Classic Tokyo with Hakone & Mt. Fuji

Today’s city tour, using Japan’s extensive public transportation system, shows why Tokyo is highly ranked on many travel lists. After being picked up by your guide at the hotel, we’ll move to the Tsukiji Outer Market, once the world’s largest fish market, which handled over 2,000 tons of seafood daily at its peak. Initially selling knives and kitchenware, the market has now become a sought-after hub for Tokyo’s food scene. You can savor the rich, oily flavor of freshly sliced tuna sashimi for JPY 500 (USD 3), indulge in the fluffy tamagoyaki with a hint of sweetness and an eggy aroma for just JPY 150 (USD 1), and even the seemingly simple grilled scallops are incredibly flavorful, with a buttery aroma and fresh scallop flesh, available for JPY 400 (USD 2.5), all offering great value.

Then, continue our visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in the heart of Tokyo amidst an artificial forest of about 100,000 trees, which forms a natural barrier that blocks out outside noise and sights. Besides paying respects to Emperor Meiji (1852 - 1912) and Empress Shoken, who played vital roles in Japan’s history, holding a wedding at Meiji Jingu Shrine is also a prestigious and meaningful goal for many Japanese couples, despite the average cost being JPY 4 million (USD 27,000). Many Japanese celebrities also choose to hold their traditional wedding ceremonies here.

Our next stop is the Imperial Palace, originally the home of the Tokugawa Shoguns and later the residence of the royal family after Emperor Meiji moved the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1868. Join your guide to walk through the Imperial Palace’s Outer Gardens, getting a close-up view of the sprawling black pine forest, the impressive statue of warrior Kusunoki Masashige (1294 - 1336), and popular sights like Nijubashi Bridge. Additionally, Chidorigafuchi, the northwestern moat of the Imperial Palace, is well-known for viewing cherry blossoms from late March to early April, where crowds gather to enjoy the vibrant pink blooms along the riverbank.

In the afternoon, follow the guide to catch a glimpse of old Tokyo in Asakusa area. Starting from the Kaminarimon Gate adorned with a giant red lantern, walk through the bustling Nakamise-dori Street, where you can experience the authentic Edo-style townscape. Along the way, immerse yourself in sampling Japanese snacks, selecting souvenirs, and even watching the Tokyo Skytree afar. Finally, we’ll stop at the Senso-ji Temple and its five-story pagoda. The saying that “You’re very likely to draw an unlucky fortune at Senso-ji Temple” might discourage you from drawing fortunes. In reality, the ratio of good to bad lots here is a long-standing tradition, while many other shrines have lowered the proportion of bad lots, leading to the misconception that Senso-ji has more bad luck. Even if you draw a bad one, you can tie it to a designated wooden frame to leave the bad luck behind, so don’t worry!

After finishing today’s exciting Tokyo tour, your guide will accompany you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Today will be the highlight of your Tokyo trip as we’ll visit the Mt. Fuji. Your guide will pick you up at the hotel and escort you on a bullet train ride to Odawara Station, where you’ll experience the mountain train and the cable car one after the other, both of which have been climbing the Hakone Mountains for over a century. With a 736-meter (2415-foot) difference in altitude between the starting Odawara Station and the terminal of Sounzan Station, it boasts the highest climbing height among Japan’s mountain railways.

Arrive at Sounzan Station and let’s transfer to the ropeway to the Owakudani Valley, a volcanic area formed about 3,000 years ago. With ongoing volcanic activity, you can smell the sulfur-filled air and see white plumes constantly rising from the barren valley from the observation deck, creating a striking geological landscape. Additionally, it’s highly recommended to try the local specialties of Owakudani black eggs and Owakudani curry for a unique taste experience.

Then, continue our ropeway ride to Togendai Port. Sitting in the all-glass gondola, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the ever-changing Hakone Mountains, especially during the autumn foliage season from October to November, when the peaks gradually turn vibrant red and yellow, beautifully contrasting with the azure waters of the Lake Ashi. On clear days, Mt. Fuji appears almost within reach, even more majestic from the ropeway than from the ground. The most exciting part will be cruising on a pirate-style ship, with the sparkling Lake Ashi right below. Enjoy unmatched views of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain, and the red Peace Torii of Hakone Shrine towering by the lake - all of Hakone’s symbolic sights are visible without obstruction. After completing all our visits in Hakone, the guide will accompany you on the return journey by local bus and express train to your hotel in Tokyo.

★ How We Help You Improve the Chances of Seeing Mt. Fuji

Although Mt. Fuji is a must-see in Japan, it is visible for only about 80 days a year, according to continuous monitoring. However, with our special date-exchange service, your guide will keep an eye on the weather forecast. If the weather is bad on the scheduled Mt. Fuji tour but is clear the day before, we can switch it with the Tokyo city tour. Please note that such last-minute changes may limit us to booking only non-reserved tickets instead of reserved ones for express or bullet trains, which require a 1-month advance booking. Still, we believe that a 5% chance of not finding a seat is insignificant compared to a 50% increase in the possibilities of seeing Mt. Fuji. As no season guarantees a perfect view, October to the next February are usually the best months for clear sights. If you’re eager to see Mt. Fuji, consider joining our autumn or winter groups.

Meals: Breakfast

On the last day of your Tokyo group tours, you’ll need to get to the airport by yourself. Have a great trip! We hope our service has helped create fond memories for you!

If you want to explore more of Tokyo, or expand your itinerary to include cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, we offer longer mini group tours. Just feel free to contact our travel consultants!

► Suggestions for Exploring on Your Own
If you have a few hours before your flight, take a 5 to 15-minute walk from your hotel to the Nihonbashi business district, centered on Nihonbashi Bridge, the zero-kilometer marker for Japan’s national highway network. Looking up, you can see bronze replicas of beasts above the expressway, creating a magical mix of ancient and modern. Compared to the glass windows of Ginza and the neon lights of Shinjuku, this district, home to department stores, century-old shops, and art galleries, embodies Japan’s enduring old-money elegance, characterized by a calm, sophisticated atmosphere that dates back to the 17th century. Before leaving Japan, immerse yourself in Tokyo’s most culturally rich commercial area! From here, you can take the Ginza Line and Skyliner to Narita International Airport or the Keikyu Airport Line directly to Haneda Airport.

Meals: Breakfast