#7 · 96/100 · 5-day itinerary · Short trips

5 Days in Japan: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Hakone

A 5-day Kanto route for short trips covering Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Hakone. Budget about ¥23,000 per person per day.

Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Route at a glance

This relaxed-paced 5-day itinerary uses 3 bases — Tokyo (3 nights), Fujikawaguchiko (1 night), Hakone (1 night) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Hakone. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥23,000 per person including accommodation.

Length5 days
Best forShort trips
BasesTokyo (3 nights), Fujikawaguchiko (1 night), Hakone (1 night)
PaceRelaxed

Why this route is ranked #7

Ranked #7 with 96/100: a multi-stop route with more transfer time, strong Kanto highlights (Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Hakone), relaxed pacing for short trips, and good value at ¥23,000/day.

CriterionScore
Route Efficiency & Transit Pacing28.8 / 30
Iconic & Cultural Depth24 / 25
First-Timer Accessibility & Logistics19.2 / 20
Cost-to-Value Ratio14.4 / 15
Seasonal Flexibility9.6 / 10
Total96 / 100

Day-by-day plan

Day 1

Arrive in Tokyo

Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Asakusa Senso-ji, Ueno Park and Akihabara.

Day 2

Tokyo: Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset

Day 3

Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza and teamLab Planets

Day 4

Travel to Fujikawaguchiko

Morning transfer to Fujikawaguchiko (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchiko Fuji views and Oishi Park.

Day 5

Travel to Hakone · depart

Morning transfer to Hakone (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Hakone loop: Romancecar, Owakudani, Lake Ashi cruise and an onsen ryokan night. Head to the airport in the afternoon.

Transport & rail pass notes

Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Point-to-point tickets are usually cheaper than a JR Pass for this route.

What to book ahead

  • Hotels in peak sakura (late Mar–early Apr) and koyo (Nov) seasons
  • Shinkansen seats on weekends & holidays
  • Signature experiences in Tokyo

Ways to adapt this route

  • Short on time? Drop Hakone and add a night to Tokyo.
  • Travelling in winter? Check seasonal closures for mountain roads and ropeways.
  • Use our Itinerary Builder tool to customise this plan.

Tokyo Fujikawaguchiko Hakone

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 days enough for Tokyo, Fujikawaguchiko, Hakone?

Yes — this plan gives Tokyo (3 nights), Fujikawaguchiko (1 night), Hakone (1 night), which is enough for the main highlights at a relaxed pace.

How much does this 5-day Japan trip cost?

Roughly ¥115,000 per person for 5 days (≈¥23,000/day) excluding international flights.

Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?

Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.

When is the best time to do this route?

Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.