Mt Fuji Private Nature Tour: Moss Forest & Lake Views

Walk a 30-square-kilometer lava forest and stand at unparalleled Mt Fuji viewpoints

A private guided tour of the Mt Fuji area departing from Kawaguchiko, covering two lakes, a volcanic forest, and heritage shrines over 5 to 6 hours. Your native English-speaking guide drives a private van and stops at choice viewing points, walking you through Aokigahara Jukai Forest's moss-covered lava rock landscape created by an 864 AD eruption, past Asama Shrine's 1200-year-old cedars, and to Mother's White Waterfall overlooking the lake and mountain. Hotel pickup from the Kawaguchiko area is included. The pace is unhurried and suited to all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine30m
2. Aokigahara Forest40m

Explore Mt. Fuji and Surrounding Nature

• Drive around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko
• Visit Asama Shrine and see giant cedar trees
• View Mother's White Waterfall
• Stop at Oishi Flower Park
• Visit Lake Saiko
• Walk in Aokigahara Jukai Forest
• Explore The Dragon Cave
• Optional stops at Climax Forest on Mt. Fuji
• Watch sunset at Lake Shoji or Lakes Saiko & Kawaguchiko

The experience

The tour starts at Asama Shrine, the oldest in the area and a Mt Fuji World Cultural Heritage Site, where giant cedar trees over 1200 years old stand in a classic forest setting. From there, the route moves to Mother's White Waterfall, Haha no Shirataki, positioned for unparalleled views of both Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. The drive takes in Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko, two of the Five Lakes that ring the mountain, with stops at choice viewing points determined by weather and light.

The centerpiece is Aokigahara Jukai Forest, the Sea of Trees, where you walk through a spectacular lava rock landscape at Yacho no Mori Koen, the Wild Birds Forest Park. The forest covers 30 square kilometers and was created by a volcanic eruption in 864 AD. The moss-covered rocks and dense woodland create a landscape unlike the typical shrine or garden. The Dragon Cave (Ryugu Doketsu, a National Monument) is another stop. Depending on time and weather, the itinerary can expand to include the Climax Forest on Mt Fuji itself at 1200 meters, or additional walks through local villages.

Your guide is a native English speaker and long-time local resident who drives the private van and sets the pace. The tour wraps near sunset, often at Lake Shoji or back at one of the two main lakes. A private van means no group schedule to follow. Pickup happens from Kawaguchiko station or your hotel in the Fujikawaguchiko area, and the whole day stays relaxed and unhurried.

What’s included

• Hotel or station pickup from the Kawaguchiko area.
• private van transportation throughout the tour.
• native English-speaking guide and driver.
• stops at Asama Shrine, Mother's White Waterfall, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Aokigahara Jukai Forest, and the Dragon Cave.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 to 88 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Hidden Japan

Is this one for you?The native English-speaking guide means you follow the commentary and the local knowledge without translation or a group pace. Book this if you want the Mt Fuji area explained by someone who has lived there and can adjust the route and timing to weather and your interests.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

329 verified traveler reviews

5 ★328

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Aokigahara Jukai Forest like to walk through?

Aokigahara Jukai Forest is a 30-square-kilometer lava rock landscape created by a volcanic eruption in 864 AD, covered in moss and dense woodland. You walk among the moss-covered rocks and trees at Yacho no Mori Koen, the Wild Birds Forest Park, in a setting that feels remote and quiet despite being near Mt Fuji.

How long is this Mt Fuji tour and what does the schedule look like?

The tour runs 5 to 6 hours total. It begins at Asama Shrine, moves through Mother's White Waterfall and the two main lakes with stops at viewing points, includes a walk in Aokigahara Jukai Forest and a visit to the Dragon Cave, and ends near sunset at one of the lakes. The exact stops and timing shift based on weather and daylight.

What are the 1200-year-old cedar trees at Asama Shrine?

Asama Shrine is the oldest shrine in the Mt Fuji area and a Mt Fuji World Cultural Heritage Site. Giant cedar trees over 1200 years old grow in the classic forest setting there, and the shrine itself is the starting point of the tour.

What is Mother's White Waterfall and why is it part of the tour?

Mother's White Waterfall, Haha no Shirataki, is positioned near Lake Kawaguchiko with unparalleled views of both the waterfall and Mt Fuji. It is one of the key stops on the route for its combination of natural beauty and mountain views.