Yamanashi: Take the route bus to Oishi — Guide May
February, 2025
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 at Kawaguchiko Station
- 09:59 Take the Fujikyuko Line to Shimo-Yoshida Station
- 10:12 Walk to Arakurayama Sengen Park
- 10:30~11:15 @Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda)
- 11:50 Take the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station
- 12:10 Take the route bus (Red Line) to Funatsuhama
- 12:20～13:45 @Take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to Tenjoyama Park
- 13:45 Take the route bus to Kawaguchiko Station
- 14:00～14:45 Lunch @Kosaku Kawaguchiko Branch for houtou lunch
- 15:00 Take the route bus to Oishi
- 15:15～15:45 @Falconry experience (Hawk Walking) at Country Lake Systems
- 16:00 @Birthday celebration (cake service) at Tourist Base Kawaguchiko
- 16:30 Disband @Kawaguchiko Station
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a solo traveler from North America. They were staying in Tokyo and came to Lake Kawaguchi on the 07:30 Fuji Excursion (JR limited express) in the morning, and were clearly an experienced traveler. Through our email exchanges beforehand, it was clear that they had researched the Fujikawaguchiko area quite thoroughly, and since they understood my suggestions well, the tour proceeded smoothly on the day. For lunch, I guided them to "Kosaku," which I consider to serve the best hoto in this area, and they were very pleased. As I had heard that it was their birthday that day, before we parted I arranged in advance with the staff at a cafe in front of the station, "Tourist Base Kawaguchiko," to prepare a cake, and I also arranged candles and party poppers and had the staff sing, so we could celebrate their birthday. I gave them a Mount Fuji-shaped glass that I had purchased in advance as a gift, and they were very pleased. As they also wrote in their review comment, it seems to have become a memorable birthday.
[Note added 2/26] Regarding the receipt for the Fuji Five Lakes sightseeing bus, since the ticket window at the station was crowded, I purchased it with cash on board the bus. Credit cards were not accepted, and the driver did not have receipts, so on-the-spot issuance was not possible. The local buses around Fujikawaguchiko (Fujikyu bus) do not set fares per individual segment, and there is no way to ride the bus other than buying this 1-DAY PASS. Therefore, I would appreciate your understanding that attaching and submitting a receipt is not possible. (For reference, on the Lake Kawaguchi tour last November, I similarly submitted my report without a receipt, and it was approved.)
Click here for more details: Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Kawaguchiko Station～Kawaguchiko Station | 1,500JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kawaguchiko Station～Shimo-Yoshida Station | 305JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shimo-Yoshida Station～Kawaguchiko Station | 305JPY |
| Total | 2,110JPY | ||
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
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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!