One of the biggest appeal of bus tours is that they are both affordable and convenient. For instance, while the train fare from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi, including the limited express fee, cost 4,130 yen one way, round-trip bus tours are priced at around 7,000 to 8,000 yen, offering much better value. Moreover, if you want to visit multiple destinations, a bus tour saves you the trouble of worrying about transfers, return schedules, or planning your itinerary. Everything is taken care of for you.

Another advantage is that a single tour includes a full range of experiences, from visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station to shopping at the outlet mall. So this time, we will introduce different types of one-day bus tours that make sightseeing around Mt. Fuji easy and enjoyable, comparing their features by departure point.

As one of the largest terminal stations, Shinjuku is the starting point for many bus tours due to its excellent access and the large number of travelers who pass through every day.. From Shinjuku, you’ll find an especially wide variety of one-day bus tours for Mt. Fuji sightseeing. Here, we’ll highlight some of the most recommended bus tours to choose from.

A one-day bus tour to Mt. Fuji and its surrounding areas offer unique charm with every season. At Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, the midpoint of the climbing trail, you can appreciate the majestic presence of Mt. Fuji up close. Reaching the 5th Station directly by bus is a distinctive feature of these tours. For those confident in their stamina, some courses also allow a short hike during the stay.

In addition, the foothills of Mt. Fuji are home to many seasonal flower spots. In spring, you can enjoy moss phlox and rows of cherry blossoms; in summer, sunflowers and lavender; and in autumn, vibrant fall foliage, all adding seasonal beauty to your trip. The Lake Kawaguchi Panorama Ropeway provides breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from above, leaving you in awe of its vast natural surroundings. Other highlights include the beautiful waterside scenery of Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai. From Arakurayama Sengen Park, you can admire a picturesque view of the five-storied pagoda together with Mt. Fuji.

At each spot, there is plenty of free time, allowing the tour to balance the advantages of both independent and group travel.

Participants have commented things like, “I usually prefer traveling alone and didn’t expect much from a group tour, but this one was wonderful.” Others praised the well-structured itinerary, the excellent value for money, the opportunity to see many beautiful sights, and express a desire to join again on their next trip. Additionally, the multilingual guides are another attractive feature. Participants highly appreciate how the guides care for each passenger and provide detailed information, with comments such as, “The guide paid attention to each traveler and gave thorough explanations,” and “Their knowledge was extensive, sharing lots of useful information.”

Price Guide
One-day bus tours to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station and the ropeway typically range from 6,600 to 8,000 yen, depending on the route and services included. Some tours also provide hotel pick up and drop off within Tokyo’s wards, though these tend to be slightly more expensive. These tours are convenient if your accommodation is far from the bus departure point.

Tour prices also vary depending on the extras offered. For example, tours that include breakfast or seasonal all-you-caneat fruit picking may cost over 15,000 yen.

When selecting a tour, it’s recommended to consider what type of services you value most.
The highlight of this classic tour is the efficiency with which it takes you to some of the area’s most iconic spots. Although the exact course varies by tour, it usually features destinations such as the following.

Check this type of tour on reservation sites:

Some one-day bus tours to Mt. Fuji include a visit to Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the leading shopping facilities in the Kanto region. For those who want to experience both the majestic nature around Mt. Fuji and enjoy shopping, a day tour that covers both in its itinerary is recommended.

Moreover, Gotemba Premium Outlets is set in a location that offers a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji, so you can enjoy the mountain’s scenery while shopping—two pleasures in one. In addition, the tour typically includes stops at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station and Oshino Hakkai, allowing you to stroll through the cool, refreshing 5th Station in summer while admiring the mystical sea of clouds.

Additionally, some tours feature a visit to Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway, followed by a scenic trip around Lake Ashi, offering a rich and fulfilling itinerary. While ridding the Hakone Ropeway, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the vast geothermal landscape below. At Owakudani, don’t miss the chance to try the region’s famous black eggs, cooked in the hot springs and said to add seven years to your life with just one bite.

From the bus at Lake Ashi, you can admire beautiful views with Mt. Fuji in the background, along with the striking red torii gate of Hakone Shrine rising from the water. After experiencing the proximity of Japan’s highest peak at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, enjoying these breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from a slightly distant location is another highlight of these tours.

Some tours also allow you to choose between shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets or unwinding a hot spring bath. Although the bathing fee is not included, soaking in a spacious open-air bath with high-quality hot spring water, all while gazing at Mt. Fuji, offers a truly blissful experience.

