This tour departs from Shinjuku and is perfect for first-time visitors who want to explore Hakone and Mt. Fuji in one convenient day.
Hakone is one of Japan’s most popular sightseeing areas, but for many international travelers, it can also feel challenging.
Common concerns include:
- Transportation looks complicated
- It’s hard to decide which places to visit
- There’s no guarantee of seeing Mt. Fuji
If you are:
- Visiting Hakone for the first time
- Not confident using multiple trains and buses
- Looking to enjoy both photos and experiences in one day
then the Amphibious Ninja Bus Hakone Tour is a very practical option.
This tour is not just about visiting famous landmarks.
It allows travelers to experience Hakone as one connected travel story, without stress.
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Contents
What Is the Amphibious Ninja Bus?
A Unique Hakone Tour Where Transportation Becomes the Experience
The Ninja Bus is a themed sightseeing bus inspired by Japanese ninja culture.
Its most unique feature is that it is amphibious—the bus drives on land and then enters the lake directly.
On this one-day tour, travelers visit major Mt. Fuji and Hakone highlights, including:
- Hakone Shrine (historic Shinto shrine surrounded by forest)
- Lake Ashi Torii Gate (iconic red gate on the water)
- Amphibious Ninja Bus lake entry experience
- Hakone Ropeway
- Owakudani Valley (active volcanic area)
- Lake Yamanaka – Swan Beach
- Kawaguchiko Station Lawson (popular Mt. Fuji photo spot)
All destinations are visited efficiently and smoothly, without the need to plan routes or transfers.
For first-time visitors, not having to think about transportation or schedules greatly improves overall satisfaction.
The highlight of this experience is the amphibious Ninja Bus, which transitions dramatically from road to water.
You can reserve this exact experience in advance through Klook to guarantee your spot, especially during peak seasons.
If you’re comparing different Mt. Fuji and Hakone day trips from Tokyo, you may also want to explore our detailed guide to another popular Mt. Fuji & Hakone One-Day Tour, which includes Lake Ashi, the iconic torii gate, Owakudani Valley, and Oshino Hakkai.
One-Day Timeline: What the Experience Feels Like
1. Meeting Point & Departure
The Experience Starts Before Boarding
Upon arriving in Hakone, the first thing travelers notice is the ninja-designed amphibious bus waiting near Lake Ashi.
It immediately feels different from a standard sightseeing tour.
*This tour departs from Shinjuku by coach, and the amphibious Ninja Bus experience takes place later in Hakone.
2. Hakone Shrine
A Quiet Moment Surrounded by Forest and Faith
The tour begins at Hakone Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine once known as the guardian shrine of the Kanto region.
Surrounded by deep forest, the atmosphere feels calm and refreshing despite being a popular destination.
Hakone Shrine is associated with good luck, traffic safety, and successful relationships, making it a meaningful place to start the journey.
📸 Photo Tips
- Red torii gates in the forest
- Morning to late morning is usually less crowded
If you’re visiting during spring, you might also enjoy discovering the best photogenic spots to see Mt. Fuji with SAKURA cherry blossoms, one of Japan’s most iconic seasonal landscapes.
3. Lake Ashi
Torii Gate and Mt. Fuji in One Frame
Next is Lake Ashi, located beside Hakone Shrine.
On clear days, travelers can see Mt. Fuji behind the red torii gate standing on the lake, one of Hakone’s most iconic views.
When the water is calm, reflections of Mt. Fuji appear on the lake surface.
📸 Photo Tips
- Torii gate + Mt. Fuji from the lakeshore
- Choose low-wind conditions for reflections
4. Amphibious Ninja Bus
The Highlight: Entering the Lake
This is the most memorable moment of the tour.
The bus drives on land and then enters Lake Ashi directly, creating a surprising and exciting experience—even for adults.
From the water, travelers enjoy a lower viewing angle than regular sightseeing boats, offering views that can only be seen from inside the bus.
📸 Photo Tips
- Right side seats usually offer better Mt. Fuji views
- Video recording is recommended during lake entry
5. Hakone Ropeway
Seeing Hakone from Above
The Hakone Ropeway provides aerial views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains.
On clear days, Mt. Fuji’s outline appears in the distance, adding a dramatic contrast to the volcanic landscape.
6. Owakudani Valley
Feel the Power of a Volcanic Area
At Owakudani, white steam rises continuously from the ground, reminding visitors that Hakone is an active volcanic region.
Travelers can try the famous black eggs (hard-boiled eggs cooked in volcanic sulfur water, sold separately).
7. Lake Yamanaka – Swan Beach
A Quiet and Romantic Atmosphere
In the afternoon, the tour visits Swan Beach at Lake Yamanaka.
Swans walking along the lakeshore with Mt. Fuji in the background create a peaceful and photogenic scene, away from busy tourist crowds.
8. Kawaguchiko Station Lawson
A Photo That Feels Both Local and Iconic
The final stop is the Lawson convenience store near Kawaguchiko Station, known for its Mt. Fuji backdrop.
This spot has become popular on social media for capturing a contrast between everyday life and Japan’s most famous mountain.
Tour Duration & Physical Effort (Tour-Based)
- Total duration: Approx. 10–11 hours (including transportation)
- Walking distance: Minimal
- Physical level: ★☆☆ (easy)
Because transportation is mainly by bus, long walks are limited.
This tour is suitable for first-time visitors, families, and travelers who prefer a relaxed pace.
What to Wear & Best Seasons
- Spring: Cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, Mt. Fuji views
- Summer: Cooler lakeside temperatures, but sun protection is essential
- Autumn: Strong contrast between autumn leaves and mountains
- Winter: Clear air and the best visibility of Mt. Fuji
Comfortable walking shoes and seasonal clothing are recommended.
Important Notes About the Ninja Bus Experience
- Lake entry may be canceled or adjusted due to weather conditions
- Water splashes are possible during lake entry
- Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons
Who This Tour Is Best For
- Travelers who value photos and videos
- Visitors who want something different from standard Hakone tours
- First-time Hakone visitors who want a stress-free experience
- Travelers who want to remember Mt. Fuji as an experience, not just a view
If you’re visiting Japan for the first time and want a stress-free way to see Mt. Fuji and Hakone in one day, this Shinjuku-departure tour is a highly convenient option.
👉 Check prices, reviews, and availability here before your trip.
Conclusion: A One-Day Hakone Experience Through Photos and Moments
This Amphibious Ninja Bus tour is not just another Hakone sightseeing plan.
By combining transportation, scenery, and emotional moments, it creates a full-day experience that helps travelers truly enjoy and remember Hakone.
Even with the same Mt. Fuji and Hakone destinations,
changing the perspective can completely change how the journey feels.
