This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:30 Meet up @ Hotel
- 09:42 Take the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station
- 10:10 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Green Line) to Saiko Nature Center
- 10:44 @ Saiko Nature Center (Bat Cave)
- 11:15-12:15 Participate in the Aokigahara Jukai walking tour with a nature guide
- 12:47 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Green Line) to Iyashi no Sato Nenba
- 12:53-14:00 @ Iyashi no Sato Nenba
- 14:05 Take a taxi to Narusawa Ice Cave
- 14:25-15:00 @ Narusawa Ice Cave
- 15:05 Take the Fujikyu Bus (Blue Line) to Kawaguchiko Station
- 15:45 Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station
- 16:00 @ Tourist Base Kawaguchiko for cafe time
- 16:30 Disband @ Kawaguchiko Station
Title: What Is a Private Fuji Five Lakes Nature Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Kawaguchiko
Body:
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. A Japanese agent was involved as an intermediary, so I had received information about the guests in advance, which allowed the day's itinerary to proceed smoothly.
As highlights of the Fuji-Kawaguchiko area, I recommended attractions such as the sightseeing boat, the ropeway, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, and Oishi Park. However, since the guests were interested in nature trekking, I guided them on a hike through the Aokigahara forest (the "Sea of Trees").
Regarding the forest hike, simply walking through the woods without any change of scenery would not be interesting at all, so we decided to join an official guided tour at the Saiko Nature Center. (This turned out to be an excellent decision.)
The guests seemed very impressed by the explanations about the formation of the forest, the history of Mount Fuji, the wonders of nature, and the atmospheric one-hour hike through the Sea of Trees.
Afterward, we visited "Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba," a village lined with traditional thatched-roof houses. Here, the guests enjoyed a rice-ball lunch box that I had prepared myself. (I had made it in the morning in case the hike ran long. I also took their dietary preferences into consideration.)
After that, since the local bus times did not match up, we moved by taxi, visited the Narusawa Ice Cave, then returned to Kawaguchiko Station by bus, took a coffee break, and parted ways. I gave them a pair of chopsticks as a souvenir, which was also very well received. Overall, I believe the guests were satisfied. (I have already received a high review as well.)
Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji Aokigahara Jukai Forest Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kawaguchiko Station～Fujikyu Highland Station | 173JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fujikyu Highland Station～Kawaguchiko Station | 173JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kawaguchiko Station～Saiko Bat Cave | 800JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Saiko Bat Cave～Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba | 240JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Narusawa～Kawaguchiko Station | 530JPY |
| Total | 1,916JPY | ||
Hi, I’m May, your guide in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan!
I have been grown up in Tokyo and working here for more than 45 years, so I’m sure I can share the best attraction of Tokyo with you, such as food, cultural and historic sites, sub-culture, shopping, and nightlife.
Besides the tour guide, I have been working for a travel agent for more than 30 years, I can advise you the travel plan of not only in Tokyo but all over Japan.
I had lots of guests from all over the world here in Tokyo, and most of them gave me great and wonderful review.
I’m sure I can meet all of your demand and expectations, and am ready to welcome you to Japan with the best “Omotenashi” mind, or hospitality.
Jul 16, 2026
fernandorM8865OM
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Memorable day
We had a great time. Our guide Meiji…
Jul 16, 2026
fernandorM8865OM
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Memorable day
We had a great time. Our guide Meiji “May” made our day memorable. Excellent sites and great food, May is very knowledgeable of the sites, has very good English and had very nice details during the tour. Ahh and he has all the nice spots for pictures identified. The restaurant he took us for lunch was excellent, we tried an amazing hoto udon.
Jul 11, 2026
912courtneyp
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Great family guide
May was a great tour guide.…
Jul 11, 2026
912courtneyp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great family guide
May was a great tour guide. First day in Tokyo, and he helped design our day, hitting the main highlights. He also introduced us to an awesome ramen spot. He’s very knowledgeable and helpful. Really enjoyed our tour. Thank you, May!
Jun 27, 2026
LPMarchica
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 Recommend
We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide,…
Jun 27, 2026
LPMarchica
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 Recommend
We had an incredible time exploring Tokyo with our guide, May! He was friendly, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable, making every stop interesting with fascinating stories and local insights. His enthusiasm for Tokyo was contagious, and he really helped us curate this tour to fit our interests and make it our own.
The tour was well organized and included a great mix of iconic sights and hidden gems that we never would have discovered on our own. May also shared excellent recommendations for restaurants, shopping, and things to do after the tour, which made the rest of our stay even better. He even remembered that we were celebrating our honeymoon and helped us celebrate in a very memorable way, making the tour that much more special.
This was one of the highlights of our trip to Tokyo, and we highly recommend this tour—especially if you’re lucky enough to have May as your guide. Thank you, May, for such a memorable experience!
Jun 11, 2026
Alisha_W
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
May was an enthusiastic…
May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide.…
Jun 11, 2026
Alisha_W
Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
May was an enthusiastic…
May was an enthusiastic and well informed guide. He remained engaged throughout the
tour and keep us well supplied with small treats!