Five stars all the way

This was a truly great experience. Kiyo, our tour guide, gave us a wealth of information before and during each of our tour stops, provided detailed answers to all our questions, and gave great advice – from activities in other towns to where to enjoy local specialty food after the tour. Both she and her driver were very professional without being standoffish. She quickly adjusted to our pace and our preferences, and continuously offered info and insights we wouldn’t have had without her.

The process was made as easy as possible by Hirokane, who contacted us several days ahead of time and then on the morning of, letting us know exactly when and where to meet. Working with Kiyo and Hirokane meant we completely avoided the rush of tour buses at the Nihondaira Ropeway, having a calm and serene experience at the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine before it got overloaded with visitors, where she pointed out numerous key things to see there which were not signposted.

At our stops after that – observatory, tea plantation, pine forest, and beach – Kiyo kept us fully informed and filled out innumerable details which we would have missed. We had time for water breaks, to take photos, and to visit key shops – notably, shops which sold items we didn’t see elsewhere. Unsurprisingly based on the time of year, Fuji-san was feeling shy but we didn’t mind – the tour hit so many great locations and activities that it didn’t feel like we missed anything. Definitely recommended.