Hakone was one of my favourite places I visited in Japan. It’s a beautiful area and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby cities. There are plenty of things to do in Hakone for people of all ages to enjoy. From riding a pirate ship across Lake Ashi to experiencing Japan’s volcanic activity, Hakone is a must-visit on any trip to Japan.
One of the reasons many people choose to visit Hakone is to see the iconic Mount Fuji. Hakone offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji in all of Japan, as well as an array of other exciting activities.
If seeing Mount Fuji is on your list, then certainly include Hakone in your itinerary.
In this post, I’ll share the best places to see Mount Fuji from Hakone. I spent 3 days exploring this amazing place, and made it my mission to see Mount Fuji as much as possible. I visited all the below spots (and others), so am confident these are the best spots to see Mount Fuji.
If you’re visiting Hakone from Tokyo, consider buying the Hakone Free Pass. This includes a return journey from Tokyo, and most transport and activities in Hakone. It’s very good value.
The best time of year to see Mount Fuji
The autumn and winter months of November through to February are normally the best months to see Mount Fuji from Hakone.
The typhoon and rainy season has ended and the weather tends to be calmer.
Check out my guide to visiting Japan in November, one of the best months to see Mount Fuji.
Mount Kintoki
Mount Kintoki, also known as Mount Ashigara, is a popular day hike in Hakone. From the top, it offers incredible views of Mount Fuji.
The 4-mile (6km) loop track leads you to the top of the mountain where, on a clear day, you’re rewarded with amazing Fuji views. The hike to the top of Kintoki is quite steep and there are a lot of steps, but it’s worthwhile. There are no views on the way up, but keep going as it’s all about the destination with this hike.
Once you reach the peak, there is a small shop selling noodles if you want to refuel.
Unfortunately, on the day I visited, a big cloud rolled in just as I reached the top. I was able to take a quick snap of Fuji before it disappeared behind the clouds.
Overall, the hike is suitable for anyone with a reasonable fitness level. It takes about 3-4 hours to complete the full hike. It’s well worth-it for the incredible views of Mount Fuji. It’s quite steep and rocky so make sure you are wearing suitable shoes.
There is the option to do a loop walk, but the trail down is very slippery, so many people opt to walk back down the way they came.
Mount Kintoki is by far one of the best places to see Mount Fuji from Hakone, so be prepared for a busy trail.
Cost: Free
How to get there: Take the T bus from Hakone-Yumoto station to Sengoku, and walk about 15-minutes from there. Route L takes you slightly closer, but these busses don’t run as frequently. Both busses are included in the Hakone Free Pass.
Mishima Skywalk
The Mishima Skywalk is Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The 400-meter bridge takes visitors over to an adventure park, but its major attraction is the incredible view of Mount Fuji.
The Mishima Skywalk seems to be overlooked by many visitors to the Hakone area. It’s a little out the way, but they were some of the best views I saw of Mount Fuji. When I visited, there were also few crowds making it a much more enjoyable experience than other spots in Hakone. I’ve written all about visiting the Mishima Skywalk here.
Once you’ve paid the 1000 Yen entry fee, you can spend as long in the area as you’d like. The bridge is the primary attraction and there are views of Fuji almost the whole way along. The bridge takes visitors to a park where there is an array of activities. This includes zip lining, Segway tours and a rock-climbing wall.
I’m honestly surprised this spot isn’t more popular. The views are incredible.
Cost: 1000 Yen (the entry cost is unfortunately not included in the Hakone Free Pass)
How to get there: the easiest way to get there is to jump on the N65 bus from Hakone. This is included in the Hakone Free Pass. The bus only runs once per hour, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
Lake Ashi
No visit to Hakone is complete without riding on one of the famous Pirate Ships across Lake Ashi. On a clear day, this popular activity rewards visitors with views of Fuji.
The famous Pirate Ship takes visitors between Togendai Port, Motohakone Port and Hakonemachi Port. The hop-on, hop-off style journeys are included in the Hakone Free Pass, and there’s no limit on how many times you can ride the boats.
For the best views of Mount Fuji on Lake Ashi, you’ll need to be in the Motohakone and Hakonemachi areas. Once you get closer to Togendai, the views become obstructed. Riding the Lake Ashi Pirate Ship offers arguably the easiest way to see Mount Fuji. There’s no exercise required, and the Pirate Ship experience itself is a lot of fun.
There can often be fog on the lake, so it’s advised to go early in the morning to have the chance to see Mount Fuji.
Cost: included in Hakone Free Pass (or 1000 Yen without the pass)
How to get there: the ship will no doubt be part of your Hakone itinerary. The boarding points are Togendai, Motohakone and Hakonemachi Ports.
Owakudani
Owakudani is an absolute must-visit on any trip to Hakone, and not just for the epic views of Mount Fuji. The desolate area is a volcanic hot-spot, and it’s a chance to get up close and personal with Japan’s volcanic activity. The smell of Sulphur is a little overwhelming (if you’ve been to Iceland, you’ll know…), but once you get past that, it’s an amazing place.
Aside from admiring the steam vents and trying a famous black egg, Owakudani boasts incredible views of Mount Fuji. The views begin on the ropeway (gondola) and you can also see Fuji from the top.
Tip: head over to the other side of the car park for the best views of Fuji. I went at sunset, and it was an incredible experience to watch the sun setting next to Fuji. The sky was so perfectly clear.
Cost: free
How to get there: visiting Owakudani can easily be built into any Hakone itinerary. Using the Hakone Free Pass, head to Gora on the train, jump on the cable car then switch to the ropeway up to the top. If coming from the other way, you’ll need to get off the cruise at Togendai Port and board the ropeway there.
Onshi-Hakone Park
Onshi-Hakone Park feels like a bit of a hidden gem in the Hakone area. It’s a great place to see Mount Fuji.
The park is beautiful, and if you walk to the top of the hill there is a viewing spot overlooking Lake Ashi. On a clear day, there are also views of Mount Fuji.
The walk itself only takes about 15 minutes. Despite the perfect weather, there were very few people there on the day I visited. It’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds and admire Mount Fuji.
Note: there are two ways to the viewing point. You can climb the ‘200 steps’, or take a sloped path to the top.
Cost: free
How to get there: the park is near Motohakone and Hakonemachi. I’d visit the park either before or after using the Pirate Ship at Hakonemachi. You can also start your day here by visiting the park first thing. Many of the busses from the Hakone-Yumoto station stop here including the R and H bus.
Extra: Lake Kawauguchiko
Another popular place to view Mount Fuji is Lake Kawauguchiko. Most people will choose either Hakone or Lake Kawauguchiko.
Visiting Lake Kawauguchiko is one of the best things to do in Mount Fuji. It’s part of the famous Fuji Five Lakes and gets you up close and personal with this wonder of nature.
In theory, you can travel directly between Hakone and Lake Kawauguchiko. However, this will take a minimum of 2 hours and the busses are very infrequent.
If you are planning to visit Lake Kawauguchiko, here’s a great itinerary.
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