Mt. Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, drawing visitors worldwide to admire its beauty.

While there are countless ways to experience this majestic peak—such as from nearby lakes, viewing spots, and climbing tours—nothing compares to seeing Mt. Fuji from a bird’s-eye perspective.

A helicopter tour offers a truly unique and breathtaking view of the mountain, providing an unforgettable experience. Pair this with a temple stay at Mt. Minobu’s Kakurinbo, and you’ll enjoy an immersive cultural and spiritual journey in the deeper Mt. Fuji area within Yamanashi Prefecture.

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What is the Helicopter Tour Around Mt. Fuji?

The helicopter tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soar through the skies near Mt. Fuji. Not only do you get an unparalleled view of Japan’s most famous mountain, but the tour also showcases the grand lakes surrounding it and, depending on your route, stunning landmarks in Tokyo.

There are two options for the helicopter tour:

From Tokyo to Fujikawacho (one-way):

Departing from Kiba Heliport in Tokyo, this route takes you on a 45 to 60-minute journey. The flight offers a unique perspective of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, such as Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and Toyosu Market, before transitioning to the breathtaking natural scenery as you approach Mt. Fuji.

Roundtrip from Fujikawacho:

This shorter 20-minute tour focuses on Mt. Fuji and its surrounding lakes, departing from and returning to Fujikawacho heliport.

In both options, you’ll experience the thrill of seeing Mt. Fuji up close, with clear, unobstructed views. The helicopter is designed for small groups, offering an intimate and personalized experience. While the pilot may not speak fluent English, they ensure you can enjoy the journey by pointing out key landmarks during the flight. For details on booking and availability, contact Kakurinbo for assistance.

For more information about these helicopter tours, be sure to contact and consult Kakurinbo from the following link!

▶Experiences & Activities Available at Kakurinbo

Temple Stay at Kakurinbo

A temple stay at Kakurinbo combines the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Buddhist retreat with modern comforts. This historic lodging, with a legacy of over 550 years, is situated in Minobu, a town deeply connected to Nichiren Buddhism. Kakurinbo provides an authentic experience of temple life, offering guests the opportunity to participate in morning services, meditation, and various cultural activities.

The serene environment, complete with a beautifully maintained Japanese garden, invites guests to unwind and connect with the spiritual heritage of Mt. Minobu. Kakurinbo’s modern amenities, including multilingual support and dietary accommodations, make it a welcoming destination for international travelers. Whether you’re enjoying its renowned traditional Shojin vegetarian cuisine meals or relaxing in a private bath scented with wine salts, Kakurinbo offers a perfect balance of tradition and comfort.

In addition to being a place of rest, Kakurinbo serves as a cultural hub where visitors can engage in hands-on experiences, such as soba-making, kintsugi, and more. Staying here enhances any visit to Mt. Minobu, offering a rare chance to immerse yourself in Japan’s spiritual and cultural traditions.

Check out more about Kakurinbo in the following article.

▶ Kakurinbo: The Temple Stay Experience Gaining Popularity in Yamanashi

My Two-Day Experience at Mt. Minobu

I recently embarked on a two-day journey through Mt. Minobu, staying at Kakurinbo and enjoying a range of experiences, from temple rituals to hands-on workshops.

I also had the opportunity to do a three day journey in December. Check out the following link to see the Three-day itinerary!

▶Exploring Mt. Minobu: Three day Itinerary including Temple Stay at Kakurinbo

Day 1

Arriving at the Heliport

The adventure began at Kiba Heliport, located a short drive from Shinkiba Station in Tokyo. I arrived at 10:00 am, where a friendly tour guide greeted me and escorted me to the heliport.

After a brief orientation in the waiting room, we boarded the helicopter. It was a compact aircraft designed for three passengers, plus the pilot. With only the essentials in hand—camera, phone, and wallet—our larger luggage was transported by car to Fujikawacho.

Helicopter Ride Around Mt. Fuji

At 10:30 am, we lifted off into the clear blue sky.

The aerial view of Tokyo’s skyline, including landmarks like Skytree and Tokyo Tower, was mesmerizing.

As we left the cityscape behind, Mt. Fuji grew larger and more majestic with every passing moment. The pilot, a former instructor for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, skillfully navigated the route and pointed out key sights along the way.

Seeing Mt. Fuji from above was an indescribable experience—completely unobstructed, the snow-capped peak appeared more stunning than ever.

Arriving at Fujikawacho

By 11:20 am, we landed at Fujikawacho heliport, where another guide welcomed us. The first thing we did after landing was to go for lunch.

We visited “Nagi,” a sushi restaurant just a few minute’s drive from the Fujikawaguchiko heliport, for lunch.

Owned by former professional baseball player Ito-san, who played in the late 1980s before transitioning to a career as a sushi chef. Nagi is known for its refined atmosphere and exceptional seafood dishes—the clean, stylish interior features semi-private table seating, offering both comfort and a sense of exclusivity.

Renowned figures frequent this hidden gem, adding to its sophisticated charm. We enjoyed a course meal that included both sushi and a variety of flavorful fish dishes, all expertly prepared and incredibly delicious.

After lunch, we visited the Fujikawacho Michinoeki, a roadside station featuring local produce, souvenirs, and snacks. It’s a great spot to explore the region’s unique offerings and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

*For those choosing the shorter helicopter tour, transportation to and from the heliport is arranged by car, ensuring a seamless experience.

Washi-Making Experience at Yamaju Corporation

Our next stop was the town of Nishijima in Minobu, where we visited Yamaju Corporation to experience the art of making washi (traditional Japanese paper).

