Written by Jane Pipkin
So you want to see Mt. Fuji — of course. But so does everyone else who was on your flight — ah, overtourism. Did you know there is a new way to see Fuji-san, without the crowds?
Forget about that controversial Lawson at Kawaguchiko Station — you can get a prime, peaceful view of dear old Fuji, while experiencing Japanese culture too. From a private Hokusai-themed train to serene nature and local traditions, this one-day tour from Tokyo offers the very best of Japan.
Pro tip: Keen to pair your Fuji sightseeing with a soak in Hakone’s hot springs? JTB also runs a unique bus tour from Hakone to Kawaguchiko, with scenic views along the way.
Where is the best place to see Fuji from?
There are various places from which you can see Mt. Fuji, with the main ones being Kawaguchiko, Hakone, and the general Shizuoka area. Some Loads of people also venture to the iconic Chūreitō Pagoda, which is a little further out.
Kawaguchiko
Many first-time visitors opt for a DIY day trip to Kawaguchiko, which is entirely possible. Normally, people visit the lakes nearby and spend the day exploring from there.
Although this is a great option, in recent years Kawaguchiko has become fairly busy. Sometimes it’s even hard to book the Fuji Excursion Train from Shinjuku, with some Reddit users describing the experience as “pure chaos” because it is packed and sells out well in advance.
Our recommendation
This JTB tour, priced from ¥28,000 per person, takes you on a slightly different route, one that is much calmer. Honestly, at hardly any of the spots — if at all — we encountered a big crowd.
We could simply enjoy Mt. Fuji in all her glory, from multiple perspectives. To save time, avoid planning stress, and reduce travel hassle, this way of seeing Mt. Fuji is more ideal — plus it comes with some nice cultural extras.
Here’s what you can expect.
Taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station
For those visiting Japan for the first time, taking the Shinkansen is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — especially if you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance. As part of this tour, you’ll be taking a ride on the famous high-speed train from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station.
You’ll meet your tour guide in front of “Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu” at 8 a.m. sharp. I know it sounds early, but luckily there’s a 7-Eleven and a few coffee shops next to the meeting point where you can get caffeinated before your Shizuoka adventure.
Note: We do suggest getting a drink and some snacks at this point, so you can stay fueled throughout the day.
As a group, you will weave past all the commuters onto the Shinkansen platform. Then, peacefully board the train and from there, you can sit back and relax for the 42-minute ride. As you approach Mishima, you will start to see Mt. Fuji in the background.
Note: It’s recommended to use the restroom during the Shinkansen ride, as there won’t be time once you get off the train.
“Hokusai Train”
Following your trip on Japan’s high-speed train, it’s time to hop another Japanese train — this one a special Hokusai-themed ride. With a wave goodbye from the friendly railway crew, you’ll embark on a slow-paced journey where you can enjoy Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji while the real inspiration stands in the background.
Who was Hokusai?
Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ll recognize the art. Hokusai was the creative mind behind one of Japan’s most famous artworks, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa.
Born in the Edo-period, Hokusai specialized in Ukiyo-e, a type of woodblock print. His most well-known collection is the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, mentioned above, which includes paintings depicting Fuji from a variety of perspectives and seasons.
During this special train journey, the tour guide offers insight into the life of Hokusai, and you’ll learn some interesting things. For example, did you know that Hokusai changed his name over 30 times throughout his life?
Take the time to look at each artwork in detail, and take photos of the artwork against Mt. Fuji outside the window — just like we attempted above.
This train ride is a pretty rare experience, not just for its Hokusai-themed design. The train is fully private, so you can move freely through the carriage to take photos!
Moreover, the train even slows down when Mt. Fuji comes into full view, giving you time to capture the perfect shot — something almost unheard of in Japan, where trains are famous for their punctual schedules.
Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre
After the train ride, it’s just a short bus ride to the first stop of the day: the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre. Famous for its wooden architecture inspired by Fuji itself, the exterior itself is a sightseeing highlight.
Pro tip: Be sure to snap a photo that includes the wooden building, the reflective water outside, the grand red torii gate, and Mt. Fuji. With the right angle, you can make the mountain appear to float on the water.
This center plays a key role in spreading education about the protection and conservation of Mt. Fuji. One of the permanent exhibitions, called Ascending Fuji, lets you climb through the exhibition like you are ascending Fuji (via a 193-meter spiral ramp). With digital landscapes along the way, it feels like the much less tiring version of actually climbing the mountain.
There are various points along the route where you can stop and learn about Fuji-san’s history and cultural importance. If you have time, we also recommend visiting the Movie Theater to enjoy cinematic views of the mountain.
One of the highlights of visiting the center is the view from the top. With its open-plan design, it offers the perfect, unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji. You can relax inside the room or step outside to capture photos of just you and Fuji — with no one else in the background.
Pro tip: Stop by the gift shop for a few unique Fuji-themed souvenirs.
Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine
A short walk from the center is Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine. Built in 806 AD to help prevent repeated eruptions of Mt. Fuji (it’s a volcano, yes), this place enshrines the deity Konohanasakuyahime-no-mikoto, known for her powers to calm volcanic activity. It remains one of the region’s most important shrines and is the oldest of over 1,300 Sengen shrines across Japan.
On top of all that, the shrine is historically known as a starting point for climbing Mt. Fuji — though these original paths no longer exist today. Another notable feature is that Tokugawa Ieyasu contributed to some of the current buildings.
Throughout the year, more than 150 festivals are held here. These include Yabusame, the Autumn Festival, and a ceremony opening the Fuji climbing season, marking its place as the shrine most closely connected to the mountain. The shrine is also celebrated for its cherry blossoms and beautiful gardens.
Pro tip: Feel free to ask your guide about shrine etiquette, as well as Fuji facts. They are super knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and full of valuable insights.
Shiraito Falls
Next, you’ll visit one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls, Shiraito Falls. What makes it so special is the way the water cascades down the cliff face in delicate strands, resembling threads of silk. This is the reason it is named “white threads”.
Standing about 20 meters high, the waterfall is fed primarily by spring water formed from rain and snow that has fallen on Mt. Fuji and filtered through its volcanic layers.
The falls have a truly paradise-like atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery, with water that reflects beautiful shades of blue and green. Mt. Fuji proudly stands in the back, meaning you can capture a photo of the falls and mountain together.
Once you’ve seen the falls, you’ll realise why it was a source of inspiration for many poets and has been designated a Natural Monument of Japan.
A short walk away from Shiraito Falls is Otodome Falls — which is just as impressive. Here, a huge amount of water drops from a 25m high cliff. It looks a lot less delicate than Shiraito — but that’s what makes it feel powerful in comparison.
Along the route to the waterfalls, you’ll find a variety of small local souvenir stalls selling goods from the Shizuoka Prefecture. Additionally, there is a little fruit stall where you can buy fresh local strawberries, oranges, and more.
If you are feeling hungry, there is also a small café, and some shops double as a snack stall selling dango, ice cream and more. Don’t fill yourself up too much though as you are in for a real feast …
Note: Many of these small souvenir shops only take cash.
It takes roughly around an hour to get from the falls to the lunch spot. During this time, relax on the bus and just admire the views from the window.
Lunch
Located within Hotel Fujizakura, Restaurant Mikuriya prides itself on serving dishes using the best seasonal ingredients. For this tour specifically, you can choose from four different meal types including: a Japanese set meal with sukiyaki, a vegetarian Japanese set meal, an Indian thali plate, and a Muslim-friendly meal.
Note that you will be asked to select when booking the tour, and that the contents of the meal may change.
The tour guide recommended the traditional Japanese vegetarian meal, so that’s what we ordered. What made this vegetarian lunch special wasn’t just the seasonal ingredients, but the fact this traditional meal uses soymeat. Although not rare, this is something harder to come by in Japan — especially in such traditional set meals.
A personal highlight was the steamed miso gyoza, and the fact the rice was served in a Mt. Fuji rice bowl — a nice touch.
Visiting a wasabi farm
Have you tried real wasabi? You might have, but have you tried some of Japan’s most renowned wasabi? Maybe not. The last stop of this tour takes you to Ikenosawa Wasabi Farm, where you’ll see how Mazuma Wasabi is grown.
With its deep flavor profile, Mazuma Wasabi is a premium, slow-growing cultivar often used in high-end kaiseki and sushi restaurants. Notably, this high-value wasabi is mostly grown in Shizuoka, and can take up to two years to cultivate.
After learning about the wasabi fields and having the opportunity to ask questions to those who work there, it’s time to grate your own. Did you know? The best way to grate wasabi is actually in circular motions, rather than just up-and-down.
Your hard work will pay off when you try your freshly grated wasabi with some rice topped with bonito flakes. Once you’ve tried such fresh wasabi, you’ll really notice the difference in taste and quality compared to the stuff you buy in a tube at the store.
Returning to Tokyo
After a long day exploring Shizuoka, its nature and culture, it’s time to head back to Mishima Station. From there, you’ll take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo Station. If there’s time, you could buy an ekiben to eat en route, but we would suggest waiting until you are back in Tokyo.
If you still have the energy to conquer the maze that is Tokyo Station, there are a lot of great restaurants there that you can pop into for dinner. The tour guide personally recommended going to Tokyo Ramen Street. However, if you want to get out of the commuter chaos, there’s a lot of options in the surrounding Marunouchi area, too.
Is the Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka special train tour worth it?
If you are keen to see Mt. Fuji from a quieter and “lesser-known” side, then yes, this one-day tour from Tokyo is very much worth it. With seamless and smooth travel, it offers first-time visitors the chance to experience many key aspects of Japanese culture — from the Shinkansen to real wasabi.
Plus, the private Hokusai train experience is one you won’t find anywhere else, and the fact that you get to enjoy Fuji from a private train in itself makes the experience worth it. The price point, too, is extremely reasonable.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
