1. Hakone Turnpike Daikanyama Parking lot
We will meet you & your group at your Tokyo, or Haneda Airport hotel from 08:50, and aim to set off at 09:00, or as an alternative, we can drive to meet at Haneda airport T3 at 09:20, setting off at 09:30. It takes around 2 to 2.30 hours from Tokyo, to reach where our tour begins in Shizuoka.
Please feel free to bring food & drinks you may wish to enjoy during our excursion. Our vehicles are each equipped with a fridge & a small freezer and there is a sink where you can wash hands, etc. It's possible to enjoy food whilst we drive & there is a large central table with drink holders in the (rear) seating area.
As you join our driver, we will share with you a list of many options you can choose from (Your choice will comprise up to 6 locations along our route to explore Fuji's lakes) - and he will be able to advise on the best itinerary, depending on your preferred destinations & on the weather we are likely to encounter on our day trip together.
15 minutes
2. Chichibunomiya Memorial Park
Having lived in this region ourselves, we may recommend a longer route which would take us over the Hakone turnpike, where on a day of no low clouds, you can see Ashinoko at the summit, with Fuji majestically towering behind, after which we will drop into Ashinoko town, which includes a beautiful temple to visit.
Our tours are best enjoyed during good weather, but we realize some guests are constrained by available time. In the event the forecast is for cloudy or wet weather, don't worry - we can still tailor an unforgettable & enjoyable trip for you.
There are beautiful temples and waterfalls, we can visit on our way around the lakes, and also great museums. There are so many beautiful & unforgettable places to visit. We are also very familiar with the best photographic locations, and are happy to accompany & take pictures for you.
Our Fuji lakes touring route takes then us through Gotemba, our guests usually enjoy a stop at stunning Chichibu No Mia.
30 minutes
3. Fuji Reien Cemetry
This was the emperor's summer retreat, with a stunning traditional Japanese home, and gardens to explore.
From there, we most often drive past the beautiful Fuji cemetery, where Soichiro Honda was laid to rest, which is a short drive from Fuji Raceway. For race-car enthusiasts, we offer a pit-stop for you check out the large paddock & pits there - where usually there are always amazing sports cars to see.
4. Fuji International Speedway
One of Japan's premier (F1 grade) Motorsports circuits. A must stop for sports car enthusiasts. We will only stop here on request, however. Note there is an entry fee payable per person & also for the vehicle. This varies, depending on events taking place, etc.
5. Lake Yamanaka
Driving up the mountain road nearby, once we pass over the summit, if it's a clear day we shall be greeted by lake Yamanaka which offers stunning views at the foothills of mount Fuji. If the weather is clear, you can see the minami alps too. This is a prime spot where many photography enthusiasts travel from all over Japan to take pictures.
30 minutes
6. Yamanakako-mura
As we drive down, we also know the best location for Yamanaka lakeside pictures. There is also a great cafe in town we recommend if you want to take a rest, or if you want to try traditional Hoto noodles, we know several great restaurants too.
10 minutes
7. Lake Kawaguchiko
We then proceed onward to lake Kawaguchi, with Fuji towering from behind it, where there are more great photo opportunities.
30 minutes
8. Saiko Lake
Our day's drive will take us on scenic lakeside roads to lake Saiko, followed by lake Shoji, and lake Motosu. This route typically takes all day to complete.
If we stay a little longer, we can sometimes see the moon rise beside Fuji - this being the location of the beautiful picture on the back of a ¥1000 note
By this time, the sun will be setting and our return trip then begins. You can relax & enjoy the trip back, which takes approx. 2 ½ hours. We would normally drop you off back at your hotel, or at Haneda T3, at the location we picked you up from.
15 minutes
9. Lake Shoji
This is the smallest of the lakes around the Fuji region, but also very beautiful and often missed by visitors who are unable to be driven around it. Please feel free to ask our driver-guide to stop at the best photo-taking locations!
15 minutes
10. Motosuko Lake
This is the last, and possibly the most beautiful and picturesque of all the lakes, weather permitting. On the back of a Japanese ¥1000 note, is a picture of the view we will take you to see at the end of our tour of the lakes.
15 minutes
11. Odawara Castle
This is an optional stop, which can be chosen if you would like to customise our trip itinerary & route. Odawara Castle was originally built in the 15th Century, and is located at the entrance to Hakone. The castle keep is three stories on the outside and four stories on the inside. The interior features exhibits on the history of the castle as well as displays of items such as armor and swords. The top floor offers nice views of the park and surrounding city. The castle is also a famous spot for cherry blossoms (typically in bloom around late March to early April) and many other flowers, including plum blossoms, azalea, wisteria, iris, hydrangea and lotus blossoms.
