Conservation Hike and Onsen in Kawaguchiko

📍 Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko-eki Bus Terminal: 1 h 45 min

Take the bus to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes situated at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

Meet the local guides at Kawaguchiko Station and travel by private car to the Aokigahara “Sea of Trees” forest in Mt. Fuji's foothills. Explore the beauty of this ancient forest thick with old growth trees, whilst also taking part in the preservation of the area.

Today’s guides are experienced nature conservationists, and they will lead the way with some litter picking in an area where the ecosystem is in the most need of restoration. After this, continue to hike the lush woodlands of Aokigahara, winding through lush groves of enchanting oak trees and emerald moss-covered lava beds.

After the hike, finish the tour with a visit to the shores of Lake Saiko, a crystal-clear body of water where Mt Fuji can often be seen towering above its reflection on the water, forming a very photogenic "double Fuji" image. 

The guide will provide an escort back to Kawaguchiko Station. From there, continue on to the night’s accommodation in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn furnished with paper sliding doors, hot spring baths, tatami floors, and rooms with futon beds.

Time:
Start (guided tour): TBA (at Kawaguchiko Station)
Duration: 4.5 h
*including pick-up/drop-off and transit times

Overnight in Kawaguchiko
 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Today is a self-guided day.

After breakfast, enjoy the morning doing a bit of independent exploration before catching the bus back to Tokyo.

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary:

Kubota Itchiku Museum

This museum is dedicated to Itchiku Kubota, the man who spent his life practicing tsujigahana, one of the techniques of shibori (tie-dyeing), in which a small bunch of cloth is tied with string before dying to make the patterns. Discover some of his signature kimonos hanging on wooden bars, reflecting the natural light that comes from the sun. Even the museum itself can be considered as a great artwork, with some of its pillars made from century old cypress trees and its ceiling open so that the visitors can clearly see its wooden structure.

Kawaguchiko Museum of Art

A museum that houses temporary exhibitions of Japanese and foreign modern artists as well as a small permanent collection of paintings and photographs featuring Mount Fuji.

Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba

A tiny village with around twenty thatched roof houses that serve as traditional handicraft studios, museums, local restaurants and cafés.

Alternatively, take a boat ride on the lake or ride the Kachi Kachi Ropeway to an observation point near the summit of Mount Tenjo, from where Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji can be seen (during a clear day).

Head back to Kawaguchiko Station to catch the bus back to Shinjuku in Tokyo.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast