Mt. Fuji Pilgrim Climbing Route

The Original Mt. Fuji Pilgrim Route:  When climbing Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most famous mountain, most start from the popular Kawaguchi route taking the new Fuji Subaru toll-road up to the 5th station, by doing this it actually eliminates a huge part of the history and sacred natural beauty of Mt. Fuji’s original history out.

Sengen Shrine

The original Yoshida route starts from Fuji Sengen Shrine, where pilgrims came to pray over 800 years ago before they started their climb up the sacred mountain.

It begins at the Sengenjinja, where Fuji pilgrims, who became known as Fujiko, arrived to purify themselves and then pay their respects to the Shinto goddess and protector of Mount Fuji.

Taking the traditional pilgrim route from the bottom allows hikers and climbers alike to enjoy the historical and cultural heritage along the way. Of all the routes up Mount Fuji, the Yoshida trail is the oldest, first conquered many centuries ago.

For information on Mt. Fuji Climbing please see the following links:

Mt. Fuji Climbing Tours
Mt. Fuji Climbing Tips
Mt. Fuji Climbing Routes

Mt. Fuji Climbing Routes

There are more than a few ways to climb Mt. Fuji!

Most Popular Route: The most common and accepted way to climb to the summit of Mt. Fuji is to take the Fuji Subaru toll-road up to the Kawaguchi 5th station and from here hike along the Kawaguchi route to the top of Mt. Fuji, however there are many many more ways to climb Mt. Fuji. The signs on hiking paths are often written only in Japanese, so privately guided tours are strongly recommended for your safety.

Other Hiking Routes: There are actually five different routes you can take to reach the summit of Mt. Fuji, (Kawaguchi, Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya and the Yoshida routes). The Yoshida and Subashiri trials actually connect with the Kawaguchi trail, the Yoshida route joins from the 6th station and the Subashiri joins at the 8th station, essentially this is also the main reason why some first time climbers get lost on the mountain,as they incorrectly take the wrong descending route downward.

The Original Mt. Fuji Pilgrim Route: The original Yoshida route starts from Fuji Sengen Shrine, where the pilgrims of over 500 years ago came to pray before they started their climb up the sacred mountain. It begins at the Sengenjinja, where Fuji pilgrims, who became known as Fujiko, arrived to purify themselves and then pay their respects to the Shinto goddess and protector of Mount Fuji.Taking the traditional pilgrim route from the bottom allows hikers and climbers alike to enjoy the historical and cultural heritage along the way. Of all the routes up Mount Fuji, the Yoshida trail is the oldest, first conquered many centuries ago.

Circle Routes: Finally, there is also a relatively unknown route called the Ochudo trail that circles the entire mountain near the 5th stations,however do not expect to see many people on this trail. Mt. Fuji’s highest point is located immediately next to the weather station on the opposite side from where the Yoshida trail reaches the summit.There is a also a trail running along the crater of Mount Fuji, it takes about one hour or more depending on your energy level to do a complete circle around the crater,however, as most have little energy leftover, this is often skipped.

Climb Duration: Most conquer the mountain at a reasonable pace over a 2-day time frame, 5~6 hrs getting to the Mt. Hut near the top, then climbing 2~3hrs during the night to see the sunrise, followed by a 3~5hr descent. On the other hand, a 1-day Mt. Fuji climb is not impossible and can be more practical for some, when starting early in the morning or hiking thru the night, as it eliminates staying at one of the sometimes overly crowded, Mt. Huts.
Finally, for those top athletes there is an annual race up Mt. Fuji every year at the end of July,(Sponsored by the city of Yoshida) starting from the bottom to the top, the fastest racers reach the top is less then 3hrs!! Not recommended for beginners!

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For information on Mt. Fuji Climbing Packages see the following link: Mt. Fuji Climbing Tours
For tips on what to bring to climb Mt. Fuji see the following link: Mt. Fuji Climbing Tips
For information on Mt. Fuji Pilgrim Climbs see the following link: Mt. Fuji Pilgrim Climbs

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2013 Mt. Fuji Climbing Season Almost Here!

