Mount Fuji Day Tour: Arakurayama Sengen Park, Mount Fuji 5th Station, Lake Motosu Shiba Sakura, Oishi Park, Lake Yamanaka Cruise or Optional Hot Spring Experience | Departing from Tokyo

Mount Fuji changes its face with the calendar, and this tour changes its route to match. From late April through September, you head for the 5th Station; from October through late April, the classic pagoda view at Arakurayama Sengen Park takes its place. I like that seasonal switch, and I like the choice at Lake Yamanaka between a boat ride and a hot spring visit.

The other draw is the mix of places: a Fuji viewpoint, a seasonal stop near Lake Kawaguchi, and time by Lake Yamanaka. The trade-off is a packed day with fixed stops, possible traffic delays, and little room to linger. Some attractions may be skipped if weather, crowds, or capacity disrupt the schedule.

At a glance

1 / 9

2 / 9

3 / 9

4 / 9

5 / 9

6 / 9

7 / 9

8 / 9

9 / 9

1 / 9

• The first viewpoint depends on the season: Arakurayama Sengen Park runs from October 1 to April 25; the 5th Station runs from April 26 to September 30.
• The flower and foliage stop rotates: Depending on the date, it may be Oishi Park, the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Shibazakura Festival, or Maple Corridor.
• Lake Yamanaka has two versions: Choose the swan-shaped sightseeing boat or an onsen visit, subject to the day’s arrangements.
• The day starts early and can end late: Departure is listed at 8:00 or 8:30, with return to Tokyo expected between 17:30 and 20:30.
• Admission is not all-inclusive: Festival and hot spring fees are extra, and personal expenses are not covered.
• The day is road-dependent: Congestion, weather, and group size can affect both the schedule and the stops you reach.

👉 See our pick of the 4 Best Private Car With Driver Services in Fujikawaguchiko

A seasonal Fuji route, not one fixed sightseeing list

This is best understood as a seasonal circuit rather than a promise to visit every named attraction. The first stop changes with the calendar, as does the second, so the same tour booked in spring can feel quite different from one booked in autumn or winter.

That design makes sense in the Fuji area. Cherry blossoms, moss phlox, lavender, and autumn leaves appear at different times, while the 5th Station is offered only during the stated late spring and summer period. But a changing route also means you should check the date-specific plan before booking, especially if one particular view or flower festival is your main reason for going.

Transport, tolls, and fuel are included, along with a Chinese-, English-, or Japanese-speaking driver-guide. Depending on the group size, the vehicle may be smaller and the driver may also guide. In that case, explanations may be brief, since driving needs to come first.

The tour is priced from $49.20, while the named Mount Fuji Two Lakes package is listed from $70.29. Those figures appear to apply to different package or date options, so check the exact selection at checkout rather than treating the lower starting price as guaranteed. The value rests mainly in getting round-trip transport from Tokyo to several widely spaced Fuji-area stops in one day.

Arakurayama or the 5th Station: two very different Fuji views

From October 1 to April 25, the route schedules Arakurayama Sengen Park. Its famous composition pairs a five-storied pagoda with Mount Fuji, a view that makes the climb worthwhile for many photographers. The stop is self-guided and lasts about an hour, so use that time for the viewpoint and the walk rather than expecting a long visit.

The park is not an effortless roadside photo stop. Reaching the classic angle involves climbing, and the schedule does not offer unlimited time to explore. If stairs are difficult for you, or you prefer a relaxed pace, consider that before choosing this seasonal route.

From April 26 to September 30, the tour instead heads to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station. At this higher stop, the focus shifts from viewing the mountain at a distance to getting closer to its volcanic terrain and, when conditions allow, the upper mountain and sea of clouds. Access is described as limited to this part of the year on the tour.

Neither location can guarantee a clear Fuji view. Weather can obscure the mountain, and the operator may adjust or skip attractions because of conditions or capacity. I would book this for the chance to see several Fuji-area settings, not for one must-have photograph on a specific day.

