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
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](https://i0.wp.com/blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/KachikachiyamaRopeway-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400)
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.
Hotels in Tokyo
Hotels in Hakone
Hotels in Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko)
Option 2, Chureito Pagoda
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
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.
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.
Owakudani to Hakone-machi Port via Togendai
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
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
Hi takeshi san,
2 adults will visit japan in june 4-11, 8 days
June 4 osaka
June5 nara stay overnight in kyoto
June6 kyoto
June7&8 Either gifu or hakone cant decide which one to choose then overnight stay
June 9-11 tokyo then flight back home
And jrpass is okay to purchase for this trip
Its our first time and excited to travel japan
Thank you for your time
Jc
Hi Jc san,
If you meant that you will go to Takayama in Gifu, you may use 7-day JR Pass for the last 7 days. You may add other deal in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
If you don’t go to Takayama and you meant other locations in Gifu, or if you skip Gifu and stay in Hakone, JR Pass does not work. You have to purchase a regular fare for each locations. In the following link, you will find the sample itinerary from Tokyo to Osaka with Hakone and Kyoto. It is an opposite way but you can use same deals mosly:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good morning, Takeshi-san.
Your itinerary is very detailed and really helpful. I plan to follow the morning section of your itinerary from Shinjuku-Chureito Pagoda-Gotemba Premium Outlet. However, I’m afraid that I’m stuck after that. My friends are quite keen on visiting the famous photo spots in both Lake Kawaguchi and the torii at Lake Ashi Shrine on the same day. I’m not sure if it’s possible as I can’t seem to find any tours which includes both places in 1 day. Do you have any suggestions for us if we are able to slot in both Lake Kawaguchi(no cruises necessary, just the picture-taking spot for my friends) and Lake Ashi Shrine along with Chureito Pagoda? Also, if this itinerary is possible, which pass would you recommend that will cover the places we are visiting?
P.S. I have attached a sample picture of the supposed famous view of Lake Kawaguchi with Mt Fuji in the background for your reference.
Thank you for your time.
Hi Vivienne san,
I think you need more time in Lake Kawaguchi. I recommend you to take one later bus from Lake Kawaguchi to Gotemba outlet because in my sample, you can visit only Chureito Pagoda. Your friend needs more time at Lake Kawaguchi.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/pdf/rosen/gotemba/pamphlet_201811.pdf
But if you do so, you don’t have a time to take Gondola to Owakudani. Both Gondola and Cruise ship on Lake Ashi runs until 17:00. I don’t think you have enough time to do both. You have to give up either Gondola or Cruise ship. I think your friend pick up the cruise.
Fuji Hakone Pass is required anyway as long as you visited both Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good afternoon, Takeshi-san.
Thank you so much for your suggestions so far. After looking through all the map routes and timetables, I’ve made a few adjustments to our itinerary though I’m not sure if it’s feasible.
Shinjuku-Kawaguchiko Station-Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsukan(?)/Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center(?) [Apparently the famous view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji is from the Northern Shore but I’m not sure if this is the place that people are talking about?]-Chureito Pagoda-Hakone Jinjya Heiwa-n-o-Torii.
I noticed that on JNTO’s website there is an earlier express bus at 6.45am-8.30am to Kawaguchiko Station but is it covered by the Fuji Hakone Pass or is that another express bus?
https://partners-pamph.jnto.go.jp/simg/pamph/731.pdf
I hope that you can give more insight to my updated itinerary.
Thank you for your time.
Hi Vivienne san,
Your itinerary looks okay. I’m not sure that Kawaguchiko Shizen Seikatsukan and Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center are the best spot to see Fuji. There are many spots there and I don’t know which one the best is.
The timetable which you gave me for October in the last year. The current timetable is in the link below:
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
I am planning this for March
Shinjuku to mt fuji area
Stay for two nights in Mount Fuji area
Head to Hakone and stay for two nights
Depart to Shinjuku from Hakone
Total 4 nights
I understand the Fuji Hakone pass is only valid for 3 days. What would be your advice in this instance? What pass should I buy?
Hi VF san,
I think you may use Fuji Hakone Pass Odawara version 3 days. I believe you can buy this at Odakyu railway Shinjuku station in advance.
https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/
This includes only free ride area for 3 days. It does not include Shinjuku to Fuji and Hakone to Shinjuku. You have to add these but even if you use Shinjuku version, you can use only one way because of 5 days stay.
You can use this 3 days coverage for middle 3 days of your trip, one day for Lake Kawaguchi, one day for Lake Kawaguchi to Hakone and the last day for Hakone. You can add the other local deal (bus pass) in Lake Kawaguchi if you travel lots.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/
I don’t think you travel lots on the day of Hakone to Shinjuku. I think a regular ticket is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you for the shared itinerary. It’s really helpful and full of information.
