Things to do in Japan

Why you should e-bike around Mount Fuji

This is Mount Fuji’s greatest feature – the seamless coexistence between people and nature…

By Masanori Shintani

Guide in Fujinomiya

This biking adventure is one of the most immersive experiences around Mount Fuji. Instead of using vehicles, we use solar charged e-bikes to explore the foot of the mountain and its surrounding villages for an eco-friendly, community-based experience. This is Mount Fuji’s greatest feature – the seamless coexistence between people and nature.

We start at Tanuki Lake on the western slopes, famed for its view of Mount Fuji’s reflection. Then ride into the rural farmlands surrounding Satoyama village characterised by traditional wooden houses and fertile landscape growing ingredients such as buckwheat and myoga (Japanese ginger). You’ll soon discover that Mount Fuji isn’t just about the scenery but also about the lives it supports. The land is cultivated by the locals of Fujnomiya city who respect nature and in turn are blessed with vital volcanic water containing precious minerals such as vanadium which is said to suppress spikes in blood sugar levels. All our guides are local and have a lot of experience supporting the community through eco-tourism. We can introduce you to the area’s culture in a personal way as well as tell you the stories behind this enigmatic volcano.

Water is key to any activity involving Mount Fuji. We stop at Jinba Falls used by the locals to keep their vegetables cool and fresh. Afterwards, there’s time for reflection over delicious rainbow trout before heading to the Shiraito Waterfalls considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. Shiraito literally means white threads which these cascades of water resemble as they flow off the edge of a 20-metre cliff. It’s easy to be spellbound by the fresh air and mist while you have plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere. We then end the morning with a cold craft beer made of course with signature Mount Fuji water.

Alfred & Masanori Shintani

With over 28 years of guiding around Mount Fuji, Masa not only has experience guiding in his local areas but over 18 countries supporting communities around the world. In 2017, he developed a community-based ecotour organisation collaborating with local businesses and his village below Mount Fuji. He is passionate about developing awareness and love for the local culture and natural surroundings. He was named one of the 31 Travellers who are changing the world in 2019 for Traveller, Australia.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Richard, who's travelled extensively in Japan. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the tea devotee who'll introduce you to the ceremony surrounding Japan's national drink, the noodle guru who'll teach you how to make the perfect bowl of soba and the ryokan owner who'll tutor you in the relaxing art of the onsen.

Richard Pearson

Travel Expert for Alfred&

The term ‘well-travelled’ is an understatement when describing Richard. They've been swept up in the cultural portals of Japan and China and fallen in love with Vietnam’s historical melting pot and romantic karsts of Halong Bay. Their mantra is ‘expect the unexpected,’ which is why they find India so attractive; its manic city streets, stunning yet seldom-visited temples and off-road safaris in the wildest tiger reserves.
Takeaki Shibuya

Experience coordinator for Destination Asia, Alfred&'s partners in Japan

After 14 years of experience travelling in more than 70 countries as a tour conductor and planner, Takeaki has come home to Japan, which he truly believes is the most unique place in the world to explore. His unusual experiences are a source of creation which draws out the esoteric and the hidden of Japan.
Ms Makishima

Nakai-san at Gion Yoshi-Ima

A long-time employee at Gion Yoshi-Ima and resident of Kyoto, Ms Makishima embodies the Japanese spirit of hospitality: a welcoming character, dedication to her work, and joy in the everyday. Care and devotion is given to her guests and she is always on hand to attend to needs or offer advice to adventurous travellers.
Fabien Fleury

Wine educator, oenophile and guide

Tokyo-based Fabien was born in Saintes, near Cognac, in the south-west of France. As a boy, he used to help his grandfather take care of his vineyard, which instilled in him a love of the whole process of wine-making. Fabien has been giving tasting seminars to wine lovers between Europe and Japan for 10 years and enjoys sharing his expertise on tours of Japan’s wine-making Yamanashi area outside Tokyo.
Ms Akira

Member of the hospitality team at Oyado Koto no Yume

Ms Akira is part of the hospitality team at Koto no Yume, a ryokan in the traditional town of Takayama. Living in a city steeped in culture, she enjoys helping guests to get to know a little more of the traditional arts and crafts, as well as the beautiful sites of Takayama.
Satoshi Inuki

Japanese literature enthusiast & one of Alfred&’s guides in Japan

Satoshi is originally from a small town in Hyogo prefecture. In his early 20s he lived in Edinburgh where he met many people from all over the world who asked him questions about Japan. This prompted him to study more about his own country’s culture, history and traditions. He moved to Kyoto around 10 years ago and became a licensed guide in 2011, since when he has come to know every inch of both his new home town and destinations such as Hiroshima, Okayama and Naoshima to the west.