Participants have spoken highly of these well-rounded tours, saying things like, “I was able to do so much in such a short time,” and “Reaching the 5th Station without having a climb was a unique experience.” One participant even said, “I couldn’t believe the outlet prices —I ended up buying six pairs of shoes. All authentic products.”

The guides also receive glowing reviews, such as, “Thanks to the trivia they shared about the places we visited, the trip became even more wonderful,” and “They gave excellent tips on how to explore the areas.” This tour is ideal for both discovering hidden shopping treasures and creating unforgettable memories.

Price Guide
These tours are generally priced between 6,600 and 7,000 yen, while tours with more extensive routes are priced around 10,000 yen.

It is important to keep in mind that shopping expenses and hot spring admission fees are not included in the tour price when participants choose those options freely, so be sure to plan your budget accordingly.

At the outlet mall in particular, there is a good chance of finding unexpected bargains, so it’s a good idea to allow for extra spending. Also, some tours provide shopping coupons with discounts ranging from 5% to 15%, so be sure to check for these offers when selecting your tour. Getting good deals will make your trip even more enjoyable.

Check this type of tour on reservation sites:

Tokyo Station and Ginza are also popular departure and arrival points for many one-day bus tours. The Marunouchi area around Tokyo Station and Ginza are renowned for luxury brand shops and long-established stores, attracting people with a taste for the finest. Among the tours departing from Tokyo Station and Ginza, a recommended option is a small-group bus tour that focuses on popular photo spots. On this tour, you can enjoy capturing breathtakingly scenery to your heart’s content.

Most bus tours require a minimum number of participants to operate, known as the "minimum group size."

If this number is not met, the tour may be canceled. Tours with a low minimum group size are less likely to be canceled, and although the buses may be smaller, traveling with fewer people creates a more relaxed atmosphere throughout the tour course.

Another benefit is being closer to the guide, which allows for more personalized advice about the destinations and Japanese culture compared to larger tours. Many participants highlight this in their reviews, saying things like, “Not only did I enjoy the beautiful scenery, but I also learned the stories behind it,” or “The guide’s selection of scenic spots was perfect, and the views took my breath away.” Clearly,having a knowledgeable guide is important when it comes to capturing stunning photos.

So, which spots around Mt. Fuji are featured in highly rated tours? One highlight is Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can admire the harmony of Mt. Fuji’s natural grandeur with the five storied pagoda—an unforgettable blend of nature and traditional Japanese architecture.

Another must-see for tours focused on Mt. Fuji photography is Oshino Hakkai, a collection of eight beautiful and mysterious ponds formed over centuries from Mt. Fuji’s snowmelt.

Other highlights include a shopping street where you can capture retro Japanese townscapes with Mt. Fuji in the background, as well as Oishi Park at Lake Kawaguchi, known for its stunning views of Mt. Fuji framed by seasonal flowers.
For those eager to photograph the “Upside-Down Mt. Fuji” reflected on the lake’s surface, tours that include Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka are highly recommended.

Price Guide
Since bus tours can reduce costs with larger groups, tours that operate with fewer participants tend to be priced a bit higher, typically around 8,800 yen. That said, there are also tours priced in the 6,700 to 7,000 yen range, and some tours even offer limited-time discount plans. Keeping an eye on reservation sites can help you find good deals.

Check this type of tour on reservation sites:

Departure times for one-day bus tours are usually set early in the morning, so it’s best to choose a departure point that’s convenient from your hote. For example, if you’re staying at a hotel near Shibuya or Ikebukuro on the western side of the Yamanote Line, or along the Chuo, Keio, or Odakyu lines, departing from Shinjuku is the most convenient option. Also, if you’d like access to the widest variety of tours, Shinjuku, with its large number of tours, is recommended.

If you choose Tokyo Station or Ginza as your departure point, it’s best for those staying near Ueno or Asakusa on the eastern side of the Yamanote Line. Additionally, Tokyo Station is also convenient for people transferring from or to the Shinkansen after the tour. However, keep in mind that many bus tours do not allow multiple large pieces of luggage or may charge extra fees, so it’s recommended to store your luggage beforehand.

When traveling from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, bus tours offer a comfortable and convenient option, as you don’t need to worry about planning your itinerary or managing your time at each destination. This article introduced the main features of tours by departure point and representative types of tours. Select the tour that best fits your accommodation and travel purpose, and enjoy a memorable journey to Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.