Fuji Five Lakes: Kawaguchiko pickup
Consider Kawaguchiko if your plans center on Lake Kawaguchi, the other Fuji Five Lakes or Fujiyoshida.
The shop is about an 8-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.
Compare Kawaguchiko shop pickup
How to Rent a Car at Mt. Fuji A Complete Guide for Visitors
Where to pick up, which documents you need, and the best routes and seasons, with links to every detailed guide.
English Speaking Staff
International License OK
Hotel Delivery Available
Choose your pickup base for your Mt. Fuji trip
Start with where you will stay and where your trip ends. Compare the shops and routes below, then check cars and pickup or return locations for your dates.
Hakone stay: Hakone pickup
Consider Hakone if your accommodation and first stops are in the Hakone area. The shop is about a 15-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Compare Hakone shop pickupHotel delivery is a separate paid option; check the available delivery locations and fees for your dates. Check Hakone hotel delivery
Both areas: one-way rental
For a trip continuing between Hakone and Kawaguchiko, compare pickup at one shop and return at the other.
Check route availability and the additional one-way fee for your dates before booking.
Compare Hakone and Kawaguchiko one-way rentalOther delivery locations
Delivery at other locations, including Mt. Fuji 5th Station where offered, depends on the locations available for your dates and current road conditions. Confirm pickup and return points and any additional delivery fees in your booking.
Important for International Visitors
- Most overseas visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention
- Your home country driver's license is also needed along with the IDP
- A valid Japanese driver's license issued in Japan and a valid U.S. Forces, Japan (USFJ) Form 4EJ operator's permit (SOFA permit) issued to an eligible SOFA-status driver are also accepted. Please present the original valid license or permit at pickup.
- Basic insurance is included in all Mt. Fuji car rentals
Plan Your Mt. Fuji Road Trip Step by Step
Each guide covers one part of renting a car around Mount Fuji in detail.
Choose where to pick up
- Kawaguchiko car rental shop
An 8-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, the base for the Fuji Five Lakes.
- Hakone car rental shop
About a 15-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- One-way rental between Hakone and Kawaguchiko
Pick up at one of our shops and return at the other.
- Tokyo vs Kawaguchiko car rental
Compare driving out of Tokyo with taking the train and renting locally.
- Taxi vs rental car between Kawaguchiko and Hakone
Cost examples for the transfer between the two areas.
Prepare your documents
- Can you drive in Japan? License rules by country
Check whether you need an International Driving Permit or a translation.
- What to bring to pickup
The documents and card to have ready at the counter.
- Japanese translation of your driver's license
For licenses that use a translation instead of an IDP.
- Kawaguchiko Station pickup checklist
Walk from the station, prepare for handover, and confirm your return location.
Plan your route and season
- Best time to see Mount Fuji
When the mountain is most often clear, month by month.
- Kawaguchiko photo spots by car
Places to stop for Mt. Fuji views with your rental car.
- Fuji Five Lakes scenic drive
A driving route beyond Lake Kawaguchi.
- Winter driving near Mt. Fuji
Studless tires and snow-day tips for Kawaguchiko.
- Kawaguchiko sightseeing boat guide
A lake cruise to add to your road trip.
Choose your car and coverage
- Car seats and family car rental in Japan
Child seat rules and cars for travelling with kids.
- ZLC damage and NOC coverage option
Optional coverage for accidents. Terms and exclusions apply.
- Mazda Roadster (MX-5) rental
An automatic two-seat convertible for open-air drives.
- Lexus LBX Morizo RR rental
A performance hatchback for driving enthusiasts.
Choosing Your Pickup Location and Support
We specialize in car rental services for the Mt. Fuji area, making your Mount Fuji exploration seamless and enjoyable.
Local Mt. Fuji Expertise
Based in Kawaguchiko, we know the best routes around Mount Fuji. Get insider tips on scenic spots, avoiding crowds, and hidden gems.
Multiple Pickup Points
Strategic locations around Mt. Fuji: Kawaguchiko Station area, Yamanakako hotels, Fujiyoshida, and direct hotel delivery service. Special service: Mt. Fuji 5th Station delivery/pickup available (additional fee applies).
Full English Support
From booking to return, communicate in English. Our staff speaks fluent English and provides support via WhatsApp.
