Mt. Fuji and Hakone offer countless sightseeing spots . Traveling independently requires researching access routes, calculating travel times to multiple destinations, and piecing together different transportation methods. During the trip, you’ll also need to read timetables and signs, which are often written only in Japanese.

Visiting solely by public transportation usually involves multiple transfers between trains and buses, leading to long waits and the risk of falling behind schedule. In contrast, with a bus tour you simply board and travel directly to each destination. The biggest advantage is saving time and making the most of your limited hours, an ideal choice for travelers who value efficiency.

Another major appeal of tours is that you can gain explanations about the destinations, Japanese culture, and local insights directly from the guide. Thanks to this, the trip becomes even more meaningful. Reviews from participants often mention, “The guide not only took us to famous photo spots but also shared cultural and historical insights, which made the experience truly enjoyable.”

Tours are a popular choice because they remove both the language and transportation barriers, allowing you to enjoy many sightseeing spots in a short time with commentary included. For this reason, they are particularly popular among first-time travelers to Japan as well as repeat visitors with limited time.

To get the most out of your Mt. Fuji sightseeing, the first step is deciding what you want to do. That way, you won’t waste time visiting places that don’t interest you. Here we divide the tours into three types and explore the best strategies for each.

What kind of itinerary do you prefer when traveling? If your answer is “I want to visit all the major spots efficiently” or “I want the best of both worlds,” then the Balanced type is for you.

Balanced tours covering both Mt. Fuji and Hakone are especially popular because they let you visit the key attractions of both areas in a single day. For example, you could enjoy stunning views around Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station in the morning, then explore Hakone’s scenic spots in the afternoon. With minimal wasted travel time, you can fully experience both areas even within a limited schedule.

If your main goal is to focus on either Mt. Fuji or Hakone, a Mt. Fuji-focused plan may be the best choice. For example, if you want to “spend more time at Mt. Fuji” or “photograph Mt. Fuji from different angles,” this type is ideal.

Popular itineraries include visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Arakurayama Sengen Park, and the Lake Kawaguchi area, where you can admire the mountain from multiple viewpoints. These tours minimize travel while maximizing opportunities to capture stunning seasonal scenery. Many Mt. Fuji tours also offer flexible schedules and multiple options depending on the weather and season, ensuring a satisfying experience at a destination that is highly influenced by conditions.

If your main purpose is to experience Hakone, then the Hakone-focused tour is the perfect choice. With activities like sightseeing cruises, cable cars, and hot springs, Hakone offers a wide variety of experiences. However, trying to fit them all in may leave little time for Mt. Fuji.

In that case, consider how much emphasis you want to place on Mt. Fuji sightseeing. For example, you might simply stop at the 5th Station, or just enjoy the distant views from Lake Ashi or Gotemba Premium Outlets. By keeping Mt. Fuji sightseeing to a minimum and focusing on Hakone, you can spend a more relaxed and fulfilling day. This is the ideal choice if you want to enjoy Hakone’s culture, nature, and hot springs all in one trip.

Whether you prefer a Balanced plan, a Mt. Fuji-focused itinerary, or a Hakone-focused tours, here are our recommended options by type. We also introduce the main spots included, approximate prices, and participants’ reviews.

A Balanced day tour of Mt. Fuji and Hakone is designed to efficiently cover the representative attractions of both areas. Especially for first-time visitors, it’s hard to know which spots will touch your heart until you experience them yourself. That’s why a tour that includes the classic highlights of both Mt. Fuji and Hakone is highly recommended.

One such tour includes a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, where you can admire the lakeside torii gate and scenic views, followed by a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to witness the volcanic activity of Owakudani. Later, you will visit Lake Yamanaka to enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and spot swans, as well as Oshino Hakkai, a village known for its crystal-clear spring water. Some tours also feature Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can capture the iconic view of Mt. Fuji with a five-story pagoda, or Gotemba Premium Outlets, which offers panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. These itineraries allow you to experience a wide variety of landscapes in a single day, providing the perfect balance of Mt. Fuji and Hakone highlights.

Participants speak highly of these tours, with comments such as, “We fully enjoyed the charms of both Mt. Fuji and Hakone,” and “It was easy to join even with elderly family members since we didn’t have to worry about transportation.” The detailed and enthusiastic explanations by the tour guides are another big plus. Many reviews note, “The guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm made our experience truly enriching.” If you want to explore both Mt. Fuji and Hakone without compromise, a Balanced tour like this is the ideal choice.

Price Range

Balanced tours are usually priced around 6,600 to 8,500 yen. Many of the lower-priced options in the 6,000-yen range are discounted tours, with discounts ranging from 10% to 30%. Since some offers are limited, it’s best to check frequently. Also, don’t forget to review what is included. Even if a tour seems expensive at first glance, it may already cover admission or transportation fees. Some tours exceed 10,000 yen but include lunch or unique activities. Always check the details to understand the true value.

