Mt Fuji 3 Lakes DayTrip from Tokyo: Shoji,Kawaguchi,Yamanaka

Exploring Mt. Fuji and Its Lakes in a Day: A Detailed Review

If you’re craving a closer look at Japan’s iconic mountain without the hassle of planning or long hikes, a guided day trip from Tokyo offers an inviting solution. Among the many options, the Mt Fuji 3 Lakes DayTrip from Tokyo strikes a good balance between scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and manageable logistics. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and traveler reviews give a clear picture of what makes it an appealing choice for many.

What stands out? First, this tour offers season-proof itineraries—whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or summer festivals, it adapts to the best views of the year. Second, the opportunity to skip crowds at Lake Shoji and find your own peaceful moment with Fuji in the background is a real treat. Third, the stops at Insta-worthy spots like Lawson and Hikawa Clock Shop add a fun, quirky touch, making this a photo enthusiast’s dream.

A possible drawback? The length of the day and multiple stops mean it can feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re a photography enthusiast eager to linger. Plus, the itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and traffic, which is common for mountain excursions.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that covers multiple scenic points and cultural highlights in one day. It suits those who prefer small group settings, authentic moments, and flexible activities—ideal for first-timers or those wanting a relaxed but thorough Fuji adventure.

Key Points

Seasonal Flexibility: The itinerary includes special events like the Suzumi Festival and Sakura Market, making each visit unique.
Crowd Avoidance: Lake Shoji offers a peaceful, less-visited perspective of Fuji, perfect if you dislike crowded spots.
Photo Opportunities: Stops at Lawson, Hikawa Clock Shop, and Yamanaka are curated for Instagram lovers and shutterbugs alike.
Small Group Experience: Groups of 1-9 people foster a more intimate and personalized environment.
Flexible Activities: Options to walk, take photos, sip matcha, or just chill, depending on your mood and interests.
Value-Added Extras: An exclusive Mt. Fuji Ramune soda is included, adding a fun local touch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Detailed Experience: What You Can Expect

Early Morning Departure and Pickup Options

The trip begins at 8:00 AM, with convenient hotel pickup from 12 districts within Tokyo or a meeting point at Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi North Exit. The guide will contact you the night before via WhatsApp or LINE—important to ensure smooth communication, especially if you’re staying outside the main pickup zones.

The transportation is comfortable and efficient, with a private van that whisks you away for the day. The drive to Mt. Fuji takes around two hours, giving you a chance to get a glimpse of Japan’s countryside and prepare for the day ahead.

Lake Shoji – Your First Look at Fuji’s Tranquility

Lake Shoji stands out as the tour’s secret gem—95% of tours skip this peaceful spot, leaving you with a quiet, picture-perfect landscape. Depending on the season, the scenery varies dramatically: in spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the lake, creating a postcard scene; summer nights during the Suzumi Festival glow with paper lanterns and yukata-clad locals; autumn brings fiery foliage reflected in mirror-like waters; and winter, with snow-capped peaks, offers a serene, almost meditative vibe.

Travelers appreciate the chance to escape crowds and capture a more authentic, tranquil view of Fuji. One reviewer mentioned, “This was my favorite stop—so peaceful, and the cherry blossoms made it feel like I was in a Japanese painting.” The stop is about an hour long, plenty of time to relax, walk along the shore, and enjoy street food if you wish.

Lake Kawaguchi – The Heart of Fuji’s Active Scene

Next, the tour hits Lake Kawaguchi, the most popular of the Fuji lakes, often bustling but also offering quieter corners. Here, you’ll have roughly 2.5 hours to explore. The timing is perfect for seasonal highlights: in early April, the cherry blossom festival along the lakeside is breathtaking, while in autumn, a crimson maple corridor invites stunning photos.

Highlights include Hoto noodles—a hearty local specialty with thick wheat pasta in miso broth—perfect for refueling after some walking. For culture lovers, the Music Forest Museum showcases vintage music boxes and live performances, adding a whimsical touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Kachi Kachi Ropeway offers bird’s-eye views of Fuji and the lakes, with tickets purchased on site (¥500-1,500).

Your guide might point out the lakeside cafes serving matcha lattes topped with Fuji-shaped foam—a subtle but charming detail that stands out in reviews. “The views from the ropeway were incredible and totally worth the small extra cost,” said one traveler.

