Kawaguchiko or Hakone: Which destination is best for seeing Mount Fuji?

Where's the best place to see Mount Fuji?

Hakone or Kawaguchiko? Each of these two cities offers unique experiences, but depending on your expectations - proximity to Tokyo, available activities or natural setting - one might be a better match than the other. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.

• Journey from Tokyo

Hakone is the nearest town, accessible in 1h30 from Tokyo by train or bus. This makes it a convenient option for those looking for a quick getaway from the capital, perfect for a day trip. It offers a quick and convenient escape for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Thanks to its proximity, you can enjoy its many attractions without having to stay overnight, though it has many amazing accommodation options.

• Fastest option: The Romancecar train, which links Tokyo Shinjuku station to Hakone-Yumoto station in 1h20, for 2,470 yen (approx. €15).

Alternatives: The Odakyu line, which links Tokyo Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in 2h, for 1270 yen (approx. €8). You can also take the Shinkansen to Odawara, then use a Hakone Free Pass to get to and around the Hakone region.

Kawaguchiko, on the other hand, is further away, requiring between 2h and 2h30 by train or bus. However, while the journey is longer, it's also rewarding for fans of spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

• Fastest option : The Fuji Excursion train, a Limited Express, runs from Tokyo Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko in 2 hours, for 1,600 yen (approx. €10).

Alternatives: The JR Chuo line connects with Otsuki, from where you can take the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko, for a total journey time of 2h30 and a cost of 2400 yen (approx. 15€), or less if you have a JR Pass, which can be used on the first leg of the journey. You can also take the bus from Shinjuku, Shibuya or Tokyo Station, for an average journey time of 2 hours and an average cost of 2,000 yen (approx. €12). Remember to book your buses well in advance. You can also rent a car to get around freely, especially in the rest of the Kawaguchiko region.

Best option: Hakone.

• Tourist passes and access

The Hakone Free Pass is ideal for those wishing to explore Hakone without worrying about transportation costs. The Fuji Hakone Pass is also useful for those who want to include an excursion to Kawaguchiko from Hakone.

• Accommodation and ambience

Hakone offers a wide variety of accommodation, from traditional ryokans with private onsen to comfortable modern hotels. The atmosphere is lively and, in high season, it may be best to enjoy Hakone's attractions in the morning to avoid the crowds. Don't worry, your afternoons will also be well spent exploring one of Hakone's strong points compared to Kawaguchiko: its many onsen that can be used freely during the day (higaeri) - in Kawaguchiko, most onsen are attached to lodgings. Tenzan Onsen and Hakone Yunesun are must-sees day-use onsen on a trip to Hakone, as is the sublime Hakone Yuryo, one of the most accessible from Hakone-Yumoto.

Kawaguchiko, meanwhile, also offers a variety of options, but in a more peaceful setting. Hotels and ryokans around the lake often offer rooms with views of Mount Fuji, perfect for a romantic or rejuvenating stay away from the crowds.

Best option: a draw.

• Proximity to Mount Fuji

Other unmissable sites include:

• Narukawa Museum
• Owakudani Valley
• Otome Pass.

Best option: Kawaguchiko.

• Climbing Mount Fuji

For hiking enthusiasts, Kawaguchiko offers direct access to Mount Fuji. You can reach the famous Fifth Station, an ideal starting point for climbing Japan's iconic volcano. Hakone, on the other hand, offers a completely different setting: its trails wind through the surrounding hills, offering exceptional panoramas without direct access to Mount Fuji.

However, for hikers looking for a different kind of adventure, Gotemba is an interesting option. This base station to the south-east of the mountain also leads to a wilder, less-frequented Fifth Station, ideal for lovers of nature and tranquillity.

Best option: Kawaguchiko.

