Fuji Hakone one day trip sample itinerary. You can visit both Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone by day trip from Tokyo!

fuji kawaguchiko1 to 3 days
View of Mt Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi
View of Mt Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi

I actually do not recommend to visit Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone in one day. There are many places to see. One way is not obviously enough to visit these places. But some of you have very tight schedule. You cannot choose which one you visit. You may be wondering if you have to visit one of Lake Kawaguchi or Hakone. This sample itinerary may be suitable for you. It is very very tight schedule and you have to give up many places. But you can visit most of highlights at both side of Fuji, Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi. You may be okay to see these places in Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi.

This itinerary has been created by timetable in September, 2016. If you try to do this plan, please check the updated timetable before you go.

If you look for the itinerary to Hakone only, please see the link below:

How to build the trip plan to Hakone. Various sample itineraries of Hakone

You also find 2-day itinerary of Fuji and Hakone in the link below:

Fuji and Hakone 2-day trip sample itinerary

Purchase Fuji Hakone Pass

This deal covers both Fuji and Hakone area. It is valid for 3 days. This is one day itinerary but this deal is cheaper than total fares anyway. Please get this pass day before departure day because you will leave Shinjuku in early morning.

Fuji Hakone Pass (official site)

If you want to take limited express train “Romancecar” from Hakone to Shinjuku, you may book when you purchase a pass. Limited Express seat fee is extra on top of Fuji Hakone Pass. But this express train takes you to Shinjuku directly from Hakone-Yumoto. Interior is very comfy. It is highly recommended.

Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi

Fuji Kyuko Railway's Kawaguchiko station. All bus services around Mt. Fuji depart / arrive in this station.
Fuji Kyuko Railway’s Kawaguchiko station. All bus services around Mt. Fuji depart / arrive in this station.

Shinjuku 06:05 (Express bus) 07:54 Kawaguchiko station (Lake Kawaguchi)
This is the earliest bus that runs in all season.

Shinjuku – Fuji Express Bus timetable

After you arrive in Lake Kawaguchi, you have two options.

Option 1, Mt. KachiKachi Ropeway and Lake Kawaguchi Cruise

View from Mt. Kachikachi Ropeway (C) Ippukucho (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
View from Mt. Kachikachi Ropeway (C) Ippukucho (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Kawaguchiko station 09:00 (walk 15 minutes) 09:15 Mt. Kachikachi (Kachikachiyama) Ropeway 10:05 (walk 15 minutes) 10:20 Lake Shore boarding pier 10:30 (Lake cruise) 10:50 (walk 10 minutes) 11:00 Kawaguchiko station

This option plan includes two popular attractions around Lake Kawwaguchi. You can view Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji from the view point by Kachikachiyama Ropeway. This gondola takes you to the observation deck at the mid mountain in 3 minutes.

Mt. Kachikachi Ropeway official site

After enjoy the view from the mountain, you board the ship on Lake Kawaguchi.

Kawaguchiko Lake Cruise “En Soleil”

These two attractions are not covered by Fuji Hakone Pass. But you can purchase discount combo ticket for gondola and cruise at Mt. Kachikachi Ropeway ticket booth. It is sold at 1,300 yen.

Find your hotels in 500 cities throughout Japan!!!

Hotels in Tokyo
Hotels in Hakone
Hotels in Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko)

Option 2, Chureito Pagoda

One of most famous shot in Japan is taken at Chureito pagoda. (C) Fujiyoshida City / JNTO
One of most famous shot in Japan is taken at Chureito pagoda. (C) Fujiyoshida City / JNTO

Kawaguchiko station 09:35 (Fuji Kyuko railway local train) 09:49 Shimo-Yoshida 11:07 (Fuji Kyuko railway local train) 11:21 Kawaguchiko station

You may have seen the photo of Chureito Pagoda. This is very famous spot especially in cherry blossom season. You can enjoy the view of cherry blossom, pagoda and Mt. Fuji at same time. It may be the best place to see cherry blossom in Japan.

Chureito is one of the building in the shrine. Official name of this place is Arakura Fuji Sengen shrine. This shrine is only 10 minutes away from Shimo-Yoshida station of Fuji Kyuko Railway. Unfortunately the train does not run very frequently between Kawaguchiko and Shimo-Yoshida. There is no earlier trains to get Shimo-Yoshida.

Option 3, Fuji Subaru line 5th station

This option is available during summer season only. Because the number ot trips is fewer in the winter time. You cannot complete the trip to 5th station in the morning during the winter time.

Kawaguchiko 08:30 (Fujikyu bus) 09:25 Fuji Subaru line 5th station 10:30 (Fujikyu bus) 11:15 Kawaguchiko

Fuji Subaru line 5th station is a popular place in Kawaguchiko area. But it is about one hour away from Kawaguchiko. If you go to 5th station, you cannot see any other places around Lake Kawaguchi.

