Mt Fuji & Hakone: Private Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

Summary

Private Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo with Hakone cruise and Owakudani valley

You’ll ride out from Tokyo in a private car with an English-speaking driver, stop at Mt Fuji’s 5th Station if weather allows, taste spring water at Oshino Hakkai, walk through sulfur steam at Owakudani, and float across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship—all in one day. Expect small surprises and real moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what Mt Fuji looks like up close, not just from a postcard? I didn’t really expect the drive out of Tokyo to feel so different—suddenly the city noise faded and our guide, Kenji, started pointing out how the clouds hugged the mountain that morning. We stopped at the 5th Station (weather was on our side), and I swear the air felt colder and sharper than in town. There’s a smell—pine needles, maybe?—and everyone around us seemed quietly excited, even though some folks were clearly struggling with the altitude. Kenji handed me a hot canned coffee from a vending machine. I still think about that little burst of warmth in my hands while looking up at Fuji-san.

After that, we wandered through Oshino Hakkai—a village with these clear ponds where you can see right to the bottom. An older woman selling grilled mochi smiled when I tried to say thank you in Japanese (I probably got it wrong; she laughed anyway). The water tasted almost sweet. Then we were off to Hakone. The road twisted through misty hills until we reached Owakudani. It smells like eggs—sulfur everywhere—and steam hisses from cracks in the earth. Kenji told us about the black eggs; apparently eating one adds seven years to your life. Not sure if it works but I ate two just in case.

The Lake Ashi pirate cruise was honestly more fun than I expected—kids running around pretending to steer, parents taking photos with Mt Fuji floating behind them (sometimes hiding behind clouds). The boat itself is kind of kitschy but in a good way. By late afternoon, everything felt quieter; maybe it was just me getting tired or maybe it’s something about being surrounded by water and mountains at once. We started heading back around four, watching the light change over the hills as Tokyo crept closer again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt Fuji and Hakone private tour

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Mt Fuji 5th station
• Explore Oshino Hakkai village
• Travel to Hakone
• Visit Hakone Owakudani valley
• Enjoy Lake Ashi pirate cruise
• Start return trip around 4:00 PM

Top questions

How long is the private day trip to Mt Fuji & Hakone?

The tour lasts around 9–10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Tokyo?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Is an English-speaking guide provided?

You’ll have an English-speaking driver who also acts as your guide during the day.

Can I customize my itinerary for this Mt Fuji & Hakone trip?

The trip is customizable; some changes may have extra charges.

What if bad weather prevents visiting Mt Fuji’s 5th Station?

If weather blocks access, alternative stops will be suggested by your driver-guide.

Are meals or entrance fees included?

No meals or entry fees are included; you can buy food and tickets along the way.

Is this private tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, vehicles are wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available on request.

What’s special about Owakudani on this tour?

You’ll experience volcanic steam vents and can try black eggs cooked in hot springs there.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation by licensed vehicle with green number plates, hotel pickup and drop-off in Tokyo, an English-speaking driver-guide throughout all stops—from Mt Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting) to Hakone’s Owakudani valley and Lake Ashi cruise—with time for local snacks before heading back in comfort.