Chubu is one of Japan’s most diverse regions, offering everything from stunning natural landscapes to vibrant city life. For travelers exploring Japan, Chubu stands out because of its mountains, lakes, and cultural sites. Among the many ways to experience this region, we’ve highlighted three standout tours that cater to different interests and schedules. Our favorites include a personalized scenic drive around Mt. Fuji, a comprehensive Tokyo city pass, and a premium access pass for Tokyo’s top attractions. Each provides unique value, whether you’re after breathtaking views or seamless city exploration.
If you’re planning your trip, consider what kind of experience you want. Do you prefer the tranquility of a scenic drive, or are you more excited by the idea of exploring Tokyo’s iconic landmarks? We think the options below offer something for every type of traveler, and each one can help you make the most of your time in Japan.
1. Half-Day Mt. Fuji Scenic Drive: 3-Hour Tour
For around $168, the Half-Day Mt. Fuji Scenic Drive is perfect if you want a personalized, flexible way to see one of Japan’s most famous peaks. This tour offers private guiding with a driver who tailors the experience to your preferences, making it a unique, intimate way to explore the region. Unlike larger bus tours, this ride feels more like a road trip with a local friend sharing insights about Mt. Fuji and surrounding sights.
What makes this tour stand out is its customizable itinerary. The only fixed point is a stop at Mount Fuji itself, which lasts about an hour with free admission. The rest of your drive depends on what interests you most—whether it’s viewing the sunrise, snapping photos of the landscape, or visiting nearby spots like lakes or waterfalls. The expert guide-driver ensures a smooth ride and plenty of interesting commentary, making it ideal for couples, families, or anyone craving a private experience.
Since it’s a short, 3-hour tour, it fits well into a day of sightseeing around Nagano or the Fuji Five Lakes region. It’s also a flexible option for those who want a personalized day without the full commitment of a full-day tour.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a private, flexible way to see Mt. Fuji, perfect for travelers who value customization and intimacy over large-group tours.
$168.01 per person
2. Tokyo City Pass Classic Top Attractions Tokyo Tower and Transport
For about $166, the Tokyo City Pass Classic offers seven days of seamless access to some of Tokyo’s best-known sights. This pass includes a 72-hour subway ticket, tickets to Tokyo Tower, and three audio guides, along with 3 GB of eSIM data, which means you can stay connected without hassle.
This pass is especially valuable for travelers who want flexibility. Instead of booking individual tickets or rushing to see attractions, you get the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can visit landmarks like Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, or the Meiji Shrine as your schedule allows. Plus, the included transport pass helps you avoid the hassle of buying separate tickets for each trip.
The audio guides add a layer of insight, making self-guided explorations more engaging. While the pass doesn’t limit you to specific sites, it’s designed to cover top attractions efficiently, maximizing your sightseeing time.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a flexible, cost-effective way to explore Tokyo’s highlights over a week, the Tokyo City Pass Classic is a smart choice, especially for first-time visitors keen on seeing the essential sights.
$165.63 per person
3. Tokyo City Pass to Top Attraction, Tokyo Skytree and Transport
For about $249, the Tokyo City Pass to Top Attraction is the premium option for those wanting more flexibility and access. It includes similar benefits as the classic pass—such as a 72-hour subway pass and tickets to major sites—but also lets you pick four attractions to visit, including Tokyo Skytree, Disneyland, teamLab Planets, or Mount Fuji highlights.
The highlight of this pass is its customization. Unlike the standard pass, which focuses mainly on Tokyo Tower, this one allows you to tailor your sightseeing to your interests. Want to catch breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree? Or enjoy digital art experiences at teamLab Planets? This pass makes it all possible with just one purchase.
Guests who opt for this pass often comment on its convenience and the ability to combine different experiences without extra hassle. It’s perfect for travelers who want a luxury of choice—or those planning a longer stay with varied interests. The only downside is the higher price, but for many, the extra flexibility justifies the cost.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive and customizable sightseeing experience in Tokyo, especially if digital art, theme parks, or sky-high views appeal to you, this premium pass is worth considering.
$249.05 per person
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends heavily on your interests, budget, and time available. For a short, personalized experience around Mt. Fuji, the Half-Day Scenic Drive offers intimacy and flexibility—best for those wanting a private, tailored trip. If you’re focused on maximizing your city exploration and want to visit multiple Tokyo landmarks without fuss, the Tokyo City Pass Classic provides excellent value over a week. For travelers seeking more options and higher customization, the Tokyo City Pass to Top Attraction is the way to go.
Consider your travel style: if you prefer a private, scenic experience, the Mt. Fuji drive is ideal. If you’re in Tokyo and want a stress-free way to see multiple major sights, the passes give you freedom and ease. Book early, especially for popular tickets like these, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Chubu offers a range of excellent tour options, from intimate drives around Mt. Fuji to comprehensive city passes for Tokyo. The Half-Day Mt. Fuji Scenic Drive is perfect if you want a private, flexible experience with stunning views. Meanwhile, the Tokyo city passes provide a straightforward way to explore Japan’s capital at your own pace, with the premium option catering to travelers who want more choices.
Whether you’re after natural beauty or urban adventure, booking these tours early and choosing the right one for your style will make your trip in Japan smoother and more memorable. Happy travels!