Mount Fuji

Day 1 • Arrive Kyoto

Arrive Tokyo at Haneda International Airport (HND), Narita International Airport (NRT), Kansai International Airport (KIX), or Osaka International Itami Airport (ITM) and transfer to Kyoto via train and taxi to the Machiya house on your own.

Accommodations: Japanese Machiya House in Kyoto

Day 2 • Hike in Kyoto

Following breakfast, we visit the Shinto wonderland of Fushimi Inari Taisha (Red Gate Shrine) and hike two hours to the top of Inari mountain (765 feet / 233 meters) at the far southern end of the Higashiyama Mountains. We return by van to Maiko Theater where we delight in a traditional lunch and cultural dance performed by a Maiko, or Geisha (Geiko) in training. We then visit Kennin-ji Temple Hojo with its relaxing Zen gardens, and the Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka preserved tourist districts. Afterwards, we have time to explore and shop on your own.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 600 feet to Inari mountain
Trekking Time: 2-3 hours roundtrip

Accommodations: Japanese Machiya House in Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Maiko Theater Course Lunch (B, L)

Day 3 • Tour Kyoto

Today we enjoy a walking and public transportation tour of historic Kyoto, visiting famous parks and temples such as Arashiyama (bamboo forest), Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion), and the Philosopher’s Walk. In the evening, we share a traditional Japanese welcome dinner in one of the many fine restaurants or one of the Ryokan, traditional Japanese inns, that line the narrow streets along the Shirakawa “White River” Canal on the outskirts of downtown.

Accommodations: Japanese Machiya House in Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Sukiyaki Course Lunch, Welcome Sushi Course Dinner (B, L, D)

Day 4 • Transfer to Mount Fuji via bullet train

As time allows, we visit the Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s largest traditional food and souvenir market before departing for Mount Fuji. We travel by the famous high-speed Shinkansen bullet train reaching speeds of 150-200 miles per hour. Once near the mountain we prepare for the next day’s climb and enjoy dinner in a local Japanese restaurant.

Accommodations: Hotel in Mishima
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Day 5 • Hike to mid-station on Mount Fuji

After breakfast we transfer by van to the Fujinomiya Fifth Station (trailhead) at 7,874 feet and begin our trek up Mount Fuji to a high hut located between 10,824 and 11,400 feet where we spend the night. Four main routes lead to Mount Fuji’s summit crater. We summit the mountain via the Fujinomiya – Gotemba trail variation. Tokyo lies about 60 miles northeast of mount Fuji and can be seen from the summit on a clear day.

Fujinomiya 5^th Station Trailhead • 7874 feet
Gotemba 5^th Station Trailhead • 4700 feet

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 2,950 feet
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Accommodations: Mountainside Hut on Fujisan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (B, D)

Route notes: We begin hiking from the Fujinomiya 5th Station Trailhead (7,874 feet) and ascend to the 8th Station (10,600 feet), where we then traverse to the Gotemba Route and ascend to the 7.9 Station, overnighting at the Akaiwa Hut (10,824 feet). Early the next morning we ascend the Gotemba Route to the summit (12,389 ft), watching sunrise from the hut or from the summit if the weather is clear and we choose to wake early. If the group is strong and weather good, we will hike around the crater rim via the Ohachimeguri trail. We then descend the Gotemba Route; and return to the Akaiwa Hut to collect our gear. We have the option of either descending the Gotemba route to Fujinomiya 5th Station, connecting via the Prince trail, or to Gotemba 5th Station Trailhead (4,700 feet) via the “Osunabashiri” (the great sand run).

Another variation is overnighting at Fujinomiya 9th hut at 11,351 feet (3,460m) and ascending directly to the crater, then descend via the Gotemba and Prince route trail.

The Fujinomiya 5th trailhead is much higher elevation, allowing for less vertical gain during the climb. Although the final section to the summit is steep and rocky and the descent can be slow and difficult. The trail ascending and descending from the Gotemba to the summit is easier and less crowded, but begins from the much lower Gotemba 5th trailhead, making for a longer descent despite the easier terrain. Our itinerary allows for flexibility in choosing our route.

Day 6 • Summit Fujisan and descend, transfer to Lake Kawaguchi • 12,389 feet

We wake early and begin our summit hike, reaching Mt. Fuji’s crater rim as the sun crests the eastern horizon, a moment known by the Japanese as 御来光, or goraikō, “arrival of light.” Eight peaks rise from the rim of the summit crater. The highest of them, and the highest point in Japan, is Ken-ga-mine near the Mount Fuji Radar Station. After enjoying the summit, we descend an ash-covered path to the Fifth Station trailhead and then transfer to Lake Kawaguchi by van, which offers a classic view of Mount Fuji. We overnight at a Ryokan with Onsen bath.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 1,565 feet
Vertical Descent Trekking: 4,515 feet / 7,689 feet
Trekking Time: 2-3 hours to summit, 3-4 hours descent to trailhead

Accommodations: Japanese Ryokan Inn in Lake Kawaguchi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (B, D)

Day 7 • Transfer to Tokyo

Following a delicious breakfast, we explore Lake Kawaguchi in the morning, visiting Oishi Park and Sengen Park with spectacular views of Mt Fuji, and then transfer to Tokyo to check into our hotel, the luxurious InterContinental on Tokyo Bay. We journey to Odaiba with a panoramic view of the Tokyo skyline and the Rainbow Bridge. We conclude our adventure in the early evening at our 5-star hotel.

Or extend your visit in Japan with a two-day tour of Tokyo’s greatest attractions.

Accommodations: Hotel in Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Day 8 • Depart Tokyo

Tour ends in Tokyo at hotel checkout. Transport to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) for flights home on your own.

Meals Included: None

Day 8 • Begin Tokyo Tour

We begin the day with a visit to the Meiji Jingu (Shrine) to take in the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of the deified emperor. Then take a turn into modernity as we explore Harajuku, where kawaii (cute) culture began and where you’ll find a wide variety of cuisine and shopping. We conclude this day of our tour in Shibuya, with a visit to the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory and tour of a vibrant youth culture epicenter.

Accommodations: Hotel in Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Day 9 • Second Day of Tokyo Tour

Today we visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, famed for its worldclass seafood and cultural significance, before diving deep into old Tokyo with a tour of Asakusa. Here you’ll find traditional temples and snack foods interspersed amongst both surviving and restored features of this historic entertainment district. We then board one of the iconic water buses for the voyage to the Hamarikyu Japanese garden. We wrap up the second day of our tour in Ginza, where opportunities for shopping and delicious food abound.

Accommodations: Hotel in Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Day 10 • Depart Tokyo

Tour ends in Tokyo at hotel checkout. Transport to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) for flights home on your own.

Meals Included: None