• Leisure activities

Hakone is renowned for its many cultural and relaxing activities. You can enjoy the onsen (hot springs), take a cruise on Lake Ashi, ride the cable car for an aerial view of the region or visit the Owakudani valley with its sulfurous vapors. The city is particularly popular with art lovers, with an exceptional concentration of museums. Some visitors even devote their trip exclusively to discovering these cultural institutions. The Hakone Open-Air Museum, for example, combines sculptures and natural landscapes in an enchanting setting, while the Pola Museum exhibits treasures of classical and modern art. Others, like the Narukawa Museum, focus on traditional Japanese art, offering an immersion in local culture. The Okada Museum and the Lalique Museum are two other great places to visit. As you can see, Hakone has more options to fill your days if Mount Fuji is in a shy mood.

In Kawaguchiko, activities revolve around the lake and Mount Fuji. The cable car offers breathtaking views, as do cruises on Lake Kawaguchi, where you can relax and watch Mount Fuji reflected in the water. For those traveling with the family, Fuji-Q Highland Park, with its roller coasters and attractions, is an excellent choice, and offers a completely unique view of Mount Fuji from its rides. You can also rent a car and explore the nearby Five Lakes region, discovering new views of the iconic Fuji-san.

Best option: Hakone.

• Visitor numbers

Hakone is one of the most popular destinations for a getaway from Tokyo, attracting many visitors throughout the year, especially in the high seasons. The main attractions, such as the cable car and cruises, can be very busy. While Hakone has more activities to offer, they are also more spread out across different parts of the region. The crowds are thus diluted, but each point of interest can be heavily frequented. In high season, it's best to visit in the mornings, and again, enjoy the onsen during the rest of the day, which many visitors mistakenly skip.

Kawaguchiko offers a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere, although it remains a popular destination. Less touristy than Hakone, it has a more intimate atmosphere, attracting photographers and nature-lovers in particular, in search of serenity in the face of Mount Fuji. Although Kawaguchiko is less frequented by Western tourists, it remains a popular destination for Asian tourists. Its smaller size compared to Hakone can also sometimes make it feel more crowded than Hakone in certain seasons, however. Even so, while Kawaguchiko's highlights can be crowded, the sheer amount of surrounding nature makes it easy to escape.

Best option: a draw.

In short: what to choose?

Hakone is perfect for a quick getaway, with a wide range of cultural activities, onsen and views of Mount Fuji. If you like dynamic excursions and resort villages, Hakone is ideal. It's also an option that offers many more Plan Bs if your visit to admire Mount Fuji is marred by clouds.

Kawaguchiko, with its close proximity and unobstructed views of Mount Fuji, will suit nature lovers and those who want to explore the area around Mount Fuji or attempt to climb it. It's also the preferred choice for landscape photographers. However, if the weather doesn't cooperate, a return trip to Tokyo may be in order... We therefore recommend that you plan your trip to Kawaguchiko flexibly, to take account of the weather.

Other alternatives to Kawaguchiko and Hakone:

If you want to admire Mount Fuji, Hakone and Kawaguchiko (and its Five Lakes region) are obviously not the only options around Tokyo. From the capital, Japan's revered volcano even looms in the background, between the city's buildings. Weather permitting, a visit to one of the city's high-rise observatories, such as Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya Sky, gives you the chance to admire Mount Fuji.

Halfway between Tokyo and Hakone, Kamakura is a popular getaway for Tokyoites and travelers wishing to vary their itinerary. From its beaches, especially near Enoshima, it's also possible to see Mount Fuji. The nearby town of Odawara also boasts several panoramic views of the iconic mountain.

It's also possible to admire Mount Fuji from the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto, as the train passes through the Shizuoka region. You'll need to be seated on the left in the Tokyo -> Kyoto direction to see it, if luck is on your side too, and if the volcano isn't hiding behind its usual curtain of clouds. One of your best chances of seeing Mount Fuji is also from your seat, but by plane: on departure and arrival in Tokyo, it's not uncommon to be accompanied by this symbol of Japan.