Small StepsIf seeing Mt. Fuji is on your bucket list then you’ve certainly come across debates between Hakone vs. Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes) vs. Nikko. While I can’t speak to Nikko, I have been to both Hakone and Kawaguchiko and can share my experience and recommendations. By the end of this guide, I hope you’ll be able to pick the perfect Mt. Fuji viewing spot for your unique vacation style.
Hakone: Convenience with a Cloudy Caveat
Just 1.5 hours from Tokyo, Hakone offers effortless accessibility. But here’s the catch: Mt. Fuji sometimes plays hide-and-seek in a cloak of fog. While the views can be breathtaking when clear, be prepared for the possibility of a misty encounter. Read my full Hakone article here.
Fuji Five Lakes: Picture Perfect (with Patience)
Nestled farther from Tokyo, the Fuji Five Lakes region (Kawaguchiko being the most popular) delivers near-guaranteed Mt. Fuji sightings. However, the travel time is longer, requiring more planning and transit.
For a quick read I’ve made a table to easily determine your preference. I’ll discuss a few of these in more detail in this article.
Hakone vs. Kawaguchiko Snapshot
| Feature | Hakone | Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 1.5 hours from Tokyo (bus or train) | 2-3 hours from Tokyo (bus or train) |
| Proximity to Fuji | Farther | Closer |
| Fuji Views | Often obscured by fog | Typically clearer views & more vantage points |
| Climbing Fuji | Not possible | Possible |
| Activities | Onsen, museums, boat rides, ropeway, art museums, Owakudani Valley | Lake activities, some onsen, scenic ropeways, Mt. Fuji attractions |
| Accommodation | Diverse options, ranging from traditional to modern | Diverse options, including charming lakeside stays |
| Tourists | More popular with couples | More popular with groups |
| Best for | Short getaways, convenience-seekers, onsen, resort village | Near-Guaranteed Mt. Fuji views, nature lovers |
Best Views of Mt. Fuji – Kawaguchiko
When it comes to chasing that perfect Mt. Fuji photograph, both Hakone and Kawaguchiko offer unique experiences. Nestled in the mountains, Hakone charms with its tranquility and iconic landmarks like the torii gate on Lake Ashi. Its proximity to Tokyo, just a 1.5-hour train ride, makes it ideal for a quick getaway. However, this convenience comes with a trade-off: Hakone can be prone to fog and cloudy weather, which can easily shroud Mt. Fuji in a veil of mist. I experienced this firsthand on my arrival, where thick fog obscured the view completely.
On the other hand, Kawaguchiko, situated near Fuji Five Lakes, boasts near-guaranteed Mt. Fuji sightings. This proximity translates to picture-perfect postcard moments with the iconic peak dominating the landscape. Additionally, it tends to have clearer skies compared to Hakone, further increasing your chances of basking in its breathtaking beauty. While the travel time from Tokyo takes longer (2-3 hours), the reward of a clear Mt. Fuji view for many outweighs the extra minutes spent on the bus or train.
Ultimately, the best choice between Hakone and Kawaguchiko depends on your priorities. If convenience and a charming mountain town atmosphere are your primary draws, Hakone is a lovely option, but be prepared for the possibility of limited Mt. Fuji visibility. If capturing a guaranteed glimpse of the majestic peak is your top priority, Kawaguchiko might be the better bet, even with the slightly longer travel time. Remember, checking live weather forecasts for both locations before your trip can help you make an informed decision.
Convenience of Travel (Local) – Hakone
Despite the inability to walk most of Hakone there were multiple transportation options to get around. Buses ran frequently and reached most destinations, making exploration convenient.
Kawaguchiko, however, was more walk-able, but trains and buses have limited timetables. Buses were less frequent, and depending on the area and route, waiting times could stretch to an hour. This, coupled with the town’s larger size compared to Hakone, meant meticulously planning your day to avoid wasting precious time waiting for buses. In short, while Hakone’s accessible bus system made exploring enjoyable, Kawaguchiko required more strategic planning to navigate efficiently.
Getting there (from Tokyo) – Hakone
Hakone: boasts a clear advantage. It’s conveniently located just 1.5 hours away from Tokyo, accessible via the comfortable Romancecar express train or a regular train with no transfers needed. This makes Hakone a breeze to reach, even for a quick day trip.
- Budget: The Romancecar to Hakone offers a faster and more scenic journey but comes at a premium price. Regular trains are a more budget-friendly option.
- Luggage: If you have heavy luggage, direct train access to Hakone might be more convenient, or use a luggage transfer service such as Yamato Transport.
Kawaguchiko: requires slightly more planning. While train options exist, they run on less frequent schedules and often involve transfers adding to travel time. There is a bus to/from Shinjuku Station that takes about 2 hours. I rode the bus on the way back to Tokyo, it wasn’t a bad ride, but it was a bit confusing purchasing tickets and finding the right platform at the station. Unfortunately by the end of the ride I felt a little car sick as well. I’d recommend trying out the train if you get car sick easily. Overall, I think it would be difficult to perfectly coordinate a day trip here. But it is do-able if you put in the extra effort to plan it. Be sure to factor this in when planning your trip, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Tourist Popularity – Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko: Bustling and energetic, particularly around the station, prepare for crowds upon your arrival. Kawaguchiko is very small compared to stations you’ll be used to in Tokyo, it can be very difficult to navigate with luggage. The area is popular with groups looking to catch a glimpse of Fuji and seeking adventure. Expect larger crowds, especially around the iconic Lawson convenience store where photography enthusiasts gather. Many set up tripods across the street, but be careful passing by as it’s a very busy road.
Hakone: Laid-back and serene, attracting couples seeking peaceful retreats and romantic getaways. Onsen resorts and a slower pace of life create a tranquil atmosphere. Smaller crowds make exploration more comfortable. Early mornings and evenings are especially peaceful as the day trippers haven’t arrive yet or have returned to Tokyo.
Bonus Tip: For breathtaking views of Mount Fuji without the crowds, consider Gotenba near Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes region west of Kawaguchiko. There are many options to explore while still capturing the beautiful views Fuji has to offer.
Ultimately, the best choice between Hakone vs. Kawaguchiko depends on your individual priorities and travel style. I hope this information helps you decide which location best suits your needs!
What’s your Choice? Hakone vs. Kawaguchiko
Hakone: Relax and unwind in a charming small town with a resort vibe. Explore effortlessly with convenient transportation from Tokyo and locally with a chance to witness the iconic peak of Mount Fuji.
Kawaguchiko: Immerse yourself in adventure and activities with a high probability of capturing stunning views of Mount Fuji from all over the area. This vibrant destination offers something for everyone, from serene nature walks to exciting excursions, Fuji Q Highland amusement park, and water sports.
You can’t go wrong with either decision in the great debate of Hakone vs. Kawaguchiko. I loved seeing Mt. Fuji in Kawaguchiko but I also appreciated the unique and laid-back atmosphere in Hakone. I even caught a glimpse of Fuji! Let me know which one you’re leaning towards.
