Mount Fuji Yeti Ski & Strawberry Picking Day Trip (Departing from Tokyo/Shinjuku)

At Yeti Snow Resort, you can play in the snow on the slopes of Mount Fuji, then spend the afternoon picking strawberries or browsing Gotemba Premium Outlets, depending on your package. On a clear day, the views can stretch to Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, giving this outing a sharper sense of place than a simple trip to a snow park.

I like two things about the idea: you can choose snow play or skiing, so beginners and families need not commit to a full day on skis, and the strawberry option adds a distinctly Japanese seasonal treat. I also like that round-trip transport from Tokyo is included, sparing you the work of planning a mountain bus connection.

The main catch is that the lowest advertised price is for transport only, not ski admission, equipment, lunch or activities. Weather and road conditions can also change the day’s plan, so this is best booked with flexible expectations and no tight evening appointment.

Key points to know before booking

• Yeti sits high on Mount Fuji: The resort is described as being around 1,300 to 1,450 meters above sea level. Clear weather can bring views of Fuji and Suruga Bay.
• There are different ways to spend the day: Plans cover skiing or snow play, with strawberry picking or outlet shopping offered as afternoon options.
• The $42.19 option is not an all-in ski ticket: It is the outlet and ski-resort package with transportation only. Admission, rentals, lunch and personal costs are extra.
• The strawberry stop is brief but hands-on: The snow-play and strawberry plan includes 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat picking, though ripe fruit may sometimes be set out for free consumption.
• The day is vulnerable to weather and traffic: Snow closures have forced major changes, including a return to Tokyo by way of Mishima Station.
• Guides can make a difference: Recent trips have been led by guides named Arpan, Zhang and Jeffrey, with praise for clear explanations, care and timekeeping.

Pick the package that matches your winter day

The trip is not one fixed itinerary. It is a set of winter options built around Yeti Snow Resort, and the afternoon stop depends on the plan you choose. The snow-play and strawberry-picking package starts from $86.15. The outlet and ski-resort package starts from $42.19 and is explicitly transportation only. The tour also describes a resort-only plan, but a price for it is not provided here.

That distinction matters. At the lowest price, you are buying the bus ride and guide service, not a ready-to-go day of skiing. You will need to budget separately for the resort entrance or activity tickets, equipment, ski clothing if needed, food and other personal spending. The snow-play package includes the strawberry experience, but the supplied details do not specify all other possible fees, so check the selected plan’s inclusions before paying.

The outlet version is a good fit if you want a short snow visit and shopping without the strawberry stop. Gotemba Premium Outlets gathers about 300 Japanese and international brands, and can offer clear-day views of Fuji. The strawberry plan is more appealing if you would rather make the afternoon an activity than spend it shopping.

For ski enthusiasts, the resort’s slopes and rental options make it possible to spend substantial time skiing. Rental equipment and ski suits are available at the resort, but they are not included in the transport-only fare. If your main goal is a full day on skis, compare the total cost of the selected package plus tickets and rentals before deciding that the headline price is a bargain.

Yeti Snow Resort: a first taste of skiing or snow play

Yeti Snow Resort is at Mount Fuji’s second station, with the resort area described at roughly 1,300 to 1,450 meters. The information gives slightly different slope counts: one section refers to four slopes, while another lists three runs and three lifts. It gives the total ski-run length as three kilometers, with a beginner run of 1,300 meters, an intermediate run of 1,450 meters and an advanced run of three kilometers. Since those figures do not fully align, treat them as a general picture of a small resort rather than a precise trail map.

The slopes are described as gentle enough for beginners to get started, and the resort has a dedicated snow-play area. You can rent a sled, make a snowman, have a snowball fight or simply enjoy being around real snow. That makes Yeti a practical choice for families and first-timers who want winter fun without turning the day into a demanding ski lesson.

