Recommended Mt. Fuji & Cherry Blossom Day Trips from Tokyo: Complete Guide to Ryuganbuchi, Mishima Taisha Shrine & Strawberry Picking

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

There are many sightseeing spots in Japan where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, but especially popular are spots where you can enjoy Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms together. Mt. Fuji sits on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, so scenic spots are scattered across both.
Among the many spots famous for cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji, we especially recommend Ryuganbuchi in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Ryuganbuchi is a well-known cherry blossom spot in Japan, offering a spectacular view of rows of cherry trees with Mt. Fuji in the background. Thanks to its superb composition, it is highly popular as a place where anyone can take professional-looking photos.
Mishima Taisha Shrine, located not far from Ryuganbuchi, is also a renowned cherry blossom spot. The tunnel of cherry blossoms over the approach is especially beautiful, and as you walk the path to the main hall surrounded by blossoms, you will be overwhelmed by its splendor.
Wherever you look, you will see a quintessentially Japanese spectacle created by the shrine and the cherry blossoms together. Weeping cherry trees bloom around the large pond called "Shinchi," and their drooping branches are truly enchanting.

What makes these two sightseeing spots great also lies somewhere unexpected.
At sightseeing spots often featured in travel guidebooks, such as Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, the number of visitors is increasing year by year. So even if you set out thinking, "I want to take a photo with the same composition as in that guidebook!", the view is often blocked by crowds.
Especially during cherry blossom season, when crowds are expected, the key points in choosing a destination are probably being able to sightsee at a relaxed pace, enjoying quintessentially Japanese scenery, and being able to take photos with perfect composition. Ryuganbuchi and Mishima Taisha Shrine meet all of these points.
In addition, Shizuoka Prefecture is a true treasure trove of food, where you can taste seasonal seafood such as sakura shrimp, and fruits such as strawberries are also very popular. If you want to enjoy quintessentially Japanese scenery and flavors in a single day, there may be no better place than Shizuoka Prefecture in spring.

Shizuoka Prefecture is relatively close to Tokyo, making it easy to enjoy both its scenery and its food. That is why it is very popular with day-trippers, and many day tours depart from Tokyo.
Here, we explain the actual travel times and the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of transportation.

■Ryuganbuchi
Tokyo Station → (about 40 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen) → Mishima Station → (about 30 minutes by Tokaido Line) → Fuji Station → (about 10 minutes by 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

To travel from Tokyo to Ryuganbuchi or Mishima Taisha Shrine, you first take the Shinkansen and then transfer to a conventional line in Shizuoka Prefecture. The Shinkansen has non-reserved seats that require no advance booking, but on busy days you may not get a seat, so we recommend booking a reserved seat.
Getting to Mishima Taisha Shrine requires only one transfer, but the transfers to Ryuganbuchi are somewhat complicated. If you plan to visit multiple sightseeing spots and enjoy meals as well, planning your itinerary and getting around locally can be challenging.

About 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours to both Ryuganbuchi and Mishima Taisha Shrine

If you rent a car, the distance between Mishima Taisha Shrine and Ryuganbuchi is short, so getting between them should be relatively smooth. However, be sure to check whether there is a parking lot near each sightseeing spot.
Mishima Taisha Shrine has a parking lot, but Ryuganbuchi does not have a dedicated one.
In addition, there are few private coin-operated parking lots near Ryuganbuchi, and you will need to walk about 1 km from where you park. Note that the parking lot you are aiming for may be full.

How can you solve worries and problems when traveling independently around Mt. Fuji?
When it comes to getting around, we especially recommend joining a bus tour.
There are many sightseeing tours to Shizuoka departing from Tokyo, so you can fully enjoy Shizuoka Prefecture's scenery, food, and experiences on a day trip. There's no need to worry about transfers, and you can leave the driving to us from start to finish. Since you travel by large bus, you can leave heavy luggage on board and enjoy sightseeing unencumbered.
Another nice point is that by booking a tour just once, you don't need to deal with complicated procedures such as reserving transportation and tourist facilities. With a day tour, you return to Tokyo Station in the evening, so it won't affect your sightseeing the next day.
A day bus tour lets you fully enjoy the appeal of tourist destinations without stress. Next, we'll share the charms of Shizuoka Prefecture in cherry blossom season, along with what we experienced on such a tour.

Ryuganbuchi refers to a riverside lined with cherry trees, with Mt. Fuji in the distance. Along the Urui River, a clear stream flowing from the foot of Mt. Fuji to the sea, cherry trees bloom for about 250 m. Beyond them, a dreamlike, snowcapped Mt. Fuji appears through the spring haze. What makes this place so wonderful is that Mt. Fuji, the cherry blossoms, and the Urui River are arranged in a beautiful balance, as if it had all been calculated.
It is a popular photo spot that photographers praise for its perfect composition, but in fact, anyone can take a photo with the same composition.

When I actually visited on a day bus tour, the local guide led the way and took us to the best spot for photos.
As you walk along the river toward Mt. Fuji, a bridge called Takido Bridge comes into view. Walk to the middle of the bridge and point your camera at Mt. Fuji, and you can take a photo with that famous composition.
On the tour, the bus could park nearby, so the walk from the bus to Ryuganbuchi was short and we were able to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

Mishima Taisha Shrine, with a history of more than 1,300 years, is one of Japan's most renowned traditional shrines.
As many as 200 cherry trees of 15 varieties are planted along the approach and around a pond called "Shinchi," and their long branches bloom overhead like a tunnel. The red lanterns and komainu guardian lion-dogs along the approach look even more beautiful next to the pale pink blossoms, just like a Japanese painting. At night, for a limited period, the lanterns are lit and the cherry trees are illuminated.
Mishima Taisha Shrine enshrines a deity of business prosperity, so at the main hall at the end of the approach, I put my hands together and prayed for good fortune. Receiving blessings as well made it feel like a real bonus.
During cherry blossom season, many food stalls also line the shrine grounds. Buying your favorite food and enjoying it while viewing the cherry blossoms is a special experience! When I actually visited on a tour, the shrine was lively with visitors but not overly crowded, so I was able to enjoy the cherry blossoms at a relaxed pace.

If you use public transportation from Tokyo Station, first take the Shinkansen to Mishima Station in Shizuoka Prefecture, whether you are heading to Ryuganbuchi or Mishima Taisha Shrine.
We recommend visiting Mishima Taisha Shrine first and then heading to Ryuganbuchi, because Mishima Taisha Shrine is closer to Mishima Station, so you can get around 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 transfer between conventional lines several times. First, return to Mishima Station and take a conventional line to Fuji Station. At Fuji Station, change trains and head to Iriyamase Station. Ryuganbuchi is about a 10-minute walk from Iriyamase Station.

Japanese strawberries come into season in spring. In Shizuoka Prefecture, you can go strawberry picking, harvesting greenhouse-grown strawberries yourself and enjoying them on the spot.
On this tour, we visited a facility called Izu Fruit Park. In nature, strawberries grow on the ground, but here you can eat as many strawberries grown above waist height as you like for 30 minutes! Since you don't have to crouch down to pick them, you can enjoy them in a comfortable position.
They are also very clean because they are never stepped on, and another nice point is that you can eat them freshly picked without washing.
This time we tried the Beni Hoppe and Kaorino varieties, both large strawberries ripened to a deep red. Every one had a rich, sweet-and-tart flavor. Condensed milk was also unlimited, so we never got tired of eating them. It was a strawberry picking experience that left us fully satisfied with the flavors of the season.

Thanks to its coastal location, Shizuoka Prefecture is known for delicious seafood, and in spring, pale pink sakura shrimp come into season. Sakura shrimp live only in a limited area, and in Japan they can only be caught in the waters off Shizuoka Prefecture. They are truly a local delicacy unique to Shizuoka.
The lunch on this tour was the "Sakura Shrimp Feast Set Meal," made with plenty of sakura shrimp! As the name suggests, the sakura shrimp kamameshi (rice cooked in an individual pot) and sakura shrimp kakiage tempura had a soft cherry blossom pink color. They were irresistibly flavorful, packed with the savory taste of shrimp. It also came with hot udon noodles and simmered dishes, making it a very filling meal! It satisfied both body and soul.

