Zen Experience + Gotemba Local Hidden Gems & Culture Tour (6 hours)

Join us for a fun and relaxing day exploring Gotemba, a charming town near the famous Mt. Fuji. It's an easy trip from Tokyo, perfect for a day out or a short stay. In our 6-hour tour, you'll get to taste some of the best local foods at two unique spots in Gotemba. Enjoy lunch at a cozy, hidden restaurant and feel the friendly vibe of this town. The tour's special part is visiting a special Zen temple, a peaceful place you won't find anywhere else in Japan. Here, you'll have a personal Zen session, helping you feel calm and inspired.

After relaxing at the temple, we'll take you to a small local place where they make their own drinks. You'll get to try some tasty craft drinks there. Next, we visit a family that knows all about tea, and you'll meet a skilled craftsman. You'll even make your own blue-dyed souvenir to remember your trip by. Our guide will tell you all about Gotemba's history and people, making you feel right at home. We'll also explore different food spots and taste some amazing green tea.

Don't miss this chance to see Gotemba's hidden gems and relax in a Zen temple. It's a great way to learn about local life and traditions. Book your spot now and get ready for a day full of new experiences and fun memories!

Tour Highlights

• Exploration of Gotemba near Mt. Fuji

• Local specialty food tastings in two unique locations

• Hidden gem restaurant for a memorable local lunch

• Exclusive visit to a tranquil Zen temple for a personal Zen experience

• Sampling of craft beverages at a local brewery and winery

• Visit to a family-run tea business with generations of expertise

• Interactive craft session with a master artisan, creating indigo-dyed souvenirs

• Engaging stories and insights from an expert guide

Tour Itinerary

Meeting Point: Gotemba Tourism and Welcome Center

• Address: 1940-10 Niihashi, Gotemba-City, Shizuoka 〒412-0043

Please arrive at the Gotemba Tourism and Welcome Center between 10:45 AM and 10:55 AM. The tour starts promptly at 10:55 AM and ends at the same location at 4:55 PM.

Local Specialty Food Tasting

• Begin your journey by immersing yourself in Gotemba's culinary scene. We'll take you to a couple of the best local spots where you'll get to sample unique regional flavors. These tastings are a perfect introduction to the area's rich food culture.

Hidden Gem Restaurant for Lunch

• Next, enjoy a delightful lunch at a quaint, lesser-known restaurant. Here, you'll experience the warm hospitality of Gotemba and savor dishes that are as delicious as they are authentic.

Zen Temple Experience

• After lunch, we visit a serene Zen temple. This peaceful setting offers a unique opportunity to engage in a personal Zen experience, a rare chance to unwind and reflect amidst the tranquility of this sacred space.

Local Brewery and Winery Visit

• Rejuvenated from the Zen experience, our journey continues to a local brewery and winery. You'll get to taste a selection of craft beverages, each with its own distinct flavor and story.

Tea Culture Exploration

• Gotemba is renowned for its tea, and we'll take you to a family-run business with a long history in tea production. Learn about the art of tea making and taste some of the finest green teas in Japan.

Indigo Dyeing Workshop

• The tour also includes a visit to a master artisan's studio. Here, you'll participate in a traditional indigo dyeing workshop, creating your own hand-dyed souvenir to take home as a memento of your journey.

Engaging Stories and Local Insights

• Throughout the day, our expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights about Gotemba, its history, and its people, enriching your experience and deepening your connection to this charming town.

Tasting of Famous Green Teas

• Finally, we'll explore various local cafes and tea shops, where you'll have the opportunity to taste some of Japan's most celebrated green teas, a fitting end to a day full of discovery and delight.

What's Covered?

• Drinks tasting and tea experiences

• Lunch at a local restaurant

• Craft experience for making a souvenir

What's Extra?

• Gratuities for your guide

• Hotel pickup and drop-off 

• Extra drinks or food 

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Tours may be adjusted for holidays, weather, or unexpected events.

• Upgrade to a private tour for an additional ¥19,500+ TAX (minimum 2 people).

• Advance booking required: at least 1 week ahead.

• Tours start strictly on time, no refunds for late arrivals.

• Joining the tour late at food stops is not allowed.

• Once the tour starts, guides can't assist latecomers by phone.

• The meeting point is near the Hakone Otome exit of Gotemba Station.

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Meeting Point

• Location: Gotemba Tourism and Welcome Center

• Address: 1940-10 Niihashi, Gotemba-City, Shizuoka, 〒412-0043

Getting There:

• By Train: Upon arriving at Gotemba Station, exit through the gate marked 'Hakone Otome'. The Welcome Center is conveniently located to your left, just across from the taxi and shuttle bus areas.

• By Shuttle Bus: If arriving by shuttle, you'll find the center directly across from the station's roundabout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 10:55 AM and concluding around 4:55 PM.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at the Gotemba Tourism and Welcome Center, located at 1940-10 Niihashi, Gotemba-City, Shizuoka.

Can I book a private tour?

Absolutely! You can make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500+ TAX, with a minimum of 2 people. Just select the private tour option when checking out.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there will be some walking involved during the tour.

Are there any additional costs?

Transportation to and from the meeting point, personal purchases, and any additional food and drinks outside of what's provided are not covered in the tour cost.

What if I'm late to the meeting point?

We have a strict policy of starting tours on time. If you're more than 5 minutes late, the tour will proceed without you, and no refund will be provided. Latecomers cannot join the tour at later stops.

What happens in case of bad weather?

The tour may be adjusted due to weather conditions. In the case of minor weather issues, the tour typically proceeds, but significant weather events may necessitate changes or cancellation, in which case participants will be notified as soon as possible.

Related Read: Beyond Mount Fuji: Combination Day Tours with Nearby Attractions