Snow Experience at Mt.Fuji, Hakone Pirate Ship & Gotemba Premium Outlet

Exploring Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji in the snow is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This thrilling tour combines the breathtaking views of the mountain with a unique pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. Visitors can enjoy the snowy landscape, shop at the Gotemba Premium Outlet, and indulge in a delectable shabu-shabu buffet lunch. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a shopping aficionado, this tour offers a perfect blend of experiences that’ll leave you captivated.

Good To Know

• The tour includes a visit to Mount Fuji’s 5th station, providing panoramic views of the iconic mountain and the potential for a snow experience.
• Participants can enjoy a 30-minute cruise aboard a replica Edo-period pirate ship on Lake Ashi, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountain ranges.
• The tour features a Shabu-shabu buffet lunch, where guests can prepare personalized Japanese hot-pot dishes with a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
• Travelers can explore the Gotemba Premium Outlets, a sprawling outlet mall with over 200 stores offering discounted prices on brand-name products.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation throughout the day, ensuring a comfortable and seamless sightseeing experience.

Sightseeing Tour From Tokyo

For those seeking a sightseeing adventure from Tokyo, the 11-hour tour to Mount Fuji and surrounding areas offers a compelling experience.

Guests can ride an authentic pirate ship on Lake Ashi, visit the iconic mountain’s 5th station, and shop at Japan’s largest outlet mall. The tour includes a Shabu-shabu buffet lunch, with air-conditioned transportation provided.

However, visibility at Mount Fuji can be weather-dependent, and the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users or those with serious health issues. Group size is limited, requiring a minimum of 20 travelers to operate.

Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi

The centerpiece of the tour is the 30-minute pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. Passengers board a replica of an authentic Edo-period pirate ship and sail across the serene Lake Ashi.

The cruise offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountain ranges. As the ship glides across the lake, travelers can capture memorable photos and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

The pirate ship experience adds a unique and adventurous touch to the tour, providing a delightful contrast to the tranquil natural scenery. This captivating cruise is a highlight for many on the excursion.

Visiting Mount Fuji 5th Station

After the pirate ship cruise, the tour proceeds to the Mount Fuji 5th Station.

At 7,545 feet, the 5th Station offers panoramic views of the iconic mountain. Visitors can explore the shrines, shops, and walking trails while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

However, access to the 5th Station may be limited during certain seasons due to weather conditions. Travelers should note that while the 5th Station provides an excellent vantage point, reaching the summit of Mount Fuji requires a strenuous hike that isn’t included in this tour.

Shabu-shabu Buffet Lunch

A Shabu-shabu buffet is included as part of the tour’s lunch experience.

Shabu-shabu is a popular Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked at the table in a communal pot of boiling broth. The buffet offers a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables to choose from, as well as condiments and dipping sauces.

Guests can enjoy preparing and cooking their own personalized shabu-shabu creations. The buffet also includes a selection of other Japanese dishes, ensuring there’s something to please every palate.

It’s a delicious and interactive dining experience that’s sure to delight tour participants.

Shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets

Why does the tour include a stop at the Gotemba Premium Outlets?

The outlet mall provides a chance for visitors to shop for high-quality Japanese and international brand-name products at discounted prices. With over 200 stores, the massive outlet center offers a diverse selection, from clothing and accessories to home goods and electronics.

The 1.5 to 2 hours allotted allows ample time to browse the bargains. While some travelers may prefer more time at Mt. Fuji, the outlet stop appeals to those seeking a shopping experience on this comprehensive day tour from Tokyo.

Transportation and Meeting Points

The tour provides air-conditioned transportation for the day’s excursion.

Travelers meet at the Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture in Nishishinjuku, Tokyo, at 7:30 am for departure.

The tour bus transports the group to the various destinations, including Lake Ashi for the pirate ship cruise, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, and Gotemba Premium Outlets.

After the shopping stop, the tour returns to the Tokyo Mode Gakuen in Nishishinjuku.

Transportation is included, and the bus is equipped with air conditioning for comfort.

Specific meeting and drop-off points are provided to ensure a smooth and organized start and end to the day’s activities.

Weather and Accessibility Considerations

Weather can impact the visibility and experience at Mount Fuji. Fog, clouds, and precipitation can obscure the iconic mountain’s famous peak.

While no refunds are offered for poor visibility, the tour still provides enjoyable experiences on Lake Ashi and at the Gotemba Premium Outlets.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for individuals with serious health issues due to the walking required. Visitors should consider their physical abilities before booking.

Despite these considerations, the tour offers a unique opportunity to see Mount Fuji and explore the Hakone region, weather permitting.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

How have travelers reviewed this sightseeing tour? Feedback on the tour is mixed. Some highlight the enjoyable cruise and buffet lunch, while others criticize the excessive time spent shopping over sightseeing.

Common complaints include language barriers with guides and confusion at meeting points. Travelers also note the limited time for exploring Mt. Fuji due to the shopping stop.

On the positive side, many praise the scenic views and unique pirate ship experience. The tour seems to offer a varied experience, with room for improvement in optimizing the itinerary and enhancing guide communication for international visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Stop for Additional Photo Opportunities Along the Way?

The tour generally does not allow for additional stops or photo opportunities along the way. The itinerary is tightly scheduled to ensure timely arrival at each destination. However, the guide may provide some flexibility if time permits.

Is It Possible to Purchase Tickets for the Pirate Ship Separately?

You can’t purchase separate tickets for the pirate ship ride. It’s included as part of the 11-hour sightseeing tour package from Tokyo. The cruise is one of the main activities on the itinerary.

Can We Extend the Time Spent at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station?

The tour itinerary doesn’t allow for extending the time at Mt. Fuji’s 5th station. However, travelers could consider booking a private tour or exploring Mt. Fuji independently to spend more time at the scenic viewpoint, if that’s a priority.

Are There Any Vegetarian/Dietary Restriction Options for the Lunch Buffet?

The tour offers a vegetarian-friendly shabu-shabu buffet, which includes a variety of vegetable and plant-based dishes to accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests with special dietary needs should notify the tour operator in advance.

Can We Request Drop-Off at a Different Location Than the Meeting Point?

Yes, you can request a different drop-off location from the meeting point. The tour provider offers flexibility in drop-off locations, though additional fees may apply. It’s best to discuss this option with the tour staff in advance.

The Sum Up

The "Snow Experience at Mt. Fuji, Hakone Pirate Ship & Gotemba Premium Outlet" tour offers a unique and memorable winter adventure. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, cruise on a pirate ship, and indulge in a shopping spree at Gotemba Premium Outlet, creating a well-balanced experience of nature, culture, and retail therapy. This tour is a perfect blend for those seeking a thrilling and diverse day trip from Tokyo.