Those who have not conquered it dream about it, those who have are forever inspired by it. Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan with its unrivaled magnificence and beautiful conic shape, is the prominent and most recognized symbol of Japan. Our explorer is proud to take you on this once-in-a-life time adventure to experience nature at its finest.

Mt. Fuji Climbing Season; July 1st – Oct 1st: Only people lucky enough to visit Japan during this time have the opportunity to challenge themselves by climbing to the top of Mt. Fuji, Japan’s highest peak and a spiritual site.

The two – day tour is an experience of a life time, however the climb is not for everyone, it takes a good 5 to 6 hours of physical effort and sometimes steep climbing to reach the top. Nonetheless, reaching the peak of Mount Fuji is very rewarding. As you stare down at the world below, and watch the sun rise, you feel a huge sense of accomplishment realizing just how high you have climbed, it is truly an satisfying memorable experience.

Your quest for Mt. Fuji begins at the 5th Station, the very point where the adventurer is unmistakably separated from the common tourist. You first embark on a 6-hour ascend to the 8th station, where you’re joined by great camaraderie with like-minded active enthusiasts from around the globe. After a short rest in a rustic mountain hut, you advance in darkness on an overnight trek to the summit.

It is here where you witness the most spectacular sunrise of a lifetime. The amazing sunrise is followed by a challenging 4-hour descend to the 5th Station where you have the option of experiencing a relaxing Hot Spring “onsen” at one of the many beautiful onsens located around the base of Mt. Fuji Before returning to Tokyo.

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For tips on what to bring to climb Mt. Fuji see the following link: Mt. Fuji Climbing Tips
For more information, or to start customizing your own itinerary, please contact us.

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Hokkaido 3 Day Get-a-Way Special Package!!!

Hokkaido 3 Day Get-a-way Special Package!!!
A Super Spectacular – 3 Day Hokkaido Free Plan Packages:

Package Price Starts from ¥35,500/Person + 5% Tax

This package includes a Haneda-Hokkaido (New Chitose Airport) round-trip flight ticket, 2 Night stay at New Otani Hotel Sapporo,  2 Breakfasts. See Package Details Below:

Package:   3 Day Hokkaido – Free Plan Package:
- Including round trip return flights from Tokyo
- 2 Nights at New Otani Hotel Sapporo
- 2 Breakfasts

Otaru Cannel
Sapporo New Otani Hotel

Higashimokoto Shiba Sakura Park
Kamiyubetsu tulips

*Departure Guaranteed with 1 or More Participants.
**For more information on our Hokkaido Packages please contact us.

Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise (Japanese Style)

One of the best ways to appreciate Tokyo at night is by taking a Tokyo Bay Cruise on a traditional style Yakatabune boat. Enjoy breathtaking night views of Tokyo Bay including the beautifully illuminated Rainbow Bridge while enjoying a traditional Japanese style feast of sashimi and tempura.

Yakatabune Pier Start Point:

Night Dinner Cruises starts at night from 6 or 7 pm: (depending on the season)
 The joy of marine cruises awaits. Excellent night views of the metropolis in the evening, delicious food and drink are an integral part of this unique way to experience Tokyo.

Seagulls come to enjoy the shrimp tail leftovers
The Yakatabune cruise features, traditional tatami mat seating and a delicious full course tempura and sashimi dinner serviced with Japanese sake as you take in the glittering sights of Tokyo at night.

The Yakatabune Dinner is an asortment of Japanese traditional style cuisine! 

The Tempura just keeps on coming: (Shrimp, Vegetables, Squid, Sill-ago, Suggrundus etc)

Dinner Cruise: Includes Japanese Style Dinner and All you can drink alcohol  (including Beer, Japanese Sake, Wine, Whiskey, Japanese Plum Wine, Shochu)

For more information on Yakatabune Dinner Cruises please see link below:
Yakatabune Dinner Cruises

Tokyo Cherry Blossom River Cruise

Japanese Yakatabune cruise enjoying Cherry Blossom along Sumida River, Tokyo, Japan:

Top 10 Sites to View Cherry Blossom in Tokyo!

In Tokyo there are numerous picturesque Japanese style gardens and parks that are sufficiently stunning all on their own, however when you cover these with attractive pink cherry blossoms it takes it to a whole new level. In the spring there is an explosion of color with the arrival of the cherry blossoms. The annual cherry blossom display is guaranteed to dazzle your senses.

Please see our list of the top 10 places to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo below:

1# Ueno Park – (Free) Also the most popular place to view Cherry blossoms in Tokyo and with over 1000 trees at its peak in early April is actually seems like it is snowing with cherry blossom at times.

2# Shinjuku Gyoen – (¥200) There is a fee to enter the park, however with the large area it is one of the quiet and peaceful parks in Tokyo.

3# Inokashira Park – (Free) Located near Kichioji (West Tokyo)  the park is centered around a large pond, which offer boat rentals in oder to view the cherry blossom from the water.

4# Koishikawa Botanical Gardens & Korakuen – (¥300) – Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful Japanese landscape gardens. Popular for its Large weeping Cherry Trees which line the park.

5# Chidorigafuchi Koen –  (Free) located near Yasukini Shrine, the cherry trees line the moats around the former Edo castle.

6# Sumida River Park –  (Free) Hundreds of trees line both sides of the Sumida River, best viewed by river cruise at nights as the trees are lit up by colorful lights.

7# Hama-Rikyu Garden  - (¥300) Located alongside Tokyo Bay, with a Seawater ponds. The garden of a feudal lord’s residence during the Edo Period, is one of Tokyo’s most attractive landscape gardens.

8# Meiji Shrine/ Yoyogi Park – (Free) Over 600 cherry trees, offering pleasant picnic opportunities. A few food stands are available. The park gets closed during the night.

9# Rikugien Garden –  (¥300) A huge Traditional Japanese sty;e garden with a central pond, islands, forested areas, man made hills and several teahouses. In the Spring time the large weeping cherry blossoms are lit up at night with gorgeous lighting.

10# Happo-en Gardens – (Free) Located in Tokyo’s fashionable Shirokanedai district, Happo-en whose name means Garden of eight views has maintained the natural beauty of Edo thru the centuries, in the spring time the entire gardens are covered with cherry blossoms.

*For more information on Cherry Blossom Tours, please contact us.

Top 10 Places to View Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo:

Reblogged from My Tokyo Guide:

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In Tokyo there are numerous picturesque Japanese style gardens and parks that are sufficiently stunning all on their own, however when you cover these with attractive pink cherry blossoms it takes it to a whole new level. In the spring there is an explosion of color with the arrival of the cherry blossoms. The annual cherry blossom display is guaranteed to dazzle your senses.

Read more… 331 more words

Cherry Blossom Forecast and Tours

The cherry blossom (sakura) is Japan’s unofficial national flower. Since olden times, cherry blossoms have captivated the hearts of the Japanese people. Visiting Japan during the cherry blossom season is a unforgettable experience. In the spring there is an explosion of color and festivities with the arrival of the cherry blossoms. The annual cherry blossom display is guaranteed to dazzle your senses. The traditional custom of “Hanami” – Cherry Blossom Viewing is to visit mountains and parks with cherry blossoms and hold sake-drinking parties under the cherry trees in full blossom.

Normally blooming begins in January in Okinawa, and somei yoshino cherry blossoms reach their peak in late March to April in Honshu region. In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms are in full blooms in May. However, it’s really difficult to predict cherry blossom opening dates in advance, and planning a trip at the right time is tough. Due to mild temperatures, the blossoms are forecast to open several days ahead of their average year’s schedule in most areas of Japan. There are hundreds of places to view cherry blossoms thru out Japan. March and April departures provide the once in a lifetime chance to see this natural wonder.

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Cherry blossom blooming dates in major cities Forecasts by three major organisations There are three major organizations that forecast Sakura blooming dates. The best viewing time is about one week after the dates below. Note that the blooming time for kawazu sakura is not counted in the forecast.