For this coming March 2019, I plan to go to Mt Fuji from Tokyo and I have weekly JR pass (which include shinkansen train). How to go to Mt Fuji by shinkansen train, because I believed it will save my budget and time instead of taking the bus from Shinjuku.
And I plan to go to Mt. KachiKachi Ropeway and Lake Kawaguchi Cruise. Then, heading to Hakone to ride Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. Do I still need to go to Gotemba Premium Outlet for the bus to go to Hakone?
Then, I will heading to Kyoto by shinkansen train. Do I need to bring along all my luggage or can I put at the Tokyo station (if need to return back to Tokyo) for the shinkansen train to Kyoto.
And do you think I have enough time and reach Kyoto not really late night?
I really do appreciate your advise.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Aslaily san,
Actually you cannot go to Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi area) by Shinkansen. You can take some JR trains which is covered by JR pass between Tokyo and Otsuki. Please see the link below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-fuji-area-various-sample-itineraries-of-fuji-five-lakes-and-5th-station.html
But if you take a train to get Lake Kawaguchi, the arrival time is later than taking the express bus. I recommend you to take the express bus even though it is not covered by JR pass. Otherwise you cannot complete all places.
You have to go to Gotemba outlet because all buses from Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone are connected there. You can get Kyoto after visiting all places. You can find the timetable of the Shinkansen in the link below. You will take the Shinkansen train from Odawara:
https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
You have to bring the luggage all the way. Or please ask your hotel in Tokyo about delivery service. Some hotels have contract with the transport company. You can ship your luggage to your hotel in Kyoto. Usually the cost is about 2,000 to 3,000 yen per suitcase.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
From March jr east will have a direct train traveling from Shinjiku to lake kawaguchi, is jr Tohoku pass and Nagano Pass valid for this train?
cheers
Hi Joe san,
I don’t think so. JR East Pass does not cover Fuji Kyuko railway between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. Only Tokyo Wide Pass covers it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi-san,
I thought the new direct route(no need to get change at otsuki )by JR east will have by pass or made deal w fuji kyuko railway , so jr east passes can be valid for this ride, but it’s not a big deal if it doesn’t.
Cheers
Hi Joe san,
It will be the first limited express train to get Lake Kawaguchi by JR. But JR already operate a direct train service for a long time by Rapid Holiday Fuji or many other rapid train service. Tokyo Wide Pass has been covering this route but JR East Pass does not. So I don’t think JR and Fuji Kyuko will not change the rule.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks the informations Takeshi-san
No worries, Joe san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m planning to make a one day trip from Tokyo To Kawaguchiko on 14th January 2019, and it is a public holiday.
My detailed Trip Will be
1 Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko
2 Kawaguchiko to Oshino Hakkai
3 Oshino Hakkai to Gotemba Premium Outlet
4 Gotemba Premium Outlet to Shinjuku
Is my trip above feasible?
Can i use IC Card to take a bus from kawaguchiko – oshino hakkai – gotemba premium outlet or should i make a reservation first?
Hi Michael,
Your trip plan is good. You can use IC card (Suica, Pasmo or other major one) on some buses. There are still some buses running which do not have IC card reader.
You cannot book a seat for the bus between Kawaguchiko, Oshino-Hakkai and Gotemba because this bus is a route bus, not express bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for responding to my message. also, I plan to use the retro bus to go to the nagasaki park and oishi park. However, the web said that IC card is not accepted. Do you have any information for the ticket or how to ride the bus?
Hi Michael,
Actually I have never taken this bus before. But this bus is open for the passengers who has 2 days unlimited ride ticket in my understanding. Because this is a sightseeing bus not a route bus.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am planning to travel in the opposite direction, starting from the cruise back to Kawaguchiko, as the cruise operations end very early during winter. Do you have any advice?
Hi Lenny,
If you intend to take Gondola and Lake Cruise at Lake Kawaguchi, you will miss these. Because these are open until 16:00 or 16:30 in winter time. If you go to Chureito, that’s okay as long as you get there by the dusk.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, just a few question:
1) How do I book the bus ride from Kawaguchiko to Gotemba Premium Outlets?
2) How do I book all the buses from Gotemba Premium Outlets to Owakudani?
3) Where do I book the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise?
4) If I would like to visit all three attractions during December (Chureito Pagoda, Owakudani, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise) do you think it is possible?
Thank you!
Hi Lim,
Reservation is not required for all transport which you mentioned. Even if you want, you cannot do it.
This sample itinerary was made by winter schedule. So you can make it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We will travelling in 10 on 26th Nov 2018, including kids and adults. We are JR pass holder. I would like to have your suggestion regarding my plan.
Going to get Hakone Free Pass even it’s only a day trip.
1.Shinjuku-Kawaguchiko (KuchiKachi ropeway) –> Kawaguchiko Lake cruise –>Gotemba –> taking Hakone ropeway to Owakudani –> Hakone pirate ship –> Back to shinjuku
May I know what are the routes that will be covered throughout this plan? We are more favourable to witness the panoramic view of Mt. Fuji. Feel free to comment. Appreciate!
Hi Ling Ling,
Even though you have JR pass, it doesn’t help you. You should buy one day Fuji Hakone Pass from Shinjuku. Because if you use JR pass, you will take a train from Shinjuku and change trains at Otsuki. Trip time is longer than using direct express bus. You have to leave in early morning and get Lake Kawaguchi as early as possible. So don’t try using JR Pass and simply using Fuji Hakone Pass.
https://www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for putting up the itinerary. I’m thinking of doing the below on 22 March 2019. What do you think? I’m open to suggestions if you have any!
Bus 0715 Shinjuku -> 0900 Kawaguchiko
Train Kawaguchiko -> Shimoyoshida
Chureito Pagoda
Train Shimoyoshida -> Kawaguchiko
Ensoleille cruise (Thought of skipping Kachi Kachi ropeway as I found it a bit not worthwhile since it’s just few minutes & we will be viewing Fuji-san from Chureito & cruise already. If Fuji-san isn’t visible, I might even consider skipping the cruise.)
Bus Kawaguchiko -> Gotemba Premium Outlets
Gotemba Premium Outlets -> Shinjuku
I’m not intending to purchase the Hakone Free Pass as it doesn’t seem worth it for my route. I think it’s really rushed to visit Hakone on the same day even if I skipped walking around in Gotemba Premium Outlets.
Thanks in advance!!
Hi Naomi san,
Your plan is feasible. Fuji Hakone Pass is not required because you can take a direct bus from Gotemba outlet to Shinjuku or other locations in Tokyo. Please see the link below:
https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/gotemba/access/bus/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your swift response. Just one last thing, regarding all the buses I need to take. Do I need to buy all the tickets in advance & how many days in advance do you recommend? It’s hard to decide what timing to return to Shinjuku from Gotemba Premium Outlets.
1. Shinjuku – Kawaguchiko
2. Kawaguchiko – Gotemba
3. Gotemba – Shinjuku
Hi Naomi san,
1. Yes. Please see the link below:
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
2. No.
3. Yes. Please see the link which I gave you in the previous reply.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
do you think i have time to visit Oshino Hakkai?
7.15am Shinjuku -> 9.00am Kawaguchiko
Chureito Pagoda (1hour)
Shimoyoshida -> Fujisan / Kawaguchiko then bus to Oshino Hakkai
It seems a bit rush to still go to GPO after Oshino Hakkai. How much time do people spend at Oshino Hakkai usually?
Thank you!
Hi Naomi san,
It takes 2 hours usually. If you skip Hakone, you can squeeze it but if you still want to see Hakone, it’s impossible.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
My plan is to see chureito pagoda, oshino hakkai & go to Gotemba Premium Outlet. Do you think it will be rushed or I should just have a relax time then return to Kawaguchi by bus from Oshino Hakkai & then back to Shinjuku?
Hi Naomi san,
You can visit all place as day trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
Kindly help me to see if this works for 21/03/2019.
06:45 Shinjuku -> 08:30 Kawaguchiko (reservation can be done here, https://www.highwaybus.com/gp/inbound/index)
08:46 Kawaguchiko -> 08:59 Shimoyoshida -> Chureito Pagoda
(Next train leaving Shimoyoshida is 09:52, I suspect it’s gonna be very rush, so I plan to take a later train.)
10:57 Shimoyoshida -> 11:03 Fujisan
11:08 Fujisan -> 11:23 Oshino Hakkai (bus)
(5mins to rush for bus, do you think I have time? Otherwise I will take the train till Kawaguchiko & take the 11.30am to Oshino Hakkai Ent instead.)
I plan to leave by 14:00 to Gotemba Premium Outlets but it seems that all the buses that stop by Oshino Hakkai doesn’t go to Gotemba Premium Outlet, I Guess I can take the bus to Gotemba Station and take the free shuttle.
Do you have any comments?
Hi Naomi san,
It works. You can change train/bus at Fujisan station in 5 minutes easily. It’s a small station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com