Mt Fuji views · 6 nights
7 days, 6 nights: Tokyo (3N), Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji) (2N), Hakone (1N). Best time to go: Best Oct–Feb for clear Fuji views.
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Tokyo
- Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky · 2 h. Sunset Shibuya Sky slots sell out — book online a few weeks ahead.
- Tokyo Skytree observation decks · 1.5 h. Clear winter mornings show Mt Fuji; pair with Asakusa, one stop away.
Local tip: Sunset Shibuya Sky slots sell out — book online a few weeks ahead.
Day 2: Explore Tokyo
Tokyo
- Senso-ji & Asakusa old town · 2 h. Arrive before 9am; Nakamise snack stalls open around 10am. Lit up at night with no crowds.
- Meiji Jingu & Harajuku · 3 h. Shrine forest is calm early; Takeshita Street is packed on weekend afternoons.
Local tip: Arrive before 9am; Nakamise snack stalls open around 10am. Lit up at night with no crowds.
Day 3: Explore Tokyo
Tokyo
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden · 2 h. One of Tokyo's best cherry blossom spots (late Mar–early Apr); closed Mondays. No alcohol allowed.
- Akihabara electronics & anime district · 2.5 h. Carry your passport for tax-free shopping on purchases over ¥5,000.
Local tip: One of Tokyo's best cherry blossom spots (late Mar–early Apr); closed Mondays. No alcohol allowed.
Day 4: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji)
Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji) · Tokyo to Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji), Highway bus from Shinjuku ~2h
- Chureito Pagoda view (Arakurayama Sengen Park) · 2 h. About 400 steps; go at sunrise for a clear Fuji. Cherry blossoms mid-April, leaves early November.
- Lake Kawaguchi cruise & shore walk · 2 h. The north shore gives the classic Fuji-over-water view; hire a bicycle to cover it.
Local tip: About 400 steps; go at sunrise for a clear Fuji. Cherry blossoms mid-April, leaves early November.
Day 5: Explore Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji)
Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji)
- Mt Fuji 5th station (Subaru Line) · 4 h. Buses run roughly mid-April to early December, weather permitting; it is cold at 2,300 m. Summit climbs (Jul–early Sep) need a reservation and fee.
- Oishi Park flower fields · 1 h. Lavender in late June–July, kochia turns red in October.
Local tip: Buses run roughly mid-April to early December, weather permitting; it is cold at 2,300 m. Summit climbs (Jul–early Sep) need a reservation and fee.
Day 6: Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji) → Hakone
Hakone · Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji) to Hakone, Bus via Gotemba ~2–2.5h
- Hakone Shrine & lakeside torii · 1.5 h. Queues for the lakeside torii photo reach an hour by midday; arrive before 9am.
- Onsen soak (ryokan or day-use bath) · 2 h. Staying one night in a ryokan with dinner is the classic way to do Hakone. Many baths refuse visible tattoos — book a private (kashikiri) bath if needed.
- Gora Park gardens · 1 h
Local tip: Queues for the lakeside torii photo reach an hour by midday; arrive before 9am.
Day 7: Depart from Hakone
Hakone
- Hakone Open-Air Museum · 2.5 h. Includes a Picasso pavilion and a free foot bath; play sculptures for kids.
Local tip: Includes a Picasso pavilion and a free foot bath; play sculptures for kids.
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Tokyo (3 nights): Shinjuku. Biggest rail hub: Romancecar to Hakone, buses to Kawaguchiko, late-night dining.
- Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji) (2 nights): Lake Kawaguchi north shore. Lake-facing rooms with Fuji across the water; Oishi Park nearby.
- Hakone (1 night): Hakone-Yumoto riverside ryokan. Onsen ryokan with dinner and breakfast often included — check whether rates are per person or per room.