DAY 1: Arrive in Tokyo and travel to Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes).

Fuji Ginkei Ryokan offers a choice of traditional tatami rooms, or modern {bed}rooms, and front row seats to watch sunrise over the famous volcano from their steaming rooftop onsen (separate for men and women and like all proper onsen in Japan must be enjoyed fully nude).

It is worth booking breakfast/dinner package with accommodation. Small towns in Japan shut down early and it can be difficult to find something to eat in the evenings. Plus, ryokan dining is an experience in itself!

transportation notes:

Tokyo is served by two airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). The majority of long-haul international flights arrive at Narita, while Haneda serves as a hub for domestic and shorter-haul flights within Asia.
There are many ways to reach Fuji Five Lakes region, but the easiest one is via a direct bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, which is located in the centre of Tokyo.
The best way to get into Tokyo city centre from Narita is via Narita Express, a fast train that connects the airport and major train stations within the city. Tokyo Station is considered the central train station and can be reached in under an hour. Shinjuku Station is a 90-minute ride and is directly connected to the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. From the bus terminal it's a 2-hour ride into Kawaguchiko.
JR Pass can be a good investment if staying in Japan for more than 4 days and planning to travel by train between different cities and regions. Some train lines and bus routes are not covered by the pass (like the aforementioned direct bus to Kawaguchiko), so it's worth checking ahead.

DAY 2-3: Explore Kawaguchiko and surrounding area, including: Lake Kawaguchi (walking trails, bike rental, pedal boat rental, boat ride), Kachi Kachi Ropeway up to Tenjoyama Park (panoramic views, hiking trails) and Fuji Motosuko Resort (seasonal flower fields/displays/festivals).

+ An extra couple of days in the area would allow for visiting Sengen Shrine, Saiko Iyashi village, Itchiku Kubota museum and Ide Sake Brewery.

DAY 4: Take the bus back to Tokyo. Overnight at Hotel Ryumeikan, conveniently located near the central train station for easy access to cuisine, entertainment, bright city lights and shopping. Sushi no Midori location in Ginza is the answer to the late night sashimi cravings when staying in the area.

DAY 5: Depart Tokyo.

FootNotes

Getting cozy at Rocking R Guest Ranch

Winter road trip to Jasper National Park

A night inside Hôtel de Glace

Savouring life on a road trip across Italy

Exploring the canyons of Moab

Discovering Galapagos Islands

Chasing clouds in the highlands of Ecuador

Honeymoon in Greece, Italy & Croatia