Narita to Mt Fuji

Hi Lori,

It's totally possible to go from Narita to the area around Mt Fuji, but it'll be a bit of a tough journey, especially after a flight. Still, if you are determined to get there, here's how i'd do it, aiming to stay in Sounzan/Togendai, which is in the Hakone area on the shores of a beautiful lake: http://goo.gl/7kWqI

First, exchange your Japan Rail Pass at the JR counter at Narita airport. Then take the Narita Express to Tokyo and get the shinkansen to Odawara: http://goo.gl/rjcrV

At Odawara, change train to the local line Hakone-Tozan Line up to Gora (normally 3430Yen, but with your Japan Rail Pass is 300Yen). If you really feel like it, you can push on through to Sounzan or Togendai via the cablecar from Gora, but only if you've got a lot of energy!

To continue down to Fukuoka you'd get back to Odawara and jump on the shinkansen again: http://goo.gl/zt1at.

Hope all this helps - Though we'd recommend you stop off for at least 1 night in Tokyo first, just to recover from the flight.

I really found this post to be invaluable about understanding the different rail options from Odawara: http://julies-japan.blogspot.com/2008/04/daytrip-to-mt-fuji-national-park.html

Here's more on the Odakyu Hakone freepass which is another option for touring the area: http://www.odakyu.jp/english/freepass/hakone_01.html

For seeing the area, there is both Hakone and the Fuji 5 Lakes Area. Both are quite good.

Going to Fukuoka is quite a trip but there are some great places to see. Don't miss the Nanzoin Temple which is one of Japan's finest yet almost totally unknown to the outside world and completely FREE! There are many open parks, shopping, seaside historical areas, and urban neon. See this site as a good guide.
Look into a Fukuoka Tourist City Pass also.