Tokyo: Ramen-Making, Hakone Cruise & Mt. Fuji Views Tour
Itinerary until March 14: Experience the best of Hakone and Mt. Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo. Leave behind the bustling Tokyo metropolis on a guided tour to enjoy breathtaking views from Mt. Fuji's 5th Station, glide over Hakone on a scenic cable car ride, cruise Lake Ashi's tranquil waters, and explore the Owakudani Valley volcanic area. From March 15, you will enjoy a make-your-own ramen experience and travel to Oshino Hakkai and Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine / Tenku no Torii. We will not travel to Mt. Fuji 5th Station or Owakudani, nor will we ride the ropeway. Itinerary from March 15: After departing from Tokyo, sail aboard the Hakone Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi! During this relaxing boat ride, gaze out upon the lake and the surrounding natural scenery. The area is known for its view of Mt. Fuji and stunning greenery or cherry blossoms. After working up your appetite in the morning, we'll stop at the Ramen Factory at Mt. Fuji. Start from scratch - including making your own noodles! Create your own unique style of ramen with this customizable lunch: choose your soup base and seasonings, toppings, even boil the noodles to your desired firmness! Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. If you join the tour on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, we will visit Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, a Shinto shrine founded over 1,500 years ago in 705, offering a stunning view of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms. Starting at the foot of Mt. Arakura, after passing through the grand red torii gate, you will reach the beautiful main hall. Along the stone staircase, you will see the Shiogama and Atago Shrines, dedicated to safe childbirth and fire protection, respectively. After ascending either the Sakuya-Hime staircase or sloping path, you will reach the stunning five-story Churei-to Pagoda and the observatory deck. If you join on Wednesday or Sunday, we will travel to Tenku no Torii, the "Torii Gate in the Sky." Located above Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, it was built as a sacred spot to worship Mt. Fuji, which stands tall in the distance. The gate has gone viral on social media for how it frames Mt. Fuji perfectly for pictures. The Kawaguchi Asama Shrine was built in the 7th year of the Jogen Era (865) in order to calm the thundering Mt. Fuji which erupted the year before. Today, it's one of the few sites that belong under the UNESCO Fujisan World Heritage Site umbrella. From Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, it takes up to 30 minutes of uphill walking to reach Tenku no Torii. The "hakkai" in Oshino Hakkai means "eight seas" in Japanese, referring to eight pristine ponds formed from melted snow from Mt. Fuji’s peak, filtered through volcanic rock over an 80-year-long process. Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, the "Fruit Kingdom" of Japan, Oshino Hakkai features large markets and smaller local vendors offering local wine, fresh fruit, souvenirs, and regional treats. After wrapping up, we'll head back to Shinjuku.