Best Driving Routes Around Mount Fuji with Your Rental Car
Make the most of your Mt. Fuji car rental with these recommended routes and destinations.
Fuji Five Lakes Scenic Drive
The classic Mt. Fuji route covering all five lakes: Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko, Motosuko, and Yamanakako. Perfect for a full day of exploration.
- • Distance: ~60km round trip
- • Duration: 6-8 hours with stops
- • Highlights: Lake views, Mt. Fuji photo spots, traditional villages
- • Best time: Early morning for clear mountain views
Mt. Fuji 5th Station Drive
Drive up to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station (2,300m elevation) via Fuji Subaru Line. The closest you can get to the summit by car.
- • Distance: ~30km one way from Kawaguchiko
- • Duration: 1 hour drive + exploration time
- • Toll: ¥2,100 (round trip)
- • Note: Road closed in winter and during climbing season nights
Oshino Hakkai & Countryside
Visit the famous spring water ponds of Oshino Hakkai and explore the rural areas around Mount Fuji.
- • Distance: ~20km from Kawaguchiko
- • Duration: Half day trip
- • Highlights: Crystal clear ponds, traditional architecture
- • Parking: Free and paid options available
Gotemba Outlets & Hakone
Combine shopping at Japan's largest outlet mall with a visit to the famous hot spring resort town of Hakone.
- • Distance: ~40km to Gotemba, +20km to Hakone
- • Duration: Full day trip
- • Highlights: Shopping, onsen, Lake Ashi
- • Tip: Start early to avoid traffic
Choosing a Car for Your Mt. Fuji Trip
Our carefully selected fleet is perfect for driving around Mount Fuji. All cars include basic insurance and unlimited mileage. Most vehicles support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; some vehicles are not equipped. Use your smartphone for navigation.
Most Affordable for Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji Car Rental - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I rent a car at Mt. Fuji with an international license?
A: We accept International Driving Permits (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention when accompanied by the original driver's license from the issuing country. Some licenses require an official Japanese translation instead. A valid Japanese driver's license issued in Japan and a valid U.S. Forces, Japan (USFJ) Form 4EJ operator's permit (SOFA permit) issued to an eligible SOFA-status driver are also accepted. Please present the original valid license or permit at pickup.
Q: Where can I pick up my rental car near Mt. Fuji?
A: You can pick up at our Kawaguchiko shop, an 8-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, or our Hakone shop, about a 15-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station. We also offer pickup in Fujiyoshida and Yamanakako, and delivery to most hotels in the Mount Fuji area.
Q: Is it difficult to drive around Mount Fuji?
A: Driving around Mt. Fuji is relatively easy! Roads are well-maintained and clearly marked. Most vehicles support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone navigation; some vehicles are not equipped. We also provide a driving guide with tips for navigating the Mount Fuji area.
Q: What's included in the Mt. Fuji car rental price?
A: Your car rental includes basic insurance coverage, unlimited mileage, and English support. Child seats are optional extras and are not included in the rental price. Toll fees and gasoline are not included. We do not offer a dedicated GPS device. Most vehicles support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; some vehicles are not equipped.
Q: Can I add another driver to my Mt. Fuji car rental?
A: Yes, additional drivers are free and need no advance contact. Each additional driver simply presents their driver's license at pickup and is registered on the spot.
Q: Can I drive to Mt. Fuji summit with a rental car?
A: You can drive up to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station (2,300m elevation) via the Fuji Subaru Line toll road. This is the highest point accessible by car. The summit can only be reached by climbing on foot from there.
Q: What happens if I have trouble during my Mt. Fuji car rental?
A: We provide English support via phone and WhatsApp. In case of breakdown or accident, we'll arrange roadside assistance and guide you through the process. Emergency contact numbers are provided with your rental.
Payment methods
Online payment when booking
Available options depend on your country, device and payment eligibility. Choose from the methods shown at checkout. Payment is in Japanese yen (JPY).
Security deposit hold at pickup
Credit or debit card. Like a hotel deposit, we temporarily hold an amount on your card at pickup, separately from your online payment. We charge your card only if additional charges arise, and only for that amount. After the return is checked, we release the remaining hold. If there are no additional charges, nothing is charged.
Apple Pay and Google Pay work with supported cards using international contactless payments. iD and QUICPay are not supported.