JTB Launches Area Development Project in Fuji-Hakone
– Proposing a New Stay-based Tourism Model for International Travelers in Collaboration with Local Regions –
JTB Corp. and JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc. (hereinafter referred to as JTBGMT), a JTB Group company specializing in Japan-bound travel, are set to launch a pilot program (hereinafter referred to as "this tour") for a new Stay-based tourism model that connects the popular hot spring areas of Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi in October 2025. This tour will be on sale starting August 22, under the Sunrise Tours* brand of domestic package tours for international travelers operated by JTBGMT.
- Product Page (Round Trip from Hakone): https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/plan/keyword/mtfujiconnections
- Product Page (From Lake Kawaguchi): https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/plan/detail/190SUETA010JG086S
1. Background
This tour is part of JTB's area development project aimed at enhancing wide-area travel and promoting Stay-based tourism. Currently, visiting both the Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi areas in a single trip requires either a rental car or multiple transfers via train or bus. This transportation inconvenience has resulted in tourism being centered around day trips from the metropolitan area or short stays in just one of the areas, which has hindered the expansion of overall tourism spending across the region.
Many accommodation facilities in Hakone have reported that "Travelers want to get closer to Mt. Fuji but don't have suitable transportation options" (from accommodations in Hakone area), and "I'm worried about the complicated transportation to Hakone" (from accommodations in Lake Kawaguchi area). While there is potential demand for travel between the two areas, it is not being fully utilized due to the inability to secure efficient routes within a limited number of travel days.
This tour directly connects the Hakone hot spring district and Kawaguchiko Station with no transfers required. The journey itself is a sightseeing experience through scenic views from the vehicle window and guided commentary. This will efficiently connect two globally popular sightseeing destinations, achieving a new wide-area travel route and Stay-based style of tourism. In addition, to disperse the concentrated tourism demand in the Lake Kawaguchi area, we will promote the development of sustainable tourism in collaboration with FUJIKYUKO.CO.,LTD.
2. Overview
- Tour Name: Sunrise Tours Mt. Fuji Area & Lake Kawaguchi Bus Tour with English-speaking Guide
- Tour Dates: Oct. 2, 2025 (Thu.) – Dec. 25, 2025 (Thu.) (total of 39 times)
- Tour Days: Mondays to Thursdays in October and November; Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays in December *Excludes holidays and non-operating
days
- Pick-up Locations: Hakone Area (Hakone Yumoto, Kowakudani, Gora, Sengokuhara), Lake Kawaguchi Area (Kawaguchiko Station)
- Price (tax incl.): JPY 17,000 round trip / JPY 9,000 one way
- Meals: None (free time allotted at Oishi Park for customers to purchase their own lunch)
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- Min. No. of Participants: 2 - Tour Guide Language: English
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<Highlights>
(1) Convenient Pick-Up Locations
Boarding is easy with pick-up at hot spring areas such as Hakone Yumoto and Gora.
(2) Direct Transfer
Without transfers or waiting times, customers can maxmize their stay.
(3) Round-trip & One-way Options for Flexible Scheduling
Customers can choose the plan that aligns with their itineraries for local sightseeing and experience
activities, broadening options to enrich their travel experience.
<Course Details>
(1) Round Trip (from Hakone)
https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/plan/keyword/mtfujiconnections
For those who want to fully enjoy sightseeing at Mt. Fuji during their stay in Hakone. Regardless of weather conditions, participants can look forward
to a satisfying tour with a panoramic experience on clear days or an impressive VR experience on days with inclement weather. After exploring the
Mt. Fuji area, travelers can return to the hot spring town of Hakone in the evening.
Depart from various areas in Hakone → Mt. Fuji view (on clear days) or VR experience (during inclement weather) →
Oishi Park (free time for customers to purchase their own lunch) → Arrive at various areas in Hakone
(2) One Way (from Hakone to Lake Kawaguchi)
https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/plan/keyword/mtfujiconnections
Travelers can enjoy scenic transportation to Lake Kawaguchi. Relish the view from Tourist Base Kawaguchiko* and freely choose from a variety of
local experiences.
Depart from various areas in Hakone → Tourist Base Kawaguchiko view (tour ends here)
(3) One Way (from Lake Kawaguchi to Hakone)
https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/plan/detail/190SUETA010JG086S
Direct access from Lake Kawaguchi to Hakone makes it easy to reach hot spring towns and accommodations along Lake Ashi, broadening travel
options.
Depart from Kawaguchiko Station → Sightseeing in Kojiri → Arrive at various areas in Hakone
3. Future Outlook
This tour connecting Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi will become a new kind of Stay-based tourism model for wide-area travel in the Fuji-Hakone area. In the future, we aim to expand wide-area travel routes to Atami and Izu in eastern Shizuoka, constructing a vertically extending circulation route that connects the foot of Mt. Fuji to the coastline. Through these initiatives, we are considering building a new Stay-based tourism model where travelers accumulate rich experiences while staying at multiple bases, and expanding a similar model to sightseeing destinations nationwide.
≫ Tour Information for Travel Agents： https://www.jtbgmt.com/en/g-web/tourIndex_2025/#ETA010
*Sunrise Tours is a registered trademark of JTB.
*Operated by JTB, Tourist Base Kawaguchiko (https://touristbase.jp/) is a tourist hub for international visitors to Japan in the northern foothills of
Mt. Fuji.