From Tokyo: Mount Fuji, Macha Workshop and Shopping Tour

A Day Out from Tokyo: Mount Fuji, Matcha Workshop, and Hitachi Seaside Park

If you’re looking to step outside the bustling streets of Tokyo and explore Japan’s natural beauty and traditional delights, this tour offers an engaging mix of culture, scenery, and shopping. For just over $50, you get a roughly 10-hour guided experience that hits some of the best sights in the region — from iconic Mount Fuji views to the vibrant Kochia plants at Hitachi Seaside Park, plus stops at a premium outlet mall and a fruit farm.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert local guide makes all the difference — their insights turn simple sightseeing into a richer, more meaningful experience. Second, visiting the Hitachi Seaside Park during Kochia Carnival provides a spectacle of color that’s hard to match, especially as the plants shift from green to deep red.

A possible consideration is the long day’s schedule, which involves a fair amount of travel and walking, so it’s best suited for those with moderate fitness who enjoy being on the move. Also, note that lunch isn’t included, so packing a snack or plan for a meal during one of the stops is wise.

This tour appeals most to those eager to combine scenic views with cultural highlights, and who appreciate the convenience of an organized day out that covers multiple destinations with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary combines natural beauty, cultural sights, shopping, and fruit-harvesting.
• Expert guide enhances the experience with informative commentary and patience.
• Vivid scenery at Hitachi Seaside Park is a highlight, especially during Kochia Carnival.
• Convenient transportation with WiFi and air conditioning makes the day comfortable.
• No lunch included, so plan accordingly for a full day on your feet.
• Moderate physical activity required; suitable for travelers comfortable with walking.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Hitachi Seaside Park and the Kochia Carnival

The tour’s main highlight is the Kochia Carnival at Hitachi Seaside Park. During the right season, thousands of these bright red plants turn the landscape into a fiery sea that’s sure to catch your eye. We loved the way the plants gradually change from green to red, creating a stunning visual that’s perfect for photos. The park itself is immense and features a variety of flower displays, but the Kochia is the star attraction during this time of year.

Our guide explained how the plants are carefully cultivated, making the visual even more impressive. It’s a limited-time event, so timing your visit to coincide with the carnival is key. The park’s natural setting along Japan’s Pacific Ocean adds to the appeal, giving you a chance to breathe in fresh sea air while marveling at the vibrant colors.

Lake Kawaguchiko and Matcha Making

Next, the tour takes you to Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the most picturesque spots viewing Mount Fuji, with a chance to walk the lakeside and soak in some peaceful scenery. This stop offers excellent photo opportunities of Fuji’s iconic silhouette, especially if the weather cooperates.

At Shikido, you’ll get hands-on with a matcha-making experience. We found this part particularly charming — learning how to prepare and enjoy traditional green tea adds a genuine cultural touch. Plus, you can purchase souvenirs here, including some of the most famous items related to Mount Fuji. This stop combines a bit of sensory delight with cultural authenticity, making it more than just a sightseeing moment.

Iconic Views at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

A quick visit to Arakurayama Sengen Park delivers one of the best panoramic views of Mount Fuji you can find from a city area in Japan. The Sengen temple, perched above the city, offers a scenic backdrop with the mountain framed perfectly in the photo. It’s a bit of a climb, but the view makes it worth the effort. This spot is ideal for capturing that quintessential Fuji shot.

Shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets

The afternoon is dedicated to retail therapy at Japan’s largest outlet mall, Gotemba Premium Outlets. With over 200 brands offering discounts, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re after designer labels or just want to browse, the mall’s open-air layout and scenic mountain backdrop add a relaxed vibe to the shopping experience.

Even if shopping isn’t your main goal, spending about three hours here means you can leisurely browse, grab a snack, or simply enjoy the mountain views while stretching your legs. One reviewer appreciated the flexibility, noting that if shopping isn’t your thing, you can find other ways to enjoy the surroundings.

Fruit Farm and Return to Tokyo

Before heading back, the tour stops at a fruit farm for some pear hunting, adding a local agricultural touch to the day. Picking fresh fruit is a simple pleasure that reminds us of Japan’s respect for nature and seasonal bounty.

The return trip offers WiFi and air conditioning, making the long ride comfortable. The tour ends back at the starting point in Shinjuku, making it easy to plan your evening afterward.

Authentic Experiences and Real Reviews

Our guide, “Vicky,” received praise from travelers for her knowledge and patience. One guest remarked, “Our tour guide, Vicky is very informative and helpful. She is very patient with us and the overall trip has exceeded our expectations.” That kind of attentive guidance really elevates a day trip, ensuring you get the most out of each stop without feeling rushed.

The highlight for many is the visual spectacle of Kochia plants, with one reviewer describing it as a “great experience.” The combination of vivid plant displays, scenic views, and cultural moments like matcha making creates a well-rounded day.

You’ll also find that the cost — $52.38 per person — is quite reasonable for a full day with transportation, guiding, and entry to several attractions included. Since lunch isn’t included, you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal at one of the stops.

Practical Tips for Your Day Out

• Arrive early at the meeting point in Shinjuku to ensure smooth check-in.
• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking at each site.
• Bring a camera or smartphone with a good battery — the photo opportunities are plentiful.
• Pack a light snack or water, especially since lunch isn’t included.
• Check the timing of the Kochia Carnival if the display is your main reason for visiting — it’s seasonal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want an organized day out that combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and shopping. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate photo opportunities and want to see iconic sights like Mount Fuji without the hassle of planning multiple trips. The guide’s commentary enriches the experience, making it engaging for those curious about Japan’s landscape and traditions.

It’s also a good option for families with children, as the stops involve manageable walking and the scenery is captivating. However, those with limited mobility or who prefer a more relaxed pace may find the schedule a bit packed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The itinerary involves walking and some standing, so a moderate fitness level is recommended.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the shopping or farm stops.

What is the best time to see the Kochia plants?
The plants are at their most vivid during the Kochia Carnival, which is seasonal. It’s best to check the timing to align with your visit.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 10 hours, including travel time, sightseeing stops, and shopping.

Is WiFi available during the trip?
Yes, WiFi is provided on board the vehicle, making it easy to stay connected.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 99 travelers, making it a comfortably sized group for a guided experience.

What about transportation?
The trip is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle with convenient pickup at the meeting point. It’s designed for comfort during the long day.

To sum it up, this guided tour from Tokyo offers a fantastic blend of scenery, culture, and shopping — all in one day. It’s ideal for those wanting a hassle-free way to see some of Japan’s most picturesque sights and enjoy authentic experiences like matcha making and fruit picking. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, travelers can relax and focus on soaking in the views and local atmosphere, making it a worthwhile addition to any Japan itinerary.