Mt. Fuji, Hakone Pirate Ship, Owakudani Ropeway, Gotemba Outlets

If you’re dreaming of capturing that perfect shot of Mount Fuji, enjoying scenic boat rides on Lake Ashi, and shopping at one of Japan’s largest outlets, this tour promises a full day of memorable experiences. While it’s not a private, bespoke journey, it offers a balanced mix of iconic sights, engaging activities, and some free time for shopping or exploring on your own.

What we love about this experience is how it packs so many favourite Japanese attractions into just over 11 hours. The views of Mount Fuji, especially from the 5th Station, are breathtaking; the Pirate Ship cruise adds a fun, relaxed vibe; the Owakudani Ropeway takes you into volcanic terrain that’s both awe-inspiring and slightly surreal; and the Gotemba Premium Outlets provide a chance to find some bargains with a view.

A possible drawback is the coordination and clarity around meeting points and the tour language. One reviewer noted that the guide’s instructions were in Japanese, which caused some confusion, especially at the start. This could be a concern if you don’t speak Japanese or aren’t familiar with local customs.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, value-packed day that covers some of Japan’s most famous sights without spending days planning each step on their own. It’s especially suited for those with limited time, families, or groups eager for a mix of nature, culture, and shopping.

Good To Know

• Wide-Ranging Itinerary: Combines natural beauty, geothermal activity, scenic boat rides, and shopping.
• Value for Money: At around $95, you get transportation, multiple activities, and some unique experiences.
• Group Size and Flexibility: Small groups (max 15) ensure more personalized attention.
• Language and Guidance: The guide speaks English or Chinese, but some reviews highlight potential communication issues.
• Weather Dependency: Certain activities, like the pirate ship or ropeway, depend heavily on weather conditions.
• Best for Travelers with Limited Time: Offers a snapshot of Japan’s iconic sights in one day.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Point and Early Morning Departure

The tour kicks off bright and early at 7:15 am outside the Shinjuku Center Building. Expect to meet your guide—look for the VIATOR logo or your tour group. The early start means you’ll beat the crowd, but it also requires some pre-travel energy.

A comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle takes you on a scenic drive toward Mount Fuji. The ride offers some downtime for photos and soaking in the first glimpses of Japan’s famous volcano from afar.

Stop 1: Mount Fuji 5th Station

At around 2,300 meters above sea level, the Fuji 5th Station is a highlight. Here, you’ll get sweeping views of the Fuji Five Lakes and the surrounding highlands. The air is crisp, and the expansive vistas are hard to beat. If you’re lucky, you might see a “cloud sea”—a sea of clouds filling the valleys below.

This stop is also home to the Komitake Shrine, and a handful of shops and snack stalls. One reviewer, Robert, praised the beautiful autumn leaves and the ropeway trip up the mountain, although he pointed out the tour’s Japanese-only guidance, which was confusing for non-Japanese speakers. Expect around 40 minutes here, which is enough for photos, snacks, and a quick walk.

Stop 2: Gotemba Premium Outlets

Next up is a shopping break at Gotemba Premium Outlets. This sprawling shopping complex offers over 200 stores, making it Japan’s largest outlet mall, with Mount Fuji as a stunning backdrop. Here, you’ll have about 1.5 hours—ample time to browse, hunt for designer bargains, or just enjoy the scenery.

One guest highlighted the excellent view of Mt. Fuji from the outlets, adding a special touch to their shopping experience. Keep in mind that traffic can sometimes shorten your stay, so plan your time wisely. From past reviews, this stop is seen as a great value, especially if you enjoy outlet shopping or want souvenirs.

Stop 3: Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani

The next leg takes you into Hakone’s volcanic zone via the Owakudani Ropeway. The ride offers panoramic views of the volcanic crater, steaming hot springs, and rugged terrain shaped by geothermal activity. One of the most famous attractions here is the black eggs, boiled in volcanic hot springs, said to bring good luck.

