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Mt. Fuji Self Guided Hike Japan 6 days ex Tokyo
Though not generally seen as an adventure destination Japan has a lot to offer. We spend a day cycling around the mega city of Tokyo and discovering some of the nooks and crannies which make this fascinating city so much more unique and interesting than it may first appear. With a staggering 10% of Japan’s population calling the Tokyo/Yokohama metropolis home it’s not surprising that high-rise and concrete dominate most people’s perceptions of the city but there is more to this historic city than power suits and tall buildings. Before it became the capital of Japan in 1603 Edo (as it was then called) was a small city of little note. The Shogun (military commander) picked it as his capital and within 100 years it was one of the most populous cities in the world at the time. It has suffered many setbacks: regular fires, the 1923 Kanto earthquake and the 1945 firebombing but has bounced back every time and is one of the world’s most vibrant and intriguing capitals.
On a clear day you can look to the south-west of Tokyo and through the tall buildings spy Mt. Fuji (3,776m) in the distance. Japan’s tallest mountain is a near perfect volcanic cone which last erupted in 1707 (now classified as dormant). Rising majestically from the Kanto plain it has long been seen as the abode of the native Shinto gods. First climbed in the 7th century by an anonymous monk it now attracts visitors from all over the world who aim to see the sunrise from the top of this amazing mountain.
As well as detailed trail maps with history of and information about the areas you hike though we also have meal and restaurant suggestions. In Tokyo we can also organize fully guided tours or help you do some of the great activities on offer – cooking school visit, martial arts class, tea ceremony class, calligraphy lesson, visiting a sumo stable and much more – you tell us what you'd like to do!
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Itinerary
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Trip Details
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Day 1 Tokyo Arrive and transfer from Narita Airport to your ryokan (local guesthouse) in the heart of Tokyo. There will be a note letting you know what time to meet your guide tomorrow and a list of restaurant suggestions for dinner tonight.
Day 2 Tokyo guided cycle Tokyo is a dynamic, modern hub, the thriving capital of an ancient land. Contradictions are everywhere, as hi-tech gadgetry and neon lights play an integral part in the lives of a population steeped in tradition. Picking up our bikeswe join the population of Tokyo as they cycle around their city and head to the world’s biggest fish market, Tsukiji. The 1,700 stalls sell an amazing 450 varieties of seafood including many you have probably never seen before! Our ride continues through the many and varied neighbourhoods of Tokyo - from the Shitamachi downtown area with its down to earth characters to the glitz and glamour or high street Ginza.
Day 3 Mt. Fuji You travel by bus to the city of Fuji Yoshida to start the ascent of this iconic mountain. It’s estimated that 200,000 people climb the mountain every year but almost all of them begin at the fifth station after taking a bus half way up the mountain. Instead you will take the Fuji Yoshida route, the oldest pilgrimage route up the sacred mountain and have the lower slopes of the mountain almost to yourself as you walk from Sengen Jinja shrine (850m) to your mountain hut at 2,700m. The walk should take you about 6 hours depending on walking speeds.
Day 4 Mt. Fuji You will need to start very early if you want to get to the summit for sunrise. Continue the climb to the summit and witness the sunrise from Japan's highest point. This is also the best time for a clear view because during the early morning it is least likely to be shrouded in cloud. Weather permitting, you have time to hike the crater for an hour or two and check out the spectacular views of Mt Fuji's different sides. After a leisurely descent to the 5th station you will catch a bus back to Tokyo for a hot shower and a good night's sleep!
Days 5-6 Tokyo Spend your time back in the capital exploring, doing some last minute souvinir shopping or indulging in a traditional Shiatsu massage. Characterized by its great simplicity to an observer Shiatsu would appear to be merely a still, relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand or thumb or a simple rotation of a limb but much is happening internally to the body's energy on a subtle level. You can depart at any time on day 6.
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Highlights Tokyo city cycle tour, Tsukiji fish market, Climb Mt. Fuji from the base, Shrines, Pilgrimage route, Rustic mountain hut, Local characters.
Trip code SGF
Group size min 1 (private tour)
Inclusions Maps Detailed route directions Meal and sightseeing suggestions Detailed history of areas 1 day Tokyo cycle tour
Important notes 1. Mt Fuji is a rewarding but difficult climb. We offer the option of day walks in the area instead. There is not any change in the trip price. Please advise your preference at time of booking. Unless otherwise advised the itinerary including the Mt Fuji climb will be booked. 2. Although the official climbing season is from 1 July to 31 August conditions at the summit vary greatly. If you are climbing a month either side of the season, please contact us about chances of reaching the summit. 3. It is important to come prepared with clothing for cold and wet weather. 4. In the event that you are not able to climb Mt Fuji due to weather conditions you will participate in hikes of the surrounding area.
Accommodation Traditional inns (4 nts), mountain hut ( nt).
Meals 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner.
booking enquiry
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