If you're looking to efficiently explore the area around Kawaguchiko, taking a tour is the best option. Particularly, "Private Taxi" and "Bus Tours" each offer unique benefits and can be chosen based on your preferred travel style.
"With a private taxi, can I freely explore at my own pace?"
"With a bus tour, will I be able to enjoy the scenic views affordably?"
Many of you may be wondering which tour is the best fit for you.
In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of day trip tours departing from Kawaguchiko. We will compare the pros and cons of private taxis and bus tours, and recommend actual tour plans you can participate in. If you're undecided about which tour to choose, this article will help guide you in making an informed decision.
Key Points of This Article
- Compare the differences between private taxis and bus tours, and explain the pros and cons of each
- Introduce 3 recommended tours from Kawaguchiko Station (2 private taxi plans + 1 bus tour plan)
- Provide detailed information on tour pricing, duration, reservation methods, and more
Private Taxi vs Bus Tour | Which One is Better?
When planning a day trip in Kawaguchiko, many of you may wonder whether to choose "Private Taxi" or "Bus Tour." Understanding the characteristics of each option will allow you to have a more comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Private taxis offer greater flexibility and a comfortable ride, allowing you to adjust departure times and choose which spots to visit. This option is especially popular among families, couples, and seniors. On the other hand, bus tours are cost-effective and allow you to visit tourist spots efficiently, making them ideal for first-time visitors to Kawaguchiko, solo travelers, and friends looking to enjoy the trip casually.
In the following section, we will provide a detailed explanation of the pros and cons of each option.
Pros & Cons of Private Taxis
Private taxis offer the benefit of having a driver, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy private time or explore at their own pace.
Pros
- Flexible Schedule You can depart at your preferred time and freely choose which spots to visit
- Smooth Travel No waiting time for buses or trains, allowing for efficient sightseeing
- Private Space Travel with just your family or friends for a comfortable ride
- Less Worry About Luggage No need to carry heavy luggage around
Cons
- Higher Cost: Pricing is based on the vehicle, so if you have a small group, it can be more expensive
- Reservation Required: You may not be able to use it immediately, as reservations are necessary
Pros & Cons of Bus Tours
Bus tours offer a pre-set itinerary organized by travel companies, and the advantages are that they are more affordable and efficient for sightseeing.
Pros
- Affordable Pricing Bus tours are generally cheaper than private taxis
- Set Schedule The tour visits carefully selected tourist spots, ensuring efficient sightseeing
- Guided Tour You can enjoy sightseeing while listening to explanations about the attractions
Cons
- Limited Flexibility You have to follow the set schedule, which means you won’t have much time at each spot
- Possible Crowds Since it’s a group tour, you may experience crowds at tourist spots or delays when getting on and off the bus
Private Taxi Day Trip Tour Plans
Private taxi sightseeing plans are known for their high flexibility and comfortable travel.
There are two courses available starting from Kawaguchiko Station, where you can enjoy both history and
nature.
- Plan Touring the Minobu Area → A course where you can experience history and culture
- Plan Touring Kawaguchiko and Saiko → A course to enjoy nature and scenic views
Both plans allow you to explore at your own pace, as you travel by private taxi.
Here’s more detail about each tour.
Minobu Day Trip Tour
This plan takes you on a visit to the historical site at the foot of Mount Fuji, Minobu Mountain. You can explore Minobu-san Kuon-ji and the temple town, enjoying a leisurely time.
Tour Details
- Departure Point：Kawaguchiko Station
- Main Tourist Spots
- Minobu-san Kuon-ji (enjoy the breathtaking view via ropeway)
- Temple Town (visit old Japanese sweets shops and souvenir stores)
- Shimobe Onsen (relax in a hot spring)
- Duration：6 hours
- Pricing：From ¥30,000 per taxi (varies by number of passengers)
- Recommended Points
- Many spots where you can experience Japan’s history and culture
- Relax in an onsen to refresh yourself after sightseeing
- Explore at your own pace, avoiding crowds
Kawaguchiko and Saiko Day Trip Tour
This plan takes you to the scenic spots around Kawaguchiko and Saiko. Enjoy the beautiful lakeside views and the natural attractions.
