Mt Fuji & Lakes: Private Guided Tour with Forest Walks

Summary

Walk mossy forests & lakesides near Mt Fuji with a local

You’ll wander ancient cedar forests near Mt Fuji with a longtime resident as your guide, pause at lakesides for quiet views, walk through mossy lava rock in Aokigahara Forest, and explore hidden caves. Pickup is included so you can relax into the day — there’s time to breathe here.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped out of the van at Asama Shrine when I realized how quiet it was — not silent, but that kind of deep hush you get under old trees. Our guide, David (he’s lived here forever), pointed up at these cedar trunks that looked too wide to hug and said they’d seen over 1,200 years. I tried to imagine that while incense drifted by and someone rang the bell for luck. The air felt cool even though it was summer. Mt Fuji peeked through the branches — I almost missed it at first because everything else was so… alive, you know?

After the shrine, we drove around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko for those postcard views of Mt Fuji — except they’re real and right there in front of you. David knew all the best spots (he joked he’s got “Fuji radar”), and we stopped whenever something caught our eye: a fisherman casting alone, some wildflowers by the water. Oishi Flower Park was bright with color but not crowded; I remember the smell of wet grass from last night’s rain.

I didn’t expect to like Aokigahara Forest so much — people call it mysterious, but honestly it just felt peaceful. The moss on those lava rocks is thick and springy underfoot. We walked slowly (no rush at all) and listened for birds in Yacho no Mori Park. My shoes got a bit muddy but nobody cared. Later we ducked into Dragon Cave — cold air hit my face, sharp and earthy — and David explained how these caves formed after an eruption centuries ago. He had stories about everything; I kept meaning to write them down but got distracted by the way sunlight hit the ferns.

We ended up at one of the lakes again for sunset (Lake Shoji maybe? I lost track). The light on Mt Fuji turned pinkish and there were only a few other people around, mostly locals walking their dogs or just sitting quietly. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt. Fuji and Lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko

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

Top questions

How long does this private Mt Fuji area tour last?

The tour lasts about 5-6 hours including driving and walking stops.

Is pickup included from my hotel in Kawaguchiko?

Yes, pickup from Kawaguchiko station or area hotels is included.

What are some highlights of this day trip near Mt Fuji?

You’ll see Asama Shrine, Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Aokigahara Forest, Dragon Cave, Oishi Flower Park, and Mother’s White Waterfall.

Do we walk inside Aokigahara Forest on this tour?

Yes, there’s a relaxed walk through Aokigahara’s mossy lava rock forest at Yacho no Mori Park.

Is this private guided tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are public transport options nearby if I’m not staying locally?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in Kawaguchiko.

Will we have time for photos of Mt Fuji?

You’ll stop at several choice viewpoints for photos of Mt Fuji throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or Kawaguchiko station by your English-speaking local guide who also drives; entry to sites like Asama Shrine and Dragon Cave; relaxed walks through forest parks; plus plenty of time to pause wherever catches your eye before returning in comfort later that afternoon.