Mount Fuji Tour & Outlet Shopping/Hot Springs Trip: Mount Fuji 5th Station/Arakurayama Sengen Park & Oshino Hakkai & Gotemba Premium Outlets/Hot Spring Day Trip (with Lunch Option, Departing from Tokyo)

Mount Fuji is the star, but the appeal of this day trip is how many different sides of the area it fits into one outing: a high-altitude viewpoint or a famous pagoda panorama, clear spring ponds, then either outlet shopping or a soak with a Fuji view. You leave the driving and route-planning to someone else, which is a real advantage on a long day from Tokyo.

I like two things in particular: the seasonal switch between the 5th Station and Arakurayama Sengen Park gives you a distinct Fuji viewpoint, and Oshino Hakkai adds a quieter, water-focused stop between the mountain and the final activity. I also like that you can choose shopping or hot springs instead of being marched through both.

The trade-off is time. This is a roughly 10-hour shared coach tour, with about an hour at Oshino Hakkai and two hours for your final choice. Traffic, weather, and mountain visibility can change the day, so treat it as a convenient sampler, not a slow-paced visit.

The day at a glance

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• Fuji’s first stop changes with the season: From April 26 through November 30, the coach visits Mount Fuji’s 5th Station. From December 1 through April 25, it goes to Arakurayama Sengen Park instead.
• Oshino Hakkai means eight spring-fed ponds: Their water comes from snowmelt filtered through Mount Fuji’s volcanic layers. Allow time for a walk, photos, and local snacks.
• Choose one final stop: Spend about two hours at Gotemba Premium Outlets or at a day-trip hot spring. The standard route does not include both.
• Lunch depends on your package: Some options include a meal, with udon or grilled eel rice listed. The menu can change with the season and ingredient availability.
• The guide and coach matter on a long day: Guides speak Chinese, Japanese, English, and Korean. Groups can range from one to 49 people, depending on the package and vehicle.
• The posted price starts at $49.29: Hot spring admission, meals on the no-lunch option, drinks, and personal purchases are extra.

👉 See our pick of the 3 Best Tours In Fujiyoshida

Starting from Tokyo before the mountain day

Departures are listed at 7:30 or 8:00, so check the time for the option you book. The meeting point is in central Tokyo, and you should arrive at least 10 minutes early. The group leaves on time, and late arrivals are not waited for or refunded.

The operator sends guide and vehicle details by email between about 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. the day before the trip. Check your inbox and spam folder. In a group departure, clear instructions and a visible guide are especially useful: one person described confusion at the meeting point when the vehicle was delayed and it was not clear which guide was handling their tour. If anything in the email seems unclear, contact the operator before departure rather than trying to sort it out at the curb.

The coach is a practical choice for connecting these stops, which are spread around the Fuji area. The tour includes round-trip transport, tolls, parking, fuel, and a guide. The vehicle type is set according to the group size, so you cannot select a particular model. A standard group can have as many as 49 people; a nine-person small-group option is also available, as is a private charter with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Mount Fuji’s 5th Station or Arakurayama’s pagoda view

The first stop depends on the season, not your preference. From April 26 to November 30, the tour visits the 5th Station, partway up Mount Fuji. It is among the closest places on this route to look toward the summit, and the elevated position can also open views over the surrounding area and Lake Kawaguchi. Cloud cover can hide the mountain, however, and conditions at altitude are not guaranteed.

The stop is about 40 minutes, enough for a look around and photos, but not a long mountain visit. The 5th Station is not the summit, and this outing is not a climbing tour. Think of it as a short scenic stop that brings you close to Fuji before the coach moves on.

From December 1 to April 25, the alternative is Arakurayama Sengen Park, with about an hour there. Its familiar composition brings together a five-storied pagoda, the town below, and Mount Fuji in the distance. It is a strong choice if you want that classic wide-angle view, though the popular viewpoint can mean stairs and a busy photo area. The information provided does not specify the walking route or step count, so this may not suit everyone.

The weather is the great equalizer at either stop. One day can offer a clear outline of Fuji; another can bring a cloud across the summit just as you reach the viewpoint. I would book for the variety of the day, not on the assumption that every stop will deliver a perfect mountain photograph.

Oshino Hakkai’s clear spring ponds

Oshino Hakkai is the day’s most distinctive change of pace. Its eight ponds are fed by snowmelt that filters through layers of volcanic ground, leaving clear water that can reflect Mount Fuji when the weather cooperates. The setting is known for its natural appeal, but it is also a visitor stop with local snacks and food for sale.

You get about an hour to explore independently. That is enough to walk among the ponds, pause at the water, and try something local, but it is not a leisurely village stay. Keep an eye on the time and your meeting point. The tour is shared, and the bus will not wait for late arrivals.

This stop works well between the mountain and the final choice: you are not spending the whole day at viewpoints, and there is a chance to sample local food. If you have a particular lunch plan, ask how much independent time you will have. Some past accounts of this tour describe an added souvenir-shop or restaurant stop, so it is sensible to confirm the day’s meal arrangements rather than assume every minute follows a fixed schedule.

Two hours at Gotemba or a hot spring

At about 1 p.m., you choose one of two very different ways to spend roughly two hours. Gotemba Premium Outlets gathers Japanese and international brand shops in a large shopping complex with views of Mount Fuji when skies are clear. It is a good fit if shopping is part of your Japan plans, or if you want a warm indoor break from outdoor stops.

