Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone Classics

See Mount Fuji and the Chureito Pagoda at Lake Kawaguchi, then go via Gotemba to Hakone for the full loop; ideal for first-time visitors.

The most common two-base route for first-timers: on day 1, view Mount Fuji from the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Arakura. On day 2, see the reflections at Oishi Park in the early morning, then take buses via Gotemba on to Hakone. On day 3, do the Hakone loop by mountain railway, cable car and pirate ship, and leave from Odawara. The pace is tight, but you change lodging only once; Oshino Hakkai and the Fifth Station are left for longer trips.

Winter and spring have the clearest air and best views of Mount Fuji; in summer, cloud often hides the summit.

Day by day

Day 1 · Mount Arakura, Chureito Pagoda and Lake Kawaguchi

Mount Fuji & Hakone（Arakurayama Sengen Park、Honcho Street, Fujiyoshida、Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway、Lake Kawaguchi）

Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station in the morning, take the Fujikyu Railway to Shimoyoshida Station and walk up the hill. On the way back, use the sightseeing loop bus and the cable car; about 1 hour of travel in total over the day.

Mount Arakura has about 400 steps; in the morning the light is good for photographing Fuji with the pagoda.

Stay: Lake Kawaguchi

Day 2 · Morning at Oishi Park, Then On to Hakone

Mount Fuji & Hakone（Oishi Park、Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields、Hakone Open-Air Museum）

Take the Red Line bus to Oishi Park in the morning, then a bus to Gotemba, where you transfer to a bus bound for Sengokuhara; the transfer takes about 2–2.5 hours in total.

Connections at Gotemba vary, so check timetables in advance; luggage can be forwarded.

Stay: Gora

Day 3 · Hakone Loop, Then Departure

Mount Fuji & Hakone（Owakudani、Lake Ashi、Hakone Shrine、Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Town）

At Gora, take the cable car and ropeway via Owakudani to Togendai, take the pirate ship to Motohakone, then a bus to Hakone-Yumoto and on to Odawara; about 4–5 hours in total.

The ropeway stops when volcanic gas levels at Owakudani are high; a substitute bus detour is available.

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