See Mount Fuji in the morning and stroll around Shinjuku in the evening – a perfect day trip to the outskirts of Tokyo!

In November, Tokyo's cool breeze carries the scent of fallen leaves, and the golden ginkgo leaves lining the streets shimmer like a carpet of sunlight. Departing from Shinjuku in the morning, the train winds through fields and mountains ablaze with autumn colors, the silhouette of Mount Fuji standing out sharply in the crisp air. Returning to Shinjuku in the evening, neon lights illuminate the damp streets, and the aroma of charcoal grills and laughter mingles with the sounds of laughter from izakayas, instantly filling the heart with warmth. The autumn cityscape blends seamlessly with the natural landscape; this day trip is like turning the pages of a gentle picture book, where light, shadow, scenery, and atmosphere are quietly imprinted in memory.

In just one day, you can experience the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo, and then return to Shinjuku to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of izakayas! This efficient and comfortable one-day tour is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Itinerary Highlights

🏨 Day Start: Shinjuku (MYSTAYS Nishi-Shinjuku Hotel)

Recommendation: Super convenient location! The hotel is conveniently located near Shinjuku Station, izakayas (Japanese pubs), ramen shops, and transportation hubs. It boasts excellent hygiene, attentive staff, and well-equipped bathrooms with daily cleaning. The only downsides are the slightly small rooms and somewhat dated facilities, but the location is unbeatable.

🚆 Morning: Train to Kawaguchiko

Route: Shinjuku JR → Otsuki → Fujikyu Railway → Kawaguchiko Station (approx. 2 hours)

Don't fall asleep along the way! The Japanese countryside and mountain scenery are incredibly atmospheric. If you're lucky, you might even see Mount Fuji in the distance from your window. We depart promptly at 7:00 AM and arrive at 9:00 AM.

🏞️ Kawaguchiko-Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 (Slight seasonal adjustments)

It's about a 10-minute walk from the station to the ropeway station. Take the ropeway for a 3-minute ride to the summit! The observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji, with stunning vistas. There are also various photo spots at the summit. Best time for photos: 9:30-11:00 AM, when the sunlight shines perfectly on Mount Fuji and the lake, making every shot look postcard-perfect.

🍜 Lunch at Kawaguchiko
For lunch, you can choose "Houtou Fudou"—a super authentic Yamanashi hot pot noodle dish—or relax at a cafe near the station; the scenery and delicious food are incredibly soothing.

🛍️ Stroll and buy souvenirs at Kawaguchiko
There are many souvenir shops and dessert shops nearby. If you like, you can take a leisurely walk along the lake and find a lakeside cafe to relax in.

🚌 Evening: Bus back to Tokyo

Route: Kawaguchiko Station → Tokyo Station (approx. 2 hours)
No transfers needed on the return trip; just catch up on sleep—no strenuous travel at all.

🌃 Evening: Shinjuku Kabukicho Nightlife

Kabukicho Ichiban-gai Address: 1Chome-17 Kabukicho 160-0021, Shinjuku-shi, Tokyo
After returning to your hotel in Shinjuku, a short rest is all it takes to walk to Kabukicho. Various izakayas (Japanese pubs), yakitori (skewered food), ramen, and sake offer a fantastic atmosphere. The lights, voices, neon signs, and retro Showa-era feel at night are truly amazing.

Practical Travel Tips

1. Staying in Shinjuku is fantastic! It saves you a lot of time whether you're eating, drinking, having fun, or heading towards Mt. Fuji.

2. The timing for taking photos from the cable car is crucial; 9:30-11:00 AM is recommended for the best views of Mt. Fuji.

3. Restaurants around Lake Kawaguchi sometimes have long queues, so it's a good idea to find a table near the station in advance.

4. The return bus doesn't require changing buses, perfect for recovering your energy!

5. Kabukicho's nightlife is vibrant, so you won't go hungry late at night. For safety, be mindful of public order and consider traveling in groups.

Trip-related topics:

#TokyoDayTrip #Mt.Fuji #ShinjukuNightlife #EfficientTravel #LakeKawaguchiRopeway