Visiting Japan and not taking a trip to its most iconic natural wonder, Mt. Fuji, is like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower—it’s just not done!
However, exploring this majestic mountain doesn’t mean you have to stick with the usual pre-packaged group tours. Why not upgrade your Mt. Fuji experience with a private tour?
This personalized adventure offers you an intimate journey, flexible itinerary, and the luxury of taking things at your own pace.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed the best private tours to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo. We’ll dive into the unique highlights of each tour, discuss the costs, and help you decide which one is your perfect match. We’re talking about advantages, tips, and even a bit about Japanese tipping etiquette.
What to Expect
So, what’s a typical day on a Mt. Fuji tour like? Typically, tours start with a morning pickup from your hotel. From Tokyo, it’s about a 2 to 3-hour drive to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji. Most tours give you time to enjoy the views, take some Insta-worthy photos, and if you’re lucky with the weather, witness the majestic peak of Mt. Fuji itself.
The trip often includes other notable spots around the Mt. Fuji area, like Lake Ashi and the Hakone ropeway, or the charming lakes around Fuji Five Lakes region, each offering a unique view of the mountain. Depending on your chosen package, you might also get to enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch or a relaxing soak in a Hakone hot spring.
Here’s a summary of the best private Mount Fuji tours:
| Tour Name | Cost (JPY) | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Gotemba Outlets | ¥55,000 | Book Now |
| Private Mt. Fuji and the Gotemba Outlet in One Day from Tokyo | ¥65,500 | Book Now |
| 1 Day Private Tour Mt. Fuji, Hakone and Lake Ashi with English Speaking Driver | ¥120,000 | Book Now |
| Private Tour: Chartered Car to Mt. Fuji Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone and Lake Ashi | ¥165,000 | Book Now |
| Private Mount Fuji Tour – Bilingual Chauffeur | ¥101,664 | Book Now |
| Mt. Fuji Private Sightseeing Tour with Local: from Tokyo | ¥90,000 | Book Now |
| Private Full-Day Hakone and Mt. Fuji Tour with Bilingual Driver | ¥68,150 | Book Now |
| Mt Fuji Area Private Guided Tours in English-Nature up close, quiet, personal | ¥39,213 | Book Now |
| Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only | ¥21,000 | Book Now |
| Private One Day Mt. Fuji – Lake Kawaguchiko Tour with Bilingual Driver | ¥68,850 | Book Now |
| Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Area Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Kawaguchiko Area Departure) | ¥21,000 | Book Now |
Although a private tour might cost more than group tours, the convenience, flexibility, and customized experience can make it worth every yen.
Now, let’s dive into some of the top-rated private tours to Mount Fuji from Tokyo.
Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone
The Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone offers an all-encompassing day trip from Tokyo, showcasing some of the most stunning views of Mount Fuji and the Hakone region. This tour brings you to multiple vantage points to admire the iconic peak, weather permitting, giving you the chance to experience the mountain from different perspectives. The added advantage of this private tour is the flexibility to customize the itinerary according to your preferences.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Cost: From ¥129,599 JPY
1 Day Private Mt Fuji Tour (Charter) – English Speaking Driver
The 1 Day Private Mt Fuji Tour (Charter) – English Speaking Driver provides a one-of-a-kind experience to delve into the scenic beauty of Mount Fuji and its surrounding landscapes. Your English-speaking driver will guide you to spots like the Sengen Shrine Complex, Kawaguchiko Lake, and the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, giving you a well-rounded experience of the area. And if the weather permits, a trip up to the Mount Fuji Fifth Station will be the highlight of your tour.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Cost: From ¥65,385 JPY
1 Day Private Tour Mt. Fuji, Hakone and Lake Ashi with English Speaking Driver
For those wanting a more relaxed and flexible tour, the 1 Day Private Tour Mt. Fuji, Hakone and Lake Ashi with English Speaking Driver could be your ideal choice. The tour covers Mount Fuji’s 5th Station where you can have lunch while taking in breathtaking views, followed by a trip to Hakone. This tour stands out for the choice it offers: whether you prefer a calming cruise on Lake Ashi or a soothing soak in a hot spring, you can make your day as leisurely or adventurous as you like.
- Duration: 1 to 10 hours
- Cost: From ¥120,000 JPY
Private Tour: Chartered Car to Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone and Lake Ashi
The Private Tour: Chartered Car to Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone and Lake Ashi is a fully personalized tour offering an option to visit either Mt. Fuji or Hakone. One of its highlights is the leisurely drive through the mountain roads to reach stunning sites like Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Ashi, and Arakurayama Sengen Park. This tour is an excellent choice for travelers who value comfort, with the convenience of a minivan, hotel pickup and drop-off, and multilingual guides.
