Shinjuku

Although the weather wasn't great, the tour guide was incredibly professional. Even though the guests spoke three different languages, he patiently and professionally explained the attractions and rules, and was very welcoming to the guests, fully considering their needs. He handled the ticket purchase perfectly despite offering three different ticket combinations. The attraction selection was excellent, making it a very enjoyable experience even in summer. The only downside was the long travel time; traffic jams made it difficult to see all the attractions.

This was my first trip to the Tohoku region of Japan, and I was most looking forward to Ginzan Onsen and Zao Snow Trees. I wasn't disappointed at all after seeing them. The little foxes at Fox Village were adorable, and the Edo area in Onihira was also very unique. If you include the entrance fee and cable car ride, it's quite a good deal overall. I highly recommend visiting Japan in winter!

There were three guides/instructors on the group, and they were very kind, giving us plenty of rest time. However, it's definitely not for beginners; it requires more training. The 5th to 7th stations are manageable for beginners, but the 7th to 8th stations become quite challenging, with many slopes and rocks to climb. It's tough for city dwellers or those with weaker cardiovascular systems. We also had to face two strong storms before reaching our mountain hut, hiking from 12 PM to 7 PM, which was quite difficult. It would probably be easier if there weren't strong storms. On the second day, some members of the group went to the summit, while others chose to rest in the hut. Even with good weather, you can still see the Miraiko (Mountain Light). Going to the summit and back would add 3 hours to the hike, and the descent would also take more than 3 hours. We hiked from 7:30 AM to 10:45 AM, so it depends on how strong your goal is—is it a life goal? We got a 4-person room in the mountain hut; I don't know if we booked late or if the price wasn't high enough—but the experience is unforgettable and will stay with you for a lifetime.

The tour leader provided a very comprehensive explanation of the attractions. However, the time spent at the 5th Station of Mount Fuji was insufficient to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery, which is understandable. The day trip package is compact, with private transportation to Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, and Oshino Hakkai, making it very suitable for first-time visitors!

Our tour guide, Ms. Higuchi, was incredibly kind and attentive. We were the only Taiwanese in our group, and she took extra care of us. She worked so hard, setting off very early every morning while maintaining her warmth and enthusiasm for her guests. We are truly grateful to Ms. Higuchi. The scenery at Kamikochi is absolutely beautiful, and the water is crystal clear. I highly recommend everyone visit at least once!