Experience Mt. Fuji your way on a fully private and customizable day trip guided by a Japanese local with an Ivy League education and international background. Travel comfortably in a premium Subaru Outback (or similar) as you explore Japan’s most iconic mountain and its surrounding landscapes from the Fuji 5th Station and Lake Kawaguchiko to peaceful shrines, local cafés, or outlet shopping.
With insights that bridge Japanese culture and a global perspective, your guide makes each stop more meaningful and easy to understand. This tour is perfect for visitors who value depth, flexibility, and friendly conversation with a local who understands both worlds.
• Guided by a Japanese local with an Ivy League education and global background
• Private, customizable day trip from Tokyo/Yokohama to Mt. Fuji and nearby sights
• Flexible itinerary —design your day around nature, culture, or shopping
• Ideal for travelers seeking authentic connection and personalized service
Located about 2,300 meters above sea level, Mt. Fuji’s Subaru Line 5th Station is the highest point reachable by car and one of the most popular viewing areas on the mountain. From here, you can see Mt. Fuji’s peak up close and enjoy panoramic views of the Fuji Five Lakes area and surrounding landscapes.
The 5th Station is also the starting point for the Yoshida Trail, but even if you’re not climbing, it’s a great place to experience the mountain’s atmosphere. You’ll find small shops, restaurants, and the historic Komitake Shrine, offering a nice balance of nature and local culture.
Access is via the Fuji Subaru Line, a scenic toll road through the forest (the toll fee is included in your tour). Depending on weather or season, private vehicles may be restricted, in which case shuttle buses are used. Either way, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to get close to Japan’s most iconic mountain.
Arakurayama Sengen Park is a beautiful park known for its stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area. The park is home to the famous Chureito Pagoda, a five-story pagoda that offers one of the most iconic photo opportunities of the mountain.
To reach the pagoda, visitors climb 398 steps, which lead to panoramic views of Fuji Five Lakes, the surrounding mountains, and the town below. The park’s well-maintained paths, seasonal gardens, and scenic overlooks provide plenty of opportunities for walking, photography, and enjoying the outdoors.
Arakurayama Sengen Park is ideal for travelers who want to combine nature and classic Japanese scenery with Mt. Fuji photography in one stop.
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and one of the best places to enjoy clear, postcard-like views of Mt. Fuji. It’s peaceful, easy to access, and surrounded by cafés, small shops, and hot spring (onsen) facilities where you can relax while taking in the view of the mountain.
The lake is known for its mirror-like reflection of Mt. Fuji on calm days, making it a favorite for photographers. The lake is also known for its seasonal scenery — cherry blossoms in spring, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-capped peaks in winter — making Kawaguchiko a year-round destination.
Visitors can enjoy a short boat cruise, walk along the lakeshore, relax at lakeside cafés, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere and natural beauty that define this area.
Oishi Park is a scenic lakeside park on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko, offering some of the best views of Mt. Fuji with the lake in the foreground. The park features walking paths along the lake, seasonal flower gardens, and open spaces that are perfect for photography or a relaxing stroll.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the paths, creating a beautiful frame for Mt. Fuji. In summer, the park is known for lavender fields, while autumn brings red kokia shrubs against the backdrop of the mountain. The park also has cafés and shops where visitors can enjoy local snacks and refreshments while taking in the scenery.
Oishi Park is ideal for travelers who want to combine lakeside views, seasonal flowers, and stunning Mt. Fuji photography in a peaceful and accessible setting.
Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba is a traditional Japanese village located near Lake Saiko, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and views of Mt. Fuji. The village was rebuilt after a landslide in the 1960s and now serves as an open-air museum that recreates the atmosphere of old Japan.
You can explore thatched-roof houses, each converted into small museums, galleries, and workshops where local artists display handmade crafts such as pottery, textiles, and washi paper. Some houses also offer kimono or samurai armor dress-up experiences, making it a fun and interactive stop for all ages.
It’s a relaxing place to walk around, take photos, and learn about traditional Japanese life and architecture while enjoying a quiet view of Mt. Fuji in the background.
(Optional) Oshino Hakkai is a traditional village known for its eight spring fed ponds with exceptionally clear water, fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. The water is considered sacred and exceptionally pure, making this a popular spot for photography, reflection, and experiencing a quieter side of Japanese rural life. Also, the ponds are home to koi fish and other freshwater life.
Visitors can stroll around the village and enjoy local shops and street food. At designated ponds, you can even taste the pure spring water while taking in views of Mt. Fuji. The village also features historic samurai houses and a small open-air museum, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese life. The combination of water, greenery, and thatched-roof houses creates a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
Oshino Hakkai is a World Heritage Site and an ideal place to experience traditional Japan, scenic natural beauty, and Mt. Fuji views in a peaceful environment.
(Optional) Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Fujiyoshida, located at the northern base of Mt. Fuji. Dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime, the goddess of Mt. Fuji, the shrine has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for over 1,000 years. It also serves as the traditional starting point for climbing Mt. Fuji along the Yoshida Trail.
Visitors enter through a large red torii gate and walk along a cedar-lined path leading to the main shrine buildings, surrounded by a peaceful forest. The atmosphere is calm and spiritual, offering a glimpse into Japan’s deep cultural connection with Mt. Fuji.
It’s an ideal stop for those who want to experience Japan’s cultural heritage and natural beauty in one setting.
(Optional) Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan’s most popular outlet malls, located near Mt. Fuji. It features over 200 Japanese and international brand stores in a relaxing open-air setting with beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a great place to take a short break, enjoy a coffee or meal, and shop for souvenirs or fashion items before returning.
Guests should meet in front of the small security building near the main entrance, which has the sign “Welcome to osanbashi.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.
Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.
Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.
Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.
Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.
Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.
These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.
Japanese Yen (JPY)
GMT+9
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station
Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Car, Bike, Scooter
Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.
Price varies by option