Private Tour
Mt Fuji Area Private Guided Tours in English-Nature up close, quiet, personal
Overview
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Pick-up from Kawaguchiko station or Fujikawaguchiko area hotels
Native English speaking guide/driver.
Food and drinks
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Mt Fuji Area Private Guided Tours in English-Nature up close,quiet,and personal
Duration: 6 hours
Start in Fujikawaguchiko
Toyota Van
Pickup included
Reviews
295 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We are grateful!
648pannap,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are beyond grateful — words truly cannot describe how thankful we are. As a family of four with teens, we could not have asked for a better experience. Chris picked us up at the station, communicated clearly on WhatsApp, and even called us directly, which made everything so easy and reassuring. He is incredibly knowledgeable, well-read, and clearly passionate about what he does. Originally from the East Coast and living in Japan for more than 20 years, Chris knows the Mt. Fuji area like no one else. He took us to hidden gems, recommended amazing food, and made the day feel special from beginning to end. Definitely ask him to take you for fried chicken — you will not regret it.
Private Tour of Fuji, Lakes and surrounding areas
nicoledF2870FV,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful day I had with Chris! As someone who has been to Fuji before he was able to take me off the beaten path to waterfalls and hidden caves as well as lakes and lava forests. Chris was kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable of the local area and history, he is a gentle soul who will tailor the tour to your requirements and ability. he also come well prepared with coats, gloves and hats which I was grateful for as it is a lot colder in the Fuji area and I wasn't prepared! We had tea on the lake and he knows all the hidden photo spots. Thank you for a wonderful day making memories
A relaxing personalized tour
P2895HCcristinab,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour day was a big highlight of our 2 week trip! Chris was very personable and took some time to learn things about each of us. He then used that information to add personalized touches to our day on the fly. For example, my husband mentioned that one of his hobbies is photography, so Chris would pull our van over and pause at picturesque spots in case he wanted to snap a few shots. I'm interested in Geology so he took us to a lake where he knew there were some interesting rocks along the shore. Since he lives in the area, we learned a lot about the region and Japanese culture throughout the day. His connection to the area shines through in conversation and in the locations he chose to take us to, and really made the situation feel more personal and special than a typical tour guide. The day was a nice combination of guided walking and chunks of time that Chris allowed us to take a moment to ourselves or explore on our own if we wanted to. Many of the places we visited would have been difficult to access without a guide or would have taken much longer to get to, so this personalized tour was absolutely worth it. He kept the schedule flexible to accommodate what we wanted, but clearly had plenty of options in mind to visit to fill the day. We felt well attended to and the day exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend Chris and see him again if we’re back in the area.!
The ultimate Fuji experience – even for repeat visitors!
Seaside42518568275,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Honestly, 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!
The Majesty of Fujisan
t0ny055,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Imagine 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
A thoroughly enjoyable day in all respects
Kim L J,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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!
The Best!
jakkiberry25,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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.
In the shadow of Mount Fuji
Experience627542,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris 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.
Highly rated, personal and different view of Japan
stephencO4336GC,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A 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.
Breathtaking views of a beautiful area with a knowledgeable local guide.
ChrisBH1970,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We 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!
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