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South-west of Tokyo lie the temples of Kamakura, the hot springs of Hakone, the rocky coast of the Izu Peninsula and Mount Fuji with its lakes. This four-day loop from Haneda Airport links them all, with a night in an onsen and the classic view of Fuji at the end.
At a glance
- Start and finish
- Haneda Airport, Tokyo
- Distance
- About 480 km
- Days
- 4, or 5 with an extra day at the lakes
- Driving per day
- Mostly 2 to 3 hours
- Highlights
- Kamakura, Hakone, the Izu coast, Mount Fuji
- Best time
- November to April for the clearest views of Fuji
The route day by day
The loop runs anticlockwise: along the coast to Kamakura and Hakone first, around the Izu Peninsula, and back past Mount Fuji. Distances are by road; the times are driving time without stops. The map shows the route and the numbered stops.
Day 1: Haneda Airport to Hakone via Kamakura
About 110 km and 2.5 hours. Drive south to Kamakura (1), where the Great Buddha, a bronze statue more than 11 metres tall, sits in the open air at Kotoku-in. Park once near the station; the streets are narrow. Follow the coast to Enoshima (2), a small island linked by a bridge, and continue into the mountains to Hakone (3) for a night in an onsen inn.
Day 2: Hakone to Shimoda via the Jogasaki Coast
About 105 km and 2.5 hours along the east coast of Izu. In the morning, see the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing in Lake Ashi. Drive down to the coast and south to the Jogasaki Coast (4), where a suspension bridge hangs over the sea between black lava cliffs. Continue to Shimoda (5), the port at the tip of the peninsula where the American Black Ships arrived in 1854, with white sand beaches nearby.
Day 3: Shimoda to Lake Kawaguchiko via Dogashima
About 150 km and 2.5 to 3 hours. Cross to the west coast of Izu and Dogashima (6), where boats sail into sea caves between rock islands. Head north along the coast, with views of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay on clear days, and on to Lake Kawaguchiko (7) at the foot of the mountain.
Day 4: Lake Kawaguchiko to Haneda Airport
About 120 km and 2 hours. Go early to the Chureito Pagoda, where about 400 steps lead to the red pagoda with Fuji behind it; the mountain is most often clear in the morning. Then take the expressway back to Haneda. With an extra day, stay longer at the five lakes around Fuji.
Car hire for this road trip
Pick up the car at Haneda Airport, on the south side of Tokyo, and return it there at the end of the loop. You avoid driving through central Tokyo. Car hire in Tokyo has the other pick-up points and more about driving there.
Car hire prices at Haneda Airport
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Haneda Airport | €461 | €494 | €655 |
Total for a 7-day rental, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 12 November 2026. About this price
Included in the price
- Collision damage and theft cover
- Damage to windows, tyres, roof and undercarriage
- Lost or damaged keys and towing after an accident or breakdown
- Third-party liability, topped up to €10 million
- Unlimited mileage
- Local taxes and airport fees
- Fair fuel policy: return the car with the fuel level you picked it up with
What to bring
- Driving licence
- Your own licence held for at least 1 year, plus an International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Licences from Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Switzerland and Taiwan need an official Japanese translation instead.
- Credit card
- In the main driver’s name. The desk holds the deposit on it.
- Deposit
- Up to about €284 (50,000 yen), depending on the car. At Tokyo Haneda Airport there are also cars without a deposit.
- Driver age
- From 18 on selected cars, from 21 on the others. Each car shows its age limits before you book.
- Additional driver
- Included with every car.
Driving around Fuji, Hakone and Izu
The rules for all of Japan are under Driving in Japan. On this route, these are the things to know.
Coast roads on Izu
The roads around the Izu Peninsula are narrow and winding, with many tunnels. They are busy on weekends and holidays; drive the coast on a weekday if you can.
Tolls and the ETC card
The expressways out of Tokyo and some scenic roads in Hakone and Izu charge tolls. Ask for an ETC card at the desk; you drive through the purple ETC lanes without stopping, and the tolls are settled when you return the car.
Busy days
The roads out of Tokyo are busiest on weekend mornings and at the start of public holidays. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May), the Obon holidays in mid-August and New Year if you can.
Best time for Fuji, Hakone and Izu
November to April gives the clearest views of Mount Fuji, especially in the mornings. In February the early cherry blossom of Kawazu, on the Izu coast, is in bloom; elsewhere it follows from late March. Summer is hot, humid and often hazy, but the Izu beaches are at their best.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire cost for the Fuji, Hakone and Izu road trip?
Car hire at Haneda Airport starts at €461 a week for a small car, €494 for a mid-size car and €655 for a large car or SUV, fully insured with everything included. You pick up and return the car at Haneda Airport. Updated 12 November 2026.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, a credit card in the main driver’s name. The desk holds a deposit on it: up to about €284 (50,000 yen), depending on the car. At Tokyo Haneda Airport there are also cars without a deposit.
How many days do I need for Fuji, Hakone and Izu?
Four days cover the loop; five give you an extra day at the lakes around Mount Fuji.
Will I see Mount Fuji?
Fuji is often hidden by cloud, especially in summer. The best chance is on a clear morning between November and April.
Why start at Haneda Airport?
Haneda lies on the south side of Tokyo, close to the expressways towards Kamakura and Hakone, so you avoid driving through central Tokyo.