Mt Fuji Lake Kawaguchi Oshino Hakkai Gotemba | Tokyo with Lunch

This day tour from Tokyo promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural spots, and shopping thrills. It’s designed to take you up close with Mount Fuji’s iconic views, alongside stops at Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai, culminating in a shopping spree at Gotemba Premium Outlets. While the itinerary sounds ideal for those eager to pack a lot into a single day, reviews suggest that the experience may not always live up to expectations, especially concerning guidance and overall value.

What we do like about this tour is its versatility—covering mountains, lakes, traditional villages, and shopping all in one go. It’s a route that appeals to visitors who want an overview of Fuji’s surroundings without spending multiple days or navigating public transport on their own. However, one notable issue is the reported lack of commentary from guides, which can leave travelers feeling disconnected from the sights they’re passing. This tour is best suited for flexible travelers happy to take in the sights with minimal guidance and who are looking for a convenient way to see the highlights of Fuji’s region.

Key Points

• Diverse Stops: Combines natural landscapes, cultural sites, and shopping in a single day.
• Guided Experience: Includes a guide, but reviews highlight inconsistent commentary and guide attentiveness.
• Value for Money: Price is reasonable considering the itinerary, but some travelers question if the experience matches the cost.
• Comfort and Convenience: Includes transportation and a restaurant meal, making it easy for travelers to relax and enjoy.
• Timing & Pacing: Long day with over 10 hours; expect a packed schedule that requires good stamina.
• Authentic Encounters: Some stops, especially Oshino Hakkai, provide a genuine feel of traditional Japan amidst scenic beauty.

The Route and What You Can Expect

Mount Fuji 5th Station

The tour kicks off at Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, often called the “Sky Palace” for its panoramic views at 2,305 meters. This spot is the best chance to see Japan’s most famous peak close-up and take photos. Visitors can explore some small shops, grab a snack, or send postcards from the post office. It’s a must-see for Fuji lovers and those curious about Japan’s spiritual symbol.

However, if the 5th Station is closed due to weather or other issues, the tour substitutes it with Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, which still offers cultural insights and beautiful surroundings.

Lake Kawaguchi

Next, the group heads to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes. It’s renowned for stunning views of Mount Fuji reflected on its calm waters. Here, travelers might visit attractions like the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum or Oishi Park, both offering scenic landscapes and seasonal blooms. The Kachi Kachi Ropeway provides a quick ascent to Mount Tenjo, rewarding visitors with sweeping views of the lake and Fuji.

From the reviews, it’s clear that the lake’s photogenic qualities are a highlight, with many mentioning the serenity and picture-perfect scenery. The roughly 1.5-hour stop allows ample time to walk along the water, take photos, and soak in the mountain vistas.

Oshino Hakkai

The tour’s cultural centerpiece is Oshino Hakkai, a quaint village famous for its eight transparent ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji. These ponds are not only beautiful but also revered for their purity. Many visitors comment on the area’s traditional charm, with thatched-roof houses and small shops selling local crafts and delicacies.

The landscape around Oshino Hakkai provides fantastic views of Fuji, especially on clear days. Reviewers have mentioned the tranquility of this spot and appreciated the chance to experience rural Japan away from the city buzz. The stop lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time to walk around and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Gotemba Premium Outlets

The final major stop is Gotemba Premium Outlets, Japan’s premier shopping destination with over 200 stores. This outlet mall is set in scenic outdoor surroundings with views of Mount Fuji, making shopping feel like an experience rather than just buying souvenirs. You’ll find luxury brands at discounted prices, plus a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Travelers who enjoy shopping will love the variety, but some reviews point out that the time here—roughly 2 hours—can feel rushed, especially if you want to explore many stores. The outdoor design and mountain scenery make for a pleasant shopping environment, and seasonal promotions add extra value.

Return to Tokyo

After shopping, the bus departs for Tokyo, passing scenic spots such as Lake Yamanaka and possibly the Fuji Speedway. Depending on the route and traffic, the return trip takes about 2.5 hours. Passengers might catch fleeting views of Suruga Bay or the Izu Peninsula if the weather cooperates.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Transportation and Group Size

The tour is operated by TrevoTour Travels and has a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring some comfort without feeling overcrowded. The bus ride is a significant part of the experience—covering the distance from Tokyo to Fuji and back—so expect long stretches of travel with scenic views en route.

