Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak at 3,776 meters, lies about 100 km west of Tokyo and holds deep spiritual significance in Shinto belief. Visible from the city on roughly 30% of clear days, it is one of the most iconic highlights in Tokyo tourism. For those not climbing, the best way to experience Fuji-san up close is a day trip combining the Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) for classic views and the Hakone hot spring region for a traditional onsen experience, often recommended in a detailed Tokyo travel guide.
A practical route begins from Shinjuku using the JR Tokaido Shinkansen or Odakyu Romancecar to Odawara (35–45 minutes). From there, continue via the Hakone-Tozan Railway to explore key stops like the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the geothermal Owakudani known for its sulphur vents and black eggs (each said to add seven years to your life), and Lake Ashi, where pirate-themed boats cross the lake with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. The Hakone Free Pass (5,000–6,500 JPY for two days) covers transport and is cost-effective.
From Lake Ashi, take the cable car back to Owakudani, then descend via funicular and train to Hakone-Yumoto for an onsen visit. Options include Yunessun, a themed bath complex with wine, coffee, and green tea pools (2,500 JPY), or Tenzan Onsen, a more traditional experience with outdoor baths (1,300 JPY). Proper etiquette applies: wash before entering, no swimsuits, towels kept out of the water, and tattoos may require prior checking.
For the most iconic Fuji views, continue about 30 minutes further to Lake Kawaguchiko in the Fuji Five Lakes region. The north shore offers the classic symmetrical reflection, while the nearby Chureito Pagoda provides the famous composition of Mount Fuji framed by a five-story pagoda. While combining Hakone and Kawaguchiko in one day is possible, it can feel rushed, so most visitors choose one. Guided bus tours from Tokyo (15,000–20,000 JPY) offer a simpler alternative with transport, meals, and an English-speaking guide, making it one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo for first-time visitors planning to visit Tokyo efficiently.