12. Hakone Shrine / Kuzuryu Shrine Singu
Lake Ashi is an optional stop, which can be chosen if you would like to customise our trip itinerary & route. There are wonderful attractions to see, including the beautiful Hakone Shrine with its famous gate on the edge of lake Ashi, huge Japanese cedar trees, and beautiful & ornate buildings.
The Hakone Shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine which is also known as the Hakone Gongen.
15 minutes
13. Hakone Ropeway
Hakone Ropeway an optional stop, which can be chosen if you would like to customise our trip itinerary & route, for example if distant visibility of mount Fuji is obscured.
The ropeway's gondolas depart every minute and fit around ten people each. Traveling the full length of the ropeway takes around 30 minutes. Along the journey, passengers can enjoy views of the active, sulfuric hot spring sources of the Owakudani Valley between Sounzan and Owakudani and of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji between Owakudani and Togendai if visibility allows. A transfer of gondolas is necessary at Owakudani, but no transfer is needed at Ubako.
2 hours
14. Yurari Day-use hot spring
Fuji Yurari Hot Spring is an optional stop, recommended if you'd like to enjoy a relaxing hot spring from which - on a clear day, you can enjoy a wonderful view of mount Fuji!
An unforgettable experience!
1 hour
15. Fuji Subaru Line
Fuji 5th Station an optional stop, which can be chosen if you would like to customise our trip itinerary & route.
The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is accessible almost year round, snow conditions permitting, and is a popular sightseeing spot even outside of the hiking / climbing season.
The station is reached by the Fuji Subaru Line, a scenic toll road up Mount Fuji's lower northern slopes, that begins in Fujikawaguchiko Town. The toll road costs 2100 yen and may temporarily get partially closed in winter in times of heavy snow. Furthermore, the road is closed to private vehicles during the majority of the climbing season (July 14 to September 10, 2023), during which shuttle buses operate between designated parking lots at the base of the mountain and the 5th station.
At 2300 meters above sea level, the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station offers a commanding view of the Fuji Five Lakes area below, making it a popular spot even for those who are not intent on climbing the mountain.
2 hours
16. The Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open Air Museum creates a harmonic balance between nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its grounds in combination with views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
There are various different sections and exhibition spaces outdoors and indoors. The Picasso Exhibition Hall showcases two stories of paintings, sculptures and ceramic works by this world famous artist, in addition to a photographic history of him at various points during his life.
Outside, the verdant lawns of the museum delight with abstract sculptures from Japanese and international artists. One of the larger pieces is the Symphonic Sculpture. Visitors can enter and ascend a spiral staircase surrounded by colorful stained glass, to a viewing platform of the park and the surrounding mountains.
The museum offers several more exhibition halls with rotating exhibitions, shops and cafes. There are multiple kids spaces including Zig Zag World where children can play among a soft art installation.
1 hour
17. Hakone-machi
This is an optional Stop. A sightseeing cruise aboard a pirate ship, from Togendai-ko to Hakone-machi-ko/Moto-Hakone-ko. The Hakone scenery seen from the lake is very beautiful, especially during spring and autumn, and is great fun for children too.
45 minutes
18. Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
This is an optional stop. The Hakone Glass no Mori features Italian styled buildings housing a museum and shops. Outside is a beautiful strolling garden surrounding a canal-like pond. The garden has a number of large glass sculptures laid about it, as well as a cafe with an open terrace at one end where live canzoni (Italian ballads) performances are held.
The Glass no Mori's Venetian Glass Museum houses a collection of over 100 pieces of Venetian glassware. It displays both modern and classical works in all forms including vases, goblets, lamps and sculptures.
1 hour
19. Saiko Bat Cave
Saiko Bat Cave(saikokoumoriana) is the biggest cave around Mt. Fuji, and spans over 350 m in total length. It was formed from Mt. Fuji’s lava rock. Because of its depth, the temperatures inside the cave are steady through the year.
This makes it an ideal breeding ground for natural bats. There are three different species of bat inhabiting the cave.
There are also many lava domes, lava stalactites and lava plates inside cave.
Usually enjoyed by children especially. Although they won't ever fly into people, visits are not recommended for persons who are afraid of bats.
30 minutes
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