How To Plan Your Trip To Mount Fuji

Seeing Mount Fuji is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Photos simply don’t do it justice. The sheer grandeur of Mount Fuji is absolutely breathtaking. It almost doesn’t feel real when you’re standing in front of it. It makes you realise just how magical our world is and how lucky we are to have places like this to explore. 

We decided to visit in November, as it offered ideal weather conditions for viewing Mount Fuji. Since it edges into winter, the skies tend to be clearer, increasing your chances of seeing the mountain in all its glory. There's also a higher likelihood of catching a glimpse of the iconic snow-capped peak, which only adds to the magic. Honestly, it’s impossible to fully describe the beauty of seeing Mount Fuji for the first time. 

There’s a lot of information out there about visiting Mount Fuji, and so many different ways to experience it, which can make planning quite overwhelming. In this blog, I’m going to share the best way to plan your trip to Mount Fuji—plus all the mistakes I made, so you don’t have to repeat them! 

Researching Your Trip to Mount Fuji 

The first step in planning your visit is deciding where you want to go to view Mount Fuji from. There are several locations to choose from, including the Fuji Five Lakes area, Hakone, and even the bullet train route. Ultimately, it depends on what kind of experience you’re after and how you’d like to spend your time. 

We wanted something that felt immersed in nature but still had all the essentials, so we chose Lake Kawaguchiko. There’s also a panoramic ropeway there that offers beautiful views of the mountain. If you’re after something quieter, I’d recommend visiting one of the less developed Five Lakes. For a more lively, tourist-friendly option, Hakone is a great choice. 

If you're short on time, you can even book a Mount Fuji view seat on the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. An easy and efficient way to take in the views. 

Travelling to Mount Fuji 

First things first: don’t make the same mistake we did! I can’t stress enough how important it is to book your transport in advance. We made the unfortunate error of checking Google Maps, which suggested taking a direct bus from Tokyo. We assumed this would be a standard public bus you could hop on—wrong! These are actually coaches with limited seating, and they must be booked ahead of time. Because Mount Fuji is such a popular destination, these tickets sell out quickly. 

I’d recommend booking your bus tickets a couple of weeks in advance to save yourself unnecessary stress. Alternatively, you can take the train, but just be prepared for it to be very crowded. We ended up packed in like sardines! 

To take the train, travel from Tokyo to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line, which connects to several locations around Mount Fuji. The station staff are really helpful and will make sure you’re on the right train with the correct ticket, so don’t hesitate to ask if you're unsure.  

Accommodation Around Mount Fuji 

There are so many accommodation options in the towns surrounding Mount Fuji. Many claim to offer the “best view” of the mountain, though that can sometimes be a bit of a stretch. So definitely double-check reviews before booking to make sure the place suits your needs. 

We tried two very different styles of accommodation to get the full experience. 

Our first, and my personal favourite, was glamping huts on a mountain opposite Mount Fuji. These teepee-style huts had balconies and BBQs, and they truly offered some of the best views of the mountain. They were also incredibly cosy, adding to the natural atmosphere. We visited during autumn, so the trees were a vibrant orange, which looked stunning at sunset. It was far out of town, peaceful, and deeply connected to nature. We even spotted monkeys in the morning! 

The second place we stayed was a cabin hut located in the town centre. It was compact but had everything we needed, kitchen, seating area, bathroom, and bedroom. All in a small but comfortable space. It was perfect for a quick overnight stay and conveniently close to all the main attractions. It also offered luggage storage, which made things much easier for us. 

How Long to Stay at Mount Fuji 

It is possible to visit Mount Fuji just for the day if you're short on time. However, if you can, I would highly recommend spending as much time in the surrounding area as possible. It’s so beautiful. The other issue with a day trip is that you limit your chances of actually seeing Mount Fuji, which is, of course, the main attraction. 

As a bare minimum, I’d suggest staying overnight. Your chances of seeing the mountain are much higher at sunrise and sunset when it's typically less cloudy. If you’re only there for the day, you’ll likely be travelling during these prime viewing times. 

We stayed for two nights and honestly wished we’d stayed longer. There’s just so much to see and do in the area. One of the best things about staying in the Five Lakes region is that you can explore the other lakes as well. Make the most of being away from the hustle and bustle of city life! 

Also, consider the time of year you’re planning to visit. In the summer months, there’s actually a lower chance of seeing Mount Fuji, as it tends to be more humid and therefore cloudier. You're also less likely to catch a glimpse of its iconic snow-capped peak, as summer temperatures can get quite high. 

Winter, on the other hand, offers clearer skies and a much better chance of seeing Mount Fuji in all its snowy glory. It’s absolutely stunning! We visited in autumn (November), and it was perfect. The best view of Mount Fuji we could have asked for. 

What to Do in Mount Fuji 

There are so many activities around Mount Fuji, you certainly won’t be short of things to do! If you're heading to Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the best ways to explore is by hiring a bicycle and riding along the scenic cycling routes, taking in the iconic spots. This is especially magical during the autumn foliage or cherry blossom season. 

In the Five Lakes region, there's also a sightseeing bus that takes you to various lakes and famous viewpoints, super convenient option to see everything in a short time period. 

Another must-do is the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, a cable car that takes you to a viewing platform with stunning views of the mountain. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike Mount Fuji but only during certain months of the year. Do some research beforehand, as it’s no ordinary hike and not for the faint-hearted. 

There are also plenty of hot springs and traditional onsens in the area where you can relax, surrounded by nature and the incredible views of Mount Fuji. Onsens are such a unique part of Japanese culture, and it's an experience you have to try while you're there. 

If you’re travelling with family or just fancy a bit of fun, there’s a theme park nearby, as well as boat trips and pedal boats you can take out onto the lakes. Great fun and a different perspective of the area. 

In short, you won’t be bored during your time at Mount Fuji!  

Departing from Mount Fuji 

Leaving Mount Fuji was actually less stressful for us than getting there, which is always a bonus! If you’re heading back to Tokyo, you can take the same route you arrived on. 

If you’re heading to Kyoto, you can book a bus to Mishima online or directly at the train station. The station even has QR codes to guide you to the booking website. I booked the bus two days in advance and there were plenty of seats available, but by the time we boarded, it was full, so try to book a few days ahead if you can. 

From Mishima, you can catch the bullet train straight to Kyoto. If you're lucky, you'll even get one last view of Mount Fuji from the train window. The station also sells the classic bento boxes that are perfect for your train journey. 

I booked my bullet train tickets a few weeks in advance using Klook. It was really easy—just like booking a regular train ticket. You can even select your seating preferences, like a spot with extra room for luggage or one with a Mount Fuji view. After booking, you receive a QR code that you simply scan at the station. Quick and super easy! 

Conclusion 

And that’s a wrap on our blog about planning your trip to Mount Fuji! It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll never forget. Being surrounded by nature was such a refreshing break from the fast pace of Japan’s cities. And honestly, seeing Mount Fuji in person just takes your breath away. 

I hope this blog helps you with your planning and makes your trip smoother than ours was!