Two hours gives you time to browse, but not to cover every shop at a relaxed pace. Decide what you want to look for before arriving, and note where the coach meets you. The outlet is a shopping destination, not a cultural stop, so its value depends on whether you genuinely want the brands and stores.

The alternative is a day-trip hot spring, identified as Yunohana Ryokan. Here, the draw is the chance to soak in an open-air bath while looking toward Fuji, weather permitting. Admission is not included; the stated reference prices are 1,600 yen on weekdays and 1,900 yen on weekends and holidays. Japanese hot springs require nude bathing, and people with tattoos cannot use the baths, according to the tour conditions.

Do not count on fitting in both the outlet and the hot spring. The schedule presents them as a choice, and the time allotted is about two hours. If you have your heart set on one, choose it when booking and check what admission or other charges apply.

Lunch, group size, and what the price buys

The starting price is $49.29, but the package you select affects what you pay and what is included. Options include a meeting-point departure with or without lunch, a nine-person small group with or without lunch, and a private charter with hotel pickup and drop-off. Compare the package details carefully rather than treating the lowest price as the full cost of the day.

The lunch option lists udon noodles or grilled eel rice, though the menu may change with the season and ingredients. Meals and drinks are not included in the no-lunch package. Hot spring admission is also extra, and shopping, snacks, and other personal expenses are yours to cover.

For the price, the central value is transport between several far-flung stops, plus a multilingual guide. The coach removes the need to arrange separate buses and local connections, while the guide handles timing and commentary. That is useful if you have one day for the Fuji area and want an organized overview. It is less compelling if you prefer to linger, choose every meal stop, or spend a full day shopping.

Guide quality can shape the outing. Anna Hayashida is among the named guides associated with recent departures, and guests have praised her patience, energy, and help with photos and explanations. Other named guides include Kim Myung-cheol, Iris, known as Kinoko, Christie, Jack, and Rachel. Your guide is assigned for the day, so booking does not guarantee a particular person or a particular style of commentary.

There have also been occasional complaints about confusing meeting-point coordination, cramped vehicles, limited English, or lunch arrangements that felt rushed. Those accounts are not a reason to expect a bad day, but they are useful reminders: confirm the guide and vehicle email, choose a small-group or private option if space matters, and check whether lunch is included and where it will be served.

Timing, weather, and other useful limits

The listed return time is around 5:30 p.m. at Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi North Exit Tourist Information Center area, but it is only an estimate. The drive back is listed as about two hours, and traffic can stretch the day. The operator says it does not cover later costs caused by traffic delays, so avoid scheduling a tight connection or fixed evening plan.

Weather can alter opening times or outdoor activities, and the order of stops may change. The operator may adjust the itinerary for safety or travel conditions. Japanese law limits vehicle use to 10 hours; if the legal limit is exceeded, the stated overtime charge is 8,000 yen per hour, shared by the group. The route may also change if Gotemba is closed on its annual third-Thursday-in-February holiday.

You may bring one piece of luggage per person at no charge, but you need to note it when booking. If you bring luggage without advance notice, the guide may refuse boarding if the vehicle cannot safely accommodate it. Children aged three and up pay the adult rate; children aged zero to two can join free if they do not need a separate seat. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

The activity is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, other serious medical conditions, pregnant people, or people with disabilities. Pets and prohibited items such as weapons and flammable goods are not allowed. The tour also does not permit leaving the group partway through and rejoining later.

Is this Fuji day trip right for you?

Book this tour if you want a convenient, full-day introduction to the Mount Fuji area and like the idea of pairing scenery with either shopping or a hot spring. It is especially useful if you are based in Tokyo, short on time, and comfortable with a group schedule.

Look elsewhere if you want to climb Fuji, spend hours at one viewpoint, or choose every stop and meal yourself. Before paying, compare the lunch and group-size options, decide between outlets and the hot spring, and leave your Tokyo evening open for a delayed return. That small bit of planning can make a long coach day feel much easier.

FAQ

Does this tour visit both the 5th Station and Arakurayama Sengen Park?

No. From April 26 through November 30, the first stop is Mount Fuji’s 5th Station. From December 1 through April 25, it is Arakurayama Sengen Park.

Can I visit both Gotemba Premium Outlets and the hot spring?

The schedule offers them as alternatives. You choose either Gotemba Premium Outlets or the day-trip hot spring for about two hours.

Is hot spring admission included?

No. The stated reference price is 1,600 yen on weekdays and 1,900 yen on weekends and holidays.

Are tattoos allowed in the hot spring?

No. The tour information says people with tattoos cannot use the hot spring. It also notes that Japanese hot springs require nude bathing.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Only in the packages that specify lunch included. The lunch option lists udon noodles or grilled eel rice, but the menu may change. Meals and drinks are not included in the no-lunch package.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guide services are offered in Chinese, Japanese, English, and Korean.

Where does the tour return in Tokyo?

The listed return point is the Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit Tourist Information Center area, at 1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City.

What time does the tour return?

The estimated return time is about 5:30 p.m. The actual time depends on road conditions.

Can I bring luggage on the coach?

Each person may bring up to one piece of luggage for free. Note it when booking; the guide may refuse unannounced luggage if the vehicle cannot accommodate it safely.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Changes are allowed up to 24 hours before the activity, subject to the booking conditions. A full refund is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date.