Mount Fuji (Mt. Fuji) is not only a symbol of Japan but also a top destination for travelers from around the world. Its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage earned it a UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013. Traveling from Tokyo to the areas around Fuji, such as Kawaguchiko, takes just a few hours, making it easy to plan a short trip. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, the Fuji region offers plenty of attractions, including Oshino Hakkai Village with its crystal-clear ponds where you can see fish swimming, Chureito Pagoda—a postcard-perfect viewpoint of Mount Fuji, and Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, a must-visit for thrill-seekers. In this article, we’ll take you on a 3-day, 2-night Fuji adventure, complete with recommended activities, restaurants, scenic cafés, and popular accommodations to make your trip truly unforgettable and fall in love with Fuji.

Japan’s transportation system is convenient and versatile, especially in Tokyo, giving you several options to reach the Fuji area depending on your budget and preferences. On the morning of Day 1, plan for 2–3 hours of travel to reach the Fuji attractions.

Option 1 – Train: Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station. The total travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Option 2 – Bus: Take a bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal directly to Kawaguchiko Station. The journey takes around 2 hours.

Option 3 – Car: Rent a car and drive from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko. The drive takes about 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic.

Located near Kawaguchiko Station, just a 15-minute bus ride or 5-minute drive. Kawaguchiko is one of the five lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji and is a popular spot for tourists seeking a close-up view of the mountain. During spring, enjoy cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the colorful foliage creates a perfect backdrop. On clear days, capture stunning reflections of Mt. Fuji on the lake—definitely a must-visit spot!

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ux4jpmskQRWgQEJY9

Explore a collection of precious gemstones and large quartz crystals from Japan and around the world. Half of the museum is a shop where you can purchase jewelry and decorative items made from the same types of stones on display.

A café with a terrace offering views of Mt. Fuji, tucked away in a small alley near Kawaguchiko Lake. Enjoy not only coffee and desserts but also shabu-shabu and savory dishes. Recommended: Nama Chocolate with coffee while soaking in the Mt. Fuji view.

Visit this quaint rural village featuring crystal-clear ponds fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. You can see fish swimming all the way to the bottom of the ponds. The village also has local souvenir markets, offering a chance to relax and experience traditional Japanese village life.

Rating: 4 stars

A luxurious ryokan where every suite features a private onsen with a full view of Mt. Fuji! All rooms are suites with open-air bathtubs adjacent to the room, making it perfect for enjoying the serene and private Fuji views.

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Located by Kawaguchiko Lake, Oishi Park is famous for its lavender fields in summer and seasonal flowers that create a vibrant, beautiful atmosphere all year round. The park also offers stunning Mt. Fuji viewpoints, where the purple flower fields contrast perfectly with the majestic mountain.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EELxZfPqYVBoS9PR9

Enjoy authentic Japanese set meals here. The tempura is crispy and not greasy, cold soba and udon in flavorful broth are highly recommended. Plus, the restaurant is right by Kawaguchiko Lake, so you can enjoy a beautiful natural view while having lunch.

Fuji-Q Highland is a thrilling amusement park with a variety of daring rides, including roller coasters and family-friendly zones. The highlight is the panoramic Mt. Fuji view you get from the roller coasters! The park is also famous for its haunted hospital-themed attraction—only for the brave!

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/413ucVYtzonVu76YA

A cozy little restaurant with warm service from the owners. Their specialty is tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet). Portions are generous, and though slightly pricey, it’s perfect for recharging after a full day of activities.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iQqEYvQByoNBp6YF6

After a long day of exploring, it’s time to enjoy a different perspective of Mt. Fuji! The hotel we’ve selected is located by Lake Tanuki, offering views of the mountain from the opposite side of Lake Kawaguchiko. You can soak in the onsen while taking in the full view of Mt. Fuji, and there’s an outdoor observation area connected to a small walking path around the lake. Plus, if you stay here during summer, you might catch the sunrise perfectly aligned with the summit of Mt. Fuji—a phenomenon known as the "Diamond Fuji"!

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Makaino Farm is a livestock farm that offers unobstructed, close-up views of Mt. Fuji. Here, you can learn about various farm animals, some of which you can interact with, such as horses and sheep. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, goat feeding, cycling, cow milking, and ATV riding—you could easily spend the whole day here! The most popular photo spot at Makaino Farm is the swing. Swing high and snap a photo—it looks like you’re floating in mid-air with Mt. Fuji perfectly framed in the background.

Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PMAdmission fee: Adults ~1,200 JPY, Children ~900 JPY

By train: Take the train from Kawaguchiko Station back to Shinjuku Station.

By bus: Take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Shinjuku Station.

You can fly directly from Bangkok to Tokyo in approximately 6 hours, departing from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and arriving at either Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).

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Check the weather in advance If your goal is to see Mt. Fuji clearly, make sure to check the weather forecast before your trip—especially the cloud cover. On some days, even if the weather seems fine, clouds may completely block the view of the mountain!

Buy a travel pass to save money (if not renting a car) Passes like the Fujisan Pass or JR Tokyo Wide Pass can help reduce transportation costs and sometimes include free admission to certain attractions.

Rent a car for a Fuji road trip If your budget allows, renting a car is highly recommended! It gives you flexibility and convenience, you won’t have to constantly check bus or train schedules, and you can travel at your own pace. You can stop anywhere you like (just make sure to check for parking spots!). This makes your trip much easier and more comfortable.

If your budget allows, we recommend renting a car and going on a road trip! This way, you won’t have to constantly check bus or train schedules, and you can travel more flexibly. It’s faster than relying on public transportation, and you can stop wherever you want (just make sure to check for parking spots!). This makes your trip much easier and more convenient.Finally, Japan has many other beautiful natural spots worth exploring, such as Kyoto – a peaceful, historic city with famous Japanese gardens and ancient temples; Nara – a small city full of friendly deer, perfect for nature and culture lovers; and Kurashiki – a charming canal town with a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. In addition, Nikko is ideal for nature enthusiasts and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site located close to Tokyo.