Tjo YEE WONG
Tokyo to Mt. Fuji: 10-day Metro & Road Trip Itinerary
Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Tochigi Prefecture
10 March 2023
Tokyo is one of my favourite cities and it feels great to be back here again for our 10-day Japan road trip.
Surrounded by its beautiful landscapes, historic temples and neon-lit skyscrapers, we explored more of Tokyo city and ventured to the outskirts of Tokyo.
To get around Tokyo, you will either need to drive or take the Tokyo Metro. The first three days, we took the metro and later on, rented a car to drive out of this busy city.
We visited Japan at the end of the winter season and it was perfect as we got to see a few Sakura trees in full bloom.
(If you are planning to see some cherry blossoms, but want to avoid the crowds, then visiting during the end of February or early March would be the best time!)
There's definitely a lot to see and do in Tokyo, but if you're tight on time and would want to see the best of Tokyo, use this travel guide to help you plan the ideal trip!
DAY 1: SHIBUYA, TOKYO
We checked in to our Airbnb which was located near the Tokyo SkyTree after we reached Narita International Airport. To get there, we took the Tokyo metro which takes about an hour from the Airport.
Our first stop of the day was Shibuya. We arrived in Tokyo in the late morning so we only had a few places we could visit.
One of them was the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck which I had booked tickets for a few days earlier. (Note: It is advised to book the Shibuya Sky tickets 2 days in advance as it tends to sell out really fast). It is located in Shibuya Scramble Square Building, right next to Shibuya Station. Each person would cost about $18 SGD ($13 USD) and you will be able to catch the incredible views of Tokyo from the top of the building.
Shopping was next on the day-1 list. Other than the iconic Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya is the go-to spot to do your shopping. There are many streetwear brands like Supreme, Aape, AMBUSH, HUF, MORTAR etc.
Harajuku is the second place where you can do your shopping at. This area has stores that range from high-end brands to streetwear brands like Supreme and other affordable brands like Uniqlo, Daiso, Sanrio Vivitix and Nike.
We ended the day early and spent the first night at the Airbnb to get some rest before day 2.
Places to eat in Shibuya:
Where to stay in Tokyo?
DAY 2: GINZA, TOKYO
The next morning, we explored the eastern side of Tokyo - Toyosu.
Around this place is the famous Toyosu Fish Market where you can find lots of fresh sashimi and seafood. If you are a sashimi lover, this place is perfect for you! There are 3 restaurant areas located in different buildings so, there are many options to choose from.
Just a 10-minute walk from the fish market, you will be able to see TeamLab Planets TOKYO - a digital art museum that integrates advanced technologies. This is one of the must-do activities when you are in Tokyo. Highly recommend. (Note: book your tickets before your visit).
Next, we took a 20-minute local city bus ride to Ginza - Tokyo's most famous high-end shopping district. We had our lunch at Ippudo, Ginza and spent the rest of the afternoon exploring this area and doing some shopping. You will be able to find the largest Uniqlo store in Ginza, which consists of a total of 12 floors. Just a few buildings down, you will be able to find Don Quijote Ginza (which is known as Don Don Donki in Singapore).
We had dinner at Asakusa and headed to our second Don Quijote for more retail therapy.
Places to eat in Asakusa:
DAY 3: SHIMOKITAZAWA, TOKYO
Our last morning here in the city before driving towards the west of Tokyo - Mount Fuji.
To start the day off, we visited Sensō-ji (Asakusa Kannon Temple) which is Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple.
The highlights of Sensō-ji Temple:
2. Nakamise Dori - a traditional shopping street
4. Jokoro - incense smoke that brings good luck
5. Sensō-ji Temple Main Hall
Afterwards, we took the Tokyo Metro to Shimokitazawa. This was one of my favourite places in Tokyo, as this neighbourhood is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This trendy area is filled with many cafes, restaurants, vintage clothing stores and record stores just aligned right next to one another. We definitely spent a good amount of time here just exploring this neighbourhood.
Cafes in Shimokitazawa:
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory - Totoro cream puff
We headed back towards central Tokyo and alighted at Shinjuku, which is just a few stations away from Shimokitazawa. Alighting at Shinkuju station was a little overwhelming due to the large crowds, but we still enjoyed the shopping and lavish nightlife there.
The rest of the day was spent here in Shinjuku.
DAY 4: YOKOHAMA
This is where our Japan road trip officially begins. We rented a 4WD car at Toyota Rent a Car.
Checked-out of the Airbnb really early and left Tokyo city. We made our way towards Yokohama which is located in the southwest of Tokyo.
Drive time: 50 minutes
Things to do in Yokohama:
5. Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
Next stop: Gotemba Premium Outlets. It takes around an hour's drive to get there and we parked opposite the outlet mall. This was the last stop of the day before checking in to our Airbnb.
Where to stay in Yokohama?
Where to stay near Mt. Fuji?
DAY 5: FUJIYOSHIDA - MOUNT FUJI
Woke up to this stunning view of Mt. Fuji just right in front of the Airbnb we were staying at for the next 3 nights.
We left the accommodation early morning to visit the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes - Lake Yamanaka. Some swans came to say hello right up in the shallow waters of the lake with the perfect backdrop of Mount Fuji.
