The Mt. Fuji and Shine Muscat Picking Tour offers an unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends natural splendor, culture, and culinary delight. Participants embark on a journey that not only showcases the iconic Mount Fuji but also allows them to engage in the hands-on harvesting of the renowned Shine Muscat grapes. With an insightful guide leading the way, this small-group tour provides a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage and the delectable world of premium wines. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or simply seeking an extraordinary adventure, this tour promises to leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.
Key Points
- The tour offers a comprehensive experience, including visits to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, a Fujisan World Heritage Center, and a Shine Muscat grape picking activity.
- Participants can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and learn about its history and cultural significance at the Fujisan World Heritage Center.
- The hands-on grape picking experience allows visitors to connect with Yamanashi’s agricultural heritage and sample the premium Shine Muscat grapes.
- The tour includes a wine tasting session at Chateau Katsunuma, where participants can sample award-winning Yamanashi wines and receive a souvenir mini bottle.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, includes roundtrip transportation and lunch, and has a small group size of up to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Tour Overview
The Mt. Fuji and Shine Muscat Picking 1-Day Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Japan’s iconic mountain and indulge in the delights of the country’s top wine-producing region.
Departing from Shinjuku, the tour takes participants on a 9-hour journey to Yamanashi Prefecture, where they’ll visit the Fujisan World Heritage Center, explore the stunning 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, and engage in the hands-on experience of grape picking at a local vineyard.
The tour caters to a small group of up to 10 participants and is wheelchair accessible, with a live Japanese tour guide.
With a price tag of £2,219 per person and a free cancellation policy, this tour offers an immersive and well-rounded experience for those seeking to discover the natural and culinary wonders of the Fuji region.
Tour Itinerary
Starting from Shinjuku Post Office, the tour takes participants on a journey to Yamanashi Prefecture. The first stop is the Yamanashi Prefectural Fujisan World Heritage Center, where visitors learn about Mt. Fuji through a 1-hour visit and simulated climbing experience. Next, the group ventures to the iconic Mt. Fuji 5th Station, spending 1.5 hours exploring the scenic viewpoint and indulging in free time and shopping. Following this, the tour heads to a vineyard for a 30-minute Shine Muscat grape picking session, allowing visitors to savor the rich aroma. The final destination is Chateau Katsunuma, where a 30-minute wine tasting experience awaits, complete with a special mini wine bottle gift.
| Destination | Duration |
|---|---|
| Yamanashi Prefectural Fujisan World Heritage Center | 1 hour |
| Mt. Fuji 5th Station | 1.5 hours |
| Shine Muscat Grape Picking | 30 minutes |
| Chateau Katsunuma Wine Tasting | 30 minutes |
Mount Fuji Sightseeing
One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the iconic Mt. Fuji.
At the Yamanashi Prefectural Fujisan World Heritage Center, participants have the opportunity to learn about the mountain’s history, geology, and cultural significance through interactive exhibits and a simulated climbing experience.
The tour then takes them to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji, situated at an impressive 2,300m altitude. Here, they can:
- Take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including the potential glimpse of the breathtaking "sea of clouds".
- Explore the area, visiting the various shops and facilities.
- Capture unforgettable photographs to commemorate their experience.
This Mt. Fuji sightseeing segment provides an immersive and educational introduction to Japan’s most famous natural wonder.
Shine Muscat Grape Picking
A highlight of the tour is the opportunity for participants to hand-pick the juicy and aromatic Shine Muscat grapes.
These premium grapes, known for their rich flavor and distinctive appearance, are a local specialty in Yamanashi Prefecture.
During the 30-minute grape picking session, guests can indulge in the pleasure of harvesting the grapes directly from the vines and savoring their delectable sweetness.
The experience allows visitors to connect with the region’s agricultural heritage and appreciate the care and attention required to cultivate these exceptional fruits.
With the option to sample as much as desired, the Shine Muscat picking activity provides a truly immersive and memorable encounter with Yamanashi’s renowned viticulture.
Wine Tasting at Chateau Katsunuma
Following the tour’s grape picking experience, participants are invited to a 30-minute wine tasting session at the historic Chateau Katsunuma, situated in the renowned wine-producing region of Yamanashi Prefecture.
The tasting allows visitors to sample a selection of the winery’s finest offerings, accompanied by complementary snacks. The experience offers a glimpse into Japan’s burgeoning wine industry, which has gained international recognition in recent years.
Three highlights of the wine tasting include:
- Opportunity to taste award-winning Yamanashi wines
- Knowledgeable staff providing insights into the region’s unique terroir and winemaking process
- Inclusion of a special mini bottle of wine as a souvenir to take home.
Tour Inclusions
The roundtrip bus fare, entrance fee to the Fujisan World Heritage Center, and a complimentary lunch are all part of the tour’s inclusive package.
Guests also receive hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as an English-speaking guide to lead them throughout the day’s activities. This comprehensive inclusion ensures a seamless and worry-free experience for participants.
Whether it’s exploring the Fujisan World Heritage Center, admiring the views from Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, or indulging in a wine tasting, the tour’s all-inclusive nature allows visitors to focus on enjoying the rich cultural and natural wonders on display.
Important Tour Details
Inclement weather can sometimes disrupt the planned itinerary for this tour. If the Subaru Line to Mt. Fuji 5th Station is closed due to bad conditions, the tour will provide lunch at the Tabi-no-Eki Kawaguchiko Base instead.
Plus, in the event of insufficient Shine Muscat grapes, pre-harvested grapes will be available for tasting.
This tour also offers the following conveniences:
- Roundtrip bus transportation is included.
- An English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are provided.
These contingencies and inclusions ensure a seamless experience, regardless of any unexpected challenges that may arise during the tour.
Tour Highlights
Magnificent scenery awaits visitors at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station. At an elevation of 2,300 meters, guests can soak in breathtaking views of the iconic mountain and potentially the sea of clouds below.
The hands-on Shine Muscat grape picking is a delightful experience, allowing participants to indulge in the sweet, aromatic grapes.
The tour also includes a visit to the Fujisan World Heritage Center, where guests can learn about the cultural and natural significance of Mt. Fuji.
Plus, the wine tasting at Chateau Katsunuma provides a taste of the region’s renowned wines, complemented by provided snacks.
These highlights make the Mt. Fuji and Shine Muscat Picking Tour a well-rounded and immersive experience for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour appears suitable for children, with its wheelchair accessibility and hands-on grape picking experience. However, parents should consider the 9-hour duration and ensure their children can handle the pace and activities comfortably.
Can I Take the Tour in a Language Other Than Japanese?
The tour offers live Japanese-language guides, but it doesn’t appear to provide interpretation services for other languages. Guests who don’t speak Japanese may need to arrange for their own translation assistance to fully participate in the tour.
How Much Additional Spending Money Should I Bring?
For this tour, it’s recommended to bring an additional 5,000-10,000 yen for incidental expenses and any extra purchases at the sites, such as souvenirs or additional food and drinks beyond what’s included in the tour.
Is the Tour Refundable if I Cancel Last-Minute?
The tour is refundable if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, providing a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows for last-minute changes to your plans without financial penalty.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but the provider offers flexibility. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance if their plans change. The tour has set activities, but the provider accommodates weather-related changes.
Recap
The Mt. Fuji and Shine Muscat Picking Tour offers an unforgettable blend of natural splendor, culture, and gastronomic delight. Travelers can marvel at the iconic mountain, engage in the time-honored tradition of grape harvesting, and savor the fruits of their labor through a wine tasting experience. This small group tour provides a well-rounded journey that showcases the best of Japan’s natural and cultural wonders.
