One of the biggest advantages of bus tours is that they’re both affordable and hassle-free. For example, while a one-way train ride from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi with a limited express ticket costs 4,130 yen, round-trip bus tours are usually priced between 7,000 and 8,000 yen—and include far more. If you want to visit multiple destinations, a bus tour also saves you the stress of transfers, return schedules, and itinerary planning. Everything is arranged for you.

What’s more, each tour combines a variety of experiences, from visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station to shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets. In this article, we’ll introduce several types of one-day bus tours, highlighting their features by departure point to help you choose the one that best fits your plans.

As one of Tokyo’s busiest terminal stations, Shinjuku is a major departure point for Mt. Fuji bus tours. Its excellent access and heavy daily traffic make it the starting hub for the widest variety of one-day tours. Below, we’ll introduce some of the most popular and recommended options you can join from Shinjuku.

A one-day bus tour around Mt. Fuji offers something special in every season. At the 5th Station—the halfway point up the mountain—you can experience the power of Mt. Fuji up close. These tours make it easy to reach the 5th Station directly by bus, and some itineraries even include short hikes for those who want a bit more adventure.

The foothills of Mt. Fuji are also home to seasonal flower spots: moss phlox and cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers and lavender in summer, and brilliant foliage in autumn. Another highlight is the Lake Kawaguchi Panorama Ropeway, which treats you to sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscape. You can also enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai, while Arakurayama Sengen Park offers one of the most iconic views of Mt. Fuji alongside its five-storied pagoda.

At each stop, you’ll have plenty of free time, striking a balance between the freedom of independent travel and the ease of a group tour.

Many participants have shared positive feedback, such as: “I usually prefer traveling alone and didn’t expect much from a group tour, but this one was wonderful.” Others praised the well-planned itineraries, great value for money, and the chance to see so many famous sights in one day—many even said they’d join again. The multilingual guides are another highlight, often commended for their care and detailed explanations. Travelers note, “The guide paid attention to everyone and gave clear explanations,” and “Their knowledge was extensive, with lots of useful insights.”

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

Prices also vary by extras. For instance, tours that include breakfast or seasonal all-you-can-eat fruit picking may cost over 15,000 yen. When choosing, consider which services matter most to you.

The highlight of this classic tour is its efficiency: in just one day, you’ll be taken to several of Mt. Fuji’s most iconic spots. While details vary by operator, most tours feature destinations such as the following.

Check this type of tour on reservation sites:

Some one-day bus tours to Mt. Fuji also include a stop at Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of the largest shopping destinations in the Kanto region. These tours are perfect if you want to combine breathtaking natural scenery with a full shopping experience in a single day.

Set against a backdrop of Mt. Fuji, Gotemba Premium Outlets offers panoramic views of the mountain while you shop—two experiences in one. Most tours also include visits to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station and Oshino Hakkai. In summer, you can enjoy the cool air and sweeping sea of clouds at the 5th Station before exploring the crystal-clear spring waters of Oshino Hakkai.

Some tours also include a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani, followed by a scenic trip around Lake Ashi, creating a rich and varied itinerary. From the ropeway, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Owakudani’s dramatic geothermal landscape. Once there, be sure to try the local specialty, the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs, which legend says can add seven years to your life.

At Lake Ashi, you can admire views of Mt. Fuji framed by the striking red torii gate of Hakone Shrine rising from the water. After experiencing Mt. Fuji up close at the 5th Station, seeing it again from this more distant, picturesque setting offers another highlight of the tour.

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

Participants often praise these well-balanced tours, saying things like, “I was able to do so much in such a short time,” and “Reaching the 5th Station without having to climb was a unique experience.” Another guest noted, “I could not believe the outlet prices. I ended up buying six pairs of shoes, all authentic products.”

The guides also receive glowing reviews. Travelers comment, “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 type of tour is ideal for discovering shopping treasures while also creating unforgettable memories.

Price Guide
These tours are usually priced between 6,600 and 7,000 yen, while longer routes are priced around 10,000 yen.

Keep in mind that shopping expenses and hot spring admission fees are not included in the tour price, so be sure to plan your budget accordingly. At Gotemba Premium Outlets, it is easy to come across unexpected bargains, so allowing extra spending money is recommended. Some tours also provide shopping coupons with discounts ranging from 5% to 15%, which can make the experience even more rewarding.

Check this type of tour on reservation sites:

Tokyo Station and Ginza are also popular starting points for one-day bus tours. The Marunouchi district around Tokyo Station and the Ginza area are famous for luxury brand shops and long-established stores, drawing visitors who appreciate the finer things.

Among the tours departing from these areas, one highlight is a small-group bus tour that focuses on scenic photo spots. This option lets you take your time capturing breathtaking views and memorable moments throughout the day.

Most bus tours require a minimum number of participants to operate. If that number is not reached, the tour may be canceled. Tours with a low minimum group size are less likely to be canceled, and although the buses are smaller, traveling with fewer people creates a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Another advantage is the closer interaction with the guide, who can share more personalized insights about each destination and Japanese culture. Many participants mention this in their reviews, saying, “Not only did I enjoy the beautiful scenery, but I also learned the stories behind it,” and “The guide’s choice of scenic spots was perfect, and the views took my breath away.” For photography enthusiasts in particular, having a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference when capturing memorable shots.

So, which Mt. Fuji spots are featured in the most highly rated tours? A standout is Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can take in the harmony of Mt. Fuji’s grandeur with the iconic five-storied pagoda—an unforgettable blend of nature and traditional Japanese architecture.

Another must-see is Oshino Hakkai, a group of eight clear ponds fed by snowmelt from Mt. Fuji, admired for their beauty and mysterious atmosphere.

Other highlights include a shopping street where you can capture nostalgic townscapes with Mt. Fuji in the background, and Oishi Park at Lake Kawaguchi, famous for seasonal flowers framing the mountain. For those eager to photograph the “Upside-Down Mt. Fuji” reflected on the water, tours that include Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka are especially recommended.

Price Guide
Because bus tours often lower costs with larger groups, small-group tours are usually priced a little higher, around 8,800 yen. However, there are also tours available in the 6,700 to 7,000 yen range, and some operators even offer limited-time discount plans. Checking reservation sites regularly can help you secure the best deals.

Check this type of tour on reservation sites:

One-day bus tours usually depart early in the morning, so it’s best to choose a starting point close to your hotel. If you are staying near Shibuya or Ikebukuro on the western side of the Yamanote Line, or along the Chuo, Keio, or Odakyu lines, Shinjuku is the most convenient choice. Shinjuku also offers the widest selection of tours, making it the top option if you want the greatest variety to choose from.

Choosing Tokyo Station or Ginza as your departure point is ideal if you are staying near Ueno or Asakusa on the eastern side of the Yamanote Line. Tokyo Station is also convenient if you plan to connect with the Shinkansen before or after the tour.

Keep in mind that many bus tours do not allow multiple large pieces of luggage, or may charge additional fees. It is recommended to store your luggage in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Traveling from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji is easy with a bus tour, which takes care of your itinerary and timing so you can simply relax and enjoy. In this article, we introduced the main features of tours by departure point along with popular options. Choose the tour that best matches your accommodation and travel style, and enjoy an unforgettable trip to Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.