Club Tourism is one of Japan's largest travel companies, with a history of more than 30 years. With a long track record of being chosen by many travelers, we have a system in place that lets even first-time visitors to Japan join with peace of mind.
You can leave everything from transportation and sightseeing to meal arrangements to us, so there's 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 accompanies you on site and carefully supports you throughout your day of travel. The unique appeal of Club Tourism is that you can experience both a smooth itinerary that's hard to achieve when traveling independently and the attentive omotenashi hospitality unique to Japan.

For Club Tourism bus tours, the meeting point is usually a parking lot or bus stop close to a station.
The meeting point for this day bus tour was a parking lot about a 5-minute walk from the Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station. A guide with a map was provided in advance, so I was able to get there without getting lost.
I brought drinks and warm clothing, so I had a lot of luggage, but I could leave it on the bus both while traveling and while sightseeing, which made for a very light trip. You can also leave suitcases on the bus, so you can join the tour with peace of mind after checking out of your accommodation.
An easy-to-find meeting point and comfortable luggage handling let you focus on sightseeing itself without the stress of getting around. This is one of the great attractions of bus tours.

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 Prefecture?

A: 〈Access by Shinkansen〉
■Ryuganbuchi...
Tokyo Station → (about 40 minutes by Tokaido Shinkansen) → Mishima Station → (about 30 minutes by Tokaido Line) → Fuji Station → (about 10 minutes by 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〉
About 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours to both Ryuganbuchi and Mishima Taisha Shrine


Q: When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms at Ryuganbuchi and Mishima Taisha Shrine?
A: At both spots, the best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late Mar. to early Apr. However, the blooming period shifts depending on that year's temperatures and weather, so we recommend checking the latest blooming information before departure. When the blossoms are in full bloom, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery created by Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms.

Q: Do tours run even in bad weather?
A: Tours generally operate even in the rain. Cherry blossoms and shrines have their own charm on rainy days, and crowds are smaller, so you can sightsee at a relaxed pace. However, some contents may change depending on weather conditions, so please check the advance information for details.

Q: Is the tour easy to join for families with children and seniors?
A: Yes, bus tours are easy to join for people of a wide range of ages. There are no transfers even for long-distance travel, and once you board the bus you can leave everything to us. The itinerary at sightseeing spots is also planned at a comfortable pace. With little physical strain, families with children and seniors alike can join with peace of mind. A tour conductor accompanies the tour, so you can ask for help right away if you have any trouble, which is another reassuring point.

Questions about Meeting and Departure
Q: After booking, how can I check the meeting point and time?
A: After booking, you can check the "meeting point," "meeting time," and "emergency contact" on My Page. Before departure, you can also view the Tour Program (Tabi no Shiori) online.

About Luggage
Q: Can I bring a suitcase on the tour?
A: When traveling by bus, there is space for luggage, so you can bring a suitcase. However, please keep large suitcases to about two per person.

About Language Support
Q: Can I join even if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes. Tours are conducted in Japanese, but important information is provided in English and Traditional Chinese using AI translation devices and written materials. Tour conductors and drivers also use translation apps, so there is no need to worry about language.

About Payment
Q: What is the payment method and currency?
A: Payment is made online by credit card in Japanese yen. The exchange rate follows your card company's rules. Payment is required immediately at the time of booking.

About Local Support
Q: Do you have physical stores in Taiwan or other countries?
A: In Taiwan, KNT Taiwan is the general agent for Club Tourism. For inquiries in Taiwan, please contact KNT Taiwan.

Travelers in Taiwan can book through our general agent in Taiwan, KNT Taiwan (Taiwan Kinki International Travel Agency).
Online booking: https://www.knt-taiwan.com/contact.php
Phone booking: 02-87717551 (Mon–Fri 09:15–18:00, excluding holidays)
Email: info@knt-taiwan.com

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In spring, Shizuoka Prefecture, where Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms come together, offers beautiful scenery unique to Japan.
At Ryuganbuchi you can enjoy spectacular views with perfect composition, and at Mishima Taisha Shrine you can enjoy the combination of a historic shrine and cherry blossoms.
There are also plenty of attractions unique to spring, such as strawberry picking and seasonal cuisine. Spend a special day enjoying both scenery and food on a day tour that lets you get around efficiently.
Be sure to head out and experience spring in Japan.