Expect to spend about 30 minutes at this stop. The ropeway itself is a highlight—riders often marvel at the dramatic landscape and the smoke rising from the earth. The area is active and visually striking, but weather can impact visibility.

A common tip from reviews: be prepared for the Sulfur smell, which can be quite strong and might not be for everyone. If the volcano is too active or weather is poor, the itinerary may shift to visit Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village with clear mountain springs, instead.

Stop 4: Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise

The final adventure involves relaxing aboard a pirate-themed boat on Lake Ashi. The Giant Pirate Ship departs from Tenda Port and cruises across the caldera, surrounding lush forests and scenic shores. This is a tranquil moment, letting you soak in views of Mount Fuji if the weather cooperates.

Past travelers note the calm waters and charming scenery, making it a peaceful end to the busy day. The cruise lasts around 30 minutes and provides excellent photo opportunities, especially if you’re lucky enough to see the mountain or floating torii gates.

Additional Considerations

Transportation and Group Dynamics

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the long day. The group size is limited to 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere and better interaction with your guide.

Weather and Activity Variability

Because activities like the pirate ship and ropeway are weather-dependent, there’s a chance some parts of the day may be affected or canceled. Past reviews mention that if either activity is canceled, participants receive a gift certificate worth 2,000 yen as compensation.

Cost and Value

At $95.80 per person, this tour represents solid value considering the transportation, multiple activities, and unique sights included. While there’s no lunch included, the stops and experiences justify the price, especially if you’re keen on ticking off Mount Fuji and Hakone in one day.

Language and Communication

Most guides speak English or Chinese, but some reviews pointed out that instructions in Japanese caused confusion. If language is a concern, it’s worth clarifying beforehand or arriving early to get clearer directions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for time-constrained travelers who want a snapshot of Japan’s most famous sights. It’s great for families, couples, or groups seeking a mix of nature, culture, and shopping without the hassle of planning. However, those who prefer more independence or detailed guided commentary might find the language barrier frustrating.

It’s also perfect for first-timers in Japan eager to see iconic landmarks in a single day, especially if they’re comfortable with a somewhat fast-paced schedule.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a balanced blend of sightseeing, adventure, and shopping that captures much of Japan’s charm in one day. The scenic views of Mount Fuji, the fun Pirate Ship cruise, and the geothermal wonders of Owakudani stand out as highlights. The value for money is clear, especially for travelers who want to see multiple attractions without the stress of logistics.

While the language barrier and weather concerns are worth noting, many travelers appreciate the well-organized itinerary and small group setting. It’s best suited for those eager to experience Japan’s natural beauty and cultural icons in a single, action-packed day.

If you’re looking for an accessible, comprehensive tour that balances iconic sights with a dash of adventure and shopping, this experience is likely to satisfy. Just remember to clarify meeting points and prepare for some early mornings!

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, so consider bringing snacks or eating beforehand. There are food stalls at Mount Fuji 5th Station and shops at Gotemba outlets.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities is recommended. If visiting in winter, pack warm layers, especially for the Mt. Fuji stop and the ropeway.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Yes, most activities are family-friendly, including the boat cruise and ropeway. Just be aware that the weather-dependent nature of some stops may affect younger children.

What if the weather is poor?
Activities like the pirate ship and ropeway could be canceled or altered. In such cases, the operator offers gift certificates worth 2,000 yen per person or alternative visits.

How long is the tour at each stop?
Expect about 40 minutes at Mt. Fuji 5th Station, 1.5 hours at Gotemba Outlets, 30 minutes at Owakudani, and 30 minutes for the lake cruise.

Can I participate if I only speak English?
Most guides speak English or Chinese, but some instructions may be in Japanese. Communication issues have been noted, so it’s helpful to arrive early and clarify any doubts.

This tour promises a memorable day exploring some of Japan’s most photogenic and culturally significant spots. With a focus on value and authentic experiences, it’s well-suited for those eager to see a broad slice of what Japan has to offer in just one day.