Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Kawaguchiko

Total distance covered: 191 km
Scenery: Beautiful mountain landscapes, with stunning views on the ascent to Mount Fuji.
Notes: Bring warm clothing, as it can be cold on Mount Fuji. In winter, the route to the mountain is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we’ll go as far as we’re permitted.

8:00 a.m. – Departure.
We travel toward the beautiful Mount Fuji area, enjoying the scenic landscapes along our route.

10:00 a.m. – Kawaguchiko – Arrival.
We arrive in this idyllic town of charming houses, flowers, and mountains beside a stunning lake. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its beautiful pagodas and for offering some of the most iconic and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a magical place surrounded by tall trees — traditionally the starting point of the pilgrimage up Mount Fuji. We’ll take a moment to give thanks at the shrine for the opportunity to visit such a spiritually rich and enchanting site.

Around 12:30 p.m. – We’ll enjoy a pleasant 30-minute boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko.

2:15 p.m. – After lunch, we’ll begin our ascent toward Mount Fuji via the road that leads to the “Fifth Station.” Driving through spectacular forests and enjoying panoramic views, we’ll reach an altitude of 2,305 meters (7,562 feet). You’ll have time to explore the area, popular among tourists and mountain climbers, stroll around, and visit the small shrine located there.

Note: In winter, the route to the Fifth Station is often closed due to snow or weather conditions; during those times, we’ll go as far as we’re permitted.

4:15 p.m. – Mount Fuji – Departure.
5:00 p.m. – Kawaguchiko – Arrival.
We’ll stay overnight at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), where we recommend enjoying the Onsen (public hot spring bath). The experience in this typical Japanese bath will be unforgettable. Dinner included.

Note: In the planned Ryokan, some rooms are Japanese-style with tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be provided in a Western-style hotel instead.

Kawaguchiko - Iyasi no Sato Nenba - Toyota - Kyoto

Total distance covered: 390 km.

Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes for our visit to Shiraito Falls.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Kawaguchiko. We’ll travel along a scenic road bordered by the picturesque Kawaguchi and Saiko Lakes.
09:00 a.m. – Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This charming mountain village, once destroyed by a typhoon in 1966, has been beautifully restored as a traditional open-air museum. Its historic houses now serve as arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural museums, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rural heritage.

10:00 a.m. – Departure from Iyashi no Sato Nenba.
10:45 a.m. – Arrival at Shiraito Falls. We’ll admire these breathtaking waterfalls, considered one of the most beautiful in Japan, with cascades that reach a height of 20 meters.

11:45 a.m. – Departure from Shiraito Falls. Free time at a service for lunch.
03:15 p.m. – Admission included to the Toyota Museum, a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts.

04:45 p.m. – Departure from the Toyota Museum.
07:00 p.m. – Kyoto. Accommodation and free time.

Kyoto

We’ll spend the entire day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997.

We’ll include a visit to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Our tour will begin in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon.” This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.

We’ll then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s “five great Zen temples” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its mystical bamboo forest.

Next, we’ll explore the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine; the Imperial Palace; and the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the “Golden Pavilion,” surrounded by its spectacular gardens. (The order of the visits may vary.)

After the tour, you can enjoy some time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geishas.

05:00 p.m. – Afterward, we’ll provide a transfer to Gion, Kyoto’s traditional and lively district, famous for its Geishas. You’ll have time to stroll and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic neighborhood. The return to the hotel will be on your own. We recommend taking a taxi, and your guide will explain how to do so.

Kyoto Tsumago - Matsumoto Tokyo

Total distance covered: 540 km.

07:30 a.m. – Departure from Kyoto. We’ll travel to Tsumago through beautiful rural landscapes.
11:15 a.m. – Arrival in Tsumago, a charming wooden village, considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. You’ll have free time to explore and lunch will be included at a local restaurant.

01:30 p.m. – Departure from Tsumago.
02:45 p.m. – Arrival in Matsumoto, a popular tourist city where we’ll visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century fortress known as "The Crow" due to its black color. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore this vibrant city.

05:00 p.m. – Departure from Matsumoto.
08:30/ 09:00 p.m. – Tokyo.