How to Get to Mt Fuji From Tokyo

Japan's iconic peak is usually a must-see for most travelers coming to the Land of the Rising Sun, and for good reason. This impressive volcano has been the inspiration for countless art pieces, poems and other literature due to its unique beauty. As Japan is such a coveted destination, it's no surprise that there's a wealth of different ways to get there.

Daytripping Tours from Tokyo

The most popular route for those with a day or two to spare while staying in the capital, there are a range of different day tours that go to places nearby Mt Fuji, usually to one of the five lakes such as Kawaguchiko and to the fifth station on the mountain.

If you're wanting to climb to the summit it's best to go for at least two days. While it is possible to climb to the top and get back to Tokyo in the same day, it's strongly advised not to as this will mean having to rush to the summit. Climbing the mountain itself takes most of a day to get up and down, although most people choose to climb in the evening and stay overnight somewhere up the mountain.

Highway Bus

There are plenty of buses that go from Tokyo to the area around Mt Fuji, most of them departing from Shinjuku. If you're wanting to climb the mountain, there are buses that leave from Shinjuku and go straight to the fifth station on Mt Fuji, where most people start climbing from. Otherwise there are buses to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo Stations, usually from around 2000 - 3000 yen which takes around two hours.

Going by Train

To take the train you'll need to get on the Chuo Line from Tokyo or Shinjuku Stations, get off at Otsuki and transfer to the the Fujikyu Railway that goes to Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji Station. Mt Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station are both a fair bit away from the mountain, so if you're planning to climb you'll need to get a bus from there. Also note that the Fujikyu Railway isn't owned by JR, so those with the JR Pass, won't be able to use it for this section. There are also two trains that run straight from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko per day, these cost 4000 yen, a bit more expensive than transferring. Note that JR Fuji Station is for Fuji City and is quite a way away from the mountain or the Fuji Five Lakes.

Renting a Car

By far the best way to explore the surroundings of Mt Fuji at your own pace, while renting a car can be costly, it comes with numerous benefits. You can save a bit of money by taking the train or bus to somewhere nearby Mt Fuji and renting the car from there (highway toll charges can be quite expensive in Japan). Although if you're a group of four or five people it might be better to rent from Tokyo. Rental cars usually run from around 5,000 to 15,000 yen per day.

If you're just planning to check out one or two places, such as Kawaguchiko and the Fifth Station, there's little point in hiring a car however as transportation to these places is already quite convenient.

Helicopter Tour

If you're looking for the most memorable tour of Mt Fuji, you can actually book helicopter tours of the mountain that set off from Tokyo and last for just over an hour. Prices aren't cheap, from around 200,000 yen per group of three people, but if you're looking for something special, this is clearly it. While the main attraction is of course Mt Fuji, the whole journey is spectacular and you'll get to see numerous places along the way including beautiful panoramic views of Tokyo.

Seeing Mt Fuji Without Going There

If you're strapped for time, there are a number of places you can sometimes get a view of the iconic peak while in the capital. On cloudless days, the mountain can be seen from Tokyo Skytree and other viewing platforms like at the free observatory in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Even at lower places such as Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa and the from Tokyo Monorail you can sometimes get a glimpse of the mountain. If you're lucky you might get an overhead view of the mountain from flights going to Tokyo. The bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka gets a superb view of the mountain if sitting on the right hand side (left hand side if coming towards Tokyo).

If you're looking for some beautiful resorts with views of the mountain, check out this article Luxury Resorts and Hotels with Views of Mount Fuji to Stay at Near Tokyo.