If you’re dreaming of the perfect Mt. Fuji view but want to avoid the touristy routes, there is only one way to do it: a self-drive road trip.
While most people take the bus to Kawaguchiko, I discovered a much more efficient “hack.” I took the Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji Station, picked up my rental car, and spent 24 hours chasing the most iconic views in Japan on my own way.
Renting a car gives you the freedom to move when the clouds clear and stay at those dreamy glamping sites that public transport just can’t reach. I booked my car through Klook (it’s super easy for international travelers), and it completely changed my Japan experience.
I had visited Fuji on a day tour from Tokyo before, but nothing
Here is my exact 24-hour itinerary, optimized for the best light and the smoothest driving route.
Essential tips before your trip
1. Book the Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji
The magic of your Fuji trip actually starts the moment you leave Tokyo Station. If you want that breathtaking “first glimpse” of the mountain as you speed toward Shin-Fuji Station, you need to book the correct side of the train.
When traveling from Tokyo towards Shin-Fuji, Mt. Fuji will appear on the right-hand side of the train. Book the seats D or E to ensure a seat with a view.
Most tourists start their visit at Fujikawaguchiko, which is nice, but if you want to make the most of your visit, you need to rent your car at Shin-Fuji and start from there.
2. Booking your rental car via Klook
Booking on Klook is the best way to do it. You can compare prices from different agencies in just one place.
Important tips:
- You must have a physical International Driving Permit to pick up the car. A digital copy or just your home license won’t work!
- They will offer an extra insurance: in our case it was just 10 USD extra so we took it just in case.
- Remember that in Japan they drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right. If it’s your first time, don’t worry: the roads around Fuji wide and easy to drive.
- Also, remember to return the car with a full tank to avoid extra costs.
- PS: Google maps is very reliable here! Don’t hesitate to use it as your GPS.
3. Book your accommodation near lake Kawaguchiko
If you’d like to follow this itinerary, make sure to book your accommodation near lake Kawaguchiko.
This area is more developed with more options for hotels and restaurants, and this way, you’ll get some rest right after sunset.
This is where I stayed, which included barbecue dinner and breakfast: Minenohana glamping
Starting point: Shin-Fuji station
Why start at Shin-Fuji station? Most travelers head to Kawaguchiko by bus, which can take hours in traffic. By taking the Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji:
- You arrive from Tokyo in just over an hour.
- You pick up your car right outside the station.
- You start on the “quieter” side of the mountain, hitting the waterfalls first!
If you start in Kawaguchiko, you will miss lots of unique places along the way.
Places to visit in Fuji area in just one day
Shiraito Falls: the waterfalls with a Mt. Fuji backdrop
After picking up the car, your first stop is not far away and will make you connect with nature right away.
Shiraito Falls are a must in this itinerary. This isn’t your average waterfall: “shiraito” means “white thread,” and the water actually filters through the volcanic wall of Mt. Fuji, creating hundreds of silk-like strands.
Visiting in the early morning will secure the light is hitting the waterfalls.
- Shin-Fuji – Shiraito falls: 35 minute drive.
- Parking available at the entrance for a small fee.
Makaino Farm: the famous swing with a view
- Shirato falls – Makaino farm: 5 minute drive.
- Parking available at the entrance for free.
Just up the road from the falls is Makaino Farm. This is one of the best places to see Mt. Fuji and it’s another place to connect with nature after visiting the modern Japanese cities.
This place was lots of fun as provides many photo opportunities like the famous swing.
Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba: a traditional town in Fuji area
- Makaino Farm – Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba: 29 minute drive.
- Parking available at the entrance for free.
As you head toward the lakes, you’ll pass through a beautiful forest road that leads to Iyashi no Sato Nenba. If you want to see what a Japanese village looked like centuries ago, this is the place.
It was originally a farming village destroyed by a landslide in the 60s, but it has been meticulously rebuilt as an open-air museum. Each of the twenty thatched-roof houses (kabuto-zukuri) now serves as a traditional craft shop, gallery, or restaurant.
If you have time, this is an amazing lunch spot.
Saiko lake: the sea of trees
- Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba – Saiko lake: 5 minute drive.
- Parking available at the entrance for free.
While Lake Kawaguchiko is famous for its cafes and shops, Lake Saiko feels like a hidden gem with no buildings and crowds but still beautiful.
The lake was formed by a massive lava flow from Mt. Fuji centuries ago, and today it’s hugged by the mysterious Aokigahara Forest (the “Sea of Trees”).
Oishi Park: the flower garden
- Saiko lake – Oishi park: 17 minute drive.
- Parking available at the entrance for free.
Oishi Park is the crown jewel of lake Kawaguchiko. Depending on when you visit, you’ll find different types of flowers: lavender, kochia bushes, or tulips.
Tip: do not miss the famous soft serve ice cream.
Chureito Pagoda: the best sunset spot in Japan
- Oishi park – Chureito pagoda: 18 minute drive.
- Several parkings available for a fee.
This is the shot everyone wants. The Chureito Pagoda overlooks Fujiyoshida with Mt. Fuji perfectly centered in the background and it’s especially beautiful with the cherry blossoms in spring and also with the fall leaves.
Things to take into account:
- The climb: be prepared to walk up nearly 400 steps to reach the observation deck.
- Timing: arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset. Watching the sky turn pink behind the red pagoda and the snow-capped peak is a core memory experience.
- Tip: many tourists leave as soon as the sun sets. Stay longer and enjoy the changing colors and blue hour.
After sunset, go check in at your accommodation, have a delicious dinner and have some well deserved rest!
The iconic Lawson shop
- Chureito pagoda – Lawson shop: 14 minute drive.
- Parking available for free.
In the early morning, head into the town area to find the famous Lawson Convenience Store. You’ve definitely seen this on Instagram: the blue and white shop with the massive mountain peeking from behind.
- Instagram versus reality: this location gets really crowded even for breakfast! Since you have a car, try to find other nearby convenience stores with equally stunning, less crowded views.
Honcho Street
- Lawson shop – Honcho street: 13 minute drive.
- Street parking available for free.
Before making your way back to return your car, drive to Fujiyoshida. Here you will find Honcho street, the famous street with the iconic view with street lamps and shop signs leading to Mt. Fuji.
- Instagram versus reality: this is another crowded spot where tourists line up for photos. It can take forever since you have to wait for the traffic lights! Instead, go to the parallel streets to get the same effect without the crowds and use a zoom lens (70mm or higher) to make Mt. Fuji look even larger.
I hope this 24-hour guide helps you plan your own unforgettable road trip from Shin-Fuji! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send me a message on instagram!