Lake Kawaguchi to Gotemba Premium Outlet or Gotemba station

You can choose 1 hour at Kawaguchiko area or 1 hour at Gotemba Premium Outlet. You cannot get both because this trip schedule is very tight.

If you want 1 hour at Kawaguchiko, you can get a lunch time at Kawaguchiko and your schedule to Gotemba is the following:

Kawaguchiko station 12:30 (Fuji Kyuko bus) 14:00 Gotemba station

If you want to visit Gotemba Premium Outlet, your trip schedule is the following:

Kawaguchiko station 11:30 (Fuji Kyuko bus) 13:05 Gotemba Premium Outlet

Gotemba Premium Outlet is very popular spot for a shopping spree. You do not have enough time to eat lunch before you leave Kawaguchiko. Please try to eat something at Outlet mall.

Fuji Kyuko Bus between Kawaguchiko and Gotemba timetable

Gotemba Premium Outlet or Gotemba station to Owakudani via Togendai

Hakone Ropeway is one of the best way to see the mountains surrounding Hakone. (C) Odakyu Electric Railway / JNTO
Hakone Ropeway is one of the best way to see the mountains surrounding Hakone. (C) Odakyu Electric Railway / JNTO

If you arrive in Gotemba station, your schedule is the following:

Gotemba station 14:20 (Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus) 15:00 Togendai (16 minutes by Hakone Ropeway) Owakudani

If you arrive in Gotemba Premium Outlet, your schedule is the following:

Gotemba Premium Outlet 14:00 (Hakone Tozan Bus) 14:22 Sengoku 14:41 (Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus) 15:00 Togendai (16 minutes by Hakone Ropeway) Owakudani

There are lots of routes of the bus in Hakone. It is sometimes very hard to find the best route. You can check the route and schedule in the link below.

Hakone Navi – Transportation guide and the timetable

Owakudani cannot be missed in Hakone. This is an active volcanic area. You can experience lots of steam and bubbling hot springs along the short trail. Boiled egg that is cooked in this hot water is very famous food at Owakudani. You may try to eat this local food.

Owakudani is one of Must-See spots in Hakone.  ©Odakyu Electric Railway/©JNTO
Owakudani is one of Must-See spots in Hakone. ©Odakyu Electric Railway/©JNTO

You can access there by gondola from Togendai where is located at the shore of Lake Ashi. Hakone Ropeway is operated until 17:00 during the summer season. But the operation hour is shorter and it is operated until 16:15 in the winter season. You have to leave Owakudani around 15:55. Your actual time to stay in Owakudani is approximately 30 minutes. Most of you spend usually 20 minutes to walk the trail.

Hakone Ropeway official site

Owakudani to Hakone-machi Port via Togendai

Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji ©Odakyu Electric Railway/©JNTO
Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji (C) Odakyu Electric Railway / JNTO

Owakudani 15:50 (16 minutes by Hakone Ropeway) 16:10 Togendai 16:20 (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise) 17:00

You will take the sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi that is most famous lake in Hakone. You will enjoy one way trip from Togendai to Hakone-machi.

Hakone Checkpoint historical site is one of famous spots in Hakone and that is located near Hakone-machi port. But it is open until 17:00 (16:30 in winter time). You have to enter 30 minutes before closing. If you want to visit there, you have to give up Owakudani.

If you travel there between December and February, cruise ship leave at 16:10.

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise official site

Hakone-machi port to Hakone-Yumoto

Hakone-machi 17:38 (Hakone Tozan Bus) 18:00 Hakone-Yumoto

There are many more bus services available to Hakone-Yumoto. You can find some more route at Hakone Tozan Bus route finder.

Hakone Tozan Bus official site, Route search

Hakone-Yumoto is the biggest Onsen town in Hakone. You can take just an Onsen bath without overnight stay. I have two recommended Onsen facilities. I put the links but these are unfortunately in Japanese. These two Onsen facilities are located within 5 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto station by walk.

Kappa Tengoku
It is located just behind Hakone-Yumoto station. It is open until 22:00. You can eat some light meals and drinks there too.

Yajikita no Yu
It is located in Hakone-Yumoto ryokan area. It is open until 21:00. This facility does not have a dining.

Hakone-Yumoto to Shinjuku

Interior of Odakyu Romancecar 50000 series. (C) Sonic Rail Garden
Interior of Odakyu Romancecar 50000 series. (C) Sonic Rail Garden

Hakone-Yumoto (Odakyu Railway 1.5 hours by Romancecar without transit, 2 hours with transit at Odawara) Shinjuku

Odakyu railway train runs until late night. I recommend you to take Odakyu Railway’s limited express train, “Romancecar”. It connects Hakone-Yumoto and Shinjuku directly and it offers very comfy accommodation. You have to pay extra 1,110 yen for the seat fee but it is worth paying. Please see the timetable of Romancecar in the link below:

Odakyu Railway Romancecar timetable

If you do not want to pay any extra, you can take local train to Odawara from Hakone-Yumoto. And you can take a regular commute train to Shinjuku.