Kasai-san, the expert leading the workshop, guided us through the intricate process of creating handmade paper. Each participant crafted their own washi, and the final touch was printing a chosen photo onto the paper.

The result looked more like a work of art than a photograph, thanks to the unique texture of washi. Kasai-san also shared fascinating insights about the centuries-old tradition of washi-making in Nishijima, emphasizing his commitment to preserving this craft for future generations.

Night Illumination at Nishijima

After the workshop, we visited a special seasonal attraction in Nishijima: a stunning Christmas illumination display.

Every December, the local community transforms a 500-meter stretch of road into a glittering wonderland with over 100,000 lights. Entirely handcrafted by the residents, this event has grown in popularity, attracting visitors from across Japan.

Check-in and Dinner at Kakurinbo

That evening, we checked into Kakurinbo, where the tranquil atmosphere instantly put me at ease.

Dinner was a beautifully prepared kaiseki meal. The dishes showcased the region’s fresh, seasonal ingredients, and I paired the meal with Kakurinbo’s signature plum wine for a perfect finish.

Learn more about Kakurinbo in the following article.

▶ Kakurinbo: The Temple Stay Experience Gaining Popularity in Yamanashi

Matsuri Experience at Kakurinbo

Following dinner, we participated in a Matsuri experience held in front of Kakurinbo’s main entrance. The festival is a tribute to Nichiren Shonin, featuring traditional music, dance, and lantern-lit processions.

The highlight was watching Zeko-san, the deputy chief priest, perform dynamic movements with a traditional staff, symbolizing the spiritual energy of the celebration.

After the demonstration, the participants had the opportunity to do the performance for themselves, which is said to bring good luck.

Day 2

Morning Service at Kuonji Temple

The Morning Service at Kuonji Temple is a serene and spiritually uplifting experience.

Kuonji, the head temple of Nichiren Shu Buddhism, was established in 1274 by Nichiren Shonin, who spent his final years teaching and transcribing the Lotus Sutra here. Revered as a major pilgrimage site, Kuonji is known for its majestic architecture and the 287 stone steps leading to its main hall.

The morning service, held at dawn, features monks chanting the Lotus Sutra in unison, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility. Attending this ritual allows visitors to connect deeply with the temple’s history and Nichiren Buddhism’s teachings.

Breakfast at Kakurinbo

Back at Kakurinbo, breakfast was a traditional Japanese spread featuring rice, miso soup, and fresh local vegetables. The meal’s simplicity and attention to detail reflected the temple’s commitment to mindfulness and sustainability.

Climbing Mt. Minobu

Equipped with a white robe, bamboo hat, and walking stick, we began our climb up Mt. Minobu at 8:00 am.

The journey, which took about two and a half hours, included several rest stops where Zeko-san performed prayers.

Along the way, we admired stunning views of the mountains, with vibrant autumn leaves lingering despite the December chill.

Reaching the summit was incredibly rewarding, as we were greeted by a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji framed by the surrounding peaks.

Special Kito Experience at Okunoin Shishinkaku

The Special Kito Experience at Okunoin Shishinkaku is deeply spiritual and uniquely memorable. Situated at Mt. Minobu’s summit, 1,153 meters above sea level, this sacred hall is revered in Nichiren Buddhism as a sanctuary of filial piety. Nichiren Shonin often climbed this mountain during his nine-year residence to honor his parents and teacher.

The Kito ritual, a prayer ceremony, involves the chanting of the Lotus Sutra by the priest, accompanied by rhythmic drumming.

With breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscape, the experience is both serene and inspiring, connecting participants to Nichiren Shonin’s legacy and teachings.

Check-Out and Lunch at Café Zencho

After descending via cable car, we returned to Kakurinbo to freshen up and check out. For lunch, we headed to Café Zencho, where we enjoyed a delicious pasta dish made with Yamanashi’s famous Hoto noodles. The cozy atmosphere and fresh flavors were a perfect way to conclude the trip.

My Thoughts

This two-day journey was truly unforgettable. The helicopter tour offered a unique and awe-inspiring perspective of Mt. Fuji, making it one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Japan. Not only was it a quick way to travel from Tokyo to Minobu, but the breathtaking views made every moment special.

Once in Minobu, the temple stay at Kakurinbo added a rich cultural and spiritual dimension to the trip. From crafting washi to participating in traditional rituals, each activity offered a deeper connection to Japan’s heritage. The climb up Mt. Minobu and the Kito prayer ceremony were particularly impactful, leaving me with a profound sense of peace and accomplishment.

For those considering the helicopter tour, I recommend extending your stay to three days if possible. This allows flexibility in case of weather changes and ensures you can fully enjoy the experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or tranquility, this itinerary offers the perfect balance.

Access

If you decide to go to Kakurinbo not by helicopter, access is simple, with multiple options from Tokyo and Kansai:

From Tokyo:

• Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Kofu, then transfer to the JR Minobu Line to Minobu Station (approx. 2.5 hours).
• Alternatively, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji and transfer to the JR Minobu Line to Minobu Station (approx. 2.5 hours).
• For a more direct route, opt for a highway bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Minobusan (approx. 3.5 hours).

From Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto):

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Fuji, then transfer to the JR Minobu Line to Minobu Station (approx. 3.5 hours).
Mt. Minobu is well-connected, making it a convenient and rewarding destination for travelers seeking a unique Japanese experience.

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Information

Access	From JR Minobu Station, take the Yamanashi Kotsu bus bound for "Minobusan" and get off at the final stop, "Minobusan." From there, it's about a 10 minute walk.
Official Website	https://kakurinbo.jp/english/

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