If you are planning to ski, keep the extra costs and short visit in mind. The listed timetable allows about two hours at the resort on the outlet version of the trip. That may be enough for a first run or a taste of the snow, but it is not the same as an unhurried full day on the mountain. The tour’s plan descriptions talk about a full day of skiing, yet the supplied schedule gives a two-hour resort stop. Confirm the timing for your exact package before booking, especially if skiing is the main reason you are going.

Cold-weather clothing is not an optional afterthought. Average temperatures are listed at about 0°C in December, -3°C in January, -2°C in February and 2°C in March. Conditions can feel colder at altitude, and snow activities mean you may spend time outdoors. Wear warm layers and shoes suitable for snow, and check whether ski clothing rental is available and affordable for your needs.

A clear view of Fuji is a bonus, not a promise. The mountain’s visibility depends heavily on weather, and the operator notes that visibility can be lower in summer. Winter scenery may be lovely even when Fuji is hidden, but if the view is your main reason for booking, check the forecast close to departure and keep expectations realistic.

Strawberry picking: a sweet second act

The snow-play and strawberry-picking plan takes you from Yeti to Izu Fruit Park for 30 minutes of unlimited picking and tasting. It is a short stop, but it changes the character of the trip. Instead of spending the whole day in snow gear, you get a warm-season contrast: fresh fruit, a greenhouse visit and a chance to taste strawberries at their peak.

The strawberry stop has earned particular affection from people on the trip. The fruit has been described as very sweet, and the experience has been a highlight for families and first-time skiers alike. That is useful context if you are choosing between strawberry picking and outlet shopping: the fruit stop is more than a quick photo opportunity, though half an hour is still a compact visit.

There is one practical caveat. Strawberry ripeness and weather can affect how the picking works. On some days, strawberries may already be laid out for free consumption rather than picked directly from the plants. The activity still includes a chance to eat them, but the exact hands-on experience can vary. If picking the fruit yourself is essential, be prepared for that possibility.

The strawberry plan is especially appealing if your group has mixed interests. A child or non-skier can enjoy the snow-play area, while the afternoon fruit stop gives everyone another shared activity. It also suits people who want a seasonal food experience without arranging a separate trip from Tokyo.

Gotemba Premium Outlets: shopping with a Fuji view

The outlet package pairs the morning at Yeti with about two hours at Gotemba Premium Outlets. Around 300 Japanese and international brands are gathered here, and the center can offer a striking Fuji view when the sky is clear. It is an easy change of pace after time in the cold.

Two hours is enough to browse a few shops or make a focused purchase, but not enough to inspect every store. If you have a particular brand or item in mind, use the time well and check the outlet directory before setting off. If you prefer a slow shopping day, this stop may feel rushed. If you want a chance to shop without planning a separate train trip, it is a useful add-on.

The outlet and resort combination is also the lowest-priced option listed, but remember that the resort portion is transportation only. The shopping stop itself is free to browse, while purchases are your own expense. Any admission, rentals, meals and ski activities at Yeti also come out of your pocket.

Tokyo departures, bus time and an unpredictable return

The day begins early. One departure point is Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi South Exit, with assembly at 7:50 and departure at 8:00. Another is under the flagpole at Tokyo MODE Gakuen, with assembly at 8:25 and departure at 8:30. Look for the guide holding an EASYGO flag, arrive at least 10 minutes early at the MODE Gakuen meeting point, and do not count on the bus waiting for late arrivals.

The supplied outlet itinerary places arrival at Yeti around 10:30, with about two hours there, followed by a 13:20 visit to Gotemba Premium Outlets for about two hours. The stated return is around 18:30 at Tokyo MODE Gakuen or 19:00 at Tokyo Station. These are estimates, not a guarantee. Traffic and weather can affect both the sequence and the return time, so do not book a timed dinner, show or train connection for that evening.

A guide and round-trip transfer are included. Recent departures have had guides named Arpan, Zhang and Jeffrey. Their roles matter on a long day: they explain the schedule, help keep the group together and coordinate changes. Reports of clear briefings, kind assistance and punctual departures are encouraging. Still, guide names can vary, and even a well-run coach cannot control snow closures or highway traffic.

