Private Full-Day Guided Tour in Mount Fuji Lakes

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. We will meet you & your group at your Tokyo, or Haneda Airport hotel from 08:50, and aim to set off at 09:00, or as an alternative, we can drive to meet at Haneda airport T3 at 09:20, setting off at 09:30. It takes around 2 to 2.30 hours from Tokyo, to reach where our tour begins in Shizuoka. Please feel free to bring food & drinks you may wish to enjoy during our excursion. Our vehicles are each equipped with a fridge & a small freezer and there is a sink where you can wash hands, etc. It's possible to enjoy food whilst we drive & there is a large central table with drink holders in the (rear) seating area. As you join our driver, we will share with you a list of many options you can choose from (Your choice will comprise up to 6 locations along our route to explore Fuji's lakes) - and he will be able to advise on the best itinerary, depending on your preferred destinations & on the weather we are likely to encounter on our day trip together.

   15 min

2. Having lived in this region ourselves, we may recommend a longer route which would take us over the Hakone turnpike, where on a day of no low clouds, you can see Ashinoko at the summit, with Fuji majestically towering behind, after which we will drop into Ashinoko town, which includes a beautiful temple to visit. Our tours are best enjoyed during good weather, but we realize some guests are constrained by available time. In the event the forecast is for cloudy or wet weather, don't worry - we can still tailor an unforgettable & enjoyable trip for you. There are beautiful temples and waterfalls, we can visit on our way around the lakes, and also great museums. There are so many beautiful & unforgettable places to visit. We are also very familiar with the best photographic locations, and are happy to accompany & take pictures for you. Our Fuji lakes touring route takes then us through Gotemba, our guests usually enjoy a stop at stunning Chichibu No Mia.

   30 min

3. This was the emperor's summer retreat, with a stunning traditional Japanese home, and gardens to explore. From there, we most often drive past the beautiful Fuji cemetery, where Soichiro Honda was laid to rest, which is a short drive from Fuji Raceway. For race-car enthusiasts, we offer a pit-stop for you check out the large paddock & pits there - where usually there are always amazing sports cars to see.

   Passes by

4. One of Japan's premier (F1 grade) Motorsports circuits. A must stop for sports car enthusiasts. We will only stop here on request, however. Note there is an entry fee payable per person & also for the vehicle. This varies, depending on events taking place, etc.

   Passes by

5. Driving up the mountain road nearby, once we pass over the summit, if it's a clear day we shall be greeted by lake Yamanaka which offers stunning views at the foothills of mount Fuji. If the weather is clear, you can see the minami alps too. This is a prime spot where many photography enthusiasts travel from all over Japan to take pictures.

   30 min

6. As we drive down, we also know the best location for Yamanaka lakeside pictures. There is also a great cafe in town we recommend if you want to take a rest, or if you want to try traditional Hoto noodles, we know several great restaurants too.

   10 min

7. We then proceed onward to lake Kawaguchi, with Fuji towering from behind it, where there are more great photo opportunities.

   30 min

8. Our day's drive will take us on scenic lakeside roads to lake Saiko, followed by lake Shoji, and lake Motosu. This route typically takes all day to complete. If we stay a little longer, we can sometimes see the moon rise beside Fuji - this being the location of the beautiful picture on the back of a ¥1000 note By this time, the sun will be setting and our return trip then begins. You can relax & enjoy the trip back, which takes approx. 2 ½ hours. We would normally drop you off back at your hotel, or at Haneda T3, at the location we picked you up from.

   15 min

9. This is the smallest of the lakes around the Fuji region, but also very beautiful and often missed by visitors who are unable to be driven around it. Please feel free to ask our driver-guide to stop at the best photo-taking locations!

   15 min

10. This is the last, and possibly the most beautiful and picturesque of all the lakes, weather permitting. On the back of a Japanese ¥1000 note, is a picture of the view we will take you to see at the end of our tour of the lakes.

    15 min

11. This is an optional stop, which can be chosen if you would like to customise our trip itinerary & route. Odawara Castle was originally built in the 15th Century, and is located at the entrance to Hakone. The castle keep is three stories on the outside and four stories on the inside. The interior features exhibits on the history of the castle as well as displays of items such as armor and swords. The top floor offers nice views of the park and surrounding city. The castle is also a famous spot for cherry blossoms (typically in bloom around late March to early April) and many other flowers, including plum blossoms, azalea, wisteria, iris, hydrangea and lotus blossoms.

    Passes by

12. Lake Ashi is an optional stop, which can be chosen if you would like to customise our trip itinerary & route. There are wonderful attractions to see, including the beautiful Hakone Shrine with its famous gate on the edge of lake Ashi, huge Japanese cedar trees, and beautiful & ornate buildings. The Hakone Shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine which is also known as the Hakone Gongen.

    15 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Tokyo

• Its from-price is 508% above the median of the 4374 experiences we list in Tokyo.
• It is longer than most of them.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

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