Exploring the Foothills of Mt Fuji

Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT).

Begin your day with a visit to Tokyo to Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the deified spirits of the former Emperor and his wife, Meiji Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Enter through the 12-meter-high (40 foot) Torii gate into the tranquil grounds, where you'll wash your hands as per Shinto ritual of cleansing before entering this sacred space. Observe Shinto rituals and prayers as you walk through the area, connecting with the traditions of this unique culture. Then, continue on to Harajuku and Takeshita-dori to explore fashion and many unique shops. To end your tour, you will dive headfirst into the pulsating center of Tokyo's youth culture, exploring some of Tokyo's latest trends in Shibuya, one of the most famous shopping locations in Tokyo. Take in the hectic pace of Tokyo as you cross the world famous "scramble" before ending the tour at Shibuya Station. Afterward you’ll have more time to eat lunch and/or explore the area on your own. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a small bag, and a water bottle.

• Meiji Shrine Visit

  From your hotel you’ll take the metro (15 - 20 minutes) and begin the day’s activities at Meiji Shrine. Led by your guide, you’ll connect with Japan’s heritage as you enter the nearly 40-foot high gate that leads into tranquil grounds dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1867-1912) and his wife. You’ll wash your hands in accordance with the Shinto ritual of cleansing, then observe the rituals and prayers that take place here.

  10:00· 60 min· Tokyo
• Harajuku Visit

  Continue on foot for 10 minutes and you’ll reach Harajuku and its infamous fashion street: Takeshita-dori. Experience the vibrant energy of Tokyo's Harajuku district as you stroll along Takeshita Street, a bustling hub of fashion and culture. Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere as you browse through trendy boutiques, quirky cafes, and colorful street food stalls. From fashion enthusiasts to foodies, Takeshita Street offers a unique and memorable shopping and dining experience in the heart of Harajuku. The guide will take you around the area as well as give you some time to explore on your own.

  11:00· 60 min· Tokyo
• Shibuya Visit

  From Takeshita-dori, you’ll continue via the metro to Shibuya. Dive headfirst into the pulsating center of Tokyo's youth culture, exploring some of Tokyo's latest trends and fashions in Shibuya, one of the most famous shopping locations in Tokyo. This district is teeming with funky and subversive fashion, as well as some of the best entertainment in town. Take in the hectic pace of Tokyo as you cross the world famous "scramble" before ending the tour at Shibuya Station. Here you’ll have the rest of the day to explore, have lunch on your own, or take the metro back to your hotel on your own to rest and relax.

  12:15· 30 min· Tokyo

Fill up on breakfast and head out of the big city! Today your journey is all about views of Mt Fuji and will begin with a train ride to Odawara station. From there you’ll embark on a walk that will first take you to a tea house, and then onward to Lake Ashi where you’ll have lunch. Continue onward to Hakone Checkpoint to learn about life during the Shogun period, and then finish your walk at Mishima station. From there, you’ll take the train to Shizuoka and after checking into your hotel, you’ll have the evening at your leisure. Today you’ll want to wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes, and bring a bag, sunscreen, and a water bottle.

• Hakone Hike: The Old Tokaido Road

  Before embarking on your hike, you’ll stop at the Amazake Chaya tea house. This 4-century old teahouse was visited by Emperors and Shogun to drink tea, and you too will enjoy a cup before heading out. After tea, commence hiking 500-year-Old Tokaido Highway along cobble stones to Lake Ashi (crater lake). During the Edo period, the Tokaido Highway is the road that connected the two main centers of Japan’s political, religious, and economic power, commonly known as Tokyo and Kyoto. During your hike you’ll stop to have a picnic lunch. During your lunch you’ll be able to observe Hakone Shrine with its famous red tori gates in the lake before continuing your hike. If the weather permits, you can see Mt Fuji clearly in the distance from this point onwards. Soon, you will reach the recreation of the Hakone Checkpoint to give a sense of how life was during the Shogun period. The hike will end with a local bus ride to Genbegawa World Water Heritage area in Mishima. The tour will end at Mishima station after the stroll along the river. *Please note that the itinerary can change following the weather and other conditions to ensure safety. Hike Distance: 3 miles / Elevation Gain: 400 ft / Duration: 4 - 4.5 hours / Difficulty: Easy

  09:22· 360 min· Kanagawa
• Transfer · Tokyo → Shizuoka

  Please arrange a small bag, that could be carried comfortably during a hike. Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Shizuoka. (One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen)

  other · 10 min
• Transfer · Tokyo → Hakone-Yumoto

  Take the train to Hakone-Yumoto station. After arriving, your hiking guide for the day will pick you up and take you (30 minutes) to the starting point of your hike.

  train · 105 min
• Transfer · Mishima station → Shizuoka station

  Take the train to Shizuoka Station.

  train · 22 min

After a long day yesterday, today is a free leisure day. Explore Shizuoka on your own or rest and recoup your energy. If you've signed up for the optional Wagashi Making Class, you'll depart in the morning after breakfast.

After breakfast, start your day by hopping on the train and head over to the city covered with endless tea fields, Kakegawa. This small city is mostly known to be the center of tea production in Shizuoka, the number one tea producing prefecture in Japan. The high production of tea is supported by the mineral-rich soil and clear water provided by Mt Fuji. Here you’ll learn about the growing and harvesting of tea. You’ll have lunch at the farm before heading back to Shizuoka. In the evening you’ll learn and make your own soba for dinner!

• Tea Farm Visit

  This morning, hop on the train and head over to the city covered with endless tea fields, Kakegawa. After arriving, you’ll be picked up for a 30 minute private transfer to the tea farm. Along the way you’ll see the giant Japanese kanji for tea, “茶”. This small city is mostly known to be the center of tea production in Shizuoka, the number one tea producing prefecture in Japan. The high production of tea is supported by the mineral-rich soil and clear water provided by Mt Fuji. As you enjoy the clean air and the view, don’t forget to take some photos! During tea picking season, April through October, (*season dependent) you’ll be able to try out your hand at tea picking. If you are lucky, you might be able to see Mt Fuji from the tea fields. When tea picking is not in season, the local tea farmer will come and sit with you to talk about their daily work and answer any questions you might have.

  10:30· 240 min· Kakegawa
• Soba Making Class

  From your hotel, you’ll walk 10 minutes to reach the soba making class. Shizuoka is famous for their soba (buckwheat noodle) created from buckwheat flour and water straight from Mt Fuji. In this class the Soba master will guide and teach you the steps to make the perfect soba. You will partner up with a group member and each work a piece of dough. Using your dough, you will create soba noodles for dinner between the two of you. Make sure to do your best since at the end of dinner, the soba master will score you on how well your soba came out!

  16:00· 180 min· Shizuoka
• Transfer · Shizuoka station → Kakegawa station

  Take a train to Kakegawa Station. Upon your arrival you'll take a 30 minute car ride to the tea farm.

  train · 14 min
• Transfer · Kakegawa Station → Shizuoka Station

  Take the train back to Shizuoka.

  train · 46 min

This morning enjoy your last breakfast in Shizuoka and say goodbye to the beautiful city because it is time to catch the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Soon you will be back in the capital. Now is the perfect time to catch up on places and souvenirs you missed or retrace your steps to your favorite places. In the evening you’ll reconvene with your guide and group and head over to the farewell dinner.

• Transfer · Shizuoka → Tokyo

  Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Shizuoka to Tokyo. (One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen)

  other · 10 min
• Transfer · Shizuoka → Tokyo

  Take the train from Shizuoka to Tokyo.

  train · 61 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT).