Tokyo Day Trip: Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossoms & Ryuganbuchi

*This article was created for travelers planning to visit Japan, but readers in Japan may also find it useful.

There are many tourist spots in Japan where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, but the most popular spot is where you can enjoy the collaboration between Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms. Mt. Fuji is located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, so both are dotted with scenic spots.
Among the many famous cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji, the most recommended is "Ryuganbuchi" in Shizuoka Prefecture.
"Ryuganbuchi" is a famous cherry blossom spot in Japan, and is a spectacular views spot where you can overlook the cherry blossom trees with Mt. Fuji in the background. Due to the splendor of its composition, it is a highly popular place where anyone can take photos like a professional.
In addition, the shrine "Mishima Taisha" not far from Ryuganbuchi is also a famous cherry blossom spot. The cherry blossom tunnel along the approach is particularly beautiful, and you will be overwhelmed by the splendor of the main shrine surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Everywhere you look, there is a Japanese spectacular views woven by the shrine and the cherry blossom competition. Weeping cherry blossoms bloom around a large pond called "Kamiike", and the way their branches hang down is fantastic.

The splendor of these two tourist destinations lies in the more surprising places.
The number of visitors to tourist destinations such as Yamanashi Prefecture and Lake Kawaguchi, which are often introduced in tourist guidebooks, etc., is increasing year by year. Therefore, even if you go out thinking, "I want to take a photo with the same composition as that guidebook!", the scenery is often blocked by the crowd.
Especially during the cherry blossom season, when crowds are expected, the important things when choosing a tourist destination are to be able to take your time, have a Japanese-like scenery, and be able to take pictures with perfect composition. The places where these points were also held are "Ryuganbuchi" and "Mishima Taisha".
In addition, Shizuoka Prefecture is a treasure trove of food, where you can taste seasonal seafood such as cherry shrimp and fruits such as strawberries. If you want to enjoy the unique scenery and taste of Japan in one day, there may be no better place than Shizuoka Prefecture in spring.

Shizuoka Prefecture is relatively close to Tokyo, and it is a land that is easy to enjoy without full scenery and food. This makes it very popular with Day Trip travelers, and there are many Day Trip that Tokyo originate.
Here, we will explain the actual travel time and the advantages and disadvantages of each travel method.

■Longyanyuan
Tokyo Station → (about 40 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen) → Mishima Station → (about 30 minutes on the Tokaido line) → Fuji Station → (about 10 minutes on the Minobu Line) → Iriyamase Station → (about 10 minutes on foot) → Ryuganbuchi

■Mishima Taisha Shrine
Tokyo Station → (about 40 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen) → Mishima Station → (about 20 minutes on foot) → Mishima Taisha Shrine

If you are heading from Tokyo to Ryuiganbuchi and Mishima Taisha Shrine, you must first take the Shinkansen and transfer to a conventional line in Shizuoka Prefecture. There are "non-reserved seats" on the Shinkansen that do not require advance reservations, but on days when there are many passengers, there is a risk of not being able to sit in a seat, so we recommend reserving a "reserved seat".
There is only one transfer when heading to Mishima Taisha Shrine, but in the case of Ryuganbuchi, the transfer is a little complicated. When it comes to visiting multiple tourist spots and enjoying a meal, it can be difficult to plan an itinerary and travel around the site.

Both Ryuganbuchi and Mishima Taisha Shrine take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours to reach.

If you're using a rental car, the distance between Mishima Taisha Shrine and Ryuganbuchi is short, so getting around should be relatively smooth. However, it's essential to check whether there's parking available near the tourist spots.
Mishima Taisha Shrine has a parking lot, but Ryuganbuchi does not have its own dedicated parking lot.
Additionally, there are few private coin-operated parking lots near Ryuganbuchi, and you will need to walk about 1km from where you parked. Be aware that your intended parking lot may be full.

How can I solve all my worries and problems when traveling alone around Mt. Fuji?
In terms of transportation, we recommend taking a bus tour.
Tokyo Departing and Shizuoka Sightseeing Tours are numerous and you can enjoy the sights, food and experiences of Shizuoka Prefecture with Day Trip. You don't have to worry about changing trains, and you can leave the driving to the end to the end. Since you are traveling by large bus, you can leave your heavy luggage in the bus and enjoy sightseeing lightly.
Another nice point is that you only need to apply for a tour once, and you don't need to go through all the complicated procedures such as transportation and reservations for tourist facilities. Day Trip will come back to Tokyo station at night, so it won't affect your next day's sightseeing.
A stress-free Day Trip bus tour that allows you to fully enjoy the attractions of the tourist destination. Next, we will deliver the charm of Shizuoka Prefecture during the cherry blossom season, along with what we experienced during such a tour.

