Mt. Fuji Lakeside cultural Walk near Kawaguchiko Lake
- Yamanashi, Japan
- 1.5 hour tour
- Small group tour
- English speaking guide
- Instant Confirmation
What makes this tour unique
- A guided walking tour around Lake Kawaguchiko at the foot of Mt. Fuji, where you’ll explore local history, culture, and traditions in a peaceful town away from the crowds.
- Taste local comfort food at a family-run croquette shop that has been loved by locals for over 60 years, or visit a traditional Japanese confectionery store with more than 100 years of history.
- Enjoy a sake-tasting experience at a 150-year-old brewery. Your guide will show you how to taste sake properly, so you can discover which style best matches your palate.
- Visit a small local Shinto shrine and learn from your guide about regional beliefs, rituals, and the proper way to worship in Japan.
- Stop by a traditional Inden craft shop — a Samurai-era leather craft from Yamanashi — and learn its history while shopping for authentic, uniquely Japanese souvenirs.
- The tour ends with a memorial photo with Lake Kawaguchiko in the background. We finish in the main town area, so you’re free to continue exploring, dining, or shopping afterward.
- The walk is approximately 1.5 hours and 3 km in distance, making it an easy and enjoyable tour for participants of all ages.
Tips and recommendations by our official guides
Discover the charm of Mt. Fuji beyond just the view with this cultural walking tour around Lake Kawaguchiko. Stroll through a peaceful local town at the foot of Japan’s iconic mountain, taste traditional snacks from shops with over 60 or even 100 years of history, enjoy sake tasting at a 150-year-old brewery, visit a quiet Shinto shrine, and explore a Samurai-era leather craft shop called Inden, still handmade today. The tour ends with a photo of you and Mt. Fuji by the lakeside—no crowds, just authentic Japan.
Many travelers visit Yamanashi only to see Mt. Fuji, but leave without discovering the region’s rich traditions, craftsmanship, and everyday life. This tour was designed for those who want to go one step deeper—to connect with local stories, taste real flavors, and feel the lifestyle that has existed here for generations.
It’s perfect for first-time visitors to Mt. Fuji, couples, friends, families, and especially solo travelers who want something more personal than a typical sightseeing bus tour. If you’re still unsure what to do after seeing Mt. Fuji, this is the ideal next step.
Worried about joining alone, not understanding Japanese culture, or hidden extra costs? Don’t be. Your friendly local guide will explain traditions in simple English, snacks and sake tasting are already included in the price, and many of our guests join the tour solo. With an easy 1.5-hour, 3 km walk, this tour is enjoyable for all ages and fitness levels.
Official guide
What's included
Taste of Local Life in the foot town of Mt. Fuji
Set off on your journey by meeting your friendly local guide near Lake Kawaguchiko, with Mt. Fuji standing quietly in the background. First, we stroll through peaceful streets away from the crowds of Tokyo and stop at either a beloved croquette shop that has served locals for over 60 years or a traditional Japanese sweet shop that’s been around for more than a century. Enjoy your first bite of local life—freshly fried croquettes, soft rice cakes, or seasonal sweets. Afterward, we continue walking through charming countryside streets, taking in the slower pace of Japanese rural life before heading to a 150-year-old family-owned sake brewery.
Sake Tasting and Quiet Countryside Walks
At the historic sake brewery, you’ll sample up to five different types of Japanese sake, plum wine, or locally crafted whiskey. Your guide will show you how to properly taste sake—how to smell, sip, and appreciate the subtle flavors—so even beginners can enjoy it like a pro. If you don’t drink alcohol or are underage, don’t worry; you’ll be offered snacks, sweets, or ice cream instead. After tasting, we continue walking down backstreets only locals know, with peaceful scenery, traditional houses, and occasional glimpses of Mt. Fuji peeking through the rooftops. It’s the perfect moment to slow down, breathe, and enjoy Japan beyond the city.
Shrine Traditions, Samurai Crafts, and Photo by the Lake
Next, we visit a small local Shinto shrine surrounded by trees and silence. Here, your guide will teach you how Japanese people pray—how to bow, clap, and show respect, as well as local beliefs unique to this region. We then walk to a traditional Inden shop, a craft loved by samurai for centuries. Inden is made from deer leather decorated with elegant Japanese patterns—soft, durable, and completely handmade. You can learn its history and shop for authentic souvenirs you won’t find in Tokyo. The tour ends with a group photo by Lake Kawaguchiko with Mt. Fuji in the background. After that, you’re free to explore—take the ropeway, enjoy lunch, visit cafés, or continue your lakeside adventure.
Meeting Point
Tourist Base Kawaguchiko 1F
- Tourist Base Kawaguchiko (Maruso building) 1F in front of entrance
Itinerary
- Meet at Tourist Base Kawaguchiko 1F
- Visit a local food shop
- Visit a sake brewery and try sake tasting
- Visit a local shrine
- Visit a Inden craft shop
- Take a photo near Lake Kawaguchiko
- Tour ends
- You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks
- This tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues since there are heavy uphills.
- Please note that we cannot guarantee allergy-free meals or accommodate dietary restrictions, as the food is prepared in kitchens that are not operated by MagicalTrip.
- Out of respect for all guests and to ensure the best experience for everyone, the tour will start on time.
- If you arrive more than 15 minutes late (10 minutes before the tour start time), you will not be able to join the tour, receive a refund, or reschedule.
- Please bring some cash for any additional orders you may wish to make.
- By Japanese law, only guests aged 20 or older may consume alcohol.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the tour starting time.
- Free date/time rescheduling up to 24 hours before the tour starting time (depending on availability).
Inform us about any dietary preferences or restrictions in advance.
| Dietary request | Availability |
|---|---|
dairy-free | ✓ possible |
gluten-free | △ limited |
vegan | △ limited |
vegetarian | △ limited |
We cannot be held responsible for any food allergens present at street food stalls during the tour.
- gluten
