Tokyo to Mt. Fuji: Lake Ashi Cruise & Hakone Ropeway Day Trip

Lake Ashi cruise, floating torii gate and Owakudani steam in one day

You’ll taste volcanic eggs in Owakudani’s steaming valley, float across Lake Ashi past its iconic torii gate, ride above misty cliffs on the Hakone Ropeway, and catch rare views of Mt. Fuji from peaceful parks: all with local guidance and easy transport from Tokyo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park50m
2. Lake Ashi1h 20m
3. Owakudani50m

Mt. Fuji cruise and Hakone sightseeing

• Visit Fuji Shibasari Peace Park viewpoint
• Explore Owakudani volcanic valley
• Take optional ropeway ride over valley
• Enjoy sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi
• Visit Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine
• Have lunch at Moto-Hakone Port

The Experience

I didn’t expect the air at Owakudani to hit me like that: kind of sharp and eggy, almost metallic. Our guide, Yuki, just grinned and handed me a black egg (kuro-tamago). “Adds seven years to your life,” she said, but I was more focused on not dropping it because my hands were shaking from the wind. The ground hissed and steamed around us. It felt like standing on the edge of something ancient, or maybe just really hungry volcanoes. I still remember how the sulfur clung to my jacket hours later.

After that, we rode the Hakone Ropeway: honestly, I was nervous at first (I’m not great with heights), but when Mt. Fuji suddenly appeared through a break in the clouds, everyone went quiet for a second. Even Yuki stopped talking. There was this weird sense of calm up there, just drifting above all that jagged rock and mist. Then someone’s phone rang with a pop song and we all laughed. It broke the spell in a good way.

The Lake Ashi cruise was next, on this pirate-looking ship that made me feel like a kid again. The water looked almost glassy under the late sun, and we floated past that bright red torii gate, so much bigger than I thought it’d be. I tried to get a photo but my fingers were sticky from lunch (fried smelt fish at Moto-Hakone Port, salty and crisp, worth it). Locals waved from tiny boats. One old man even shouted something about Fuji-san being shy today because of clouds. Not sure if he was joking or not.

We stopped at this hillside park only locals seem to know about, Fuji Shibasari Peace Park? Anyway, it was quiet except for some crows and you could see Fuji perfectly framed by cherry blossoms (well, almost perfectly, my camera skills are questionable). The ride back to Shinjuku was sleepy, someone snored behind me, but I kept thinking about that moment on the ropeway when everything just paused for a breath.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip bus transport from Tokyo’s Shinjuku district with comfortable seats, an English-speaking local guide throughout the journey, entry for both the scenic Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise and Hakone Ropeway ride over Owakudani’s volcanic valley: all before returning to your original meeting point in the evening.

Days and timesDaily except Wed · 08:00

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “In front of Seven-Eleven NTT Nishi-Shinjuku Building　 Your guide will be holding a white “Local Guide Stars” flag. Please arrive at the meeting point at least …”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Japan Guide Star

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Japanese.

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 24h before the start.

Is pickup included for this Mt. Fuji & Hakone day trip?

Yes, round-trip bus transportation from Shinjuku in Tokyo is included.

What food is available during lunch near Lake Ashi?

You can try local specialties like fried smelt fish (wakazagi), Hakone soba noodles, or Japanese set meals at Moto-Hakone Port restaurants.

Can infants join the tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap. Prams or strollers are allowed.

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

The bus departs from Shinjuku. Travel time varies but expect around 2-2.5 hours each way depending on traffic.

What is special about Owakudani?

Owakudani is an active volcanic valley known for its sulfur vents and black eggs boiled in geothermal springs.

Do we visit any shrines during this tour?

Yes, you’ll stop at Hakone Shrine with its famous floating torii gate by Lake Ashi.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

The area offers various restaurants including those with vegetarian choices. Your guide can help recommend suitable places.