Ryuganbuchi refers to the riverside with cherry blossom trees in the distance of Mt. Fuji. Along the Juni River, a clear stream that flows from the foot of Mt. Fuji to the sea, cherry blossom trees bloom for about 250 meters. Behind it is the fantastic figure of Mt. Fuji covered in snow in the spring haze. The beauty of this place is that the three points of Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the Juni River exist in a beautiful balance as if they were calculated.
It's a photo spot with perfect compositions and photographers roaring, but in fact, anyone can shoot with the same composition.

When I actually visited on the Day Trip bus tour, the local guide took the lead and guided me to the best spots for photography.
As you proceed along the river towards Mt. Fuji, a bridge called "Takido Bridge" appears. If you cross the bridge halfway up and point your camera at Mt. Fuji, you can take a photo with that famous composition.
The tour allowed you to park nearby, so the walking distance from the bus to Yongganyeon was short, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at your leisure.

Mishima Taisha is one of Japan's most renowned traditional shrines, boasting a history of over 1300 years.
Fifteen different varieties and 200 cherry trees are planted along the approach to the shrine and around the pond known as "Kamiike," their long branches forming a tunnel overhead as they bloom. The red lanterns and guardian lion-dogs along the approach are even more beautiful when placed next to the pale pink cherry blossoms, resembling a Japanese painting. At night, the lanterns are lit and the cherry trees are illuminated, but only during certain seasons.
Mishima Taisha Shrine is home to a god of business prosperity, so I clasped my hands together and prayed for good fortune at the main shrine after crossing the approach to the shrine. I felt like I got a bonus by receiving blessings.
Also, during cherry blossom season, numerous food stalls line the temple grounds. The experience of buying your favorite food and enjoying it while viewing the cherry blossoms is exceptional! When I actually visited on a tour, although there were people, it wasn't overly crowded, and I was able to enjoy the cherry blossoms at my leisure.

Tokyo If you use public transportation from the station, whether you want to go to Ryuganbuchi or Mishima Taisha, first take the Shinkansen to "Mishima Station" in Shizuoka Prefecture.
The order of turning is recommended to first head to Mishima Taisha Shrine, and then to Ryuiwabuchi. This is because Mishima Taisha is closer to Mishima Station and can be moved efficiently.
It takes about 20 minutes on foot from Mishima Station to Mishima Taisha Shrine. To get from Mishima Taisha Shrine to Ryuganbuchi, you need to change conventional lines several times. First, return to Mishima Station and take the conventional line to Fuji Station. Transfer to a train from Fuji Station and head to "Iriyamase Station". From Iriyamase Station, you will arrive at Ryuganbuchi in about 10 minutes on foot.

Japanese strawberries are in season in spring. In Shizuoka Prefecture, you can harvest your own greenhouse strawberries and taste them on the spot.
This time we visited a facility called "Izu Fruit Park". In nature, strawberries grow on the ground, but here strawberries grown higher than waist are all-you-can-eat for 30 minutes! Since it is harvested without squatting, you can enjoy it in a relaxed position.
It is also very clean because it is not stepped on by human feet, and you can eat it freshly without washing.
This time, I had varieties called "Benicheek" and "Kaorino", both of which are large strawberries that ripen bright red. No matter which one you take, it has a sweet and sour and rich taste. You can also pour as much condensed milk as you want, so you won't get tired of eating it. It was a strawberry picking experience that was very satisfying for the taste of the season.

Shizuoka Prefecture, with its coastal location, boasts delicious seafood, and in spring, the pale pink "sakura shrimp" comes into season. Sakura shrimp have a limited habitat and can only be caught in the waters off Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. They are truly a local delicacy unique to Shizuoka.
The lunch we had on this tour was a "Sakura Shrimp Feast," featuring an abundance of sakura shrimp! The sakura shrimp rice and sakura shrimp tempura were, as the name suggests, a soft, cherry blossom pink color. The flavor was irresistible, packed with the deliciousness of shrimp. It also came with warm udon noodles and simmered dishes, making it a very filling meal! My heart and body were completely satisfied.

Club Tourism is one of the largest travel agencies in Japan, with a history of over 30 years. It has been chosen by many travelers for many years, and we have a system in place that allows you to participate with peace of mind even if it is your first trip to Japan.
Since you can take care of transportation, sightseeing, and meal arrangements all at once, there is no need for complicated transfers or reservations. You can efficiently visit popular spots and enjoy a fulfilling trip even with limited time.
In addition, an experienced tour conductor will accompany you on site to carefully support you throughout the day. The unique charm of Club Tourism is that you can experience the smooth itinerary that is difficult to travel on your own and the meticulous "hospitality" unique to Japan at the same time.

For Club Tourism bus tours, Meeting point is usually a parking lot or bus stop close to the station.
The Meeting point of this Day Trip bus tour is the parking lot, which is about a 5-minute walk from the Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station. A guide with a map was distributed in advance, so I was able to get to the site without hesitation.
In addition, I brought drinks and warm clothes, so I participated with a large luggage, but I was able to put my luggage in the bus while traveling and sightseeing, so it was a very light trip. You can also leave your suitcase, so you can check out of the inn and join the tour.
The ease of understanding and the comfort of Meeting point your luggage make it a great attraction of bus tours, allowing you to focus on sightseeing without the stress of travel.

Visiting Ryuganbuchi and Mishima Taisha Shrine in one day on your own requires a lot of effort in planning transportation, transfers, and adjusting the time spent at each location. In particular, getting to Ryuganbuchi involves many transfers, making it difficult to efficiently visit both within a limited time.
In contrast, bus tours have pre-optimized routes and time allocations, allowing you to visit popular spots efficiently. The ample time allocated for sightseeing also makes them appealing, as you can enjoy taking photos and strolling around at your leisure.
The biggest advantage is that it allows you to make the most of your day with a smooth itinerary that would be difficult to achieve on your own.

Q: How long does it take to travel from Tokyo to Shizuoka?

A: 〈Access by Shinkansen〉
■Long Yanyuan...
Tokyo Station → (about 40 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen) → Mishima Station → (about 30 minutes by Tokaido Line) → Fuji Station → (about 10 minutes on the Minobu Line) → Iriyamase Station → (about 10 minutes on foot) → Ryuganbuchi
■Mishima Taisha Shrine...
Tokyo Station → (about 40 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen) → Mishima Station → (about 20 minutes on foot) → Mishima Taisha Shrine

〈Access by car〉
Both Ryuganbuchi and Mishima Taisha Shrine are about 2 hours 30 minutes ~ 3 hours


Q: When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms at Ryuiwabuchi and Mishima Taisha?
A: Both are usually in full bloom from late Mar. to early Apr.. However, the flowering time varies depending on the temperature and weather of the year, so it is recommended to check the latest flowering information before leaving. During the full bloom season, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms.

Q: Will the tour run in bad weather?
A: Basically, the tour runs even in rainy weather. The cherry blossoms and shrine scenery are charming even on rainy days, and crowds are alleviated, so you can enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace. However, some details may change depending on weather conditions, so please check the information in advance for details.

Q: Is it easy for children and seniors to participate?
A: Yes, bus tours are accessible to people of all ages. There are no transfers even for long-distance travel, and once you get on the bus, you can leave the rest to you, and the itinerary is also organized at tourist spots. It is less burdensome on the body, and both those with children and seniors can participate with peace of mind. A tour conductor will accompany you, so if you have any problems, you can consult with them immediately.

Questions about meeting and departure
Q: How can I confirm the Meeting point and time after booking?
A: After booking, you can check the "Meeting point", "meeting time" and "emergency contact" on My Page. You can also view the "Travel Bookmark" online before departure.

About luggage
Q: Can I bring my suitcase to participate?
A: If you are traveling by bus, we have space for luggage, so you can bring your suitcase. However, please limit yourself to two large suitcases per person.

Language support
Q: Can I participate even if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes, you can. The tour is operated in Japanese, but important information is available in English and Chinese (Traditional) using AI translation equipment and written information. Tour conductors and drivers also use translation apps, so there is no need to worry about the language.

About payment
Q: What is the payment method? What is the currency?
A: Payment is made online in Japanese yen (credit card). The exchange rate is subject to the rules of the credit card company. Instant payment is required at the time of booking.

About local support
Q: Do you have physical stores in Taiwan or overseas?
A: In Taiwan, KNT Taiwan is the sole distributor of Club Tourism. For on-site consultations, please contact KNT Taiwan.

Passengers in Taiwan, please contact "Taiwan General Agent, Taiwan Kansai International Travel Agency" to register.
Online Registration https://www.knt-taiwan.com/contact.php
Call to register 02-87717551 (Mon~Fri 09:15~18:00 (excluding holidays))
Email info@knt-taiwan.com

Guided to a spectacular views where you can see Mt. Fuji! Click here for the tour feature

In spring, Shizuoka Prefecture, where Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms interweave, has beautiful scenery unique to Japan.
At "Ryuganbuchi", you can enjoy a perfectly composed spectacular views, and at "Mishima Taisha", you can enjoy a contest with cherry blossoms with a historic shrine.
In addition, it is full of charms unique to spring, such as strawberry picking and seasonal gourmet food. With an efficient Day Trip, you can enjoy the scenery and food for a special day.
Please go out to feel Japan in spring.