The flower and foliage stop changes with your dates

The second scheduled stop is around Lake Kawaguchi, but the exact place depends on the time of year. The tour allows about an hour, which is enough for a look and some photos, but not a leisurely visit to several separate sites.

From April 1 to 13, the plan is the Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival, with a cherry-blossom tunnel as the seasonal draw. The dates are calendar-based, not a promise that every tree will be at peak bloom. Weather can shift flowering, and the tour does not offer a refund if the blossoms arrive early or late.

From April 14 to May 25, the stop moves to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival at Lake Motosu. Moss phlox spreads pink and purple across the ground beneath Fuji, creating a very different scene from the blossoms overhead. Admission is extra: listed at ¥1,100 for adults and ¥600 for children ages 3 to 12, rising during peak season to ¥1,400 and ¥800. Bloom conditions vary, so the flower carpet may not look its best on your date.

Oishi Park is scheduled from May 26 to October 31 and again from November 21 to March 31. Its appeal shifts with the season: lavender is highlighted in spring and summer, while autumn and winter can bring views of snow-capped Fuji reflected in the lake. The dates are broad, so do not assume lavender will be blooming throughout the entire May-to-October window.

From November 1 to 30, the itinerary lists Maple Corridor, where autumn leaves provide the seasonal color. The timing of the foliage can vary with climate, and the schedule itself warns that leaves may turn earlier or later than expected. If your trip is aimed at peak color, flexibility matters.

These stops make the route appealing to photographers, but the hour-long visit is also its limit. A particularly busy festival or a slow-moving crowd can eat into your time. One account of the trip described the Shibazakura stop as only about 40 minutes, a reminder that actual time on site can be shorter when traffic or timing changes the schedule.

Lake Yamanaka: boat ride or hot spring

The final sightseeing choice is at Lake Yamanaka, with about 70 minutes scheduled. You can take a ride on a swan-shaped sightseeing boat, walk by the lake, and look for swans, or opt for a hot spring visit. The choice is a useful change of pace after the earlier photo stops, but it is not a guarantee that both options fit into your visit.

Weather can affect the plan. Rain may make a boat ride less attractive, and the itinerary can be adjusted; if you choose the onsen, ask clearly which option the group is taking and confirm the arrangement with the guide before separating from the vehicle. Clear communication matters here because the two choices lead to different experiences.

The named bathing options have separate fees. Fuji View Hotel Hot Spring is listed at ¥1,120 for adults including towel rental, ¥920 for junior high and high school students, and ¥570 for elementary school students. Mount Fuji Onsen is listed at ¥1,600 on weekdays. If Fuji Red Hot Spring is closed on a Tuesday, Fujiyama Onsen is suggested as an alternative.

There is also a practical distinction between a hot spring stop and a lake excursion. Pick the onsen if soaking is your priority; choose the boat if you want more time outdoors by the water. Do not assume you can change choices freely after the group has split or the vehicle has moved on.

What the long day feels like in practice

The listed schedule has a morning departure at 8:00 or 8:30, a first stop around 10:30, the seasonal lake-area stop at about 12:40, and Lake Yamanaka around 14:10. Return to Tokyo is estimated between 17:30 and 20:30, but the actual arrival depends on road conditions.

That is a lot of ground to cover in one day, and driving is a substantial part of the experience. A slow return or holiday congestion can reduce time at the attractions. One account described a trip with far more time in the vehicle than at the stops, while other feedback praised the pacing. The difference is a useful warning: this is a group coach-style day, not a private tour with a flexible timetable.

The plan also sets limits on where the vehicle can stop. You share transportation with the group, and stops outside designated attractions are not allowed. The itinerary may be rearranged for traffic, weather, or crowding, and no compensation is offered for missed or changed stops. If you have a flight or another fixed commitment that evening, leave a generous buffer.

Meals are not listed among the inclusions. A past trip had a designated restaurant and limited meal choices, while another account praised the food, so expect the meal experience to vary rather than assume a particular lunch is included. Bring any essentials you need, and keep in mind that eating and drinking in the vehicle are prohibited.

