Mt. Fuji & Hakone: Private Day Tour with Lakes, Ropeway & Custom Stops

Summary

Private Mt. Fuji day trip from Tokyo to Hakone lakes, ropeway, and village walks

You’ll feel Japan’s quieter side as you glide across Lake Ashi’s chilly waters, ride above steaming valleys on the Hakone Ropeway, taste those famous black eggs at Owakudani, and wander through peaceful villages near Mt. Fuji—all with a private guide who listens to what you want most from your day.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a “customized” Mt. Fuji & Hakone day tour—sometimes that just means you get dropped at tourist traps and rushed along. But our guide (Kenji—he wore this faded baseball cap and knew every shortcut) actually asked us what we wanted to see most before we even left Tokyo. My partner wanted lakes; I was curious about the sulfur springs I’d seen in photos. We settled into his van while the city faded behind us, replaced by those low clouds that always seem to hang around Fuji.

The first real moment that hit me was stepping out at Lake Ashinoko—the air had this cold, mineral smell, and there were these faint ripples across the water. A couple of old men were fishing off the pier, not saying much. Kenji pointed out how on clear days you can see Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake (“Sakasa Fuji,” he called it), but today it was half-shrouded—still beautiful in a moody kind of way. We took the pirate ship cruise anyway; wind in my face, kids laughing somewhere behind us, and then suddenly the red torii gate appeared through the mist. It’s bigger than it looks in photos.

Owakudani was next—a valley that smells like boiled eggs and matches (sulfur everywhere). The ropeway up is worth it for the view alone; you can see steam rising from cracks in the earth, and if you’re lucky (we weren’t), Fuji pops out behind it all. Kenji handed us kuro-tamago—black eggs boiled right there—and told us eating one adds seven years to your life. I ate two just in case. The shell stains your fingers a bit but they taste like regular eggs… maybe a little smokier? Hard to say.

We squeezed in Oshino Hakkai too—a tiny village with ponds so clear you can see every stone at the bottom, koi drifting lazily under wooden bridges. There were women selling grilled mochi by the roadside; I bought one still warm from the fire and nearly burned my tongue because I couldn’t wait. Honestly, I could’ve stayed there an hour longer just watching people go about their day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mt. Fuji and Hakone highlights

• Visit Mount Fuji 5th Station
• Enjoy panoramic Mt. Fuji views
• Explore Oshino Hakkai village
• Visit Saiko Iyashi Sato no Nemba village
• Cruise Lake Ashinoko
• See Hakone Shrine floating torii gate
• Ride Hakone Ropeway at Owakudani Valley
• Shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets

Top questions

How long does this Mt. Fuji & Hakone private tour last?

The tour lasts 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included—just provide your address when booking.

Can I customize which places we visit during the tour?

Yes, you can add or skip any stops from the suggested itinerary based on your interests.

Are entry fees covered in this private Mt. Fuji tour?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants seats are available too.

What’s special about Owakudani on this route?

You’ll see volcanic steam vents and can try kuro-tamago (black eggs) boiled in sulfur springs.

Does this tour include lunch or food stops?

No set lunch is included but there are plenty of chances to buy local snacks or meals along the way.

Will we see Mt. Fuji clearly on this trip?

Sightings depend on weather; sometimes clouds cover Mt. Fuji partially or fully even if other views are clear.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Tokyo or nearby areas, all entry fees covered for each stop (like Lake Ashi cruises or ropeway rides), air-conditioned comfort throughout, Wi-Fi onboard if you need it, plus time with a flexible local guide who helps shape your route as you go—no need to worry about tickets or logistics along the way.