Hakone to Mt. Fuji: How to Get There and Where to Catch the Best Views
Nestled in the serene shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji, Hakone stands as a jewel in the greater Tokyo area, beckoning travelers with its picturesque landscape and tranquil ambiance.
Lake Aishi. The Hakone Pirate Ship sailing peacefully in the lake where guests can enjoy the view of Hakone Shrine and Mt Fuji. (Image credit: Shutterstock)
As part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone provides striking vistas of Mount Fuji on clear days, presenting postcard-worthy scenes that capture the heart of Japan’s scenic splendor.
Easily accessible from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular day-trip destination from Tokyo, but staying overnight will let you experience one of its famous ryokans.
Fuji-san by bus
Though there are other ways to catch amazing views of the mountain, the only way to get to Mount Fuji from Hakone is by bus. Traveling to the town of Gotemba offers a picturesque journey and shopping extravaganza. You’ll want the Hakone Tozan bus.
Upon reaching Gotemba, take some time to wander the Gotemba Premium Outlets—one of the country’s most popular outlet malls, featuring over 200 international and domestic brand stores. Your shopping experience comes with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji serving as a dramatic backdrop.
Where to get the best views
Lake Ashi
Traveling in Hakone lets you witness the breathtaking beauty of Mount Fuji from the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi (Ashinoko). This crater lake, formed some 3,000 years ago following the last volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone, is a centerpiece of natural beauty, surrounded by lush forested land and rolling mountains.
Behold the grandeur of the mountain as you embark on a cruise across Lake Ashi. On clear days, the majestic mountain reveals itself in all its glory. As you glide across the lake, you’ll pass the iconic red gate of the Hakone Jinja shrine.
If you’re not excited about boats, head to the Moto Hakone area, located along the southern shores of Lake Ashinoko. Here, you can enjoy the classic Hakone view where the calm waters of the lake meet the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji.
Kintoki Mountain
There’s no better way to experience Japan’s mountains than by hiking them, and this trek comes with an unbeatable Fuji view to boot.
The hike, a 6km roundtrip, usually takes 3-4 hours. The path offers a blend of steep, rocky sections and some potentially slippery areas, making comfortable and sturdy footwear a must. Hikers should be prepared for a temperature variance between the base and the peak. The closest public transport access to the trailhead is the Kintoki-jinjya-iriguchi Bus Stop.
Upon reaching the peak, you are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view encompassing the Hakone area. The vistas are most striking in the early morning and during the colder months. These moments provide the clearest views, allowing for an unobstructed and awe-inspiring experience.
Owakudani
Owakudani, often referred to as the "hell valley" due to its active volcanic landscape, is located on the northern slopes of Mount Hakone.
The journey to Owakudani itself is an experience to savor. The ropeway, which runs between Gora Station and Togendai Port, provides breathtaking views of the Owakudani Valley and Mount Fuji as it transports you to this unique volcanic area.
A stop at Owakudani is not just about the views. Visitors can sample kuro-tamago—distinctive black eggs boiled in the sulfurous and iron-rich onsen waters of the valley. These eggs are a local delicacy and offer a taste of the region’s geothermal wonders.
The Hakone Ropeway on a perfect weather day. (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Onshi Hakone Park
A serene and picturesque location, Onshi Hakone Park is situated on the historic grounds of the 14th Hakone Palace. This Prefectural Park offers a panoramic view of the stunning Lake Ashi and the encompassing mountains, where, on clear, sunny days, visitors are treated to the majestic sight of Mount Fuji, making this spot one of the "50 Picturesque Sights of Kanagawa."
The journey to Onshi Hakone Park is as enriching as the destination itself. The park, known for its tranquil beauty, invites visitors to step back in time. The highlight is the Villa Imperial de Hakone, where the second-floor balcony provides a timeless vista. This view, over a century old, has remained unchanged since the reconstruction of the Moto Hakone Rikyu (the former Hakone Villa) in the 1880s.
Prince Hotels Ryuguden
In Japanese, this place simply translates as ‘Onsen with a Superb View,' and you can see why. This ryokan is a pure gem nestled on the shore of Lake Ashi, embraced by the scenic beauty of Mt. Hakone's caldera. This traditional Japanese inn offers guests an unparalleled experience, merging luxury with the natural splendor of the region: think spacious Japanese-style rooms, sweeping views, and plenty of activities in nearby Hakone.
Other Scenic Stops
Hakone Tozan Railway
Although it doesn’t offer views of Mount Fuji, the Hakone Tozan Railway, Japan's oldest mountain railway, offers a unique adventure as it traverses the scenic landscapes of Hakone.
The upper section of the line transforms into a small mountain train, delivering passengers to a world of scenic vistas and lush valleys. The train meanders through a narrow, densely wooded valley, crossing numerous bridges and tunnels, and utilizing three switchbacks to navigate the steep terrain.
A good time to ride the Hakone Tozan Railway is during June and July when thousands of hydrangeas (ajisai) bloom along the tracks.
Hakone Shrine
After a serene cruise across Lake Ashi, a journey to the Hakone Shrine is a must. The shrine is nestled at the foot of Mount Hakone, along the shores of Lake Ashinoko. Its presence is heralded by majestic torii gates. One of these gates stands prominently in the lake, offering one of the most iconic and photographed scenes in Hakone.
In addition to the main shrine, there's also the Mototsumiya ("original shrine"), located at the summit of Komagatake, one of Mount Hakone's multiple peaks. This secondary shrine can be accessed either by the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en or via hiking trails for those seeking a more adventurous route. The journey to Mototsumiya offers its own rewards, with stunning views and a deeper sense of solitude.
The most popular photo spot in Hakone, red torii gates of the Hakone Shrine. (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Fuji-san by car
Hakone, with its enchanting views of Mount Fuji, is a harmonious blend of nature and culture. While Mount Fuji can be elusive, especially during midday when fog and clouds shroud its majestic form, the region offers several vantage points for those lucky clear moments.
But why trust the bus? For your best chance at catching an unforgettable view of Japan’s iconic peak, look to TokudAw’s elite private car service. We can help you explore beautiful Hakone and time your visit right to catch all those special photo ops you came for.
