Getting there

There are several paths up the mountain, this is the path that I took and also the path I recommend as you get the most bang for your buck. Note, that I actually did this hike with the intention of hiking the neighbouring Kurodake but was trolled by the bus and the bus driver and thus without intending to, ended up on the summit of Mitsutougeyama without knowing where I was going. 

To get to Mitsutougeyama, first take the bus from Kawaguchiko station to Mitsutouge Tozan bus station. One way costs 840 yen. From here walk up the road to the small toilet and you are on the hiking trail. 

Route/Trail notes

From the small toilet follow signs for Mitsutougeyama 三つ峠山. The signs are very faded and difficult to make out. The majority of this part of the hike has virtually no views is quite steep and is up an old fire trail road. It will take just under two hours following this road to summit the mountain which is just past the mountain hut which has a few dogs, a place to sleep and some food and vending machines if you need to avail yourself of these facilities. 

There are some sweeping views of Mt. Fuji from here on a clear day. Winter is the best time to go as it is most likely to be cloud free and snow capped Fuji is a scene you never get tired of seeing. Please note that this hike could be dangerous in winter if snow is present. Please prepare according to the situation. 

On the descent, follow a different track. From the summit walk down but instead of heading down the same path, take the right fork towards the Tenjoyama Ropeway 天上山ロープウェイ. This is mostly a descent track that has you following along the ridgeline of the mountain all the way back to the Lake Kawaguchiko. The best part about doing the return hike in this direction is you have an almost constant view of Mt. Fuji. 

The only things to look out for is there will be a fork in the track once you reach a monoculture forest. One track descends and one track stays level/ascends. Take the ascending path as this will take you back to the ropeway. I don't know where the other path takes you, probably to Narnia. 

Once you arrive at the ropeway, you can either pay money along with the unwashed masses to descend to Kawaguchiko or walk past the literal hordes of people to the staircase and hike down the mountain which virtually no one does. 

Permits/Costs

Bus - 840 yen 

Ropeway - ???