Fuji View Express & Kawaguchiko Music Forest | Design Tour

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

Mr. Eiji Mitooka is a leading Japanese industrial designer who has designed numerous train models such as JR Kyushu's "Seven Stars in Kyushu" and the "Kyushu Shinkansen." His luxurious and distinctive designs transformed vehicles that had previously been "means of transportation" into spaces where riding itself became the ultimate goal. The sightseeing trains he designed are very popular and attracting attention both in Japan and abroad.

Mito The essence of Oka Design lies in natural wood, kumiko crafts, and beautiful textiles. The interior, which tends to be inorganic, incorporates traditional Japanese beauty and the warmth of wood, making it look like a "running craft." His design philosophy is to invest time and effort without reservation, turning trains and buses into not just means of transportation but as "experiences."

Even if you're not a railway fan, you should try riding a train designed by Mito Oka at least once. The bus-based bus that made this possible is the Club Tourism 's top-tier bus, the "Club Tourism Fuast." The seating is a special feature with a spacious 3-seat 6-row layout, totaling 18 seats (capacity 17 people). This is a one-of-a-kind bus in the world, distinguished by its distinguishing elegance and high standards.

The exterior of the "Club Tourism Forst" is a refined royal red.
The body, which looks a chic black depending on the lighting, is adorned with a gold emblem.

And then there's the interior. The moment I stepped inside the bus, I was captivated by its opulent and luxurious feel, so much so that I forgot I was inside a vehicle. Beautiful wood-grained flooring stretched out beneath my feet, and warm, inviting wood was used lavishly on the walls.
The ceiling is a "coffered ceiling," a type of wooden structure considered to be the most prestigious in Japanese architecture. The interior, which evokes ancient Japanese tradition, is truly inspiring.
The windows are large and open, allowing passengers to enjoy a wide view of the scenery along the way.

Usually, large buses have about 45 seats, but the 'Club Tourism Fuast' has only 18 seats. The spacious interior allows you to recline deeply without worrying about your back or neighbors.
The sheet, wrapped in original textiles, has a plush and soft touch. The large seat pillows fit your head comfortably, so you won't feel tired even when sleeping on the bus.
Additionally, each seat is equipped with wood-grain armrests and footrests. You can also relax and unwind by switching into original in-car slippers where you can take off your shoes and relax.

Each seat is equipped with a flip-up table and a USB charging port.
The table is quite large, so it felt stable even when placing a laptop there.
(The front row is not a flip-up table, but a fixed table.)
Also, even if your smartphone runs out of battery during your trip, you can recharge it on the bus, so you can rest assured.

At the rear of the cabin, there is an independent washbasin and a toilet with a bidet function. It has a hotel-like cleanliness, so you can feel secure even on long trips. A large mirror is also installed on the washbasin.
On the tour aboard the 'Club Tourism Hurst,' in addition to the Tour conductor, a bus guide will also be on board. They will guide you through the windows during your journey. Announcements about travel trivia and highlights will add color to your journey.

On this tour, we also rode the sightseeing train "Mt. Fuji View Express," designed by Mr. Eiji Mitooka, and visited Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

[Tour Name]
"Enjoy a sweet treat on the 'Mt. Fuji View Express' special car, followed by an elegant Western-style lunch and concert at the Lake Kawaguchi Music and Forest Museum" [Departing Shinjuku] < Premium Stage >

[Itinerary (Day Trip)]
● Depart from Shinjuku and take the "Club Tourism First" bus to Otsuki Station.
● Board the "Mt. Fuji View Express" from Otsuki Station and enjoy sweets on board.
● Visit the Lake Kawaguchi Museum of Music and Forest
● Return to Shinjuku via Club Tourism First

This time, I rode the special car (Car 1) of the sightseeing train 'Mt. Fuji View Express.'
There are spacious sofa seats and counter seats facing the windows, allowing you to enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from the train windows. Thanks to its beautiful views, it has become a popular train that is difficult to book in recent years.

When I boarded the train from Otsuki Station, I found a space decorated with bright textiles, reminiscent of a classic salon.
Inside the train, there are attendants dedicated to special vehicles who provide sightseeing information and drink services.
In a glamorous atmosphere, the approximately one-hour journey toward the foot of Mt. Fuji Lake Kawaguchi begins.

The special car of the 'Mt. Fuji View Limited Express' offers a 'Sweets Plan' that lets you enjoy special sweets onboard. The sweets served are carefully crafted by the pastry chefs of the Highland Resort Hotel & Spa in Yamanashi Prefecture. You can experience seasonal flavors such as mousse and jelly, which are made with plenty of seasonal fruits.

During the interview, I received a cherry blossom-colored cake modeled after Mt. Fuji in spring, along with refreshing citrus jelly.
The fluffy texture of cherry blossom mousse is topped with white chocolate reminiscent of snow, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. At the top, candied cherry blossoms are topped with a subtle saltiness that enhances the entire dish. The sweet and sour citrus jelly contains fruit pulp inside a sparkling, transparent jelly, offering a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with cake. During the ride, you can also get refills and enjoy a luxurious tea time.

As you ride while enjoying sweets, as the train approaches Mount Fuji, the majestic view of Fuji fills the window. Mito The wooden frame windows designed by Oka beautifully cut out Mount Fuji like a picture framed in a painting.

On the day of the interview, unfortunately, the sky was cloudy, but since the 'Mt. Fuji View Express' passes very close to Mount Fuji, we were able to observe the impressive mountain slopes and the magnificent greenery at the foothills. The attendants inside the car will announce the viewpoints of Mt. Fuji, so you won't miss any highlights.

After getting off the Mt. Fuji View Limited Express, head to the 'Lake Kawaguchi Museum of Music and Forest,' where medieval European streets unfold. This is a music theme park that exhibits rare "automatic instruments" such as music boxes and automatic pianos, and hosts concerts daily.
An automatic playing instrument is a machine that plays music using its own mechanism, without relying on human intervention. Among them, the automatic playing instrument that was scheduled in the first-class cabin of the Titanic is a must-see. The miraculous instrument that escaped disaster due to the scheduled change just before departure produces a sound that transports us back to a brilliant era a hundred years ago.

After enjoying a performance of an automatic instrument, we had lunch at the restaurant inside the hotel, serving Local cuisine around Bonn, Germany, the hometown of composer Beethoven.
Starting with a crispy, pleasantly chewy salmon quiche, then tender and savory Koshu wine beef stewed in red wine, and a dessert of crepe suzette—an authentic course is all about the experience. But the charm of adding color to the table doesn't end there.

During lunchtime, live concerts featuring piano and other instruments are held, allowing you to enjoy beautiful sounds while dining. The program ranges from classics to famous animated films, captivating people of all generations. Please enjoy a luxurious lunch that delights all your senses. (Information as of May. 2026)

The tour introduced this time is a product from Club Tourism 's travel brand "Premium Stage." This brand responds to requests for a slightly more luxurious trip than usual by offering Upscale Travel. We offer a wide range of tours that offer high-quality hotels and Meals, making sightseeing more relaxed. Why not embark on a journey to spend a special day at "Premium Stage"?

■ For those who want to enjoy an anniversary with an important partner or a rewarding trip for themselves
(Enjoy a special time with a higher level of hospitality)
■ For those who dislike the hustle and bustle of group travel and want to enjoy a leisurely flow of time
(We promise a calm, private schedule unique to small group sizes.)
■ For those seeking comfort while on the move
(We also focused on transportation, including the luxury bus 'Club Tourism Food')
■ For those who want to enjoy Japan with all five senses
(We carefully select and guide you to special gourmet foods and hotels.)

<About the tour>
Q: Can children and seniors participate?
A: Yes. People of all ages are welcome to participate. We travel by bus during the tour, so you won't have to walk long distances. Children and seniors are especially welcome.

<Questions regarding meeting and departure>
Q: After making a reservation, how can I confirm Meeting point and time?
A: After booking, you can check the "Meeting point," "meeting time," and "emergency contact information" on your My Page at any time. You can also view a detailed "旅のしおり    Travel Guide" online before departure.

<Regarding luggage>
Q: Can I bring a suitcase?
A: If you are traveling by bus, we have reserved space for luggage, so you can bring suitcases. However, please limit yourself to a maximum of two large suitcases per person.

<Regarding language support>
Q: Can I participate even if I don't speak Japanese?
A: Yes, it is possible. The tour will be conducted in Japanese, but important information will be available in English and Traditional Chinese using AI translation devices and written materials. Tour conductor and drivers will also use translation apps, so there is no need to worry about language barriers.

<About Payment>
Q: What are the payment methods? What currency?
A: Payment is made online in Japanese Yen (credit card). The exchange rate will be subject to the card company's regulations. Immediate payment is required at the time of booking.

<Regarding local support>
Q: Do you have physical stores in Taiwan or other countries?
A: KNT Taiwan is the general agent for Club Tourism in Taiwan. Please contact KNT Taiwan for any inquiries regarding local services.
Passengers in Taiwan area, Homeikatou (Taiwan representative, Taiwan Kansai International Travel Agency)
Line report name https://www.knt-taiwan.com/contact.php
Telegram name: 02-87717551 (Mon-Fri 09:15-18:00 (excluding holidays))

The 'Club Tourism Faust' journey elevates the very time spent traveling to the ultimate entertainment level rather than just sightseeing. In addition to the luxurious bus designed by master Eiji Mitooka, a day immersed in the supreme sweets and music, along with the majestic spectacular views of Mount Fuji, will vividly redefine the Image of any bus tour you have ever had.
With no anxiety about long-distance walking and comprehensive language support, the "Premium Stage" trip is a safe and reliable recommendation for everyone, including travelers from Japan and abroad, as well as seniors. Why not set out and experience a tour filled with Japan's proud traditional beauty and hospitality?