Day Trip from Tokyo: Yoshida Fire Festival & All-You-Can-Eat Kyoho Grape Picking
- A special tour to the Yoshida Fire Festival, one of Japan's three unique festivals! Enjoy a generous 3-hour stay to experience the climax of the event.
- We will also stop at the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, located above the clouds. Enjoy the scenery of Mt. Fuji and the view of Lake Kawaguchi below.
- 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat seasonal 'Kyoho' grapes.
Product Info
◆ The Yoshida Fire Festival, one of Japan's three unique festivals
○ A brave and fantastic festival that signals the end of summer and the closing of Mt. Fuji.
○ This is a fire-extinguishing ritual held to appease the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Fuji, and it is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. It is said to be based on the story of Konohanasakuya-hime, the deity of the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, who gave birth safely amidst raging flames.
〇 ~Lighting of the Great Torches~ Over 70 great torches, each about 3 meters high, are lit simultaneously. The sight of the main street of the town turning into a 'sea of fire' for about 2km, painting the night sky red, is breathtaking.
* We will stay around the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine for about 3 hours. There will be stalls selling food and drinks in the town, so you can enjoy the summer festival atmosphere. (Scheduled to arrive around 17:00, torches will be lit around 18:30)
◆ Enjoy the king of grapes, 'Kyoho'!
〇 All-you-can-eat Kyoho grape picking in Yamanashi, the fruit kingdom! Enjoy fresh, freshly picked grapes.
* Depending on weather and growth conditions, it may be served on a plate or provided as a souvenir.
◆ The 5th Station of Mt. Fuji above the clouds! A scenic walk at an altitude of 2,305m!
〇 The 5th Station of Mt. Fuji is cool and refreshing with an average temperature of 15 degrees. It is also called the 'boundary between heaven and earth' and is located at the timberline. If the weather is good, you can see the scenery of Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka. Enjoy visiting Komitake Shrine and shopping.
* If the Fuji Subaru Line is closed due to bad weather, we will visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center instead of the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji.
One of Japan's three most unusual festivals! Yoshida Fire Festival
Enjoy shopping and sightseeing at the 5th station of Mt. Fuji.
Enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat sweet Kyoho grape picking.
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Tokyo/Yamanashi
Travel duration: 0 nights, 1 day
Transportation used: Chartered bus
Bus company: JAMJAMEXPRESS or related cooperating bus company
Meal plan: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation used: None
Minimum number of participants: 20
Tour guide: 1 person
Guides: 0
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Japan Youth Co., Ltd.
Address: 4-7-2 Nishi-Iko, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 121-0824, Japan
Registration Number: Aichi Prefecture Governor Registration No. 2-625
Affiliated travel industry association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 20 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The Yoshida Fire Festival venue will be extremely crowded, so please be sure to follow the instructions of your tour guide.
The bus will depart on time. We cannot wait for you even if you contact us in advance. If you do not arrive at the bus stop or meeting place by the scheduled time, neither the bus driver nor the reception staff will contact you.
A tour guide who can speak Japanese and Chinese (using a translation app) will accompany you.
Please note that bus schedules and arrival times are approximate and may not be accurate due to traffic conditions.
Smoking is prohibited on the bus.
Adults and children are charged the same price.
Please take extra care of your luggage and valuables. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or theft that may occur.
Due to the revised Bus Driver Improvement Standards Notification that came into effect in April 2024, which includes restrictions on the upper limit of overtime work, there may be waiting times at the meeting point and at each stop before departure.
FAQ
1. What are the key characteristics and significance of the Yoshida Fire Festival?
The Yoshida Fire Festival, held annually in Fujiyoshida City, is renowned as one of Japan's three most unique festivals. It holds profound significance as a purification ritual for Mount Fuji, traditionally marking the closing of the mountain's climbing season. The festival is a solemn event where thousands of massive torchfires are lit along the streets, creating a spectacular and sacred atmosphere, intended to pacify the mountain's goddess and pray for safety.
2. What are the main activities and highlights visitors can experience at the Yoshida Fire Festival?
Visitors to the Yoshida Fire Festival can witness a grand procession featuring two portable shrines (Mikoshi) carried through the streets. The primary highlight is the lighting of hundreds of towering torchfires that illuminate the main street, culminating in a fiery spectacle that engulfs the entire city in light. This offers a powerful and deeply immersive cultural experience, especially during the festival's climax when the illumination is at its peak.
3. When is the Yoshida Fire Festival traditionally held, and what is its typical schedule?
The Yoshida Fire Festival is traditionally held annually over two days, on August 26th and 27th. The main festivities, including the grand procession and the lighting of the massive torchfires, take place on the evening of August 26th, generally starting around 6 PM and continuing late into the night. On August 27th, a quieter, reflective procession concludes the festival.
4. What views and activities are available at the Mt. Fuji 5th Station?
At the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji itself, often referred to as being 'above the clouds.' Below, you can see the stunning landscape of Lake Kawaguchiko. The station also offers opportunities for light shopping, where you can find souvenirs and local goods, as well as pleasant strolls to admire the unique alpine environment and the vast natural surroundings.
5. What crowd expectations should visitors have for the Yoshida Fire Festival?
As one of Japan's most unique and celebrated festivals, the Yoshida Fire Festival attracts a significant number of both local and international visitors. Expect large crowds, particularly along the main street where the towering torchfires are lit. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, be prepared for crowded conditions, and follow any local guidance or crowd control measures for a safe and enjoyable experience.
6. When is the best season for Kyoho grape picking?
The best season for Kyoho grape picking typically spans from late August through September. During this period, Kyoho grapes reach their peak ripeness, offering their characteristic large size, exceptional sweetness, and distinct rich aroma. This makes it the ideal time for harvesting and enjoying these delicious grapes fresh from the vine, providing a premium fruit-picking experience.
7. How long is the typical stay at the Yoshida Fire Festival during a day tour?
During a day tour focused on the Yoshida Fire Festival, visitors can typically expect a generous three-hour stay at the festival site. This extended duration is specifically designed to allow ample time for participants to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, witness the key events, and experience the spectacular climax of the festival, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable visit.
8. What kind of experience does Kyoho grape picking offer, including duration?
Kyoho grape picking offers a delightful and immersive agricultural experience. Participants can enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat harvesting of the highly prized 'King of Grapes,' Kyoho. This allows visitors to personally select and savor the large, juicy, and exceptionally sweet grapes directly from the vine, ensuring a fresh and authentic taste of seasonal Japanese fruit.
