📅 Day 1 — Depart Tokyo
Collect the campervan and drive west out of Tokyo toward the Fuji Five Lakes. As the city gives way to forested hills and Mount Fuji rises ahead, arrive at Lake Kawaguchi in time for an afternoon walk along the northern shore with classic Fuji reflections. Set up at a lakeside campsite and enjoy a first evening under the mountain.
🚐 Drive time: 2 h
📅 Day 2 — Lake Kawaguchi Exploration
Spend a full day at Lake Kawaguchi. Rent bicycles and ride the flat lakeside cycling path as a family. Take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway to Tenjo-yama for a panoramic viewpoint over the lake with Fuji perfectly framed. In the afternoon, try fishing from the shore or visit the Kawaguchiko Music Forest museum with its mechanical instruments and garden.
🚐 Drive time: — (local only)
📅 Day 3 — Lake Saiko & Bat Caves
Drive to quieter Lake Saiko for a morning of kayaking or canoeing on calm water surrounded by forest. Visit the Saiko Bat Cave (Koumori Ana) and the nearby Wind Cave and Ice Cave — lava tube formations that fascinate kids with their cool interiors and unusual geology. Walk the Aokigahara forest boardwalk trail, which is family-friendly and atmospheric.
🚐 Drive time: 30 min
📅 Day 4 — Lake Motosu & Fuji Views
Continue to Lake Motosu, the deepest and clearest of the Five Lakes, famous for the view of Fuji that appears on the ¥1000 banknote. Walk the easy Panorama Dai viewpoint trail (30 min up) for the classic photo. Spend the afternoon swimming or paddleboarding on the lake. The water is clean and remarkably clear.
🚐 Drive time: 30 min
mount-fuji-sunrise-hike-5th-station
📅 Day 5 — Fuji 5th Station & Oshino Hakkai
Drive up the Subaru Line to Fuji 5th Station (2300m) for an easy walk at the tree line with views across the clouds. Even without climbing to the summit, the perspective here is extraordinary. Descend to Oshino Hakkai, a small village with crystal-clear spring-fed pools reflecting Fuji, traditional thatched buildings and local snacks.
🚐 Drive time: 1 h 30 min (total)
📅 Day 6 — Hakone: Ropeway, Pirate Ship & Hot Springs
Drive to Hakone and ride the Hakone Ropeway over the volcanic Owakudani valley with its sulphurous steam and bubbling pools. Eat a black egg (said to add seven years to your life). Board the pirate ship across Lake Ashi with Fuji in the background. End the day soaking at a family-friendly onsen in Hakone town — many welcome children.
🚐 Drive time: 1 h 30 min
📅 Day 7 — Gotemba Premium Outlets & Forest Adventures
Visit Gotemba Premium Outlets for family shopping with Fuji views, then spend the afternoon at Forest Adventure Mishima or a similar outdoor activity park with zip-lines, rope courses and tree-top trails designed for families. Alternatively, visit the Fuji Safari Park where kids can see animals from the car. Return to a campsite near the lakes.
🚐 Drive time: 1 h
📅 Day 8 — Final Lake Day & Return to Tokyo
Enjoy a relaxed final morning at the lakes — an early walk, a last paddle, or breakfast with a Fuji view. Drive back to Tokyo, returning the campervan near the airport or at a city depot. If time allows, spend a final afternoon in Tokyo exploring Shibuya, Asakusa or a neighbourhood that suits the family.
🚐 Drive time: 2 h