	Japan Weather Association	Weather Map Co.	Weather News Inc.
Date of forecast	28th Feb	1st　Mar	18th Feb
Tokyo	25th Mar	26th Mar	25th Mar
Nagoya	25th Mar	26th Mar	26th Mar
Kyoto	26th Mar	29th Mar	23rd Mar
Osaka	26th Mar	28th Mar	27th Mar
Fukuoka	20th Mar	24th Mar	23rd Mar
Sapporo	1st May	1st May	4th May

Cherry Blossom Private Viewing Tours:
* Feast your eyes on beautiful cherry trees colonnade and enjoy Japanese sweets.
* Tours include: Private transportation, Private English Speaking Tour Guide and all entrance fees.
* For lunch your local guide will recommend a local restaurant depending on your interests.
** For a list of the top 10 Best places to view Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo please see our Blog:

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Cherry Blossom Group Viewing Tours:
Mt Fuji, Cherry Blossom Tour with, All-you-can-eat Beef 
& Pork Shabushabu Hot Pot
1 Day Tour Feb-Mar
From Feb-Mar
Language: English
With Lunch

Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom tour with Strawberrie picking, 
Suruga Bay Cruise, Pick-your-own Strawberries
1 Day Tour
From Feb-Mar
Language: English
With Lunch

Mt Fuji and Cherry Blossoms, Castle
Illuminations and Cherry Blossoms
1 Day Tour
From Mar-April
Language: English
With Lunch

Tokyo 7 Great Cherry Blossom Spots & 
Sumida River Cherry Blossom Cruise
1Day Tour
From Mar-April
Language: English
With Lunch

Cherry Blossoms in Kamakura Temples & Shrines, 
Yokohama Sankeien Night Views & 3-Storey Tower 
1Day Tour
From Mar-April
Language: English
With Lunch

Mt Fuji Views, Sakura Cherry Blossoms,
Suruga Bay Boat Trip, All-you-can-eat Sushi
1 Day Tour
From Mar-Apr
Language:English
With Lunch

Nagano-Niigata 5 Great Cherry Blossom Spots, 
Pick-your-own Strawberries, Buffet Dinner
2 Days Tour
From Mar- Apri
Language: English
With Dinner

Handy & Affordable Kyoto 4-Day :
Sakura Cherry Blossoms, Temples, Shrines…
4 Days Tour
From Mar-Apr
Language: English

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For more information, or to start customizing your own cherry blossom tour, please contact us. 

Snow Monkey Tour (2 Day Package)

Enjoy an exquisite 2 Day Snow Monkey Tour from Tokyo to view the wild Snow Monkeys soaking in the natural hot springs near the snowy Nagano mountains.

Snow Monkey

Take an exciting adventure to Nagano to watch the world-famous “snow monkeys″ relaxing and soaking in the natural hot springs of the Jigokudai Yaen-koen near the snowy Nagano mountains.

Visit Zenko-ji Temple: Zenko-ji is a sacred place that is worshipped for over 1400 years. It enshrines one of the oldest Buddha statues and the main hall is designated a national treasure. It does not belong to any Buddhist sects but has been believed to bring happiness to everyone both in this world and the after world.  Enjoy Japanese Style dinner consisted of various kinds of fresh seafood including tuna, salmons, prawns etc.

Enjoy relaxing in an open-air bath in the snowing surroundings.

Onsen

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Day 1: Tokyo Dep:
- Japanese style Lunch
- Visit Yudanaka Onsen Village
- Enjoy open Air Hot Spring
- Japanese Style Dinner/Stay Onsen Resort Hotel

Day 2: Nagano Dep:
- Breakfast/Yudanaka Shibu Onsen Village
- Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Watch wild monkeys soaking in Onsen hot springs)
- Japanese Style lunch/Zenkoji Temple
- Return to Tokyo

Tour Notes:
* Minimum of 2 Participants required:
* Operated on selected dates only:

For more information on Snow Monkey Tours please contact us: