Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Trip: Private Car, Ropeway & Lake Ashi

Summary

Private day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji’s lakes, ropeway views and Hakone

You’ll ride from Tokyo with a local driver who knows every shortcut, breathe in crisp air at Mt. Fuji 5th Station, taste black eggs in volcanic Owakudani Valley, and float across Lake Ashi on a quirky pirate ship—all without worrying about transport or language barriers. It’s a day full of small surprises and big views you’ll remember long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Tokyo when our driver—Kenji—asked if we wanted to stop for coffee or just keep rolling toward Mt. Fuji. He had this easy way about him, like he’d done this drive a hundred times but still enjoyed it. I tried out “arigatou gozaimasu” and he grinned, correcting my accent gently (I’m still not sure I got it right). The city faded fast, replaced by green slopes and those little villages with tiled roofs that always look like they’re waiting for a postcard photographer.

The air changed up at Mt. Fuji 5th Station—colder, sharper, almost sweet. There was this faint smell of pine and something else… maybe incense from the little shrine? We watched clouds snag on the mountain’s shoulder while Kenji explained how climbers start here in summer. I didn’t expect to feel so small looking out over the Five Lakes; it’s different than seeing it in photos, you know? My hands got cold holding the railing but I didn’t want to leave just yet.

Lunch was noodles at a roadside spot near Lake Kawaguchiko—nothing fancy but somehow perfect after all that wind. The owner bowed so low my friend tried to copy him (not quite as graceful). Later at Owakudani Valley, sulfur steam curled up around us and people laughed nervously about the egg smell. Kenji bought us those black eggs—they say eating one adds seven years to your life—and we joked we’d need them after all the walking.

I loved drifting across Lake Ashi on that pirate ship more than I thought I would—the fake cannons made kids giggle and adults take too many photos. The light was silver on the water and for a moment everything went quiet except for gulls overhead. Sometimes tours feel rushed but this one… well, there were pauses where you could just stand there and let it sink in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mt. Fuji and Hakone highlights

• Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station
• See Lake Yamanaka views
• Climb to Chureito Pagoda
• Explore Oshino Hakkai village
• Walk in Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park
• Ride Hakone pirate ship on Lake Ashi
• Discover volcanic Owakudani Valley
• Optional visit to Gotemba outlet mall

Top questions

How long does the Mt. Fuji & Hakone day trip take from Tokyo?

The private tour lasts a full day—expect about 10 hours including round-trip travel from Tokyo.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mt. Fuji & Hakone tour?

Yes, door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in Tokyo are included with your private car and driver.

Can I customize stops on this Mt. Fuji day trip?

Yes, you can choose which sights to visit around Mt. Fuji and Hakone based on your interests.

Are entrance fees or meals included?

Bottled water is included; entrance fees (like Mt. Fuji 5th Station) and meals are extra unless stated otherwise.

Is there an English-speaking guide or just a driver?

You’ll have an English-speaking driver who can share local tips but is not a licensed guide.

What’s special about Owakudani Valley?

Owakudani is famous for its volcanic landscape, sulfur vents, hot springs, hiking trails, and black eggs boiled in geothermal waters.

How accessible is the tour for families or seniors?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; some sites have steps or uneven paths but most stops are accessible by car.

What should I bring for this private day trip?

A jacket (it gets chilly at higher altitudes), comfortable shoes for walking, cash for snacks or souvenirs.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout; all gas, tolls, parking fees covered; plus seamless hotel pickup and drop-off in Tokyo so you don’t have to stress about logistics before or after exploring Mt. Fuji and Hakone together.