Red torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing in Lake Ashi

Planning

Hakone vs Fuji Five Lakes: Which Mount Fuji Day Trip Is Right for You?

25 May 2026 · 5 min read · by the Tokyo With Us team

Most travellers choosing a Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo end up weighing the same two options: Hakone to the southeast, or the Fuji Five Lakes region to the north. Both are excellent — but they are different kinds of day.

Hakone: variety and hot springs

Hakone is a loop of experiences: the ropeway over the steaming Owakudani volcanic valley, a sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi past the red torii of Hakone Shrine, open-air museums and some of the most famous onsen in Japan. It suits travellers who want variety and infrastructure — everything is connected and easy.

Fuji Five Lakes: the mountain itself

The Fuji Five Lakes area — Kawaguchi, Yamanaka and their quieter siblings — is about one thing: the mountain. Chureito Pagoda, Oshino Hakkai, Oishi Park's flower fields and the 5th Station all look directly at Fuji. It suits photographers, families and anyone for whom seeing Fuji clearly is the point of the day. Our Lake Kawaguchi viewpoints guide covers the best spots.

So which should you choose?

If your trip has room for only one Fuji day and seeing the mountain matters most, choose Fuji Five Lakes. If you want hot springs, ropeways and museums with Fuji as a backdrop, choose Hakone. With a private vehicle you do not strictly have to choose — our Mount Fuji nature & heritage tour can include Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine in the same day, and you can check the route on GetYourGuide.