Mt. Fuji 2nd Station Yeti Snow Resort Snow Play/Skiing & Japanese Hot Spring Experience/Strawberry Picking Day Trip (Departing from Shinjuku/Ginza)

At about 1,450 meters above sea level, Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti offers a quick change of scene from Tokyo: beginner slopes, snow play and, on a clear day, Mt. Fuji in view. I like that the day pairs time in the snow with a hot spring stop, and that you can add a seasonal strawberry-picking session rather than spend the whole outing on the slopes.

I also like the choice of packages. You can pay for transport only, choose a snow-play package with a sled, or book the ski package with equipment and a lift ticket. The trade-off is that the lowest advertised price covers transport only, so the costs for resort entry, activities, the onsen and strawberries can add up.

What to know before you go

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• Yeti is geared to beginners and snow play. Wide beginner slopes and dedicated play areas suit first-timers and families.
• You get about four hours at the resort. That leaves room for snow activities, but not a leisurely day of skiing plus every other option.
• Three package levels make the price easier to tailor. Transport starts at $47.95; snow fun starts at $90.80; the ski package starts at $134.35.
• The hot spring and strawberry picking cost extra. Budget about ¥1,600 on weekdays or ¥2,100 on holidays for the onsen, and around ¥3,000 per person for all-you-can-eat strawberries.
• Expect a full day, with traffic in the mix. Shinjuku departures return around 17:20 to 17:30; Ginza returns around 18:00 to 18:30.
• Guides can help keep the day clear and comfortable. Yung-Chu, also known as Andrew, and Carp Feng are among the guides who have led departures, but assignments may vary.

A snow day without the rental-car puzzle

This trip makes sense if you want to see snow near Tokyo but do not want to work out the transport yourself. The coach takes you from a central Tokyo meeting point to Yeti in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, then on to Toki no Sumika before returning to the city. Round-trip transfers and an English, Chinese or Japanese-speaking guide are included.

That convenience matters because the outing has several moving parts: a mountain resort, a hot spring, and a strawberry farm whose location may change according to reservation availability. You have a set framework, but the guide and driver handle the route and timing. The schedule can shift with weather and traffic, so treat the posted return times as estimates rather than a promise of a precise arrival.

The day starts early. The Ginza pickup is between 07:20 and 07:30 at the first floor of Ginza Tokyu Plaza, near Ginza Station exits C2 and C3. The Shinjuku pickup is at 08:00, with access from Nishi-Shinjuku, Tochomae or Shinjuku-Nishiguchi stations. Arrive ten minutes early; late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

Four hours at Yeti: snow play, sledding or skiing

Yeti sits at roughly 1,450 meters and is known for snow activities close to Tokyo. The resort has broad beginner slopes and areas set aside for snow play, so you do not need to be an experienced skier to make the stop worthwhile. Snow tubing, snow walking and sledding are among the family-friendly options. On a clear day, the setting also gives you a chance to see Mt. Fuji.

You have about four hours here, self-guided. That is enough time to focus on one main activity and enjoy the snow, but you will want to decide in advance what matters most. A first-time skier may need much of the visit for equipment and lessons on the slopes, while a family choosing sledding may prefer to keep the plan simple and leave time for lunch. One family-oriented snow-play visit described lunch at the resort restaurant as quick and tasty even during a busy holiday weekend, though meal costs are not included.

The package choice changes the budget considerably. The transport-only option, from $47.95, excludes resort admission and all equipment. The snow fun package, from $90.80, includes admission and a snow sled. The ski package, from $134.35, includes admission, ski equipment and a lift ticket. Confirm the exact package details when booking, and do not assume that the lowest fare covers entry to the resort.

Ski clothing is another possible cost. Jacket and pants rental is listed at ¥3,600 per person, payable in cash on site, in sizes S through 5L. Quantities are limited and rental depends on availability. Meals, drinks and personal expenses are also on you, so bring enough cash for any extras you plan to buy.

The resort is a better fit for a first snow experience than for an ambitious ski day. Four hours is a useful taste of the slopes, but the outing also includes two more stops and a return drive. If your main goal is to ski for a full day, compare this with a ski-only trip. If you want to try snow activities and still have a varied day, Yeti’s beginner focus is a sensible match.

Toki no Sumika: a hot spring and seasonal berries

After the resort, the coach visits Toki no Sumika for about an hour and 30 minutes. This stop gives you a warm, slower-paced contrast to time outdoors. The onsen is optional and costs about ¥1,600 per person on weekdays or ¥2,100 on holidays. A bathing additive is not included.

The same stop is also where you can take part in seasonal strawberry picking. The experience is all-you-can-eat, with a session of about an hour described for some departures. The fee is around ¥3,000 per person and is not included in the tour price. The picking farm can change depending on its reservation status, so the precise location may vary.

Keep those extra charges in mind before you leave Tokyo. One traveler nearly did not have enough money after discovering the strawberry fee was separate. That is an easy surprise to avoid: decide if you want the onsen, the berries, or both, then budget for them alongside your resort package and meals. The strawberries have been described as large and sweet, but the main practical point is that picking is a paid add-on, not a free part of the base fare.