Guides and Commentary

One of the most contentious points in reviews pertains to the guide’s performance. Several travelers express disappointment, describing the guide as inattentive, with minimal explanations or engagement. One reviewer noted that the guide was often distracted, playing with her phone or even sleeping during the trip, which detracts from the overall experience.

This aspect is crucial because the stops themselves are packed with interesting sights, and a knowledgeable guide could enhance your understanding and enjoyment. As it stands, some visitors felt the tour was more about transportation than storytelling.

Cost and Value

At $79.42 per person, the price includes transportation, lunch or steaks, and entry to major stops. Considering the number of locations visited—especially the iconic Mount Fuji and the premium outlet shopping—this seems reasonable on paper. However, reviews suggest that the experience may not always match the cost, particularly if the guide’s commentary is lacking.

Timing and Pacing

With a duration of approximately 10 to 11 hours, this tour is a full day out. The schedule is tight, leaving little room for spontaneous exploration. If you’re someone who prefers a leisurely pace and more explanation at each site, this might feel rushed. On the other hand, active travelers who want to see many places in a day will appreciate the efficient itinerary.

Authentic Experiences and Hidden Insights

Despite some of the negatives, there are genuine highlights. The views of Mount Fuji from various points are the main draw, and many visitors noted that the landscape around Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai feels authentic and peaceful. The ponds at Oshino Hakkai, fed by snowmelt, carry a sense of natural purity, and walking through the village offers a taste of traditional Japan.

The outlet shopping, while commercial, adds a fun element if you’re interested in luxury brands or souvenirs at discounted prices. The scenic drives offer glimpses of Japan’s countryside, and even if guided commentary is lacking, you’ll still enjoy the stunning vistas.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who prioritize convenience and want a full-day overview of Mount Fuji’s famous sights without the hassle of planning transportation or navigating public transit. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a busy schedule and are happy to skip in-depth commentary.

On the flip side, if you’re seeking detailed cultural insights or a personalized experience, this tour might fall short. It’s more about ticking boxes and enjoying scenic views than a deep dive into local history or stories.

Final Words

In summary, this tour offers a straightforward way to visit some of Japan’s most iconic sites in a single day. The views of Mount Fuji, especially from Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai, can be breathtaking and make for memorable photos. The shopping experience at Gotemba Premium Outlets adds a fun, leisurely element, especially if you enjoy luxury brands at discounts.

However, the mixed reviews regarding the guide’s attentiveness and the possibly hurried pacing mean that this isn’t the best choice for travelers craving rich narration or a relaxed pace. The value for money is fair, but for those who want more personalized, informative, or culturally immersive experiences, exploring independently or with a smaller, more guided tour might be better.

Ultimately, this tour is a good pick for adventurers seeking a quick, scenic overview with the convenience of transportation included, but it’s wise to temper expectations about the guide’s role and the overall depth of the experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides bus transportation from Tokyo and back, covering all the main spots on the itinerary.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts around 10 to 11 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and shopping.

What’s the starting point?
The tour begins at Shinjuku Station’s West Exit (Nishishinjuku, Tokyo).

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a lunch or steak option, depending on your choice.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children aged 0-3 are free if they don’t occupy a seat, and children aged 0-11 must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged 12+ pay the adult rate.

What if Mount Fuji’s 5th Station is closed?
If inaccessible, the tour replaces this stop with Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine.

Is the guide’s commentary helpful?
Based on reviews, the guide’s explanations are inconsistent, with some travelers feeling they received little to no commentary.

How long is the stop at Lake Kawaguchi?
You’ll have approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to enjoy the area, take photos, and explore.

What shopping brands can I expect at Gotemba Outlets?
Over 200 stores offer both luxury international brands and local Japanese retailers, often at discounted prices.

Is this tour suitable for anyone with mobility issues?
The itinerary involves walking around various sites, some of which have uneven terrain. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with moderate walking.

To sum it up, this tour offers a practical and scenic way to experience Mount Fuji’s surroundings with added shopping perks. While it’s not without its shortcomings—mainly guide engagement—it remains a solid option for those wanting a broad overview of Fuji’s region in a single, organized day.