One severe-weather trip illustrates the risk plainly. Heavy snow closed roads, making the strawberry stop impossible and preventing the coach from returning to Tokyo by the planned route. The group was taken to Mishima Station to catch the Shinkansen back. That is an unusual disruption, not the normal plan, but it shows why you should keep the evening open and be ready for a changed route when conditions are poor.

Is the price good value?

At $42.19, the outlet and ski-resort option can be good value if you mainly want convenient transport, a short visit to Yeti and time at Gotemba. A guide and round-trip coach from Tokyo remove much of the transport planning, and the outlet stop gives the day a second destination. But the figure can be misleading if you expect it to include skiing. Admission, rentals, food and activities are not included in this option.

At $86.15, the snow-play and strawberry package costs more but includes a distinct activity at Izu Fruit Park: 30 minutes of unlimited strawberry picking and tasting. For families or people who do not want to ski, that can be a more complete day. The extra value depends on your interest in the fruit stop and the exact inclusions shown when booking.

Think in terms of the full day’s cost, not just the starting fare. Add likely resort charges, any equipment or clothing rental, lunch and shopping or personal spending. If you already have ski gear and intend to ski, the transport-only option may suit you. If you want a simpler family outing with snow play and strawberries, the higher-priced package may be easier to budget for, provided its displayed inclusions match your expectations.

Who should book this day trip?

I would consider this trip if you are in Tokyo during winter and want a guided, one-day outing that combines snow with another activity. It is particularly suited to first-time skiers, families who would rather sled and play than ski all day, and people who like the idea of pairing mountain scenery with fresh strawberries or outlet shopping.

It is less suitable if you want a full, flexible day on the slopes, need a guaranteed view of Mount Fuji, or must be back in Tokyo at a precise time. Skiing is a high-risk activity, and the operator recommends buying appropriate insurance in advance. The activity is not recommended for pregnant participants or anyone over 70. Infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount, pets are prohibited, and anyone who appears intoxicated may be refused service without a refund.

I would book it if the package itself fits your priorities and you can accept a weather-dependent schedule. Choose strawberry picking for a food-focused afternoon, outlets for shopping, or skiing only after checking the resort time and all extra charges. For a low-stress winter outing, the combination can be a lot of fun. Just leave room in both your budget and your timetable for the mountain to have the final say.

FAQ

What is included in the $42.19 option?

The listed outlet and ski-resort option includes round-trip transfers from the meeting point and an English- or Chinese-speaking guide. Resort admission, rentals, ski activities, lunch and personal expenses are not included.

How much does the strawberry-picking package cost?

The snow-play and strawberry-picking package starts from $86.15. Prices can vary, so check the amount shown for your chosen date and package.

How long does strawberry picking last?

The strawberry stop includes 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat picking and tasting. Depending on ripeness and weather, strawberries may instead be laid out for free consumption.

Where can I meet the tour?

Departure points are Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi South Exit and the flagpole under Tokyo MODE Gakuen. Check your selected departure time and arrive early at the correct location.

What time does the tour return to Tokyo?

The stated return times are around 18:30 at Tokyo MODE Gakuen or 19:00 at Tokyo Station. Traffic and weather can change the schedule, so keep the evening free.

Is ski equipment included?

No. The lowest-priced option is transportation only. Ski equipment and ski suits are available for rent at the resort, but rentals are at your own expense.

Can beginners or children enjoy Yeti?

Yes. The resort is described as having gentle slopes for beginners and a dedicated snow-play area for sledding, snowmen and snowball fights. Infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount.

Is Mount Fuji guaranteed to be visible?

No. Visibility depends on weather, and the mountain may not be clear. The resort can also offer views of Suruga Bay on clear days.

Are there any participation restrictions?

The activity is not recommended for pregnant participants or people over 70. Pets are prohibited, and participants who appear intoxicated may be refused service without a refund.