Private Chartered Day Tour to Mount Fuji

Lake Yamanaka is the largest and highest of the Fuji Five Lakes, sitting closest to Mount Fuji. On calm days, the lake surface reflects a perfect "Reverse Fuji" (Sakasa Fuji). Visitors can enjoy swan-shaped paddle boats, rent bicycles for a scenic ride around the 14km shoreline, or try ice fishing for wakasagi (pond smelt) in winter. The lakeside "Red Fuji Hot Spring" offers outdoor baths with direct mountain views.

Lake Kawaguchi is the most developed and accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, famous for its "Reverse Fuji" reflections. Take the pleasure boat "Ensoleille" for a 20-minute cruise, or ride the Kachi Kachi Ropeway up Mount Tenjo for panoramic lake-and-mountain views. The northern shore features Oishi Park (seasonal flowers) and multiple photography spots. In winter, early risers may witness the "Diamond Fuji" – sunrise aligning perfectly with the summit.

Oshino Hakkai consists of eight crystal-clear spring ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji that has filtered through underground lava layers for decades. The water is remarkably pure (about 13°C year-round) and was designated one of Japan's Top 100 Natural Waters. Visitors can sample tofu, soba noodles, or grilled fish made with spring water, and watch traditional waterwheels. On windless days, Kagami-ike (Mirror Pond) reflects Mount Fuji perfectly.

Oishi Park is located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji across the water. The park is famous for its seasonal flower fields: lavender from late June to mid-July, and scarlet kochia (summer cypress) in autumn. A paved walking trail leads to several viewing platforms, and the adjacent "Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center" sells lavender products, honey, and local produce. Early mornings are ideal for photographing the sunrise and "Reverse Fuji."

The 5th Station sits at 2,305 meters above sea level – the highest point accessible by vehicle on Mount Fuji. From here, visitors can sense the volcano's massive scale, often with a sea of clouds below. The station features a shrine (Fuji Omuro Sengen Shrine), a post office (send postcards with a unique Fuji stamp), restaurants, and souvenir shops. A short walk along the "Onakadai Trail" introduces high-altitude flora and thin, crisp air. During the official climbing season (early July to early September), it becomes a busy trailhead for climbers.

Lake Ashi is a scenic crater lake in Hakone, formed about 3,000 years ago, with clear waters and dramatic views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The most popular activity is boarding the "Hakone Sightseeing Pirate Ships," which connect Hakone-machi, Motohakone, and Togendai ports. From the boat, visitors can photograph the iconic red Heiwa Torii (peace shrine gate) of Hakone Shrine with Mount Fuji behind it. Lakeside activities include fishing (wakasagi, black bass) and walking trails, especially beautiful during autumn foliage.

Owakudani is a volcanic valley in Hakone characterized by active sulfur vents, steam plumes, and the distinctive smell of volcanic gases. Visitors arrive by Hakone Ropeway, then follow a walking trail to view boiling hot springs, yellow sulfur crystals, and steaming vents. The valley's specialty is kuro-tamago (black eggs) – regular eggs boiled in the volcanic hot springs until their shells turn black. Eating one is said to add seven years to your life. Souvenir black eggs come in packs of five, and the visitor center also sells black curry, black soft serve ice cream, and other volcanic-themed treats.

The Shimoyoshida area in Fujiyoshida City is famous for its retro Showa-era shopping street, particularly Honcho 2-chome. Looking west from the covered arcade, the street ends directly at the soaring cone of Mount Fuji – an incredibly cinematic view. Visitors can take vintage-style portraits here, then walk a short distance to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine and climb the 398 steps to the Chureito Pagoda (five-storied pagoda), which together with Mount Fuji produces one of Japan's most iconic images. The area also has old-fashioned candy shops, coffee houses, and nostalgic signboards ideal for a relaxed stroll.

Kawaguchi Asama Shrine was established in 865 and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Fuji-san: Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration." Nestled on a forested hillside east of Lake Kawaguchi, the shrine grounds are quiet, shaded, and atmospheric. The highlight is the Yohai-sho (Worship Place from Afar) – a small torii gate perfectly aligned with Mount Fuji, where visitors can "remotely worship" the sacred peak. Unlike more crowded spots, this shrine offers a serene, spiritual atmosphere with few commercial facilities. A few cherry trees and azaleas bloom in spring.

Gotemba Premium Outlets is Japan's largest outlet shopping center, located at the foot of Mount Fuji with direct mountain views from the complex. It features about 290 stores across West and East Zones, including international luxury brands, sportswear, Japanese fashion labels, and home goods. Visitors can shop, dine at food courts with outdoor seating facing Fuji, and enjoy a large Ferris wheel and children's play area. It's an ideal midday stop when traveling between Mount Fuji and Hakone for some rest and retail therapy.