Tokyo & Mt. Fuji: Review of a Day Trip to 6 Scenic Spots

Dreaming of seeing Mt. Fuji? I mean, who isn’t, right? Seeing that stunning mountain is a must for pretty much any trip to Japan. I wanted to get away from Tokyo to witness it in all its glory, so I hopped on a guided day tour that promised six spots offering cool views of the mountain. Here is how that turned out and maybe my experience will make it easier for you to plan a similar trip!

The Allure of a Mt. Fuji Day Trip

First, why dedicate a day to Fuji? Okay, the mountain has an almost mythical status in Japanese culture, a symbol of the country, and getting to see it up close seemed very, very special. A day tour gets you out of Tokyo, too it’s almost like, you know, taking a breather from the super-charged atmosphere of the capital. These tours pack quite a bit in, really – scenic views, cultural spots, plus yummy food, usually.

The tours I looked at, as a matter of fact, usually promised a hassle-free experience. What I mean is that someone else deals with the train schedules, bus routes and that sort of thing, so I could sit back and soak things up. Some tours will save you a lot of time if you want to get to several destinations in one go.

My 6-Stop Mt. Fuji Tour: A Detailed Look

This particular tour hits six spots; the highlight is often Arakurayama Sengen Park, which most consider the one that has that perfect view. This park features that iconic red pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background. It might be crowded but is worth the stop.

Then we swung by Lake Kawaguchiko. This lake gives you views of Fuji reflecting in the water. Just imagine those photos! The tour also goes to places maybe less widely known but interesting anyway, offering various viewpoints and a deeper sense of the Fuji region.

Stop 1: Arakurayama Sengen Park

The Arakurayama Sengen Park stop. It seems this park is on many “must-see” lists for anyone visiting the Mt. Fuji area, and for good reason, really. Climbing those stairs to the pagoda isn’t exactly a walk in the park (my legs knew about it the next day, seriously!), but I tell you, that view… seeing the mountain behind the Chureito Pagoda is postcard material. Many, many other tourists also thought that and this place gets so crowded that it’s kind of hard to find that perfect photo angle. Arrive very, very early if you can.

Stop 2: Lake Kawaguchiko

Lake Kawaguchiko; it has that reputation of being maybe the most well-known of the Fuji Five Lakes, and it has plenty to offer. That clear, mirror-like surface reflects Fuji. This area is packed with other things you might like to check out. You see a lot of museums, cafes, plus spots to rent a boat for those wanting to be on the water.

I had some delicious Hoto noodles (that Yamanashi specialty) at a cozy restaurant with—naturally—a Fuji view! If I had more time, actually, I could easily spend a whole day exploring around the lake.

Stop 3: Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a collection of eight springs. The water is seriously clear, and you get a terrific view of Mt. Fuji from here, too it’s almost. I’m thinking the whole area is kept in great shape with that old-timey village feel adding a certain charm. It tends to be quite touristy with that typical stuff for tourists – souvenir shops and places offering street food – but worth a brief stop to take in that special atmosphere and natural water features.

Stop 4: Iyashi no Sato (Saiko Iyashino-Sato Nenba)

Iyashi no Sato, so it seems, is more or less, a reconstructed traditional village located along the shores of Lake Saiko. It was wiped out by a landslide back in the day. Those thatched-roof houses have now been restored, many offering craft workshops, souvenir shops, or some really local restaurants. That is a relaxing stop that combines culture and terrific scenery.

Stop 5: Fujiyama Cookie

This was that surprise hit of the tour. Fujiyama Cookie is really a confectionery shop and, really, I didn’t expect that it would be high on my list, but these aren’t your everyday cookies, as a matter of fact. You know, they are shaped like Mt. Fuji, and come in all sorts of tasty flavors, acting as a souvenir and a tasty treat.

Plus, actually, that shop has that viewing spot where you get pretty great pictures of Mt. Fuji. Is that tour that combines local eats, quirky souvenirs, plus picture-perfect views!

Stop 6: Gotemba Premium Outlets

Last on the tour, Gotemba Premium Outlets. People thinking of going shopping would love it but to be honest, after taking in the scenery and culture the whole day, this felt a bit… disconnected? Sure, as a matter of fact, you could hunt for bargains and those views of Mt. Fuji from the shopping area weren’t bad at all, yet the location struck me as something of a way to extend that tour’s appeal to just about anyone.

What I Thought of the Tour

My experience shows you just what you can expect from taking one of these trips; with very, very many companies running similar tours, this one seemed representative. The sightseeing was magnificent! With Arakurayama Sengen Park, I took photos I will likely treasure forever, yet there is also a shopping opportunity which did not resonate so strongly. The trip tasted like local cuisine, allowed immersion into parts of regional culture. The guides kept us on schedule and also shared cool info regarding the sites.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Mt. Fuji Day Tour

Check the Weather: Mt. Fuji likes to hide behind clouds, so plan your trip for a day with clear skies, seriously.
Get There Early: That’s because popular spots fill up. Beat that crowd so you can experience things more completely, that is.
Comfortable Shoes are Very Important: Especially for that climb to the pagoda! Your feet will love you for this decision.
Bring Snacks and Drinks: You’ll stay energized throughout the day but don’t overdo it – you will also be sampling regional food!.
Pocket WiFi is Good: Because staying connected will make it easier to upload all those incredible photos!