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Itinerary Suggestions

Itinerary Suggestions

West Of Tokyo, Japan

-Hour Layover Highlights from Tokyo

Take an early morning highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (approx. 2 hours).

Return to Tokyo in the late afternoon/early evening via highway bus.

Quick Exploration

  • Visit Chureito Pagoda for iconic Mount Fuji views.
  • Explore Lake Kawaguchiko via local buses or bicycle.
  • Take the Kawaguchiko Ropeway for panoramic views from Mount Tenjo.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A weekend escape allows immersion into the Fuji and Hakone areas.

Day 1 Kawaguchiko

Arrive by highway bus from Tokyo. Check into your ryokan or hotel. Explore Lake Kawaguchiko.

Activities

  • Boat cruise on the lake.
  • Visit a museum, like Itchiku Kubota Art Museum.
  • Stay in a ryokan, ideally one with Fuji views and an onsen.
  • Enjoy Hoto noodles for lunch.

Day 2 Hakone

Travel to Hakone. Dedicate the day to the Hakone Loop. This involves using a combination of train, cable car, ropeway, and "pirate ship" cruise on Lake Ashi.

Activities

  • Visit Owakudani (volcanic valley).
  • Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum or Hakone Shrine.
  • Stay in an onsen ryokan in Hakone.

Day 3 Departure/Optional

Enjoy a final onsen bath at your ryokan. Explore a local town like Hakone-Yumoto.

Options

  • Visit Gotemba Premium Outlets if time permits and you enjoy shopping.
  • Return to Tokyo or continue your journey.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience Fuji & Surrounding

This itinerary combines the best of the Fuji region with nearby attractions, offering a rich and varied experience over seven days.

Days 1-3: Kawaguchiko & Fuji Five Lakes

Focus on different lakes each day. Explore Lake Kawaguchiko (boat, ropeway, museums). Dedicate time to Lake Yamanakako for watersports or cycling. Visit Lake Saiko and its lava caves. Explore local shrines and the traditional village of Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba. Consider a day trip to Gotemba Premium Outlets.

Days 4-5: Hakone

Immerse yourself in the Hakone Loop. Visit various museums (Pola, Narukawa). Enjoy multiple onsen experiences, perhaps trying different types of baths. Explore the Old Tokaido Road.

Days 6-7: Exploration/Relaxation

Choose based on season and interest: Climb Mount Fuji (if in season), explore the Izu Peninsula, visit Shizuoka Tea Fields, or simply relax at a scenic ryokan. Return to Tokyo or your next destination.

Helpful Tip

These itineraries are suggestions; adapt them to your pace and interests.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to your specific passions for a personalized journey.

Historical and Heritage Focus

Concentrate on Hakone Shrine and its torii gate, walk sections of the Old Tokaido Road in Hakone.

Sites

  • Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida.
  • Odawara Castle, near the gateway to Hakone.
  • Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba for traditional village life.

Food and Culinary Experiences

Indulge in the regional flavors and culinary traditions of the area.

Culinary Highlights

  • Take a Hoto noodle cooking class in Kawaguchiko.
  • Visit tea plantations in Shizuoka Prefecture.
  • Enjoy exquisite kaiseki dining at a ryokan.
  • Explore local markets for regional produce and snacks.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

The Fuji region offers a wealth of outdoor pursuits for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

Outdoor Pursuits

  • Climb Mount Fuji (if in season).
  • Hike extensively around the lakes or in Hakone.
  • Go cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko or Lake Yamanakako.
  • Try watersports on Lake Yamanakako.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Create lasting memories with activities suitable for all ages in the Fuji and Hakone areas.

Family Fun

  • Fuji Q Highland for amusement park fun.
  • Hakone Open-Air Museum, with child-friendly art installations.
  • Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum for antique music boxes.
  • Pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi.

Art, Architecture & Wellness

Art & Architecture

Hakone Open-Air Museum, Pola Museum of Art, and Narukawa Art Museum. Visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum for stunning kimonos.

Spiritual & Wellness

Stay at an onsen ryokan for relaxation and hot spring bathing. Visit Sengen shrines for spiritual connection.

Spiritual & Wellness

Experience a traditional tea ceremony. Consider a meditation session or a quiet walk in a serene temple garden.

Helpful Tip

Customize your journey by mixing and matching these ideas to reflect your interests.

Budget-Based Plans

Tailor your trip to fit your financial comfort level, from budget-friendly to luxury experiences.

Backpacker's Guide

For travelers seeking to maximize their experience while minimizing expenses.

Budget Strategies

  • Accommodation: Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses.
  • Meals: Utilize convenience stores (konbini) and supermarkets for affordable meals. Eat at inexpensive local eateries.
  • Transportation: Rely heavily on regional passes for transport (Hakone Free Pass, Mt. Fuji Pass).
  • Activities: Prioritize free attractions like Chureito Pagoda, walking paths around the lakes, and most shrines/temples (donations welcome).

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

A balanced approach for comfortable travel without extravagance.

Mid-Range Choices

  • Accommodation: Mix of business hotels and mid-range ryokan.
  • Meals: Enjoy a balance of casual local restaurants and some mid-range dining experiences.
  • Transportation: Use regional passes; take taxis for convenience when needed.
  • Activities: Include paid attractions and perhaps one special experience like a cooking class.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Smart tips for stretching your travel budget further.

Seasonal Travel

  • Travel during shoulder or low season to access lower accommodation and flight prices.
  • Book accommodations that include breakfast to save on morning meal costs.
  • Pack snacks and drinks to reduce reliance on more expensive tourist area shops.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and exclusive experiences for an unforgettable journey.

Luxury Travel

  • Accommodation: Stay in high-end ryokan with private onsen and exquisite kaiseki dining.
  • Transportation: Hire private transport for transfers between locations. Use taxis frequently.
  • Dining: Indulge in fine dining experiences.
  • Activities: Consider exclusive tours or private cultural experiences. Enjoy premium services at hotels.

Helpful Tip

Careful planning of your budget allows for a comfortable journey regardless of your spending level.

Seasonal Specialties

Plan your visit to experience the region's unique seasonal offerings, from summer climbs to winter views.

Summer Highlights July-August

Experience the energy of the region during its warmest months.

Summer Activities

  • Mount Fuji Climbing Season: This is the only time the trails and mountain huts are officially open for climbing.
  • Water Sports: Enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, or boating on the Fuji Five Lakes.
  • Summer Festivals: Look for local summer festivals and fireworks displays, especially around the lakes.

Winter Highlights December-February

Discover the serene beauty of the region, often with clear views of a snow-capped Mount Fuji.

Winter Attractions

  • Clear Fuji Views: Offers the best chance for clear, crisp views of a snow-capped Mount Fuji due to dry air.
  • Quiet Onsen Experiences: Hot springs are specifically inviting in the cold weather.
  • Winter Illuminations: Some areas, like around Lake Kawaguchiko, feature winter light-up events.

Festival or Event-Centered Visits

Align your trip with a regional celebration for a culturally rich experience.

Cherry Blossom Festivals Spring

  • Plan around late March to early May for the beautiful sakura displays.

Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu

  • If you are there on November 3rd, experience this unique feudal lord's procession.

Off-Season Exploration Strategies

Explore the region with fewer crowds and often at a more relaxed pace during less popular times.

Considerations

  • Enjoy the tranquility and lower prices that come with fewer crowds.
  • The crisp air in winter offers invigorating moments.
  • Be aware that some outdoor activities or facilities might have limited operating hours or be closed.

Helpful Tip

Check local tourism websites for specific event dates well in advance of your plans.