▼ Check this type of tour on reservation sites:

Among Mt. Fuji-focused tours, some of the most popular itineraries allow you to admire the mountain from different angles, beautifully framed by seasonal flowers and landscapes. One such plan takes you to scenic spots such as Lake Kawaguchi, Arakurayama Sengen Park, and Oishi Park, where Mt. Fuji provides a breathtaking backdrop. In most Mt. Fuji-focused tours, Hakone is limited to just one or two spots such as Owakudani or Lake Ashi, though some itineraries even include the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

For example, Arakurayama Sengen Park offers the iconic view of Mt. Fuji alongside a five-storied pagoda, while Obuchi Sasaba showcases the mountain rising beyond vibrant tea fields. Each location reveals a different face of Mt. Fuji, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. The charm of these tours is that you can enjoy “scenery like a masterpiece painting” without the hassle of arranging transportation on your own. Reviews praise them highly, with comments such as, “We were able to smoothly visit spots that would be difficult to access by ourselves” and “Every location was photogenic, and the time allocation was just right.”

Other popular itineraries balance nature, culture, and scenery by including stops like Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, and Oishi Park. Oishi Park is especially renowned for its seasonal beauty: pink moss phlox in May, lavender in summer, and red kochia in autumn, all with Mt. Fuji in the background. These tours are ideal for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in the majesty of Mt. Fuji and return home with a gallery of unforgettable photos. They are especially recommended for photography lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who has long dreamed of seeing Mt. Fuji in person.

Price Range

Mt. Fuji-focused tours with discounts typically range from the 6,000-yen range up to around 8,000 yen, while non-discounted options are closer to 10,000 yen. Private tours for groups of up to six people can exceed 82,000 yen. Although this may seem expensive, when divided among six participants the price per person is not much higher, while the level of service is significantly better. Reviews highlight that “we could customize the stops at many major locations” and “the driver frequently stopped at rest areas so we could buy drinks and use restrooms,” showing how comfortable the experience can be.

For those seeking a Hakone-focused experience, the recommended tours are those that let you fully enjoy unique activities such as sightseeing cruises, ropeways, and hot springs. There are several itinerary variations for this type. One option is to admire Mt. Fuji only from a distance. Others may include visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station before exploring Hakone, or ending the day with Mt. Fuji sightseeing at Lake Yamanaka or Oshino Hakkai after spending most of the day in Hakone.

For example, one popular tour includes a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, sightseeing at Owakudani, a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, plus two hours of free time at Gotemba Premium Outlets or hot springs. In this plan, Mt. Fuji is viewed only from a distance. These tours are perfect for travelers who want to “stay active” and “try many experiences” in Hakone. Owakudani is especially memorable, with its powerful volcanic steam and the chance to taste the famous black eggs. Reviews praise these itineraries, with comments like, “Riding the ropeway over Owakudani and eating the black eggs was unforgettable, and we enjoyed many other experiences,” and “The pirate ship, ropeway, and Mt. Fuji… everything was a highlight.”

Other tours focus on history and nature, combining visits to Hakone Shrine and the lakeside Peace Torii with the pirate ship and ropeway, giving you the chance to admire both Lake Ashi and the Hakone mountains. Some itineraries even offer choices of sightseeing spots and hot springs, while the latter part of the day may include Atami sightseeing or fireworks festivals. All of these variations are designed to let you spend quality time immersing yourself in Hakone’s appeal. For those who want to prioritize Hakone experiences, this type of tour is ideal. The biggest charm of Hakone-focused tours is being able to savor the full range of activities Hakone has to offer.

Price Range

Hakone-focused tours vary in price. Aside from a limited-time discounted plan at 6,749 yen, most tours are priced between 11,000 and 14,000 yen, with some ranging from 20,000 to 24,000 yen. However, the 6,749-yen plan does not include Hakone Ropeway or Lake Ashi cruise tickets. On the other hand, tours priced over 24,000 yen usually include not only the ropeway and cruise fees, but also a Shinkansen ticket from Odawara Station back to Tokyo. The advantage of these higher-priced tours is being able to return quickly without traffic jams, since you travel back by Shinkansen instead of bus. This shows that prices vary depending on what is included, so it is best to choose according to your budget and priorities.

▼Check this type of tour on reservation sites: 

※ Prices are as of August 2025
※ Lunch contents and serving style vary by tour. Please note that meals not included in the tour fee must be arranged individually

The majestic scenery of Mt. Fuji and the diverse attractions of Hakone, a tour that lets you experience both in a single day is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Japan. By choosing the plan that best matches your purpose and travel style, you can move smoothly and enjoy even greater satisfaction. With the efficient itineraries unique to guided tours, you are guaranteed an unforgettable day.