We saw Mt Fuji!
After 11 years, I am finally back in Japan! We decided to rent a car and make a day trip to see Mount Fuji! We were lucky enough to be able to see the shy Mt Fuji and it was all worth it!
We started our morning by heading to the rental at 8am and omg it took 6 hours to reach Kawaguchiko.. It was because we rented the car on a SATURDAY (it was the only sunny day and we didnt want to waste our efforts of driving there on a cloudy day which may lower our chances of seeing Mt Fuji)
We reached Kawaguchiko around 12pm and went to eat this famous restaurant selling Hoto called Kosaku Kawaguchiko Hoto Noodles. The portions were big so I would recommend sharing unless you are starving lol. The seats require you to sit on the floor but some seats have holes to put your feet down!
We then headed to the famous Oishi Park to see the flowers and Mt Fuji as the background! I think this is the famous proposal place :D
After taking many pictures, we drove to a supermarket and mall nearby to just chill.
I wanted to go to Mt Omuro to see the green mountain but sadly it was impossible since we might encounter jams along the way back to Tokyo.
In the end, we left Kawaguchiko around 6pm and reached Tokyo around 8pm? Surprisingly there wasn’t much jam!
Things to note is that there are many small roads in Kawaguchiko so you may turn wrongly but dont worry, you can make a U-turn easily!
The car we got was a Kia Boxy Car which isnt very good because the GPS was bad.. we ended up using google maps on our phone.. N box would’ve been a better car but they didnt give it to us even though we booked it.. boo
Overall a fun road trip, would be better if we went on a weekday and planned better - such as staying a night there!
Taking a day trip from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji is an unforgettable experience but requires careful planning to maximize your time and enjoyment. Based on my experience driving to Kawaguchiko, I recommend starting early on a clear day—weekends can be crowded, so weekdays might offer a more peaceful visit. Renting a car gives flexibility but be prepared for narrow, confusing local roads; a GPS or Google Maps is essential, especially if the car’s built-in navigation isn’t reliable. When you arrive in Kawaguchiko, don’t miss trying Hoto noodles, a regional specialty perfect for a filling lunch after the journey. The Kosaku restaurant is popular, so consider sharing portions if you prefer a lighter meal. Seating on the floor is a unique cultural touch, but some spots offer comfy foot holes if you need a break from traditional style. Oishi Park is a fantastic place to enjoy stunning views of Mt Fuji set against colorful flower fields. It's also a romantic spot often chosen for proposals, adding to its charm. After sightseeing, taking some time to relax at a nearby supermarket or mall can be a refreshing way to wind down. If you plan to visit Mt Omuro, keep in mind traffic conditions can be tough, affecting your schedule—so be flexible. Returning to Tokyo might be quicker than expected outside peak traffic. Lastly, consider an overnight stay in Kawaguchiko to fully appreciate the area without rushing. This approach lets you catch sunrise or sunset views of Mt Fuji, which are truly breathtaking. Planning ahead with accommodation and navigating small local roads carefully will make your Mount Fuji adventure smoother and more enjoyable.