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Lawson Kawaguchiko Station – The Viral Photo Spot

A quick 20-minute stop at Lawson—Japan’s most photographed convenience store—lets you pose with the iconic Fuji backdrop and pick up the exclusive Fuji Ramune soda. This soda is a local souvenir and makes a fun addition to your social media.

Hikawa Clock Shop and Retro Charm

A short walk takes you to the Hikawa Clock Shop, an old-fashioned storefront that, when paired with the view of Fuji behind it, makes for a classic shot. The shop has authentic vintage vibes, and the Fuji view is framed perfectly through the windows or from the street.

Lake Yamanaka – A Calm End to Your Day

The final stop is Lake Yamanaka, the highest of the Fuji lakes, known for its tranquil atmosphere. Here, you can relax by the water, watch swans glide by, or skip stones. The lakeside café offers hot cocoa—an ideal way to wind down while soaking in Fuji’s imposing silhouette. The 50-minute visit makes for a peaceful, reflective ending.

Return to Tokyo

Around 4:00 PM, the group boards the van for the return trip, arriving back in Tokyo by approximately 6:00 PM. It’s a full, but manageable, day that balances sightseeing with downtime.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price & Value: The tour’s cost covers transportation, guide services, select entry fees like Lawson soda, and exclusive access to certain spots. With small groups (1-9 people), the experience feels personalized without the high price tag of private tours.
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring layers for changing weather, and carry a camera, snacks, and water. Rain gear is recommended, especially in spring or autumn.
• Seasons & Flexibility: The itinerary adapts to seasonal events—like cherry blossoms in spring or autumn leaves—ensuring you get the best scenery regardless of when you visit.
• Accessibility & Suitability: The tour isn’t ideal for pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, or travelers with large luggage, as space is limited and some activities involve walking.
• Language & Guidance: The guide offers basic English support, with some instructions via translation apps, making it accessible for international travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip caters well to first-time visitors eager to see multiple scenic spots in one day without the hassle of navigating public transport. It’s perfect for small groups looking for a more intimate experience, and those interested in seasonal beauty—whether cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, or summer festivals. Nature lovers, Instagram enthusiasts, and cultural curious travelers will find plenty to enjoy here.

The Sum Up

This Mt Fuji 3 Lakes DayTrip from Tokyo offers a balanced mix of scenic tranquility, cultural sights, and fun photo spots. The inclusion of lesser-visited areas like Lake Shoji provides a refreshing break from crowded tourist spots, and the small-group setting ensures a relaxed, personalized experience. The flexible itinerary, combined with seasonal highlights, makes it a reliable choice no matter when you visit.

While it’s a long day with multiple stops, the overall value—especially with the included exclusive soda and intimate group size—makes it worthwhile for many travelers. Whether you’re after iconic views, cultural moments, or peaceful lakeside reflections, this tour delivers a comprehensive taste of Fuji’s natural beauty in a manageable package.

If you’re eager to tick off multiple Fuji sights without the hassle of planning, and prefer a relaxed, small-group vibe, this trip could be your perfect day out.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered from 12 Tokyo districts, including Shinjuku, Chiyoda, Chuo, and Taito, with confirmation needed for other areas.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but there’s plenty of time during free periods to buy snacks or enjoy local eateries at Lake Kawaguchi.

How does the season impact the itinerary?
The tour is designed to highlight seasonal attractions like cherry blossom festivals in spring and autumn leaves, with routes optimized for the best views.

Is English guidance provided?
Yes, the guide offers basic English support, with instructions also communicated via translation apps.

Are attraction tickets included?
Only the Lawson soda and guidance are included; tickets for the Ropeway or museums are purchased on-site (¥500-1,500).

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, a camera, snacks, water, and rain gear are recommended.

What is the group size?
Small groups of 1-9 people, which enhances the overall experience and interaction.

Can children join?
Yes, children under 3 can participate for free without occupying a seat.

This tour offers a well-rounded day to enjoy Mount Fuji’s magnificent scenery while keeping logistics simple and flexible. It’s an experience that rewards both casual sightseeing and photography, with enough variety to please different interests.

You can check availability for your dates here: