The TWE team proudly presents curated tours for your Japan trip.
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Kawaguchi Lake and Mount Fuji Full-Day Sightseeing Trip
Discover Mount Fuji, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, and all the epic sights around it! Explore the Kawaguchi Lake, the iconic five-story pagoda, 5th Station, and Oshino Hakkai on a full-day guided trip from Tokyo.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Mt. Fuji’s best scenic point at remarkable Kawaguchiko Lake
- Taste the water from Mt. Fuji at the Oshino Hakkai, another famous spot
- Visit the hottest Arakura Sengen Shrine with five-storied pagoda
- Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from 5th Station
Tour Duration: 10 hours (average length)
Meeting Point: Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station
Tour Itinerary
Kawaguchiko Oishi Park – capture beautiful photos with Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji in the background. Depending on the season, you’ll see various colorful flowers here.
Arakura Sengen Park – located halfway up Mount Arakura in Fujiyoshida in the Yamanashi Prefecture. Take in the panoramic views of the city with Mount Fuji in the background and Chureito Pagoda in the foreground.
Oshino Hakkai – one of the most famous spots in the Fujisan area. You can see the 8 different lakes located there and taste the water from Mount Fuji.
5th Station – this is the half way point of Mount Fuji, which is 2300m high. You can enjoy some local food or buy unique souvenirs here, with very close view Mount Fuji.
Note: In winter, the tour will go to 4th Station/Mt. Fuji 1st Station or Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park to see a Fuji sunset view instead.
MT. FUJI: HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso
Wake up facing the most beautiful of peaks, Mount Fuji. This is the perfect ryokan hotel to pair with your trip to the Yamanashi area.
Rooms face either Mt. Fuji or Lake Kawaguchi (honestly, you can’t go wrong with either), and the decadent breakfast? A must.
Mt. Fuji & Hakone: 1-Day Scenic Tour By Bus and Bullet Train
Escape Tokyo for a day to explore the natural wonders of Mt. Fuji and Hakone, just a short trip from the city. Enjoy world-class views of Japan’s most famous peak, then unwind in Hakone, an iconic onsen town known for its scenic landscapes and volcanic hot springs.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Mt. Fuji’s Famous 5th Station – Experience the closest you can get to the iconic peak by vehicle, with epic panoramic views (weather permitting).
- Hakone Ropeway Ride – Soar over steaming volcanic valleys and take in the surreal landscapes of Owakudani from above.
- Lake Ashi Cruise – Glide across this scenic crater lake with Mt. Fuji in the background—one of Hakone’s most famous postcard views.
- Lunch Buffet with Local Flavors – Enjoy a spread of fresh, regional dishes at the foot of Mt. Fuji—perfect fuel for your adventure.
- Return to Tokyo by Bullet Train – Wrap up your day with a high-speed ride back to the city, a quintessential Japan experience!
Tour Duration: 11 hours (average length)
Tour Itinerary
Mt. Fuji 5th Station – Take in the crisp mountain air and breathtaking views from the highest point accessible by vehicle. Visit the sacred Shinto shrine nestled at the 5th Station, where climbers pray for a safe journey.
Note: If road conditions prevent access beyond the 4th Station, the tour will visit Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village with crystal-clear spring ponds fed by Mt. Fuji’s melted snow.
Lunch Buffet at the Base of Mt. Fuji – Savor an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring fresh local ingredients with a view of Japan’s most famous peak. Vegetarian and Muslim-friendly meals available (request at booking).
Hakone Ropeway – Glide above steaming volcanic valleys on an exhilarating cable car ride. Keep your eyes peeled for Hakone’s rugged landscape and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji towering in the distance.
Lake Ashi Cruise – Sail across this picturesque caldera lake, created by an ancient volcanic eruption. Enjoy postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji reflecting on the water (weather permitting).
Bullet Train Return from Odawara Station – End the adventure at Odawara Station, where you’ll board a high-speed bullet train for a swift and comfortable ride back to Tokyo.
Tokyo: Traditional Performing Arts Dinner Show
If you’re curious about traditional Japanese performing arts but don’t want to commit to a long theater experience, SUIGIAN offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the traditions of Japan while enjoying a kaiseki meal.
Set in a restaurant thoughtfully styled after a traditional Noh stage (yes, including the iconic pine tree backdrop), this dinner-and-show experience blends culture with seasonal cuisine.
Activity Highlgihts
- Your multi-course meal will consist of 8 different courses—think dishes like grilled Wagyu beef, delicate soups, and beautifully plated appetizers
- Enjoy multiple 10-minute performances of classical Japanese dance and music during your meal
From Tokyo: Kawagoe Half-Day Tour – Explore “Little Edo”
Just 30 minutes from Tokyo, Kawagoe offers a glimpse into Japan’s Edo-era past with its well-preserved merchant streets, historic temples, and local food culture. This fully customizable four-hour private tour lets you explore Kawagoe your way, whether you want to wander through centuries-old warehouses, sample traditional sweets, or visit sacred shrines.
Tour Highlights:
- Discover Kawagoe’s Edo-era charm at Toki no Kane, the iconic bell tower.
- Walk down Kurazukuri Street, lined with well-preserved merchant warehouses.
- Visit Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, famous for love blessings and its picturesque tunnel of ema plaques.
- Explore the historic Kitain Temple, home to the only remaining structures of Edo Castle.
- Customize your experience with stops at Kawagoe Castle, local food markets, or a relaxing soak at Kawagoe Onsen.
Tour Duration: 4 hours (average length)
Typical Tour Itinerary:
Note: This tour is fully customizable! Your guide will tailor the itinerary based on your interests, ensuring a perfect balance of history, culture, and local experiences.
Toki no Kane (Bell Tower) – See Kawagoe’s iconic wooden clock tower, ringing since the Edo period.
Kurazukuri Street & Koedo Yokocho – Stroll through the preserved merchant district, browse traditional shops, and sample Kawagoe’s famous sweet potato snacks.
Kitain Temple – Explore a temple with over 1,200 years of history and the last remnants of Edo Castle.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine – A must-visit for love and relationship blessings, with its famous wind chime displays and lucky love stones.
Kawagoe Castle (Honmaru Palace) – Step back in time inside the last remaining part of the former castle, with tatami rooms used by feudal lords.
Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan – Experience the energy of the Kawagoe Festival year-round with elaborate festival floats and interactive exhibits.
Optional: Kawagoe Onsen – Unwind in a traditional Japanese hot spring after exploring the town.
Osaka Food Tour: Taste Your Way Through The City
Osaka is known as Japan’s ultimate foodie city, famous for its rich street food culture, hearty comfort dishes, and passionate local chefs.
This guided food tour takes you beyond the tourist traps to hidden gems featured on Somebody Feed Phil, where you’ll taste Osaka’s best bites, from crispy takoyaki to savory gyoza and flavorful kitsune udon.
Tour Highlights:
- Visit five local eateries, including hidden gems featured on Netflix.
- Taste 13 delicious dishes, including: Takoyaki, Kushikatsu, Kitsune Udon, Nikudofu, Yakitori, Tebasaki, Tonpeiyaki, Oden, Ehire, Somen, Nagaimo, Gyoza, & fruits
- 2 drinks included: sip on both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks for a well-rounded experience.
- Small group size for a more personalized experience with your local guide.
Tour Duration: 3 hours (average length)
Start Time: 05:30 pm
[ LIMITED TIME EVENT ] Osaka: World Expo 2025
The World Expo 2025 is heading to Osaka, Japan, marking its return to the city after 55 years since the Osaka Expo 1970 (Japan and Asia’s first ever)! From April 13 – October 13, 2025, the event will take place on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay (near Universal Studios Japan).
If you’ve never been to a World Expo, let me break it down for you without all the fancy jargon that you’ll find on the official website.
Think of it as a giant global showcase where countries come together to flaunt their latest innovations. It’s like a mix of a science fair, a cultural festival, and a tech conference—but on steroids.
The theme for 2025 is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” with a focus on sustainability, empowerment, and connection. Expect to see everything from AI and robotics to solutions for global challenges like climate change and poverty. And yes, there will be plenty of cool, interactive exhibits to geek out over.
RELATED: Where To Stay In Osaka for Expo 2025
Discover Geisha Arts In Kyoto: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show
This guided walking tour takes you through Gion’s charming streets, past traditional shops, shrines, and theaters, while offering insights into the mysterious lives of geisha. To complete the experience, enjoy a special geisha performance by an apprentice geisha (maiko), where you can watch an elegant dance and ask questions about this centuries-old tradition.
Tour Highlights
- Gion Walking Tour – Explore Kyoto’s famous geisha district with an expert guide. Learn about geisha traditions, history, and the significance of their art.
- Maiko Performance – Enjoy a graceful dance by an apprentice geisha.
- Historic Landmarks – Visit shrines, temples, and the oldest Kabuki theater.
- Small-Group Experience – Get a more personal and immersive introduction to Gion.
Tour Duration: 3 hours (average length)
Tour Itinerary
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni – Learn about the origins of Kabuki theater and its surprising beginnings as a female-led art form.
Minamiza Theater – See Kyoto’s oldest Kabuki theater and hear about its evolution, including modern VR collaborations.
Gion Shirakawa – Walk through one of Gion’s most scenic areas, lined with historic buildings and riverside tea houses.
Tatsumi-jinja Shrine – Discover the basics of Shintoism and the many gods worshipped in Japan.
Hanamikoji Street – Stroll down Gion’s main street, where you might spot a real geisha heading to an evening engagement.
Kennin-ji Temple – Visit one of Kyoto’s oldest Zen temples and learn about the influence of Zen Buddhism.
Kyoto Ebisu Shrine – See the shrine dedicated to Ebisu, the god of wealth, and learn about its importance to local businesses.
Geisha Show – End the tour with an intimate 45-minute maiko performance, where you can watch traditional dance and ask questions.
Kyoto: Hozugawa River Boat Ride
If a day out among lush forests, rocky gorges, and picturesque landscapes along the Hozu River sounds like your idea of a good time, you’re going to love this one. The Hozugawa Kudari River Boat Cruise is one of the most fun things I’ve done in Japan. It’s not as exhilarating as whitewater rafting, but it’s equally as scenic! Plus, it’s a boat ride in Japan. Iconic.
Tour Highlights
- Get away from Kyoto’s crazy crowds and experience a 2-hour Hozugawa River rafting adventure on a charming, traditional boat
- Explore canyons and bask in the serenity of this area’s natural beauty as boatmen skillfully navigate you along, using traditional rowing techniques
- Along the ride, you’ll encounter all sorts of scenic views and wildlife (including turtles and cranes). There will be a few fun “rapids” you’ll slide through, plus many calm stretches of the river.
Tour Duration: 2 hours (average length)
👉 Pro Tip: We did this boat trip during the month of May. The scenery was already so unbelievably beautiful, but apparently, it gets better. If your trip happens to take place during cherry blossom season in the spring or during the autumn when the foliage becomes a sea of colors, the boat ride will be THAT much more scenic!
Need Help Planning Your Trip To Japan?
TOKYO: ITINERARIES / THINGS TO DO
Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
Best Of Tokyo: The Perfect 5 Days In Tokyo, Japan
2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do
10 Of My Favorite Cheap Eats In Tokyo, Japan
20+ Top Things To Do In Shinjuku, Tokyo’s High-Energy District
Tokyo After Dark: 25 Unique Nighttime Activities
18+ Best Attractions In Tokyo For Anime Lovers
MT. FUJI / KAWAGUCHIKO
2 Days In Kawaguchiko: An Epic Overnight Trip To Mount Fuji
The Perfect 3 Days In Kawaguchiko + Fuji Five Lakes
25 Fun Things To Do In Kawaguchiko + Beyond (Mount Fuji Travel Guide)
Hot Pink Magic: Your Ultimate Guide to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Is Japan’s Fuji-Q Highland Worth Your Time And Money?
7 Best Ryokans With Private Onsen In Hakone, Japan
OSAKA
The World Expo Is Back: Where To Stay In Osaka for Expo 2025
3 Days In Osaka Itinerary: How To Enjoy Japan’s Retro-Modern City
4 Days of Fun in Osaka: Ultimate Itinerary for an Epic Trip
15 Fun Things To Do In Osaka Other Than Castles + Shrines
20 Fun And Free Things To Do In Kyoto and Osaka, Japan
Is The Kansai Wide JR Pass Worth The Money? (My Actual Experience)