you need more time on the mountain itself or want to hike, a longer overnight trip works better. If you have only a few hours, this tour is too long.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

How much time do I actually spend at Mount Fuji itself?

The 2.5-hour drive each way from Tokyo leaves roughly five hours for stops around the mountain's base: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Oshino Hakkai and the Chureito Pagoda. You set the time at each spot. The driver waits with the van.

What is Oshino Hakkai like?

Oshino Hakkai is a set of eight ponds fed by Mount Fuji's melted snow, surrounded by traditional thatched-roof houses and forest. The water is clear enough to see the mountain's reflection, and it's a quiet spot for walking and photography rather than a major attraction with crowds or entry fees.

Can I change the stops or add restaurants to the itinerary?

Yes. After you book, a 24-hour travel consultant works with you to adjust the route, add restaurant reservations at specialty spots, or customize the day around what you want to see. Changes are made before the tour, not during it.

What size van will I get?

The van size depends on your group: a 7-seater for groups under six people, a 10-seater for groups under nine, a 14-seater for up to twelve, or a bus for larger groups. You have the entire vehicle to yourself. It's not shared with other bookings.

Does the price include meals or entry fees?

The price covers the driver, the van, fuel, tolls and parking. Meals are on you, though the consultant can help you book restaurants. There are no admission fees at any of the stops on this itinerary.