Zen Experience and Gotemba Local Hidden Gems & Culture Tour

Gotemba is a hidden gem and yet it is an easy day trip or wonderful overnight excursion from Tokyo!

On our full-day (6-hour) tour, you will discover the best local and hidden experiences. Try local specialties in two different locations around the Gotemba area. Explore and connect with the spirit of one of Japan’s friendliest cities.

Enjoy a local lunch from a small hidden gem restaurant. Then you will visit a special zen temple, unlike anything you can see in other parts of Japan. Immerse yourself in a personalized zen experience.  After you are fully relaxed and inspired, we will visit a small local brewery and winery where you can try some craft beverages. Feeling refreshed, it will be time to head back to town and visit a family business with generations of tea expertise and then visit with a master artisan. You will make your own traditional and all-natural, indigo-dyed souvenir to bring back with you as an unforgettable memory from your journey.

Our expert guide will share the stories of this dynamic community opening the door for you to experience local hospitality and create lasting memories. 

We will visit various interesting and delectable stops and try local foods special to Gotemba City while tasting some of Japan’s most famous green teas. 

Single travelers: please email us directly and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Tour Highlights:

• 6-hour tour of the Gotemba Area.
• Try the local foods and craft beverages.
• Connect with the stories of the historic town at the base of Mt. Fuji
• Personalized Zen experience with an expert in an unforgettable location
• Traditional craft experience at a multigenerational master, indigo artist’s studio
• Tea and cafe local experience with stories and flavors that will inspire you

Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

For Vegetarians: 

Some food that we serve may have dashi, a soup stock made from kelp (seaweed) and bonito (skipjack tuna) as well as other ingredients. Dashi is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is used in many/most Japanese dishes. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs if you cannot consume dashi. Additionally, please inform us if you can eat eggs and dairy products.

If you cannot consume Dashi, we recommend booking a private tour with us and we can offer some alternatives. Again, be aware, it will still be a challenge to 100% avoid fish stock.

Family-friendly pricing: If you are traveling with children and need a price adjustment- please email our team at Bookings@ArigatoJapan.co.jp.

Private Tours: For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500+ TAX. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.

This tour requires 1-week advanced notice for booking requests, thank you for understanding.

Strict start time policy:  We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, we will need to start the tour regardless and no refund can be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests and also to respect our relationships with restaurants.

5-minute grace period: We can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins.

Tour Schedule:

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Meet-up point: Gotemba Tourism and Welcome Center

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

静岡県御殿場市新橋 1940-10 (9:00 – 17:00)

Access: Gotemba Station

There are a few different ways you can come to the meeting place. And this city is easy to reach on a day trip or overnight stay from Tokyo.

When arriving at Gotemba Station by train please exit the Side labeled Hakone Otome. The tourism information center will be on your left as you exit the station across from the taxi pick-up area and the shuttle bus area. If you were arriving on the shuttle bus the information center will be directly across the station roundabout.

Our guide will be at the meeting place 15 minutes before the start time holding an “Arigato Travel” sign.

We suggest wearing comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.

Please let us know if you have any questions. Should you have any difficulty finding the place, you may reach us at info@arigatojapan.co.jp