Guide quality can shape the day. Past guide names include Christy and Jiang Jiwan, who were praised for clear explanations and helpful organization, but guide assignments vary and you cannot count on a particular person. Before departure, you receive vehicle and guide details by email between 16:00 and 22:00 Japan time on the previous day. The tour guide does not promise to contact you in advance, so check that message carefully.

What the price covers, and what it does not

Round-trip transport from the designated Tokyo meeting point, tolls, and fuel are included. A professional driver-guide is provided in Chinese, English, or Japanese, according to the tour arrangement. Those inclusions can make the price worthwhile if you want to visit several Fuji-area locations without planning separate train, bus, and local transfers.

Festival entry, hot spring bathing, and personal costs are extra. The Shibazakura Festival has a separate admission charge, and the listed onsen fees vary by facility and age. The information does not list a general lunch inclusion, so budget for food separately and confirm the specific package details.

The listed package price needs a close look. The experience is advertised from $49.20, while the Mount Fuji Two Lakes Day Trip option is listed from $70.29. Check your date, package, and what is included before paying, since the starting figure alone does not tell you which seasonal route or admission costs apply.

Small details that can prevent a bad morning

Arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before your selected departure. The meeting options are listed as 8:00 and 8:30, and late arrivals or no-shows are not refundable. Check the previous evening’s email for the license plate and guide information; if several messages arrive, follow the latest one.

Each person may bring one piece of luggage at no charge. Extra pieces cost ¥2,000 each and must be declared when booking; the operator may refuse luggage that exceeds the vehicle’s capacity. Children ages 0 to 2 ride free only if they do not need a separate seat, while children ages 3 and older pay the adult rate.

The activity is not recommended for people with epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, or other serious medical conditions. People over 70 and pregnant participants are asked to request and sign a liability waiver in advance; participants over 70 should also present a medical certificate. Pets are not allowed, and intoxicated participants may be refused service without a refund.

Should you book this Mount Fuji day trip?

Book it if you want a practical, guided way to combine a Fuji viewpoint, a seasonal flower or foliage stop, and a Lake Yamanaka activity in one day. The best fit is someone who values variety and transport from Tokyo more than unhurried time at any single site, and who can accept that clouds, crowds, or traffic may change the plan.

Think twice if you are visiting mainly for one festival, need a firm return time, or dislike long stretches in a vehicle. Before you book, confirm the seasonal stop for your date, compare the package price with the listed admission fees, and decide whether the boat or onsen matters more to you. That small bit of planning helps you get the most from a busy day.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Tokyo. The meeting information lists departure options at 8:00 and 8:30; check your booking and the email sent the previous day for the exact meeting details.

What time does the tour return to Tokyo?

The expected arrival window is 17:30 to 20:30. The actual time can change with traffic and the day’s schedule, so avoid arranging a fixed evening activity.

Which Mount Fuji viewpoint will I visit?

From October 1 to April 25, the first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park. From April 26 to September 30, it is Mount Fuji 5th Station.

Which seasonal attraction is included?

The stop depends on the date. The schedule lists the Cherry Blossom Festival from April 1 to 13, the Shibazakura Festival from April 14 to May 25, Oishi Park from May 26 to October 31 and November 21 to March 31, and Maple Corridor from November 1 to 30.

Is Lake Yamanaka a boat ride or a hot spring visit?

The itinerary offers a swan-shaped sightseeing boat or a hot spring experience. Weather and schedule changes may affect the arrangement, so confirm your choice with the guide before leaving the group.

Are festival and hot spring admission fees included?

No. Shibazakura Festival admission and hot spring bathing fees are listed as additional costs. Other personal expenses are also excluded.

What languages are available for the guide?

The tour includes a professional driver-guide speaking Chinese, English, or Japanese. Depending on the number of participants, the driver may also serve as the guide, with relatively brief explanations.

How much luggage can I bring?

One piece of luggage per person is allowed at no charge. Each additional piece costs ¥2,000 and should be declared when booking; vehicle capacity may limit what can be accepted.