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

Mt. Fuji’s Yeti resort sits high enough for a proper snow day, yet close enough to Tokyo to make a day trip practical. You get four hours at the slopes, then a stop for an onsen and seasonal strawberry picking. On clear days, the resort’s open views include Mt. Fuji.

I like that the day combines three very different experiences: snow play, a Japanese hot spring, and picking sweet strawberries yourself. I also like the choice of packages, from transport only to a ski setup with lift access, so you can match the price to your plans.

The catch is that the advertised starting price covers transport only, not resort admission, equipment, strawberries, or the onsen. Traffic can also stretch the day, so treat the return time as an estimate rather than a promise.

• Yeti is a beginner-friendly snow stop: Wide beginner slopes and a dedicated snow-play area suit first-timers and families.
• You get four hours at the resort: Enough time to try snow activities, but you will need to pace yourself if you want to ski and explore.
• The onsen and strawberries are optional extras: Budget about ¥1,600 on weekdays or ¥2,100 on holidays for the hot spring, plus roughly ¥3,000 for strawberry picking.
• Three packages suit different plans: Choose transport only, a snow-fun package with admission and a sled, or a ski package with admission, equipment, and a lift.
• The bus removes Tokyo transport guesswork: Pick up in Ginza or Shinjuku, with a multilingual guide and a return to the city.
• Weather and traffic affect the day: Mt. Fuji views depend on clear skies, and the schedule may change with road and weather conditions.

A snow day at Mt. Fuji’s second station

Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti is at about 1,450 meters, on Mt. Fuji’s second station. The altitude and open setting give the resort a striking backdrop on clear days, but the draw here is not only the view. It is a nearby place to try snow sports or simply get your hands and boots into the snow without arranging a separate journey from Tokyo.

Yeti is described as having wide beginner slopes and dedicated areas for snow play. You can ski or snowboard, or choose gentler activities such as sledding, snow tubing, and snow walking. That range makes the stop useful for mixed groups: one person can try a first ski lesson on the slopes while another stays with the kids in the snow-play area.

The resort stop lasts about four hours and is self-guided. That gives you freedom to set your own pace, but there is no stated lesson or instructor included. If you have never skied before, do not assume the package provides coaching. Choose a snow-play option if you mainly want a relaxed first encounter with snow, or make sure you know what equipment and lift access your ski package includes.

Choose the package before you leave Tokyo

The lowest advertised price, from US$47.95, is Option A: round-trip transport only. It does not include Yeti admission or equipment, so it is not the complete cost of a day at the resort. You will also pay separately for any strawberry picking or onsen visit you choose.

Option B starts at US$90.80 and includes resort admission and a snow sled. It is a straightforward fit if you want to play in the snow and try sledding without skiing. Option C starts at US$134.35 and includes admission, ski equipment, and a ski lift. That bundle saves you from arranging those core items separately, though the information provided does not specify lessons or ski wear.

Ski jackets and pants are a separate rental, listed at ¥3,600 per person. Payment is cash only, and the supply is limited, with sizes from S to 5L. If you plan to ski, bring enough cash and do not count on getting your preferred size if you wait until the day. Meals, drinks, and personal expenses are also not included.

These prices are starting rates, so check the exact package and total at booking. The smart comparison is not simply the cheapest option against the most expensive. Ask what you intend to do: snow play, sledding, or skiing. Then add the extras you will actually use. A low transport fare can be good value if you already have a plan for admission and gear, but it is not a useful all-in budget on its own.

Four hours to play, ski, or find your footing

At Yeti, you have a self-guided block of around four hours. That is the main activity window, so decide what matters before you arrive. If skiing is the priority, head for the slopes and allow time to get equipment sorted. If your group includes children or first-time snow visitors, you may prefer to spend more of the block sledding, tubing, or walking around the snow-play areas.

One family described the snow tubing and general snow play as highlights, while another family group included children and grandparents. That points to the resort’s broad appeal, but it does not mean every activity suits every age or ability. Skiing is strenuous and carries real risk. The operator advises buying domestic travel or accident insurance, and you are responsible for medical or compensation costs if you collide with another person.

Bring comfortable clothes and shoes suited to travel, but plan for proper winter clothing at the resort. If you are renting ski wear, remember the cash-only rule and limited stock. The tour information does not specify what clothing is supplied with each package, so check your chosen option rather than assuming that ski jackets and pants are included.

A hot spring and strawberries at Toki no Sumika

After the snow stop, the bus heads to Toki no Sumika for about an hour and a half. This is a welcome change of pace after physical activity: you can choose a hot spring bath, strawberry picking, or both if the timing and your budget allow. The stop is self-guided, so you decide how to use your time.

The onsen is not included in the base fare. Expect an additional fee of ¥1,600 per person on weekdays or ¥2,100 on holidays. A hot spring can be a soothing way to wind down after cold-weather activity, but keep the short stop in mind. If you want to bathe, check the available time and the facility’s requirements on the day. The tour information also lists a hot spring bathing additive among items not included.

