This is a trip to see the highest and most beautiful mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji and one of five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi.
Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano that last erupted from 1707 to 1708. At 3776m meters, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and its
top and gentle slopes are surrounded by rich and unspoiled nature. The mountain attracts many climbers during summer, while in winter its snow-covered
top and slope gleam pure white in the sun.
In front of information center of South gate of JR Shinjuku station
Shinjuku is the largest train stations located west of Tokyo with 3.5 million passengers getting on and off every day.
There is a large bus terminal called "Basuta" just across the south gate of Shinjuku station.
We are scheduled to leave Shinjuku station by limited express train departing around 7:00am to Otsuki station and change
the train to Fujikyu line to Shimoyoshida station to visit first travel destination, Arakurayama Sengen Park. (We might visit
Arakurayama Sengen Parak on the way back to Tokyo)
After arriving at Shimoyoshida station, we are scheduled to walk to Arakurayama Sengen Park.
After walking up either 389 steps stair or winding slope from the foot of Mount Arakura, we will reach the observatory deck of the mountain, where we can command world-famous spectacular view of Mount Fuji and the vermilion pagoda and cherry blossoms in spring and colored forest in autumn. There are many visitors from not only from all over Japan but also overseas countries.
Though the spring cherry season is the best for capturing the symbolic image of Mount Fuji, you can enjoy colored forest areas in autumn and snow caped mountain Fuji in winter.
After arriving at Kawaguchiko station, we are scheduled to go to Panorama ropeway by bus or walk. It depends on the congestion of traffic. We can command a panoramic view from the summit of Mt Tenjo and see a beautiful symmetrical cone volcano, Mount Fuji.
We have luch at one of restaurants along lake shore of Kawaguchiko. Lake Kawaguchi is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes by train and direct bus connections from Tokyo. The best views of Mt Fuji can be enjoyed for the lake’s northern shores and are particularly breathtaking during the cherry blossom season early April and the autumn colors in November.
One of the nicest spots for cherry blossoms is the eastside promenade near the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, while photographers will enjoy the Momiji tunnel for autumn colors, a maple tree covered road section along the lake’s northern shore.The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway ascends 400m from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi to an observation deck near the peak of Mt Tenjo. From the observation deck, which sit more than 1000 meters above sea level, there are panoramic views of the lake below and of Mount Fuji.
You can enjoy 350 meter of flower garden, the pink carpet of moss phlox and flowers of field mustard blossoms from late-April through early May and colored kochia and aster pilosus in autumn.
At the same time you can take photo of colorful flowers with Mount Fuji, you will be relaxed and forget time.
The best time to view lavender is from June through early July. You can enjoy seasonal flowers.
As the second option
Aokigahara is known as the Sea of Trees, is a forest on the northwestern flank of Mt Fuji, thriving on 30 square kilometers of hardened lava laid down by the last major eruption of Mount Fuji in 864. The western edge of Aokigahara, where there are several caves that fill with ice in winter, is a popular destination for tourists and school trips.
As Aokigahara is located near from Lake Sai, far way out of Kawaguchiko, it would take 2~3 hours more time than Oishi park.
Arrival time back to Shinjuku is late at night. It is recommended to visit summer time.
We are scheduled to leave Kawaguchiko station station by Fujikyu line to Otsuki station and from Otsuki station to Shinjuku station by limited express train of JR line.
Earlier end of tour In winter time is recommended because the day time is shorter.
South gate of JR Shinjuku station
Guide's fee
Guide's transportation cost, lunch, and entrance fee.
Guest's transportaton cost, lunch and entrance fee.
Taxi charge if necessary.
Estimated cost for a guest during a day tour
Train fare between Tokyo & Kawaguchiko Yen8,500
Bus fare and local train fare Yen2,200
Rope way and pleasure boat Yen2,000
Lunch Yen1,500~3,000
Total cost per person Yen14,200~15,700
Tour from March through early December is recommended.
Snow on the top of Mt Fuji may melt during summer time.
* Meeting point :Shinjuku station is the largest and most crowded train station where more than 3.5 million passengers getting on and off trains a day.
Please be careful not to get lost and arrive at south gate of Shinjuku station in plenty of time.
* We would be able to go to Mt. Fuji area by bus with less cost than that of train. However, the train is more punctual and accurate in time schedule.
* During peak seasons, the Mount Fuji area will be full of tourists and climbers. So we need to choose what the best transportation is, bus or taxi.
We were pleased by the service we got from Mr Nao. He is very knowledgeable and very attentive to our needs. I recommend him to anyone who is looking for a tour guide in Tokyo and its surroundings.
Dear Kris san Thank you very much for your comment on my tour. It is regret that Mt Fuji was covered with cloud all day long and missed the chance to enjoy beautiful and elegant Mt Fuji. If you have chance to come back to Japan, I really want to show you beautiful Mt Fuji clearly. Thanks Nao
Nao-san was extremely helpful in navigating us during our tour. As an engineer, it was amazing thing to visit the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel (G-Cans). Nao-san helped with both the casual and technical interpretation throughout our tour, and on top of this, made us feel very welcome! I highly recommend him!!
Dear Robert san It was my great pleasure to guide you in Underground Shrine and glad to know there are enthusiastic engineers about Underground Shrine near from my home. It was a very pleasant and enjoyable trip. Thank you for coming to my neighborhood! Nao
If you’re looking for something with perfect English who understands everything you say, then Nao is not for you. But if you’re looking for an excellent guide who will make your dream itineraries come true, then Nao san is for you. Nao is professional, flexible, and knowledgeable. He worked very hard so that I could see everything on my list in Tokyo, and even took us somewhere we didn’t expect: who knew there was a Statue of Liberty by Tokyo Harbor?!! The Tokyo National Park was closed when we got there, and he came back to Tokyo the next day to take us there. That’s above and beyond! In Nikko, he checked the boat schedule so that we had the time to see everything, and again, he made everything fit into our day. Thank you, Nao san, for an unforgettable expérience!
Dear Kelly san I could feel releaved that you could enjoy my trip in Tokyo and Nikko. Thanks to you, I could know new sightseeing spots and broaden my horizons. Take are and cheers! Thanks. Nao
Nao was very generous with his time, flexibility with itinerary, extensive local knowledge and provided help with other tour recommendations. I recommend him highly.
Dear Brent I enjoyed travelling with you very much and talking with you even after tour end time. I was very glad to have sharing this opportunity with you. Hope your journey will be a wonderful one. Nao