Private Tour
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Mt.Fuji area and Fujikawaguchiko Private Guided Tours by Native English speaker and long time local resident. Best Mt. Fuji views. See Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko. Walk in Aokigahara Jukai Forest lava rock forest with fantastic moss covered trees. Visit Asama Shrine,Mother's White Waterfall, Dragon Cave, local villages. 5-6 hour tours by private van and walking. Relaxed,unhurried,comfortable. Nature up close,quiet,and personal.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Mount Fuji
We will drive around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko stopping to see Mt.Fuji at choice viewing points. Starting at Asama Shrine,the giant cedar trees there are over 1200 years old. This classic forest shrine is the oldest in the area and a Mt.Fuji World Cultural Heritage Site. An amazingly beautiful waterfall-Haha no shirataki, Mothers White Falls is near with unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko. Next we visit Oishi Flower Park on the way to Lake Saiko,center of the Five Lakes around Mt.Fuji. Then we visit Aokigahara Jukai Forest-the Sea of Trees at Yacho no Mori Koen the Wild Birds Forest Park. Here we walk in a spectacular lava rock forest created by volcanic eruption in 864 AD. Covering 30 square kilometers of a most amazing area. Next visit The Dragon Cave-Ryugu Doketsu,a National Monument. Depending on time and weather,more stops and walks are possible such as the Climax Forest on Mt.Fuji at 1200 meters. Lastly,sunset time at Lake Shoji or Lakes Saiko & Kawaguchiko.
Pick-up from Kawaguchiko station or Fujikawaguchiko area hotels
Native English speaking guide/driver.
Food and drinks
Lunch
Select a pickup point
Duration: 6 hours
Start in Fujikawaguchiko
Toyota Van
Pickup included
290 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Seaside42518568275,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Honestly, I've never had a better tour in my life. Chris showed us all the spots that most tourists have no clue about – he's the definition of "local knowledge," having lived in the Fuji area for over two decades. We moved from place to place at our own pace, and everywhere we went, we had immediate access to people and locations. Chris is extremely charismatic, and the locals absolutely love him – which means they give him (and anyone he's with) preferential treatment. So by extension, you're treated like a king or queen the entire time. Throughout the day, Chris always gave us options, but I quickly learned to defer to his gut. He reads people very well and has an instinct for what you might enjoy, even before you know it yourself. His knowledge of the area, combined with the love and passion he brings to everything he describes, is unparalleled. The attention to detail made every moment special, and I very quickly understood why his excursion is ranked number one on TripAdvisor. If you're heading to the Fuji area – even if you've been many times before – I highly recommend booking this excursion with Chris. He will definitely show you things and take you to places you've never seen!






t0ny055,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Imagine our surprise when the guide for our day tour arrived to collect us. A quietly softly spoken American of a certain vintage was going to show us the area of Mount Fuji (Fujisan)! What followed was journey that showed her in all her glory and touched our senses. Chris is so respectful of the Mountain, the natural beauty of the area and the significance of Fuji to the people that live around her. Chris knows the area like the back of his hand and took us to see Lakes, Caves, waterfalls and temples and guided us through a forest growing on top of a lava flow! Chris's knowledge of the myths and legends relating to Fujisan together with his obvious love for the Trees, flora and Fauna and Geology of the area shine through and made our day in the ladies presence unforgettable. The pace of our tour reflected the timeless majesty of the mountain. In addition Chris knows where to find the finest cups of coffee and Pastries!!! For all Wishbone Ash fans Chris is the man to show you around. Thanks a million Chris. Tony and Zosia




Kim L J,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
My partner and I spent the day with Chris touring the Mt Fuji area and thoroughly enjoyed it. I cannot recommend it enough. We enjoyed it so much we would happily do it again. It was just a lovely day. The guide, Chris, is an American who has lived in the area with his Japanese wife for over two decades. He is a well respected local fluent in Japanese and well connected with the local community. Chris seemed to delight in showing us one better view after the other after the other. Being blunt there is a lot more to the area than getting a view of Mt Fuji, taking a few snaps and moving on. There are so many “hidden” special places and we loved all of them. Chris guarantees a leisurely & mellow experience. He knows the best cafes & terraces to sit on to admire the scenery and he takes you to all the hidden delights the area has to offer. Having a cup of tea on the end of a sandbar that stretches out into a lake looking across the water to a Forrest backstopped by Mt Fuji is a memory & experience I will treasure all my life!














jakkiberry25,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the privilege of being on the Hidden Wonders of Kawaguchiko tour with Chris Battin booked through Audley travel. It was the final stop of an 18 day tour to Japan and this part of our trip was really special. Chris took us to places we would never have found had we been at the lakes on our own. His passion for Japan is evident and his appreciation of the natural beauty of his surroundings is infectious. He is so knowledgeable about everything. Our day was so relaxed and we went to so many places including Aokigahara Jukai Forest, the five lakes, we visited the shrine dedicated to the Goddess of Mt Fuji, Haha no Shirataki waterfalls, we sat and drank tea on the banks of Lake Se-iko absorbing the wonder of Mount Fuji, Our thanks to Chris. We wish Chris and Yuki many more wonderful years of sharing their hidden wonders.
Experience627542,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Chris Battin provided the perfect introduction to the Mount Fuji area - and specifically the Kawaguchi and Sei-ko lakes. It was a pleasure to share his knowledge of this beautiful area and to learn so much about its history. The visit to the Aokigahara forest was a real highlight.

stephencO4336GC,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A truly different experience of Japan from someone who very clearly loves the area in which he lives and wants to share his own love of nature and Japanese culture. He provided a memorable, varied day.
ChrisBH1970,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful day with Chris who was a fantastic guide. We were treated to some incredibly quiet spots off the beaten track (including an ancient shrine, waterfall, lakes and magical forests!). At times we couldn’t believe how we managed to see such great views of Mt Fuji with so few other people around (the value of having a local resident knowing the area so well). Chris was very accommodating and enabled us to adapt the trip according to our pace. His knowledge of the area is as impressive as his genuine love of the area which was clearly obvious to us. We very much enjoyed our trip with an engaging, informative and all round great bloke!
PJM2005,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent half day with Yumi around Mt Fuji area. Panoramic mountain views, waterfalls, lakes, shrines and beautiful autumn colours. A fantastic way to see the local area along with in depth knowledge and information. One member had limited mobility and the activities were adapted accordingly and no pressure placed us to speed along. Amazed at Yumi's ability to always produce the required item from her bag/boot of vehicle - torch, tissues, boots, socks, hat, warmer coat, seats, table, blankets and hot delicious tea. Loved our time with her and would highly recommend.
Felfel52,,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We spent 2 days with Chris in May 2025 with him bringing us around to places only a local would know (and even near his own home!) and we left with a better understanding of the area. He is very knowledgeable having lived in Japan for many years and he made us feel very at ease - it was almost like a friend bringing you around town. We appreciated him providing hiking boots, socks, warm blankets, beanie etc for our walks and we were well taken care of. Our best memory would probably be this - having our tea break right on the shores of the small lake with view of Mt Fuji, us skipping stones with Mt Fuji right at the horizon. It was more than wonderful. Thank you very much Chris!
lisahV7589AG,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We immensely enjoyed our day with Chris! The day matched the description perfectly. It was quiet, up close and personal with some incredibly beautiful spots. No crowds, no noise. Just peaceful walks to breathtaking spots. Our favorite day of a 2 week trip.



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