Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko: 5th Station Day Trip with Cruise

Summary

Mt. Fuji’s heights, lakeside air and a day of quiet wandering

You’ll breathe crisp mountain air at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, ride a sightseeing cruise on Lake Kawaguchi beneath those famous peaks, and have time to wander or relax by the water—with lunch and pickup included if you want it. Expect small surprises: local snacks, warm tea in cold hands, and views that linger long after you’re back in Tokyo.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re lucky—the clouds are high today,” our guide Yuki grinned as we clambered off the bus at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station. She handed me a tiny paper cup of hot tea (I think it was barley?), and the steam felt good on my cold fingers. The air up there is sharper than I expected—sort of piney but also sweet, like snow that hasn’t melted yet. A couple of shopkeepers waved us over to try their chestnut cakes; I fumbled my yen coins and Yuki laughed, showing me how to say “arigatou gozaimasu” properly. I probably still butchered it.

The drive up from Tokyo had been quiet—just the hum of the bus and the odd snore from someone behind me. At the top, everything felt bigger: Fuji looming above us, clouds drifting below. We didn’t rush; Yuki pointed out a shrine tucked behind souvenir stalls, where people were tying wishes onto branches. Some folks took photos by the sign showing 2,305 meters—I just stood there for a while, letting my breath slow down. If you’re after that day trip Mt. Fuji vibe from Tokyo but don’t want to hike for hours, this is honestly perfect.

Lunch was at Fuji Q Highland (you can pick if you want it included or not). I went for the set meal—nothing fancy but filling—and then we headed down to Lake Kawaguchi for the sightseeing cruise. The boat glided under Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge; wind in my face, kids giggling as they pointed at Unoshima Island drifting past. There’s about two hours of free time here—you can wander along the shore or just sit and watch the lake change color when clouds shift overhead. I ended up chatting with an old man fishing near the pier; he didn’t speak much English but showed me his catch anyway.

I keep thinking about that moment on the water: Mt. Fuji reflected in ripples, everyone quiet for a second except for one woman who sneezed loudly (she apologized in three languages). It’s not dramatic or anything—it just feels real out there. So yeah, if you want a day away from Tokyo noise but don’t feel like planning every detail yourself, this Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko tour covers all those little moments you’d probably miss alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko sightseeing

• Drive to Mt. Fuji base
• Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station
• Stop at Fuji Q Highland for lunch
• Cruise from Appare Pier around Unoshima
• Explore Kawaguchiko area freely

Top questions

How long does the Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko day trip take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Tokyo with several stops including Mt. Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchi.

Is lunch included in the Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko tour?

Lunch is included only if you select that option when booking; otherwise you can arrange your own meal.

What happens if Mt. Fuji 5th Station is closed?

If road closures prevent access to 5th Station, you'll visit Oshino Hakkai or another nearby spot instead.

Is there free time during this day trip?

Yes, you'll have about 2–2.5 hours of free time around Lake Kawaguchi to explore without a guide.

Are tickets for the Lake Kawaguchi cruise included?

The sightseeing cruise is included if you select that ticket option when booking your tour.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at designated meeting points in Tokyo—not individual hotels.

Can infants join this Mt. Fuji day trip?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transport as required by local regulations.

Are vegan or halal meals available on this tour?

No—halal and vegan meals are not available; dietary needs must be communicated three days before departure.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at set meeting points in Tokyo, an English-speaking guide throughout most stops, comfortable bus transport with Wi-Fi and air conditioning, entry tickets for the Lake Kawaguchi sightseeing cruise (if selected), plus lunch if you choose that option when booking—leaving plenty of time to explore on your own before heading back to Tokyo in the evening.