Premium Mount Fuji Expedition: "Fuji's Sacred Circle"

Arakura Sengen Shrine & Chureito Pagoda (90 minutes total)
Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Arakura Sengen Shrine, home to the iconic Chureito Pagoda—Japan's most photographed five-tiered structure. The pagoda, built in 1963 as a peace memorial, features the dramatic red-and-white architecture set against Mount Fuji's perfect cone.

What to Experience:

Climb the famous 398 stone steps leading to the pagoda (alternative gentle slope path available)

Capture the quintessential "Mount Fuji with pagoda" photograph

Visit the shrine grounds (open 24 hours, free admission, no reservation needed)

Browse Shrine Gift Shops

Photography Note: Early morning light provides optimal conditions for iconic shots.

Mount Fuji World Heritage Center (Fujiyama Museum) (60 minutes)
Visit the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center, a state-of-the-art museum located in Kawaguchiko designated by UNESCO in 2013. This facility showcases Mount Fuji's sacred significance and artistic heritage.

What to Experience:

Fugaku 360: Walk inside a 360-degree washi paper sculpture of Mount Fuji with immersive lighting and sound

Virtual reality "sitting climb" experience of Mount Fuji (5-minute simulation)

Exhibitions on Mount Fuji's faith, art, and natural significance

Free access to visitor center with nature exhibits

Lava Cafe serving curry shaped like Mount Fuji with views of the actual mountain.

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine established in 110 CE and formally reconstructed in 788 to protect the region from Mount Fuji's volcanic eruptions. Located in Fujiyoshida at the northern base of Mount Fuji, it serves as the traditional starting point of the ancient Yoshida Trail.

The shrine is dedicated to the goddess of Mount Fuji and volcanoes, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site designated in 2013. Set within a vast 99,000-square-meter old-growth forest, the shrine grounds feature an atmospheric approach lined with moss-covered stone lanterns and towering ancient cedar trees. Four sacred cedar trees, believed to be approximately 1,000 years old with a girth of 23 meters, are said to protect the shrine.

The shrine entrance is marked by an impressive 18-meter-wide red torii gate, which is customarily rebuilt every sixty years to a larger size (most recently in 2014).

Lunch at Hoto Fudou Restaurant
Experience Yamanashi's signature dish - hoto noodles. These thick, chewy noodles are served in hearty miso broth with seasonal vegetables including kabocha pumpkin and wild mushrooms. The restaurant presents the rice shaped like Mt. Fuji, adding a delightful touch to your meal.

Discover Lake Yamanakako, the largest and most elevated of the Fuji Five Lakes, offering spectacular, up-close views of Mt. Fuji from its serene shores. This outdoor paradise is perfect for adventure and relaxation, with activities like cycling around the 14km lakeside path, fishing, and boating. Experience the unique "Kaba," an amphibious bus that splashes into the lake, or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the charming "Swan Lake" pleasure boat for unforgettable photo opportunities.

(OPTION A) Owakudani Volcanic Experience & Black Eggs

Travel to Owakudani ("Great Boiling Valley"), Hakone's dramatic geothermal volcanic zone featuring sulfurous geysers and lunar-like landscapes.

What to Experience:

Walk trails through active volcanic vents with sulfurous steam

Taste the legendary "Kuro Tamago" (black eggs) boiled in natural 80°C hot springs—said to add seven years to your life (legend claims)

View Mount Fuji majestically framed against volcanic terrain

Explore Owakudani Kurotamago Museum with gift shop

Optional light lunch or snacks at Waku Waku Kitchen & Cafe with black curry bread and black pork hotdog specialties

(OPTION B) Hakone's Lake Ashinoko & Sacred Shrine Experience

Drive to Lake Ashinoko, Hakone's stunning volcanic caldera lake, to visit the renowned Hakone Shrine—one of Japan's most spiritually significant Shinto sanctuaries founded in 757 CE.

What to Experience:

Walk the cedar-lined forest path (1 km) flanked with moss-covered stone lanterns and torii gates

Visit the main shrine with traditional architecture and guardian "komainu" lions

Admire the iconic vermilion torii gate standing in Lake Ashinoko (16 meters tall, best photographed from shore or boat)

Clear lake waters reflecting Mount Fuji on optimal weather days

Optional Lake Ashinoko pirate ship cruise with Mount Fuji and shrine views

Explore shrine forest surroundings with moss-covered ancient stones.

(OPTION C) Gotemba Premium Outlets is Japan's largest and most popular outlet mall, offering an unparalleled shopping experience at the base of the iconic Mount Fuji. Shoppers can explore approximately 290 stores, featuring a wide range of international luxury brands, sportswear, and household goods, often at significant discounts. Beyond the extensive shopping, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji, a variety of dining options, a hotel, and even a public hot spring bath. Easily accessible from Tokyo and Hakone, it provides a scenic and high-end retail escape.