- Duration: 10 to 11 hours
- Cost: From ¥165,000 JPY
Private Mount Fuji Tour – Bilingual Chauffeur
The Private Mount Fuji Tour – Bilingual Chauffeur is an exceptional tour that caters to travelers who appreciate detailed insights. Besides the remarkable landscapes, the bilingual chauffeur provides valuable context about the sites and local culture. This tour is a fantastic option for those who want to see all the top sights in one day, with the added advantage of photo assistance and local tips. It’s ideal for travelers wanting to make the most of their limited time.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Cost: From ¥101,664 JPY
Mt. Fuji Private Sightseeing Tour with Local: From Tokyo
For those who want to see the attractions around Mount Fuji at an affordable rate, the Mt. Fuji Private Sightseeing Tour with Local: From Tokyo is a top choice. This tour offers a blend of cultural insights at Sengen Shrine Complex and natural beauty at Kawaguchiko Lake and Oshino Hakkai.
The Kachi Kachi Ropeway ride and a potential visit to Mount Fuji Fifth Station, weather permitting, are other highlights. The tour even offers optional visits to a Tea museum or Fuji Q amusement park. The relatively lower price point, coupled with an inclusive package (covering tolls and fuel fees), makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
- Duration: 9 to 10 hours
- Cost: From ¥90,000 JPY
Private Full-Day Hakone and Mt. Fuji Tour with Bilingual Driver
The Private Full-Day Hakone and Mt. Fuji Tour with Bilingual Driver is an excellent choice for travelers who desire a comfortable yet immersive experience. Besides the typical Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashinoko views, this tour takes you to the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Gora Park, adding an artistic and cultural dimension.
Compared to other tours, this one stands out for its bilingual driver and inclusion of Hakone’s unique destinations, all for a reasonable price.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Cost: From ¥68,150 JPY
Mt Fuji Area Private Guided Tours in English – Nature Up Close, Quiet, Personal
If you prefer a shorter, more nature-focused tour, the Mt Fuji Area Private Guided Tours in English – Nature Up Close, Quiet, Personal is a gem. The tour lets you see Mt. Fuji in its full grandeur while exploring serene lakes, tranquil forests, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, the tour offers a more personal experience as you go off the beaten path to quieter locations. Given its duration and focus on nature, this tour is a great pick for those with limited time or those seeking a more relaxed experience, and it comes at the lowest cost among the listed tours.
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Cost: From ¥39,213 JPY
Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only
If you’re looking for an affordable, half-day, walking tour with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, check out the Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour. Your multilingual, government-licensed guide will introduce you to the rich history and abundant nature of Shizuoka, including a visit to a castle and a ride on a steam locomotive, all the while being treated to majestic views of Mt. Fuji. The tour’s flexibility allows you to tailor it to your interests.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Cost: From ¥21,000 JPY
Private One Day Mt. Fuji – Lake Kawaguchiko Tour with Bilingual Driver
The Private One Day Mt. Fuji – Lake Kawaguchiko Tour with Bilingual Driver offers an immersive experience with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko Lake. This tour is a packed day of adventure, covering various attractions like the former farming village of Iyashi no Sato, the intriguing Ice Cave, the peaceful ponds of Oshino Hakkai, and the historical Sengen Shrine. While pricier than some alternatives, the comfort of a private vehicle and the range of experiences you get can make it worth your while.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Cost: From ¥68,850 JPY
Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Area Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Kawaguchiko Area Departure)
The Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Area Private Tour offers a different perspective of the Mt. Fuji area, focusing on the serene Five Lakes region. You’ll have the opportunity to select attractions of your choice when booking, which could include a picturesque shrine, a peaceful forest, or a famous pagoda. This tour offers one of the most affordable and flexible options, making it a great pick for those on a budget or seeking to explore specific points of interest.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Cost: From ¥21,000 JPY
Here is a table including information about each tour’s features:
| Tour Name | Cost (JPY) | Driver | Departure Point | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Gotemba Outlets | ¥55,000 | English-speaking | From Tokyo | Book Now |
| Private Mt. Fuji and the Gotemba Outlet in One Day from Tokyo | ¥65,500 | English-speaking | From Tokyo | Book Now |
| 1 Day Private Tour Mt. Fuji, Hakone and Lake Ashi with English Speaking Driver | ¥120,000 | English-speaking | From Tokyo | Book Now |
| Private Tour: Chartered Car to Mt. Fuji Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone and Lake Ashi | ¥165,000 | Multilingual | From Tokyo | Book Now |
| Private Mount Fuji Tour – Bilingual Chauffeur | ¥101,664 | Bilingual Chauffeur | From Tokyo | Book Now |
| Mt. Fuji Private Sightseeing Tour with Local: from Tokyo | ¥90,000 | English-speaking | From Tokyo | Book Now |
| Private Full-Day Hakone and Mt. Fuji Tour with Bilingual Driver | ¥68,150 | Bilingual Driver | From Tokyo | Book Now |
| Mt Fuji Area Private Guided Tours in English-Nature up close, quiet, personal | ¥39,213 | English-speaking | From Fujikawaguchiko-machi | Book Now |
| Shizuoka/Shimizu Mt Fuji View 6 hr Private Tour: Guide Only | ¥21,000 | Multilingual Guide (no driver) | From Shizuoka | Book Now |
| Private One Day Mt. Fuji – Lake Kawaguchiko Tour with Bilingual Driver | ¥68,850 | Bilingual Driver | From Tokyo | Book Now |
| Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Area Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Kawaguchiko Area Departure) | ¥21,000 | Licensed Guide (no driver) | From Fujikawaguchiko-machi | Book Now |
Please note that I’ve mentioned if a tour has a driver or a guide and also included the tour’s departure point.
