Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour — Guide Toshi

Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of the Fuji Five Lakes Area? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting from Oceania, and since it was summer where they came from, they seemed surprised by the cold, but we were fortunate enough to see Mount Fuji, and they stayed cheerful and active throughout.

The ropeway, the Chureito Pagoda, and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine were requested by the guests. Since we had a little time left over, I suggested Oshino Hakkai and the Aokigahara forest, and they chose Oshino Hakkai.

Including their time in Tokyo, they were delighted, saying, "Japan may be small in terms of land area, but there really are so many interesting things to see." In particular, it seems they had missed Meiji Shrine in Tokyo (they arrived just as it was closing), so they especially enjoyed the atmosphere of Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine.

On this occasion, I think the use of public transportation went very well. (Even so, on two of the three bus rides, the bus was delayed by more than 10 minutes, and we had to stand and wait in the cold.) In the Lake Kawaguchi area, you can reach most of the sightseeing spots by train and bus, but the service frequency is low (at best once every 30 minutes, at worst once every two hours), which makes it very difficult to build a tour without relying heavily on taxis or a chartered car. Looking at the tour company's promotional material, it does say that for a 6-hour tour, guests should choose only about three destinations, but I think the way the itinerary section is written gives the impression that many more places can be visited more easily. (The same applies to Hakone, where I am also occasionally assigned.) Rather than leaving the explanation of such matters entirely to the guide, I would like the tour company's promotional material itself to be made a little more balanced.

Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Toshi

I have worked as a diplomat for 48 years until last year(2024), so I think I am good at explaining anything about Japan in English. Though I’m a novice as tour guide, l promise that I will make detailed and thorough preparations for guiding you and to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. I myself like to experience various means of transportation and interested in local culture, history and food. You may be a bit concerned about my age(71 years old), but I am quite fit for work. Just to prove this I wish to say that I played 5 rounds of golf this summer month of August, 2025.