Mount Fuji Cherry Blossom Viewing & Strawberry Picking | Pork Shabu Shabu (Departing from Shinjuku)

The ultimate photogenic spot for Mount Fuji cherry blossom viewing in 2020—Arakurayama Sengen Shrine. Five-story pagoda, cherry blossoms, and Mount Fuji—a perfect getaway for one! Departing from Shinjuku, this tour includes Chinese-speaking staff and a local pork shabu-shabu lunch. Don't miss this must-do cherry blossom viewing experience at Mount Fuji!

Arakurayama Sengen Shrine is a must-see for cherry blossom viewing on Mount Fuji. Known as the only shrine offering a panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Kyoto, it's even been chosen as a photographer's must-see before death. Arakurayama Sengen Park, located near Mount Fuji, boasts approximately 650 cherry blossom trees along its cherry blossom viewing path, making it a must-see for cherry blossom viewing on Mount Fuji. Due to the elevated terrain surrounding Mount Fuji, the cherry blossoms bloom later than in other Tokyo areas. While the Tokyo cherry blossom season is almost over, the cherry blossoms around Mount Fuji are still in full bloom. Sengen Shrine is undoubtedly the perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing on Mount Fuji. There are 398 stone steps leading to the observatory. These steps are named "Sakikura Hime," representing cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and the goddess of Mount Fuji. Since the temperatures haven't fully warmed up in April, the peak of Mount Fuji is still covered in thick snow, creating a captivating and beautiful contrast with the cherry blossoms.

If you're a fan of Japan's Warring States period, you'll be familiar with "Erin-ji Temple." This is the family temple of Takeda Shingen, the "Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain" (also known as the Tiger of Kai). Destroyed during the wars of the Warring States period, the Takeda clan hired a high-ranking monk to serve as their abbot and designated it as their family temple. After Shingen's death, his funeral was held there. Not only does Erin-ji Temple boast a rich history, it's also a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot every April. The beautifully landscaped gardens, the blooming cherry blossoms, and the backdrop of the war-torn history of the Warring States period invite you to savor the sentiment that "peaceful meditation doesn't require mountains and rivers; extinguishing the inner fire brings peace."

Besides cherry blossom viewing, the Mount Fuji area is also home to numerous small towns and villages producing strawberries, wine, and other fruit products. Why miss this opportunity to experience the charm of the countryside? Come and pick plump, red strawberries. Enjoy 30 minutes of picking and eating them as you go. Take a big bite of these freshly picked strawberries! Don't worry about overeating!