On the day three of our Tokyo trip, we dedicated the whole day to a Mount Fuji Instagram Day Tour booked through KLOOK (use our code CRISPLIFE for a discount). The tour started at at 8am, at the designated meeting point, where we hopped on the bus to visit five famous sightseeing spots: Kawaguchiko Oishi Park, Lawson Convenience Store, Higashikawan Clock Shop, Arakura Sengen Shrine and Park and Oshino Hakkai Eigh Ponds.
A quick tip before you go: the tour is quite fast-paced, with limited time at each stop, so be prepared to move quickly. Also, eating and drinking are not allowed on buses, so make sure you finish your food before boarding.
Kawaguchiko Oishi Park
Oishi Park offers a stunning panoramic view of Mount Fuji with the Lake Kawaguchiko as the backdrop. In spring, the area burst into colour with seasonal blooms, especially lavender. Since we visited in January, it was off-season, but the breathtaking view of Mount Fuji made it worthwhile.
One highlight was trying the Lavender Soft Serve Ice Cream from the Oishi Park Café. Savouring ice cream while gazing at Mount Fuji was truly unforgettable.
Lawson Kawaguchiko Station
This quick stop has become a popular Instagram hotspot, thanks to the Lawson convenience store with Mount Fuji behind it making it a nice scenic spot. Definitely a fun photo stop if you are chasing the trend.
Hikawa Clock Shop
Another iconic Instagram location, the street in front of Hikawa Clock Shop frames Mount Fuji perfectly at the end of the road. To avoid crowds and capture the best photo, it is best to visit early on your own rather than during a group tour.
Arakuyama Sengen Park
This spot offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji from higher ground, famously framed by the Chureito Pagoda. Reaching the top requires climbing 397 steps near the main hall. With two young kids in tow, we skipped the climb and instead wandered around the area, enjoying fresh Fuji apples while soaking in the atmosphere.
Oshino Hakkai - Eight Ponds
Our final stop was Oshino Hakkai, known for its eight crystal-clear ponds fed by snowmelt from Mount Fuji, filtered naturally through volcanic rock. The water is so pure that visitors can drink straight from the source, and you’ll spot large koi fish gracefully swimming in the ponds.
The place is beautiful with its nature but touristy at the same time, with plenty of shops and street vendors selling local snacks. We treated ourselves to roasted sweet potato and toasted mochi, which were warm, comforting, and delicious. Must try their Kusa Mochi, the Japanese sweet dumpling made by kneading the leaves of the Japanese mugworth plant into mochi.
Lunch on the Tour – Hoto Noodles & Wagyu Beef
Our tour included a hearty local lunch featuring Hoto Noodles, a specialty of the region. This comforting dish comes with thick, flat wheat noodles that is similar to udon, been simmered in a rich, savory miso-based broth with pumpkin and seasonal vegetables. To top it off, we also enjoyed pottery-grilled Wagyu beef, beautifully marbled, tender, and bursting with flavor, such a true indulgence.
Dinner and Shopping in Shinjuku
After returning to Tokyo, we headed to Shinjuku, a lively district filled with shopping streets, neon lights, restaurants, and bars. We strolled through Lumine Est Shopping Mall to explore the latest youth fashion trends, then made our way up to the 7th and 8th floors for food.
We chose Komeraku, a restaurant specializing in Ochazuke—a comforting Japanese dish where hot tea broth is poured over rice. Though there was a short wait, service was fast and friendly.
We ordered the Salmon Flakes & Salmon Roe Set for ourselves and a Karaage Set for the kids. First, we enjoyed the rice bowls on their own, then poured the broth over for a completely new flavor experience. Both versions were simple, delicious, and heartwarming after a long day.
After dinner, we wandered around Shinjuku for some evening shopping before heading back, wrapping up an incredible day filled with memories of Mount Fuji.
We are excited for our next day itenary - Tokyo Disneyland
Check out our Day 1 Asakusa & Shibuya & Day 2 Odaiba
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