Mt Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo: BBQ Lunch & Lake Motosu Views

Private drive to Mt Fuji lakeside BBQ, forest walk and waterfalls

You’ll ride out from Tokyo with a local guide who knows every shortcut to Mt Fuji’s best views. Enjoy Japanese BBQ by Lake Motosu, wander through Aokigahara Forest’s mossy silence, and pause at Shiraito Falls for photos or just to breathe it all in. Expect small surprises and honest moments you’ll remember long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each5 stops

1. Mount Fuji30m
2. Lake Kawaguchi30m
3. Lake Motosu1h
4. Aokigahara Forest30m
5. Shiraito Falls30m

Private Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo

• Meet guide at Nakano Station
• Drive to Mt. Fuji area
• Enjoy Mt. Fuji scenic photo stops
• Visit Lake Kawaguchiko for photos and walk
• Have Japanese-style BBQ lunch at Lake Motosu
• Walk through Aokigahara Forest
• Visit Shiraito Falls for photos and nature

The experience

I didn’t expect the first glimpse of Mt Fuji from the car window to feel so quiet. Our guide, Yuto, just grinned when I gasped. He’s been doing this for seven years but still seemed excited every time the mountain peeked through the clouds. We left Tokyo early (pickup at Nakano Station was actually easy), and somehow it felt like we’d crossed into another world by the time we reached Lake Kawaguchi. The air even smelled different, kind of crisp and faintly sweet, maybe from all those pines.

We stopped so many times for photos I lost count: Yuto always knew which turnoff would have the best angle depending on the weather. At Lake Motosu, he set up a little BBQ right by the water. The sizzle of meat and veggies was oddly soothing (I went for the vegan option, grilled mushrooms with some sauce I still can’t pronounce). Sitting there with chopsticks in hand, Mt Fuji reflected in the lake, it felt almost staged but it wasn’t. There were hardly any other people around. Just us, a few ducks, and that ridiculous view you see on the ¥1,000 bill.

After lunch we wandered into Aokigahara Forest. It’s got this reputation online, but honestly? It just felt peaceful and cool underfoot, roots twisting everywhere and sunlight sort of leaking through in patches. Yuto pointed out how lava shaped the ground here after Fuji’s last eruption. He told stories about local legends: some funny, some a bit spooky (he laughed when I tripped over a root, apparently it happens to everyone). Shiraito Falls was our last stop: so much quieter than I expected, with spray that made my glasses fog up instantly.

I keep thinking about that moment by the lake, not dramatic or anything, just simple and real. If you want a day trip to Mt Fuji from Tokyo that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded (and includes a proper lunch), this is probably it.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Tokyo or Kawaguchiko Station, all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with your bilingual Japanese guide who handles everything from photo stops to sharing stories along the way. Lunch is a Japanese BBQ by Lake Motosu (or warm meal in winter), plus guided walks at Aokigahara Forest and Shiraito Falls before heading back in comfort.

Information

Lasts 9h–10h, runs Monday to Friday at 09:00, from JP¥ 44,000 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 09:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate3 group tours ›

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.11 with pickup ›

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Youth (6 to 12 years) · Child (under 6)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by My Japan Discovery

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

160 verified traveler reviews

5 ★159

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 12 years); Child (under 6).

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 24 h before the start.

Is pickup included for this Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo?

Yes, pickup is available at Nakano Station in central Tokyo or Kawaguchiko Station near Mt Fuji.

What kind of lunch is served on this tour?

A Japanese-style BBQ lunch by Lake Motosu is included (vegan options available). In winter months a warm local meal is served instead.

How long does it take to reach Mt Fuji from Tokyo?

The private drive from central Tokyo to the Mt Fuji area usually takes about 2 hours depending on traffic.

Are there guided walks included?

Yes, your local guide leads walks through Aokigahara Forest and around scenic spots like Shiraito Falls.

Can I customize which places we visit?

The itinerary is flexible based on your interests and seasonal conditions. Just let your guide know your preferences.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s designed for all fitness levels with relaxed walks and plenty of breaks.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, both Nakano Station in Tokyo and Kawaguchiko Station near Mt Fuji are accessible by public transit.