Tour Details
- Departure Point：Kawaguchiko Station
- Main Tourist Spots
- Oishi Park (enjoy the view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji)
- Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (explore an open-air museum with traditional thatched-roof houses)
- Aokigahara Forest (take a walk through the mystical forest)
- Duration：6 hours
- Pricing：From ¥30,000 per taxi (varies by number of passengers)
- Recommended Points
- Enjoy the stunning views of Mount Fuji and the lakes
- Experience traditional Japanese landscapes
- Refresh yourself in a nature-filled environment
Bus Tour Plan | A Journey through Mount Fuji’s Scenic Spots
For those who prefer a more cost-effective and efficient way of touring, bus tours are the perfect choice. The bus tour that takes you through Mount Fuji’s scenic spots is especially popular for its ease of visiting famous locations.
The tour we are introducing is the day trip bus tour visiting the three major scenic spots of Mount
Fuji.
The best part of this tour is that you can enjoy the stunning views of Mount Fuji in one go.
Day Trip (Morning Departure) Visiting the Three Major Scenic Spots of Mount Fuji
This tour takes you to three famous scenic spots of Mount Fuji.
Enjoy the majestic views of Mount Fuji while taking photos and sightseeing at these spots.
Tour Details
- Departure Point：Kawaguchiko Station
- Main Tourist Spots
- Shin-Okura Mountain Asama Park (beautiful views of Mount Fuji with the Five-story Pagoda)
- Oishi Park (breathtaking view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji)
- Oshino Hakkai (mystical ponds fed by Mount Fuji’s spring water)
- Duration：5 hours
- Pricing：Adults ¥7,000 / Children ¥4,500
- Recommended Points
- No need to worry about transportation! Just hop on the bus and visit the scenic spots
- Great value! Enjoy a tour at a more affordable price than private taxis
- Guided tour Learn about the history and highlights of the spots while enjoying the views
Recommended Tourist Spots to Visit on the Tour
Kawaguchiko has many scenic spots where you can take beautiful photos with Mount Fuji in the background, as well as places where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere. Here are three recommended spots to visit on the tours.
Oishi Park – A Stunning View of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
Oishi Park, located on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi, is a popular scenic spot where you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and the lake. The park is beautiful in all seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, lavender in summer, autumn foliage, and snow-covered scenery in winter. In early summer, when lavender is in full bloom, the combination of the purple flower fields and Mount Fuji is especially beautiful.
Kawaguchiko Sengen Shrine – A Peaceful and Historical Spot
Located in the Kawaguchiko area, Kawaguchiko Sengen Shrine is an ideal spot for those visiting in traditional kimono. This historical shrine was built over 1,000 years ago to appease Mount Fuji’s eruptions. The large cedar trees that are over 1,000 years old create a majestic atmosphere. It’s an excellent place to visit and enjoy in traditional attire.
Oshino Hakkai – A National Natural Monument with Mystical Springs
Oshino Hakkai, a national natural monument, is a place where spring water from Mount Fuji feeds eight crystal-clear ponds. This stunning and mystical spot is surrounded by seasonal beauty and offers a remarkable view of Mount Fuji reflected in the ponds.
Conclusion | Choose the Perfect Tour for You!
There are two main options for day trip tours departing from Kawaguchiko: Private Taxi and Bus Tour. Both have unique advantages, and it’s important to choose the one that suits your travel style.
Private taxis offer high flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace. This is perfect for family trips, couples, and senior travelers. On the other hand, bus tours are cost-effective and allow you to visit tourist spots efficiently, making them ideal for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or friends traveling together.
Choose the plan that best suits you to fully enjoy the charm of Kawaguchiko and have a comfortable and memorable journey.
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