5 Stunning Spring Bus Tours From Tokyo

Spring means flowers — lots and lots of flowers — and that makes it one of the best times to visit Japan. And one of the best ways to see those flowers is on a spring bus tour from Tokyo.

Combining bright blooms with some of Japan’s most famous sites, these bus tours from Tokyo hit all the right notes. While you can access many of these places on your own via public transport, there’s no denying the convenience of an organized tour.

Spring bus tours from Tokyo compared

Here’s a quick comparison of popular spring bus tours from Tokyo, including prices, destinations, and inclusions, to help you pick the one-day tour that’s right for you.

1. Japan classic: Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms bus tour

Killing two birds with one stone, this bus tour from Tokyo allows you to see Mt. Fuji combined with cherry blossoms — possibly the most Japanese sight in existence.

After departing Tokyo, your first stop is Arakurayama Park, which offers a quintessential Japan view of Mt. Fuji with the famous Chūreitō Pagoda. Then it’s a lunch of hearty hōtō noodles, before heading up the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. Here you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Finally, you’ll stop by the Momiji Corridor and Mt. Fuji 5th Station.

This tour packs a lot into one day, but hey — you didn’t travel all the way to Japan to not see Mt. Fuji. Plus at ¥10,900 including lunch, ropeway tickets, and round-trip bus fare, this is one of the most economical spring bus tours out there. You can book online.

2. Best for a variety of blooms: Hitachi Seaside Park bus tour

This hugely popular bus tour leaves Tokyo early in the morning, and takes you all the way to Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki Prefecture. Here, you can drink in an ideal spring sight — 4.5 million baby blue eyes (nemophila) carpeting the hills and blending with the blue sky. Hitachi Seaside Park is located near the Pacific Ocean, so the park incorporates sand dunes, forests, and grasslands, as well as an annual rotation of flowers.

Depending on what’s flowering at the time of your bus tour, you will also visit either Ashikaga Flower Park, to see its weeping wisteria, or Mito Kairakuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens.

The overall schedule of this bus tour from Tokyo is great — the itinerary is adjusted regularly depending on seasonality and which flowers are blooming, so you’re guaranteed beautiful scenery regardless of when you go. It costs a reasonable ¥12,500 including lunch, entry to the parks, and the round-trip bus journey. You can book online.

3. Exploring the city: Cherry blossom bus tour of Tokyo

This half-day bus tour is perfect for those who are short on time, or don’t want to leave the city. You’ll vist some of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom viewing spots, including Chidorigafuchi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Zōjōji Temple, and the Meguro River. So yes, there’ll be plenty of photo ops.

Note: The tour guide might only speak simple English. But for the price and convenience, it’s worth checking out.

4. Mt. Fuji Shibazakura Festival

On this flowery Fuji day trip, you’ll visit the gorgeous Shibazakura Festival that takes place each year in front of Mt. Fuji.

With over 800,000 moss phlox flowers blooming in a variety of colors, you’ll be treated to some amazing views. The tour also includes hard-to-reach places such as Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a traditional Japanese village; a tulip park; strawberry picking; and plenty of shopping.

Note: The tour includes entry tickets for both the flower park and Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba.

5. Kawazu-zakura early cherry blossom bus tour (2025)

One for 2025: If you visit Tokyo in February, you’ll be too early to see the classic Somei-yoshino variety of cherry blossom, but your timing will be perfect for the early-blooming Kawazu variety.

This bus tour takes you from Tokyo to the famous Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Shizuoka Prefecture. Here, early-blooming cherry blossoms line the river just waiting for you to photograph them. The tour will also take you to the hilltop temple of Shuzenji, before heading to a local onsen (hot spring) hotel to soak all your troubles away.

This bus tour is a great option for those who are visiting Japan before the official cherry blossom season, but still want to catch some pretty flowers. For ¥11,938 including the round-trip bus fare, and the option to upgrade to include lunch, it’s good value for money. You can read more here.

Frequently asked questions

We answer some of the most common questions about spring bus tours from Tokyo.

Are bus tours from Tokyo worth it?

Bus tours from Tokyo can be worthwhile, especially if you have limited time or want to avoid the stress of planning. We especially recommend them when you’re dealing with things that are seasonal — like flowers — because many of the tours adjust their itineraries according to what’s in bloom.

Should I upgrade to include lunch?

Generally, yes we recommend it. Bus tours often stop in areas with limited dining options, so it’s much easier to opt for lunch inclusions if they’re available. However, if you have specific dietary requirements, we recommend confirming with the provider beforehand.

How much do spring bus tours from Tokyo cost?

Day trip bus tours from Tokyo tend to start at ¥10,000 and go up from there.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Prices are approximate. Itineraries may be adjusted. Post first published in March, 2018. Last updated by Maria Danuco in January, 2024.