Mount Fuji & Hakone

The most famous mountain in Japan is reliably shy — Fuji-san often hides in cloud, and clear views are most likely on cold winter mornings. The best base for trying is Hakone, the hot-spring resort area about 80 minutes from Tokyo on the Romancecar, where a circuit of cable car, pirate-ship lake crossing, and open-air sculpture museum doubles as a Fuji-spotting itinerary. The climbing season is short (early July to about 10 September); the climb takes about 5–7 hours up and 3–4 down, often in long lines. The view of Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi at dawn is the better photograph either way.

Mount Fuji reflected in Lake Kawaguchi at dawn, snow-capped peak with faint pink alpenglow, single fishing boat in the foreground — Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi at dawn.

Modernist sculptures spread across rolling green hillsides at Hakone Open-Air Museum, distant forested mountains in bright afternoon light — Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Hakone Ropeway gondola crossing a volcanic valley with sulfurous steam rising from Owakudani below, Mount Fuji visible in the distance — Hakone Ropeway over Owakudani.

A replica wooden sailing ship cruising the deep blue caldera waters of Lake Ashi, forested mountains rising on either side, Mount Fuji on the horizon — Lake Ashi sightseeing boat.

The red torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing in the waters of Lake Ashi at dusk, mist rising from the lake surface, dense forest behind — Hakone Shrine torii in Lake Ashi.

Steam rising from a traditional ryokan stone hot-spring bath at dawn with snow on the distant peak of Mount Fuji, autumn maples around the bath — Ryokan onsen with a Fuji view.

Where to stay: Gora Kadan & Japan’s onsen detours — the PacificAir Collection →

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All Mount Fuji and Hakone Guides

6 in-depth guides to Mount Fuji and Hakone — food, nightlife, beaches, transport, money and the practical detail that is hard to find.

Mount Fuji & Hakone

All Mount Fuji and Hakone Guides

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