Mt. Fuji Yeti Ski Day Tour (Depart from Tokyo or Shinjuku)

Mt. Fuji is the star of this day out: at Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti, you can ski or sled with Japan’s highest mountain rising behind the slopes. The trip pairs that snow stop with a visit to Gotemba Premium Outlets, making it a practical choice if you want more than a day on the slopes.

I like the choice of packages, from a beginner ski lesson to a simple ride and sled admission, and I like having a guide to help with timing and the gear-rental process. Guides on recent departures have included Arpan, Kevin Liu, Tiffany and Ko, though your guide will depend on the day.

The main trade-off is time. You leave Tokyo early, spend only part of the day at the resort, and may face a slow return in traffic. The tour information also gives conflicting indications about ski time, so check the schedule for your selected package before paying.

Key points

• Mount Fuji views: Yeti sits on the mountain’s second station, with clear-day views from the snow area.
• Packages for different plans: Choose beginner lessons, skiing, sledding, strawberry picking, transport only or a combined outlet-and-resort day.
• A compact resort: Three lifts serve about 3 kilometres of slopes, with beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.
• Early start, long day: Departures are around 8 a.m.; the estimated return is 6:30 p.m. in Shinjuku or 7 p.m. at Tokyo Station.
• Check what your package covers: Rental suits, equipment, lift access and admission vary by option. Accessories such as gloves and goggles are not included.
• A useful family option: Snow play and sledding mean non-skiers can enjoy the visit too, and one package adds 30 minutes of strawberry picking.

Snow time with Mount Fuji in view

Yeti is a small ski resort in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, on the second station of Mount Fuji. Its appeal is not a vast network of runs. The resort has three lifts and about 3 kilometres of slopes, but the mountain setting gives this outing a memorable backdrop that a city snow dome cannot match.

At roughly 1,300 to 1,450 metres in elevation, the resort’s listed average temperatures range from about -3°C in January to 2°C in March. Dress for cold, wet conditions, and bring non-slip winter shoes for time off the slopes. The tour advises warm, waterproof clothing; even if your package includes a ski suit, plan to bring your own layers and accessories.

The views depend on the weather. On a clear day, Mount Fuji can be seen from the resort and along parts of the journey. Clouds can hide the mountain, so treat the view as a welcome bonus rather than a guarantee.

Picking a package that fits your day

The choice of package matters more than the low starting price. The listed starting fare is $49.29, but that is not a reliable estimate for a full ski day with equipment and lift access. The transport-only option does not include resort admission, a lift pass, ski equipment or a suit. You would need to arrange and pay for those at the resort.

For a first ski outing, the Beginner package is the clearest fit: it combines transport, ski equipment, a suit, lift access and a group ski lesson. Lessons are for skiing only; snowboard lessons are not provided. A group lesson can get you started with basic movements, but it is not a substitute for extended coaching. If you want time to practise, consider how much slope time your schedule actually allows.

The Effortless package includes transport, ski equipment, a suit and a lift pass, but no lesson. The Economy package lists transport, equipment and lift access, without a suit. Package names alone are not enough to settle what is included, so read the exact inclusions for your chosen date. Helmets, goggles, gloves and hats have caused confusion on some departures, and accessories are specifically excluded from the general rental information.

If skiing is not your aim, the bus-and-admission-and-sled package is more suitable for snow play. The Snow Fun option adds 30 minutes of all-you-can-pick strawberry picking. A transport-only choice is useful if you prefer to make your own arrangements, while the outlet-and-ski-resort option combines the two stops without the listed activity inclusions.

The tour promotes a 30% discount and six hours of ski time, but the published day schedule shows arrival at Yeti at 10:30 and departure at 13:20, with a two-hour resort visit noted. That leaves a mismatch between the stated ski time and the stop shown in the schedule. Confirm the time available at the resort for your selected package before booking, especially if skiing is the main reason for going.

The morning ride from Tokyo or Shinjuku

The bus departs from central Tokyo, with meeting times listed at Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit and Tokyo Mode Gakuen in Shinjuku. The stated schedules are an early 7:50 meet-up and 8:00 departure from Tokyo Station, or an 8:25 meet-up and 8:30 departure at Tokyo Mode Gakuen. Check your voucher carefully: the meeting point you choose determines where and when you need to be.

At Tokyo Station, look for the guide holding an EASYGO flag. At Tokyo Mode Gakuen, meet under the flags outside the building. These are busy city locations, so arrive early enough to find the exact spot without a last-minute sprint. A late arrival or no-show is treated as a missed departure and is not refundable.

The ride is part of the value. You avoid arranging your own transport to the resort and can leave bulky winter gear at home if your package includes it. The vehicle type may change according to the number of people booked, and each passenger may bring one piece of luggage free.

Guides use English, Mandarin Chinese and Easy Japanese; other languages are not supported. A guide can help explain the day’s timings and point you toward the rental process, but do not assume every guide will provide ski instruction. The ski lessons are led as group lessons, and snowboard lessons are not available.

At Yeti: skiing, sledding and snow play

The bus is scheduled to reach Yeti around 10:30. The resort visit is self-guided, which gives you freedom to use your time as you like, but it also means you need to keep track of the group’s return time. If you have a lesson, allow time to collect the gear and get organised before it begins.