Things to Consider
Before you hit the “Book Now” button, let’s go through a couple of things that might affect your perfect Mt. Fuji day-out. Don’t worry, we’re not about to rain on your parade, but knowing a bit of the ins and outs beforehand will surely help you in picking the best tour for you.
Group Size
Planning to bring along your rowdy family, or is it just you and your special someone? Group size matters. Bigger groups might need larger vehicles or even multiple cars, and this could give your bill a bit of a bump. Conversely, smaller groups or solo travelers can enjoy the luxury of a spacious car all to themselves without having to share the window view. Check in advance with the tour provider about their vehicle capacities and the cost implications.
Seasonality
Though Mt. Fuji is spectacular all year round, the season can affect your journey quite significantly. Going in the winter might mean a very chilly encounter, and the summit isn’t accessible due to weather conditions. On the other hand, summertime, especially during the climbing season (July and August), could mean sharing your view with a horde of enthusiastic climbers. Remember, the elusive Mt. Fuji is notoriously shy and tends to hide behind clouds a lot, especially in the hazy summer days.
Group Tours vs. Private Tours
You might be wondering, “Why should I splurge on a private tour when group tours are cheaper?” Well, it’s all about what you value more: cost, convenience, or comfort.
Group tours can indeed be a wallet-friendly option, with prices considerably lower than their private counterparts. But remember, you’ll be sharing your experience with a larger crowd, sticking to a fixed itinerary, and keeping to the group’s pace.
On the other hand, private tours offer a personalized experience, with itineraries that can be adjusted to your liking, and the pace of the tour is dictated by you. Plus, it’s just you and your crew, making it a more intimate, bespoke experience.
Should You Tip the Driver?
Tipping is not traditionally practiced in Japan, it is certainly not expected. However, if you must, do remember to hand over your tip discreetly, preferably in an envelope, as is customary in Japan.
Other Ways to Explore Mt. Fuji
While private tours offer a tailored, intimate experience, they’re not the only way to visit and appreciate the splendor of Mt. Fuji. Depending on your budget, interests, and the time you have at hand, you might want to consider other options. Here are a few alternatives to private tours that could be worth exploring.
Group Tours
If you don’t mind sharing your journey with other travelers, group tours can be a cost-effective and sociable way to experience Mt. Fuji. These pre-organized tours often include transportation, lunch, and visits to top sights around the area, providing a hassle-free day out.
Remember, though, that the itineraries are fixed and there’s little room for individual preferences. Plus, if you’re hoping for a quiet, contemplative visit, a group tour might not be your best bet.
DIY Exploration
For the adventurous souls who love to navigate their own path, a self-guided tour to Mt. Fuji could be the answer. You’ll have complete freedom to design your itinerary, decide when to start or end your day, and change your plans on the go.
Trains such as the Fuji Excursion and buses serve the Mt. Fuji area, so getting there and around isn’t too complicated. Make sure to check out the transportation schedules and plan accordingly, though. This option requires a bit more preparation and flexibility, but it might just be the perfect way to make your visit to Mt. Fuji uniquely yours.
Extended Stays
If time is not a constraint and you’re yearning for a deeper connection with the place, consider staying overnight or for a few days in the Mt. Fuji area. Towns like Hakone and Fujikawaguchiko offer comfortable accommodations, stunning views of the mountain, hot springs (onsen), and various local attractions.
Staying a night or two allows you to experience Mt. Fuji at different times of the day and in different light conditions—sunrise and sunset views of the mountain are truly magical. Plus, an extended stay gives you a chance to slow down, relax, and soak up the tranquil beauty of the region in a way a day trip simply can’t.
The Sum Up
Taking a private tour to Mt. Fuji is indeed an investment, but the payoff is a unique and personalized experience that’s hard to put a price on. So why not treat yourself to a day of breathtaking views, cultural insights, and top-notch service? You deserve it