The surrounding atmosphere was just so peaceful and beautiful.
Fuji Motorsports Museum was the next place we stopped by. This place would be perfect for you if you are a big fan of racing cars.
It was the start of Sakura season in Japan and Nishihirabatake Park had cherry blossoms in full bloom. We took a 35 minutes drive there and got to see this spectacular beauty. They look like large pink clouds floating from afar.
Our last stop of the day was to go for Onsen (natural hot spring). We went to a public Onsen in Fujiyoshida and the open-air Onsen with the cold weather was the best.
DAY 6: FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO - MOUNT FUJI
The plans for Day 6 were a little packed as we had lots of places to explore.
We made a quick stop at Fujiyoshida street before heading to Arakurayama Sengen Park, which you cannot miss when you are at Fujiyoshida. The famous five-storied pagoda with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji in the distance is located at the top of a 398-stair hike.
Next up was Lake Kawaguchiko. It's the most accessible of the Five Fuji Lakes. Definitely worth a visit if you are around that area.
Go back in time to this thatched-roof traditional Japanese Village - Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, with Mount Fuji standing impressively in the background. An entrance fee of $5 SGD per person is needed, and it is money well spent.
Before the sun sets, we rode the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to the peak of Mt. Tenjo, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from above.
Our last stop was Oike Park. It's a 5-minute drive away from the ropeway station. We found a spot to sit and enjoy the gorgeous view of Mt. Fuji from a different angle. This was one of my favourite places as it was so chill and serene. Not to forget, the sunset over Mount Fuji just made it even more magical.
DAY 7: NIKKO, TOCHIGI
We checked out of the Airbnb and drove towards Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
Drive time: 3 hours
We did not do much for our seventh day, as we were travelling towards the north of Tokyo.
Pit-stops:
1. Dangozaka SA (upbound), Uenohara
2. Pasar羽生 (下り)
3. Lunch at Niku-no-Fukiage
4. Thrift store - BOOKOFF
We checked in at Oku Nikko Hotel Shikisai and spend the next three nights here. Some activities this Japanese-style ryokan offers are a hot spring bath (Onsen), an Open-air bath, Bicycle rental and Japanese food.
DAY 8: MOTEGI, TOCHIGI
Get an early start and drive to Utsunomiya. From Lake Chūzenji, it takes about an hour's drive to Ōya Temple.
Do check the opening hours of the temple as it is closed on Thursdays. We did not have a chance to visit this temple as we visited it on a Thursday.
Before heading to Motegi, we stopped by our favourite convenient store - 7 Eleven. The sandwiches there are the best. Highly recommend the egg mayo sandwich!
Motegi is a small little town located in Tochigi Prefecture. This place is best known for its motorsports tracks which were built by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Near these circuits, is the Honda Collection Hall. If you are a big fan of Honda cars and motorcycles, this place is perfect for you.
After spending some time at the museum, we left Motegi to get some ramen at 葵一家. We ordered fried rice and some ramen and they were all delicious.
The supermarket was next. It takes about 10 minutes to drive to The Big Extra Mooka. We bought some groceries there and made our way back to our accommodation.
DAY 9: NIKKO, TOCHIGI
Day 9 was a small travel day. We were mostly driving around Nikko, which is located in the northwest corner of Tochigi Prefecture.
Things to do at Nikko:
1. Ryūzu Falls
2. 三本松茶屋 - Souvenir store
3. Senjogahara - Nature Reserve
4. Nikko Futarasan Jinja Chugushi Shrine
5. Kegon Falls
6. Utagahama Chuzenji Lake, Nikko - Scenic view of Lake Chūzenji
7. Onsen at Hotel Shikisai
The rest of the day was spent at the accommodation and going to the onsen.
DAY 10: SHINJUKU, TOKYO
Driving back to Tokyo city and spending our final day in Tokyo before flying back to Singapore.
Total drive time to Shinjuku: 2 hours
Isetan Shinjuku was the first stop in the city. We had our lunch at this department store and did some shopping here before making our way to Nakano.
Places to eat in Shinjuku:
2. Kani Douraku - snow crab
3. Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku Minamiguchi
Shopping places in Nakano:
2. Don Quijote
4. Nakano Marui
Dessert spots in Nakano:
Right before the sunset, we head towards central Tokyo to view the Tokyo Tower, which has a distinct red and white colour to it. There are two observation decks that provide extensive views of the city.
The last stop of Day 10: Tokyo Solamachi - located together with Tokyo SkyTree.
We had our dinner and shopping there before checking in to our last Airbnb for this trip.
DAY 11: NARITA AIRPORT, TOKYO
On the last morning in Tokyo, we were lucky enough to see two Sakura trees in full bloom, just right outside our Airbnb.
We had the morning to visit the Narita area before we head to Narita International Airport for our flight back to Singapore.
Things to do in Narita:
Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the world. From the neon lights of Shibuya Crossing to the historic shrines of Asakusa, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Tokyo!
Some of the highlights of any trip to Tokyo include exploring the Tsukiji Fish Market, sampling delicious ramen in Shinjuku, and taking a stroll through the vibrant Harajuku district.
Whether you're looking for a bustling urban adventure or a peaceful cultural experience, Tokyo has it all!
I hope to be back here again and explore more of Japan soon. <3