Mt. Fuji I Line: A one-day tour of the Mt. Fuji-Hakone Shinkansen bullet train.

Must Do Experiences

• Stand at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station to soak in panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and the majestic peak.

• Ride the Hakone Ropeway over the steaming, sulfurous vents of the active Owakudani volcanic valley.

• Cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Ashi aboard the famous and photogenic Hakone Pirate Ship.

• Experience the speed and comfort of the legendary Shinkansen bullet train on your scenic return journey to Tokyo.

Hidden Gems

• Try the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs of Owakudani, which local legend claims add seven years to your life.

• Look out for the stunning reflection of Mt. Fuji on the calm waters of Lake Ashi during the early afternoon cruise, a perfect mirror image on clear days.

• If visiting in winter when the 5th Station is closed, explore the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park's World Heritage Center for immersive, interactive exhibits about the mountain's cultural significance.

What Makes it Special

• Enjoy a seamless, multi-perspective exploration of Hakone's volcanic landscape from the air via ropeway, the ground at Owakudani, and the water on Lake Ashi.

• Skip the exhausting evening highway traffic by returning to Tokyo on the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train.

• Travel with peace of mind knowing all logistics, transfers, and admissions are handled by an expert English-speaking guide.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to embark on this tour is during the crisp, clear mornings of late autumn to early winter, which offer the highest chances of unobstructed, snow-capped views of Mt. Fuji. While summer provides lush greenery and comfortable hiking temperatures, the mountain is frequently shrouded in clouds and mist by mid-morning. Spring is also highly recommended for those wanting to combine their mountain views with the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming around Lake Ashi.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic Hakone Pirate Ship with Mt. Fuji in the background from the shores of Lake Ashi just before boarding for the perfect postcard shot.

• Use a polarizing filter or sunglasses over your lens when photographing the steaming vents of Owakudani to cut through the glare and enhance the dramatic contrast of the volcanic rocks.

• Take advantage of the large panoramic windows on the Hakone Ropeway to shoot sweeping aerial views of the caldera, keeping your camera steady to avoid motion blur.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the shrines or cultural centers around Mt. Fuji, it is customary to bow slightly before entering and to speak in hushed, respectful tones. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, so simply thank your guide and drivers with a polite expression of gratitude at the end of the tour. Please dispose of your trash in designated bins or take it back to Tokyo with you, as public rubbish bins are very rare in Japanese national parks.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Visit during the Fuji Shibazakura Festival from mid-April to early June to see hundreds of thousands of vibrant pink moss phlox blooming with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.

• Experience the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu on May 3rd, a colorful historical reenactment featuring locals dressed in samurai and ninja costumes.

• Enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage season from late October to mid-November, when the mountainsides around Hakone and Lake Ashi turn brilliant shades of red and gold.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Stay strictly on the marked wooden boardwalks and designated paths in Owakudani, as the volcanic vents emit extremely hot steam and toxic sulfur gases.

• If you have respiratory issues, asthma, or heart conditions, consult your doctor before visiting Owakudani and consider wearing a mask to filter the strong sulfur odor.

• Be mindful of the altitude at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, staying hydrated and pacing yourself to avoid mild altitude sickness.