Hope this itinerary gives you some idea to make your trip plan!

Comments

  1. Azil says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I plan to travel to Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone for 2Days 1Night and get Fuji Hakone Pass. I have few unclear situations, hopefully you can help me.

    1. I plan to travel by Bus to Lake Kawaguchi from Shinjuku. I read need to book bus early, can I book bus (from my home country) before I buy the Fuji Hakone Pass? How will they reimbursement the payment I made earlier?

    2. After halfday at Lake Kawaguchi, I plan to sleep at Hakone/Odawara, I found a direct bus to Mishima which is closer to that area. https://japanbusonline.com/en/Detail/12200050001/1/4194301001/4222062/ Is this covered under the pass?

    3. If I take bus to Gotemba instead, where can I book the bus? I tried to find, but seems in Japanese?

    4. For Hakone area, If I do Hakone loop, is it possible to finish by 5PM? Thinking of getting shinkansen to Nagoya.

    Thank you so much for your time.

  2. Bry says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I am looking to spend 2 days in Kawaguchiko and another 2 days in Hakone with 1 day in between to stop by Gotemba outlet when travelling from Kawaguchiko to Hakone.

    It seems that the Fuji Hakone pass is valid only for 3 days. As such, I will like to enquire if it will be possible to purchase 2 of such passes to cover the 5 days (and if it’s worth it?) which I will be travelling in the region, collecting both passes on the same day at Shinjuku station.

    • Hi Bry,

      Technically you can purchase 2 of Fuji Hakone Pass. But I don’t think you can get the worth of those.

      How about purchasing Fuji Hakone Pass and Hakone Free Pass 2 days. If you go to Hakone-Yumoto on day 3, you can purchase 2 days Hakone Free Pass there. I have never tried but you may be able to get Hakone Free Pass from Hakone Yumoto in Shinjuku station.
      http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/

      If you go back to Shinjuku after Hakone, you can add single fare for Odawara to Shinjuku. It’s less than 1000 yen and cheaper than using Hakone Free Pass 2 days from Shinjuku.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. Daren Woo says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    My family and I will be travelling from Odawara to Hakone, before moving on to Tokyo.

    How to I get to Hakone from Odawara and any recommended places to stay in Hakone for one night?

    Or is it better to travel to Hakone from Tokyo by bus?

    Thanks

  4. chae says:

    I need help finding the most economical, reasonable, and quickest way to travel from Tokyo – Lake Kawaguchiko – Kyoto. Thinking of purchasing the Japan Rail Pass but not sure if it can be used to go for Kawaguchiko-Kyoto. If so, perhaps add in trip to Hakone area and rent a car for Kawaguchiko – Odawara and take bullet train/use the Japan Rail Pass to go to Kyoto? (I am running the Fuji Marathon and having a hard time with transportation in that area!)

  5. Belle says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I would like to ask if I use the Fuji hakone pass, and finish the tour at hakone machi port (cruise) is there any way to get to numazu? Can I get a bus direct to Mishima/numazu as I intend to book a hotel around this area.

    Thanks

  6. Patty says:

    Hi Takeshi-san!

    Is it advisable to book Hakone Free Pass ahead like 2 weeks before the trip? Because I just want to avail the promo of Klook Travel. Our supposedly travel date is on Oct 29. Should i first check the weather before purchasing? Thank you in advance 🙂

    • Hi Patty san,

      Unfortunately I have no idea about the deal which is available at local agent. It may have some restrictions.
      As you think, if you want to see Mt. Fuji, the weather is very important factor. You should purchase it on the day of trip if you can.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. Belle says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    As mentioned above, Fuji hakone pass is advisable even for a day trip? It is suppose to be a 3 day pass but I think I can only have time for 2 days in the Fuji 5 lakes and hakone, so does this mean the Fuji hakone pass is advisable rather than buying separate tickets ? Or will buying hakone free pass cheaper? 2 days hakone free pass + public transport to lake kawaguchi will this be cheaper or the Fuji hakone 3 days pass will be better option?

    • Hi Belle,

      If you take a bus between Gotemba and Lake Kawaguchi, round trip fare is more than 3000 yen. Fuji Hakone Pass is cheaper than Hakone Free Pass + bus fare. If you take the route in the post above, Fuji Hakone Pass is cheaper than single fare or other deals combination for even day trip.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  8. Mony says:

    hmmm I see…
    so If I give up Gotemba, that means I have to go from Kawaguchiko Sta directly to Gotemba Station, then from Gotemba to Hakone?

  9. Mony Ong says:

    What if option 1 and 2 and combined? How long will it take? Because both are necessary on this trip.

    and according to Odakyu website, the cruise and kachikachi ropeway are covered on Fuji Hakone Pass

  10. Tan says:

    Hi, thanks for this very informative site!
    May I know if I am able to book the bus tickets to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku if I am planning to buy the Fuji-Hakone Pass?
    Thank you.

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