One Day Tour to Oishi Park and Fruit Picking in Mt. Fuji Tokyo

A Day in the Clouds: Visiting Mt. Fuji, Oishi Park, and Fruit Picking

If you’re dreaming of seeing Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, this One Day Tour to Oishi Park and Fruit Picking offers a compact yet immersive experience. Starting early from Tokyo for around 9 to 10 hours, you’ll traverse scenic routes along the Fuji Subaru Line, visit the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, and indulge in seasonal fruit picking at a charming orchard in Yamanashi. Add in a panoramic ropeway ride and a hearty local lunch, and you have a recipe for a memorable day.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of natural beauty and authentic local flavors. The panoramic views from the Mt. Fuji Ropeway are truly breathtaking—imagine being at 1,075 meters with the mountain looming majestically in the background. Also, the fruit-picking experience is a highlight, giving us a taste of Japan’s seasonal bounty—whether strawberries in winter or grapes in early fall, it’s fresh, fun, and delicious.

A possible drawback? The tour’s schedule can be disrupted by weather or traffic, especially around Mt. Fuji. If fog rolls in or if the roads are congested, the planned stops might change or be shortened. Still, that’s part of the adventure in Japan’s unpredictable mountain weather.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic landscapes, local food, and interactive experiences. If you’re curious about Mt. Fuji and want a taste of rural Japan without a multi-day commitment, it’s a solid choice—especially for those who appreciate a good guide and value for money.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: You’ll get sweeping vistas of Mt. Fuji from the 5th Station and the Ropeway.
• Authentic Experience: Fruit picking offers a hands-on taste of Japan’s seasonal produce.
• Cultural Delights: Savor Yamanashi’s famous Houtou noodles and local lunch.
• Flexible Schedule: Weather can affect the itinerary, but guides do their best to adapt.
• Ideal for: Those short on time but eager for multiple experiences in one day.
• Group Size: Up to 100 travelers, with some smaller groups using mini-vans when needed.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Starting Point and Morning Pickup

We begin early in the bustling Shinjuku area, meeting at the Robert Indiana “LOVE” sculpture around 8 am. This convenient central location makes it easy for Tokyo visitors to hop on the bus, which is guided by a professional driver and multilingual guides—some speak both English and Chinese. The group size can be quite large—up to 100 people—but the guides are experienced at keeping everyone engaged and informed.

Yamanashi Farm and Fruit Picking

Our first stop is the Yamanashi Farm, where the real fun begins. Depending on the season, you could find yourself picking strawberries (December-May), cherries (June), peaches (mid-July-August), or grapes (August-October). We loved the chance to interact directly with the farm’s animals and learn about organic farming practices. The fact that admission is free makes this stop a great value, as it’s all about the experience rather than extra costs.

One reviewer, Mary_R, mentioned she was disappointed because her planned fruit-picking was canceled due to availability. This highlights the importance of checking seasonal conditions beforehand and understanding that fruit availability depends on ripeness and weather.

Oishi Park and Local Lunch

Next, we head to Oishi Park, located along the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi. The park is a photographer’s dream—vibrant flower fields and stunning views of Mt. Fuji create a postcard-perfect setting. Depending on the season, you might see cherry blossoms in spring, lavender in summer, or autumn leaves in fall.

Lunch at a local restaurant introduces us to Yamanashi’s signature hearty dish: Houtou noodles, thick and flavorful, often served with pork and seasonal vegetables. The review mentions it as a “flavorful culinary experience,” and we agree—it’s a satisfying way to fuel up for the afternoon.

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

After lunch, the tour continues with the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, a 1,075-meter ride offering 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes, including Mt. Fuji itself. The experience is exhilarating, and the views are truly breathtaking, especially on clear days. We loved how this gave us a bird’s-eye perspective of the mountain and the Fuji Five Lakes area.

Mt. Fuji 5th Station

The highlight is a visit to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, often called the “Sky Palace.” Here, we can explore the observation decks, learn about the mountain’s folklore, and take some iconic photos. The free admission makes this a highlight, but check weather conditions—if fog or rain roll in, the views might be limited.

A note from the review: sometimes, bad weather can prevent access to the 5th Station, leading to visits to the Fuji Visitors Center or Oshino Hakkai instead. While this can be disappointing, guides typically do their best to maximize your experience, and the alternative sites are still worth seeing.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

The bus ride itself is a crucial part of the experience. The guide provides English or Chinese translation, and the bus is near public transportation, making it easy for Tokyo visitors. When the group is small, a mini-van may be used, which can make the experience more intimate.

Traveling in a large group means some shared moments of awe, but it also requires patience—traffic congestion around Mt. Fuji can sometimes cause delays or schedule adjustments. The good news? The guides are flexible, and they’ll keep you informed.

What about the cost?

At $125.39 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering the inclusions—admission tickets, a full lunch, fruit picking, and the scenic ropeway. It offers good value, especially for travelers who want a comprehensive day that combines nature, local cuisine, and cultural sights without the stress of planning.

Tips for travelers

• Dress appropriately for outdoor activities; comfortable shoes are a must.
• Be prepared for changing weather, especially at higher elevations.
• Remember that fruit picking depends on ripeness; sometimes fruits are shared or given as souvenirs.
• Confirm your meeting point and departure time to avoid missing the bus.
• If bad weather is forecasted, be flexible—the guides will suggest alternative plans.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

Many travelers appreciate the authenticity of the farm and orchard visits, which are less commercialized and more about local life. The Houtou noodles are a regional specialty, and tasting them gives you a sense of the area’s culinary heritage.

The flower fields at Oishi Park are a highlight, especially during seasonal peaks. Whether it’s cherry blossoms, lavender, or autumn colors, these are genuine landscapes that showcase Japan’s natural beauty.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for those who want to see Mt. Fuji without the hassle of traveling independently. It suits nature lovers, foodies, and photographers eager to capture the mountain from multiple angles. If you enjoy interactive experiences like fruit-picking and are interested in regional cuisine, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that weather can influence the experience, particularly the visibility from the 5th Station. If you’re on a tight schedule or seeking a very personalized experience, you might prefer a private tour or one with more flexibility.

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural flavor, and interactive fun. It provides enough time at each stop to enjoy the landscape, learn about local practices, and indulge in regional specialties—all at a fair price.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is by bus, with a professional driver and multilingual guides. When the group is small, a mini-van may be used.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at the Robert Indiana “LOVE” sculpture in Nishishinjuku, Tokyo, with pickup arranged at 8 am.

How long does each stop last?
The farm visit lasts about 3 hours, Oishi Park 2 hours, the Ropeway 1.5 hours, and the Mt. Fuji 5th Station around 3 hours including exploration and photos.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Chinese or English?
Guides provide translation in either Chinese or English, making it accessible for most travelers.

What if the weather is bad?
Bad weather may lead to schedule changes—visits to alternative sites like the Fuji Visitors Center or Oshino Hakkai. The tour isn’t canceled for weather, but views from Mt. Fuji may be limited.

Is there free time to explore on my own?
Most of the schedule is guided, but there’s some flexibility for photos and brief exploration at each stop.

In sum, this tour strikes a nice balance between scenic sightseeing, cultural experiences, and fun activities like fruit-picking. If you’re looking for a day that captures the essence of Mt. Fuji and its surroundings without breaking the bank, it’s worth considering. Just remember to keep an eye on the weather—and the fruit season!