Tokyo & Mount Fuji Day Tour: Is It Worth It? (My Review)

Thinking about escaping the craziness of Tokyo for a day and seeing the iconic Mount Fuji? You know, that mountain that’s like, totally the symbol of Japan? Well, I recently took the “From Tokyo Mount Fuji Four Scenic Spots Day Tour,” and I am going to give you the full, no-holds-barred scoop. I’m talking about whether it lives up to the hype, if it’s worth the cash, and some things you definitely should know before you even think about clicking “book.” Because, honestly, some tours sound amazing, but the actual experience? That can be a little different, actually. So, prepare yourself for my complete review of this popular day trip from Tokyo!

What’s Included on This Mount Fuji Day Trip?

First things first, what exactly do you get yourself into? The “From Tokyo Mount Fuji Four Scenic Spots Day Tour” is that full-day guided excursion, and it promises to whisk you away from the neon lights of Tokyo and take you on a scenic adventure. That package typically includes round-trip transportation from Tokyo, usually on a comfy bus. Very handy indeed! A tour guide, who hopefully speaks your language, tags along too, and that person is there to give you interesting info and, as well, keep things running on time. Meals aren’t usually included, so it is something you’ll need to budget for separately, that.

The “four scenic spots,” generally are Lake Kawaguchi, which offers those postcard-worthy views of Fuji reflected in the water; Arakura Sengen Shrine, with its iconic pagoda and Fuji backdrop (prepare for stairs!); Oshino Hakkai, which is those eight crystal-clear ponds fed by the mountain’s spring water; and, last but not least, Gotemba Premium Outlets, which, you know, is where you can do a spot of shopping if you feel like it. Although that last one isn’t really *scenic,* per se. It is something to keep in mind. You, you know, have to decide if this set of spots fits what you want to get out of the trip, it seems.

Lake Kawaguchi: Fuji’s Mirror

Our first stop? The absolutely gorgeous Lake Kawaguchi. Now, here’s a reality check: Mount Fuji is that shy one, and she doesn’t always show her face. Cloud cover is that notorious Fuji photo-bomber. So, too it’s almost worth managing your expectations. On a clear day, though? Wow. The reflections of Mount Fuji on the lake are stunning, really, it feels unreal, that. We got pretty lucky, actually, with some clear views. We took tons of photos, walked around a bit, and breathed in that crisp, mountain air. Many tours offer an optional cruise on the lake. If the weather plays along, do it, because that experience is so worth the small extra fee.

Arakura Sengen Shrine: The Postcard View

Okay, next up? Arakura Sengen Shrine. This is the location you’ve probably seen in, like, a million photos: a bright red pagoda with Mount Fuji towering right behind it. Getting there, however, that is where the adventure begins. So you will need to climb hundreds of steps. It really is a bit of a workout. Take your time, and just stop to enjoy the views along the way. And it’s certainly not suitable for everybody.

The view from the top? Totally breathtaking. Very worth every single step. It’s almost like stepping into a picture postcard, is that, especially during cherry blossom season. I went in autumn, yet the fall colors, that were stunning, too. Prepare for the crowds, however, as this is that hugely popular spot, as you can imagine.

Oshino Hakkai: Crystal Clear Waters

After that workout at Arakura Sengen Shrine, it’s great to take a relaxing stroll through Oshino Hakkai, that quaint little village that’s home to eight natural spring ponds. The water here is ridiculously clear, honestly, because you can see straight down to the bottom. The ponds are surrounded by cute, traditional houses and little shops where you can buy local snacks and souvenirs, that, is pretty good, really. It does get very crowded here, still it’s still pretty and worth the short visit.

Gotemba Premium Outlets: Retail Therapy with a View

Alright, so let’s be real, I’m really not that much of a shopper. Our final stop was Gotemba Premium Outlets, and that stop felt a little out of place on that otherwise scenic tour, in some respects. So, it’s almost like it’s there for people who really want that bit of retail therapy, it is, though it’s, too it’s almost good if you want to pick up some name-brand stuff at discounted prices, that it.

The outlet mall itself? It’s enormous and it has all the brands. Very much to explore and buy, there, really. The views of Mount Fuji from the shopping area? Well, if you get a great view, then, yay! On our tour, Fuji was hiding, still it was there looming, really.

What I Loved About the Tour

Convenience: Getting from Tokyo to Mount Fuji can be a pain using public transport, so, this tour took away that hassle.
Knowledgeable Guide: That guide provided some interesting info about the history and culture of the area, and he spoke clear English, which was a plus.
Amazing Scenery: On that clear day, the views of Mount Fuji, those were simply spectacular.

What Could Have Been Better

Crowds: The popular spots were packed, especially Arakura Sengen Shrine and Oshino Hakkai. It’s tough to avoid them, still it can impact your experience.
Limited Time: I sometimes felt rushed at each location. Another half-hour at Lake Kawaguchi would have been great, that is something to keep in mind, really.
The Outlet Mall: I could have, honestly, skipped that outlet mall and spent that extra time somewhere more scenic.

Is This Mount Fuji Day Tour Worth the Money?

So, the big question: is that Mount Fuji day tour from Tokyo worth your precious money? Overall, I’d say probably, yeah. Very worth it, probably, really. But with that one big caution. If you’re only in Japan for a super-short time and seeing Mount Fuji is at the absolute top of your list, and you’re ok with a tour that visits a collection of “famous spots” on a strict schedule? Then it takes all the headache out of planning. If you are OK, and that day is totally clear? It is worth that ticket price.

If you are that super independent person and the thought of tour groups and a tight schedule fills you with dread? So, probably not then, because. You may enjoy renting a car, yet plan a completely independent trip that lets you linger where you like. You will then be betting on good weather that day, which it may not be.

Tips for Maximizing Your Day Trip

Check the Weather: Do this beforehand! If the forecast is totally cloudy, you may want to reschedule, basically, because.
Dress Comfortably: You will be doing a fair amount of walking, so it makes sense to wear comfortable shoes. And be ready for changing weather.
Bring Snacks and Drinks: While you can purchase food, those prices at tourist spots tend to be inflated, after all.
Be Prepared for Crowds: So popular tourist destinations are just really busy. Accepting that is essential for maintaining a relaxed vibe.

Alternative Mount Fuji Viewing Options

This day tour is an appealing option, but know that there are definitely other approaches to experiencing Mount Fuji’s allure, is that.

Independent Travel: Public transportation provides access to the Fuji Five Lakes region and other surrounding viewpoints, yet planning ahead is a good idea, is that.
Overnight Stay: It seems staying in a hotel near Lake Kawaguchii is an alternative for immersing you more completely, maybe, really.
Hiking: From July to September, so experienced hikers have that opportunity to actually summit Mount Fuji, right, and something a huge percentage can’t do.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the “From Tokyo Mount Fuji Four Scenic Spots Day Tour” can be a fantastic experience, which it sounds very exciting, after all. Just remember to manage your expectations when it comes to crowds and Fuji’s visibility. And wear comfortable shoes! This experience might very well give you great and scenic photos and memories.

And the shopping part is OK.