Strawberry picking is also extra, at about ¥3,000 per person for an all-you-can-eat session. The experience is seasonal, and the farm may change depending on reservation availability. The appeal is simple: you pick the fruit yourself and eat it fresh, rather than making this just another roadside photo stop. Recent departures have featured large, sweet berries, though the crop and farm can vary.

One practical point: do not assume strawberry picking is bundled with the tour or with the snow package. A visitor nearly arrived without enough cash after discovering the separate fee. Plan for the extra cost if this is one of the reasons you are booking, and confirm payment arrangements before departure.

Tokyo pickup, a multilingual guide, and a long road day

You can board in either Ginza or Shinjuku. The Ginza pickup runs from 7:20 to 7:30 on the first floor of Ginza Tokyu Plaza, a short walk from Ginza Station’s C2 or C3 exit. Look for the LON TRAVE sign. The Shinjuku departure is at 8:00, with several nearby station exits listed for access.

Arrive ten minutes early. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, which matters when the bus has two pickup points and a fixed schedule. The return is scheduled for Shinjuku around 17:20 to 17:30 and Ginza around 18:00 to 18:30, but traffic and weather can change the timing.

Round-trip transport is the tour’s practical advantage. Yeti is outside central Tokyo, and the day also includes a second stop, so doing both by public transport would take more planning and leave less room for the activities. A multilingual guide speaks English, Chinese, and Japanese. Guides on recent departures included Andrew, also called Yung-Chu, and Carp Feng; the guide assigned to your date may differ.

The group minimum is 15 people. If the minimum is not met, the tour can be canceled, with an email notice sent four days before departure. A recent group traveled in a small 15-seat vehicle, so do not assume a large coach. The compact group can make communication easier, but it also means space may feel limited on a long drive. Heavy traffic has made some days feel like a lot of road time, so pack a little patience along with your gloves.

Who will get the most from this day trip

This tour makes the most sense if you want a simple winter outing from Tokyo and like the idea of combining snow with two distinctly different stops. Families can mix sledding and snow play with a hot spring and fruit picking. First-time skiers may find the beginner areas appealing, though they should be clear about what ski instruction is and is not provided.

It also suits people who would rather pay for organized transport than manage a multi-stop route on their own. The guide and pickup points take care of the main travel framework, while the self-guided time at each stop lets you choose your own activities.

It is less suited to someone who wants a full day of skiing. Four hours at Yeti is only one part of a packed itinerary, and the strawberry and onsen stops take time away from the slopes. It may also disappoint anyone expecting an all-inclusive price. Admission, equipment, clothing, strawberries, and bathing are not all covered by the lowest fare.

Check the voucher date carefully, since it is valid only for the specified date and time. Confirmation is provided 48 hours before departure; if it does not arrive, contact customer support. The tour does not accept bookings from people under 18 traveling alone. Children aged 0 to 2 can ride free if they do not need a separate seat.

Should you book the Yeti, onsen, and strawberry trip?

Book it if you want a varied winter day and value a direct ride from Tokyo more than a long stretch on the ski slopes. The best fit is a family or small group that will enjoy snow play, a warm bath, and picking fruit, and is comfortable paying separately for chosen extras.

Before booking, decide between sledding and skiing, then check exactly what your package includes. Add the onsen and strawberry fees to your budget, and remember that ski wear rental costs extra and is cash only. If you want a focused ski holiday or need strict control over your return time, the traffic-sensitive schedule may not suit you. For a day that trades a little flexibility for three very different experiences, this is a practical choice.

FAQ

What is included in the lowest-priced option?

Option A includes round-trip transportation only. It excludes Yeti admission, equipment, meals, strawberry picking, and the hot spring fee.

Which package includes a sled?

Option B, the Snow Fun Package, includes resort admission and a snow sled.

Which package includes ski equipment and lift access?

Plan C, the Ski Package, includes resort admission, ski equipment, and a ski lift.

How much does strawberry picking cost?

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

How much does the hot spring cost?

The onsen costs ¥1,600 per person on weekdays and ¥2,100 per person on holidays. It is not included in the base fare.

Where and when does the tour depart?

The tour departs from Ginza between 7:20 and 7:30, or from Shinjuku at 8:00. The Ginza meeting point is on the first floor of Ginza Tokyu Plaza.

When does the tour return to Tokyo?

The scheduled return is around 17:20 to 17:30 in Shinjuku and 18:00 to 18:30 in Ginza. Traffic and weather may change the schedule.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children aged 0 to 2 can travel free if they do not occupy a separate seat. The resort has snow-play activities, but the tour does not accept solo bookings from anyone under 18.

What happens if the minimum group size is not met?

The tour requires at least 15 people. If that minimum is not reached, the tour may be canceled, and an email notification is sent four days before departure.