The short stop means you may need to choose how to spend your time. If you want both the bath and the picking, check the day’s timing with your guide and be ready to move promptly. If you would rather take a proper break after skiing, the onsen may be the better use of the window. This is a sampler of Japanese hot spring culture, not an unhurried spa day.

What the price buys, and what it does not

At $47.95, the transport-only option is best understood as a seat on the coach, not an all-in day out. You still need to pay for Yeti admission, any sled or ski gear, food, strawberries and the hot spring. That fare can be good value if you already have a plan for tickets and equipment, but it is not the simplest option for a first visit.

The $90.80 snow fun package is a clearer choice for visitors who mainly want to play in the snow and sled. It includes resort admission and a snow sled, reducing the number of decisions to make at the resort. The $134.35 ski package is the most straightforward option for someone who wants to ski, since admission, equipment and the lift ticket are included. Clothing rental remains a separate possible expense.

In all three cases, the value comes partly from the transport and coordination. You avoid arranging your own journey to the resort and back, and the same day connects snow, hot springs and fruit picking. That is a lot of variety for one outing, but it is also a long day with limited time at each stop. The best value is the package that matches your main activity, not automatically the cheapest one.

Guides, group size and the rhythm of the day

The tour includes a guide who speaks English, Chinese or Japanese. Guides have helped keep people informed through the journey, and Yung-Chu, known as Andrew, and Carp Feng have been named on particular departures. You should not count on either person being assigned to your date, but clear communication is useful when a day includes several stops and possible schedule changes.

A minimum group of 15 is required. If the group is too small, the operator can cancel and send an email notification four days before departure. The vehicle can feel compact: one group described travelling in a 15-seat vehicle. A small coach may make the trip feel more like a group outing than a large tour bus, but it can also mean less room to spread out.

Traffic is the main wildcard. A winter weekend can stretch the driving time, and the schedule may change with road conditions or weather. One snow day had heavy traffic, though the group still enjoyed the sledding and other stops. Keep your evening plans flexible, especially if you are returning to Ginza, where the stated arrival window is 18:00 to 18:30.

Who will get the most from this day

I would choose this trip for a family or group with mixed interests: some want to ski, others prefer sledding, and everyone can meet again for the hot spring or strawberries. The beginner slopes and dedicated play areas make it approachable for people who have never skied. Children aged 0 to 2 ride free if they do not need a separate seat.

It also suits visitors who value a guided transfer more than total freedom. You do not have to plan separate transport to the resort and farm, and the tour brings several winter activities together. The English, Chinese and Japanese guide options are helpful for keeping track of the day, though the guide’s specific language and name should be confirmed rather than assumed.

I would hesitate if you want a long, focused ski session, dislike early starts, or need a guaranteed return time. The outing is best treated as a full-day sampler, with the possibility of traffic and limited time at each stop. Skiing is strenuous and carries risk; the tour advises considering domestic travel or accident insurance. If you collide with another person while skiing, you are responsible for medical or compensation costs.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want an easy way to combine beginner-friendly snow time near Mt. Fuji with an optional onsen and seasonal strawberry picking. For a first snow outing, the snow fun package is a practical middle ground. Choose the ski package if skiing is your priority, and add the onsen and berry fees to your budget before you go.

Skip it if you want a full day on the slopes or prefer to set your own pace at every stop. The strength here is variety and transport convenience, not endless time at one attraction. Bring cash for rentals and extras, arrive early, and leave room in your evening for traffic.

FAQ

What is included in the starting price?

The starting price of $47.95 is for round-trip transportation only. It does not include Yeti admission, equipment, meals, strawberry picking or the hot spring.

Which package includes a sled?

The snow fun package, from $90.80, includes Yeti admission and a snow sled.

Which package includes ski equipment and a lift ticket?

The ski package, from $134.35, includes resort admission, ski equipment and a ski lift ticket.

How much does strawberry picking cost?

All-you-can-eat strawberry picking costs approximately ¥3,000 per person and is paid separately.

How much is the hot spring?

The onsen costs approximately ¥1,600 per person on weekdays and ¥2,100 on holidays. The bathing additive is not included.

Where does the tour depart from?

You can depart from Ginza or Shinjuku. The Ginza meeting point is on the first floor of Ginza Tokyu Plaza, near exits C2 and C3. The Shinjuku meeting point is accessible from Nishi-Shinjuku, Tochomae and Shinjuku-Nishiguchi stations.

When should I arrive at the meeting point?

Arrive ten minutes before your departure time. Latecomers and no-shows cannot receive a refund.

Is the tour suitable for beginner skiers?

Yeti has wide beginner slopes and dedicated snow-play areas, so the resort is suitable for first-time skiers and people who want to play in the snow. Skiing is still strenuous and carries risk.

Are children under three charged?

Children aged 0 to 2 can join for free if they do not occupy a separate seat. People under 18 cannot apply alone and must register with a guardian.

Can the schedule or strawberry farm change?

Yes. Timing can change because of traffic or weather, and the strawberry-picking location may change depending on farm reservations.