The Mt. Fuji area around Oshino and the Fuji Five Lakes offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Japan. However, once you leave the main train lines, transportation becomes limited.
That’s why many travelers choose to rent a car or join a guided tour when exploring this region.
On this trip, we drove from Tokyo and spent a full day visiting several places around Oshino, Yamanakako, and Arakurayama. The route turned out to be a perfect mix of nature, culture, and Mt. Fuji viewpoints.
Here is the itinerary we followed.
🚅 Where to Buy Japan Rail Pass — Comparison
Same official JR Pass — price and process differs by seller.
| Seller | Price (7-day) | Delivery | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klook ⭐ | ¥50,000~ | E-voucher / instant | Easy booking, trusted | Buy on Klook → |
| 12Go Asia | ¥50,000~ | E-ticket / instant | Multi-country trips | Buy on 12Go → |
| Trip.com | ¥50,000~ | E-voucher / instant | Bundle with hotel | Buy on Trip.com → |
*affiliate links are incluede — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices will be changed.
Why a Car Is the Best Way to Explore This Area
While buses do run between major spots like Kawaguchiko and Oshino Hakkai, reaching smaller locations can take time.
Driving makes the day much easier.
With a car you can:
- visit several scenic viewpoints in one day
- stop whenever Mt. Fuji appears in the distance
- explore quieter areas around the lakes
If you don’t plan to rent a car, a guided day tour from Tokyo is often the easiest alternative.
Mt. Fuji Day Trip Itinerary from Tokyo
12:00 – Lunch at Udon no Eki Nishikatsura
Our first stop was Udon no Eki Nishikatsura, a casual local restaurant known for hearty noodle dishes.
We ordered:
- niku udon (beef udon), one of the local specialties
- a half portion of curry rice
The udon here had a comforting homemade flavor, and the warm broth felt perfect before a day of sightseeing. Local diners came and went quickly, which is always a good sign.
It’s a simple stop, but a great way to start the day.
📍 Udon no Eki Nishikatsura
A local udon restaurant in Nishikatsura known for hearty dishes like niku udon and curry rice. A great stop for lunch when exploring the Mt. Fuji area by car.
13:00 – Arayayama Shrine
Next we visited Arayayama Shrine, a lesser-known shrine near the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Many people believe this shrine brings good fortune in business and money matters, so it attracts both locals and visitors who come to pray.
The shrine sits quietly in the forest, and the atmosphere feels calm and spiritual. Compared with the crowded tourist spots around Mt. Fuji, this place feels peaceful and almost hidden.
If you enjoy visiting shrines, it’s a worthwhile stop.
📍 Arayayama Shrine
Arayayama Shrine is known as a spiritual spot near Mt. Fuji, often visited by people praying for success in business and financial fortune.
14:00 – Oshino Hakkai
After the shrine, we drove about 20 minutes to Oshino Hakkai, one of the most famous attractions near Mt. Fuji.
Oshino Hakkai consists of eight spring ponds fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. The water filters naturally through volcanic rock underground, creating incredibly clear pools.
Walking through the village feels like stepping into a traditional Japanese landscape.
You’ll see:
- thatched-roof houses
- small wooden bridges
- water wheels
- crystal-clear ponds
Although the area has become more tourist-friendly in recent years—with souvenir shops and street food—it still retains a charming atmosphere.
📍 Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai is a traditional village famous for its eight crystal-clear spring ponds fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. It’s one of the most popular sightseeing spots near the Fuji Five Lakes.
15:30 – Yamanakako Shinsui Park
Next we drove to Yamanakako Shinsui Park, a lakeside park on Lake Yamanaka.
Compared with Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanaka feels much quieter and more spacious.
The park offers one of the best views of Mt. Fuji across the water. On clear days, the reflection of the mountain on the lake can be stunning.
Many visitors come here simply to relax, walk along the lakeshore, and enjoy the scenery.
📍 Yamanakako Shinsui Park
Yamanakako Shinsui Park is a lakeside park on Lake Yamanaka offering peaceful scenery and beautiful views of Mt. Fuji across the water.
17:00 – Arakurayama Sengen Park
Our final stop was Arakurayama Sengen Park, one of the most famous Mt. Fuji viewpoints in Japan.
If you’ve ever seen a photo of a red pagoda with Mt. Fuji behind it, it was probably taken here.
To reach the viewpoint, you need to climb about 400 steps, but the view at the top is absolutely worth it.
From the observation deck, you can see:
- the five-story pagoda
- Fujiyoshida city below
- Mt. Fuji rising in the distance
It’s especially beautiful in cherry blossom season and autumn.
📍 Arakurayama Sengen Park Location
Arakurayama Sengen Park is famous for its iconic view of the five-story pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background.
Map of This Mt. Fuji Day Trip Route
- Udon no Eki Nishikatsura
- Arayayama Shrine
- Oshino Hakkai
- Yamanakako Shinsui Park
- Arakurayama Sengen Park
All of these locations are within 30–40 minutes driving distance, making the route easy to complete in a single day.
Want to know more about Mt. Fuji? Check this article!
Tips for Visiting the Mt. Fuji Area
If you plan to follow a similar itinerary, a few tips will help:
First, check the weather forecast. Mt. Fuji often hides behind clouds, especially in the afternoon.
Second, try to arrive earlier in the day if possible. Popular spots like Oshino Hakkai and Arakurayama Park can become crowded.
Finally, consider renting a car if you want maximum flexibility. The Fuji Five Lakes region becomes much easier to explore with your own transportation.
Final Thoughts
The area around Oshino, Yamanakako, and the Fuji Five Lakes offers some of the most memorable scenery near Mt. Fuji.
In just one day, you can experience:
- traditional villages
- peaceful lakes
- historic shrines
- iconic viewpoints of Mt. Fuji
With a car, this route becomes a relaxed and enjoyable day trip from Tokyo.
If you want to see several sides of the Mt. Fuji region in a single day, this itinerary works beautifully.
🏨 Best Sites to Book Hotels in Japan — Comparison
Compare prices across platforms before booking.
| Site | Inventory | Strength | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | 40,000+ | Free cancellation | Flexible bookings | Search → |
| Agoda | 35,000+ | Asia deals, points | Budget, city hotels | Search → |
| Hotels.com ⭐ | 30,000+ | Rewards program | Frequent travelers | Search → |
| Trip.com | 25,000+ | Bundle train+hotel | All-in-one booking | Search → |
* affiliate links are incluede — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices will be changed.
