Mt. Fuji Day Tour x Shibuya Street

Mt. Fuji Day Tour x Shibuya Street

On our second day in Tokyo, we opted for a full-day tour through Klook, which includes an English tour guide and a Japanese set lunch. Although we initially planned to take a train from our hotel, a late start prompted us to choose a taxi. We faced difficulty finding the train station heading to Shinjuku Post Office, the designated meeting point for the tour. The train ride would have taken 22 minutes from our hotel, whereas the taxi ride was a quicker 13-minute option.

Arriving at 8 am for our 8:30 am meetup, we received our lunch vouchers from the tour guide and boarded a bus, which was part of the inclusive transportation for the day trip package. However, due to the winter season, we regretfully couldn’t visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station (Sky Palace) for safety reasons, considering the snow and potential risks.

📍Our first stop was Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, which provided a unique look into their religious practices. Before entering, it was traditional to bow at the main entrance. At the second entrance, a nearby water fountain allowed us to purify our hands and mouths before approaching their God. A queue formed as people offered wishes and worshiped. I personally participated by tossing a coin and bowing twice before making a wish. Despite encountering only remnants of snow at that time, the experience was unforgettable, providing a glimpse into their religion, and the shrine’s atmosphere was notably chilly.

📍 Our second stop was Oshino Hakkai, and it left a lasting impression, offering a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. It provided a serene atmosphere to delve into the local culture, explore their cuisine, witness religious practices, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lakes. It also served as an excellent opportunity to capture picturesque moments with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop.

📍 We’re now on to our third stop, Lake Kawaguchi. We had our lunch behind the Kawaguchiko Craft Park. We ate a hotto set, which included noodles with loads of vegetables, Japanese rice, and dessert. It was a fantastic set meal! After lunch, we went to Lake Kawaguchi to see a close-up view of Mt Fuji; but, by the time we arrived, it was already cloudy, so Mt. Fuji was not visible. Nonetheless, the experience was truly memorable as we witnessed the mountains and sea collide. It was so bizarre that I almost burst into tears of happiness.

📍 Our final stop was Gotemba Premium Outlet, allowing us time to explore and shop in the mall. However, we opted not to shop and instead enjoyed pancakes and a lemon drink at a café.

Around 4:30 pm, we returned to our bus, ready to head back and be dropped off at Shinjuku Station. By 6:30 pm, we reached Shinjuku Station, marking the end of our Mt. Fuji whole day tour.

To return to Shibuya Station, we initially went to Shinjuku train station but had faced challenges identifying the appropriate train. Instead, we took the bus, thankfully we were equipped with our PASMO IC Card for easy fare payment.

Upon arriving at Shibuya Station, we strolled through the streets, located the Hachiko statue and Shibuya Scramble Crossing, capturing memorable moments. Finally, I ended the night by sipping matcha latte at a café near our hotel.

#japantravelwithlys