First-timers should consider the Beginner package rather than assuming they can pick up skiing on their own. A short group lesson can cover basic movements, and guides have helped people find equipment and connect with instructors. Still, a compact resort visit leaves little margin for a slow start. If you already ski, the package with equipment and lift access may make more sense, provided you have checked what is included.

Yeti’s three lifts and 3 kilometres of slopes offer a modest range rather than a full-scale ski holiday. The listed runs include beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain, though the resort’s brief length and the day-trip schedule make this better suited to a taste of skiing than a long progression through varied runs. On crowded days, a newcomer may need patience and room to practise safely.

You can also choose sledding or simply play in the snow. That flexibility is valuable for families and mixed groups where not everyone wants to ski. Children can enjoy sledding and making snowmen, while adults can take turns on the slopes or admire the Fuji view. The snow experience is still weather- and conditions-dependent, so do not book expecting a guaranteed snowfall.

Rental equipment is tied to the package you choose. If you need extra clothing or gear, you may be able to rent it on site for an additional charge. Goggles, gloves, hats and similar accessories are not included, so bring your own if you have them. One practical note from past departures: check your gear before leaving the rental area, especially if the sun is bright on the snow. Sunglasses can be useful, but the tour does not list them as supplied.

Lunch and other personal expenses are not included in the general tour price. There are food options at the resort, but the time window is limited, so keep an eye on the clock and avoid letting a meal take over your ski or snow-play time.

Gotemba Premium Outlets and the ride back

Around 13:20, the tour heads to Gotemba Premium Outlets for a self-guided visit of about two hours. The complex has roughly 300 Japanese and international brands, and it can offer another clear-day view of Mount Fuji. This stop gives non-skiers a second reason to join and lets shoppers browse while the snow portion stays relatively short.

Two hours is enough for a targeted visit, not a leisurely tour of every shop. If you have a particular brand or item in mind, decide where to go first. The outlet stop also means less time at Yeti, so this version of the day suits people who want a mixed outing more than those seeking a full day of skiing.

The bus is scheduled to leave at about 15:30. Estimated returns are 18:30 at Shinjuku West Exit and 19:00 at Tokyo Station, but traffic and weather can change the timetable. The journey back from Yeti can take longer in heavy traffic, so do not book a timed evening activity that depends on arriving exactly as scheduled.

Price, value and practical limits

At $49.29 to start, this can be good value if you want transport and a straightforward day outside Tokyo. The savings become less clear once you add a lift pass, admission, clothing, equipment or other rentals to a transport-only booking. Compare the total cost of the package you need, not just the lowest advertised fare.

The tour’s strongest value is convenience: a round-trip coach, a guide who can help with the day’s arrangements, and a choice of snow activities without planning the route yourself. The strawberry-picking option adds a distinct second activity, while the outlet stop provides a change of pace. For a first taste of Japanese snow or a family day out, that variety can be worth more than maximising time on the slopes.

The limits are real. This is a long day, the resort stop is short by ski-trip standards, and the bus schedule can slip. Older people over 70 with limited mobility, pregnant people and those with serious medical conditions are advised not to take part. Skiing also calls for balance and physical effort, so be honest about your comfort with both.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 48 hours before the activity date, using local destination time. Confirmation is sent 48 hours before departure; if it does not arrive, contact customer support. Children aged 0 to 2 may join free if they do not need a separate seat.

Should you book this Mt. Fuji ski day?

Book it if you want an easy, guided introduction to snow near Tokyo, value a chance to see Mount Fuji, or are travelling with people who want different activities. The Beginner package suits someone who wants a first ski lesson; sledding and snow play are better choices for young children or non-skiers. Strawberry picking makes the day especially varied.

Skip it if your priority is a full day of skiing, a guaranteed Fuji view or a precise evening return. Before paying, check the selected package’s inclusions and clarify the amount of time at Yeti. That small bit of homework can prevent the two most common disappointments: arriving without the gear you expected, or discovering that the slopes get less time than you planned.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The listed meeting points are Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit and Tokyo Mode Gakuen in Shinjuku. Check your booking details for the selected location and time.

What time does the tour leave?

The Tokyo Station schedule lists a 7:50 meet-up and 8:00 departure. The Tokyo Mode Gakuen schedule lists an 8:25 meet-up and 8:30 departure.

What time does the bus return?

The estimated return is 18:30 at Shinjuku West Exit or 19:00 at Tokyo Station. Traffic and weather can change these times.

Are ski equipment and lift tickets included?

It depends on the package. The Beginner and Effortless options list ski equipment and lift access; the Economy option lists equipment and lift access. Transport-only does not include admission, lift access, equipment or a suit.

Are ski lessons available?

The Beginner package includes a group skiing lesson. Lessons are not available for snowboarding.

Are helmets, goggles and gloves included?

Accessories such as goggles, gloves and hats are not included. Check the exact package details for helmets and any other equipment, and bring accessories you need or arrange rental on site.

Can I go if I do not ski?

Yes. A package with admission and sledding is available, and the Snow Fun option includes snow activities and 30-minute strawberry picking.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and personal expenses are not included in the general tour information.

Can children under 3 join for free?

Children aged 0 to 2 may join free if they do not occupy a separate seat.