3-Day No-Backtrack Road Trip: Akihabara Pickup (May 20) — Mount Fuji Sights, Parks & Gotemba Outlets (May 20–22, 2026)

Tokyo (Akihabara) → Izu / Fuji area · Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Pick up rental car in Akihabara — drive toward Mount Fuji area, stop en route

Morning:

Start your day at Nippon Rent-A-Car Akihabara after 8:00 AM to collect the car and essentials, then head southwest on the fastest route toward the Izu Peninsula with a mid-morning stop at MOA Museum of Art to admire coastal-view galleries and the museum's tranquil gardens (open 9:30-16:30; admission fee applies; onsite parking available). Continue with a scenic drive to Izu Panorama Park for sweeping views of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji from the ropeway platform-perfect for short hikes and photos before lunch (park hours vary; parking available, small fee possible).

Afternoon:

After a coastal morning, cruise north toward Fuji and spend the afternoon exploring Kanadorii - a charming shrine-lined lane perfect for drifting between local stalls and snapping atmospheric photos - then drive up to Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda) for the classic pagoda-and-Mount-Fuji vista at golden hour (park access typically open all day; small parking areas available). Finish the afternoon with a relaxing visit to Fuji Motosuko Resort, where you can stroll lakeside paths, rent a bike or paddleboat, and catch expansive views of Lake Motosu with Mount Fuji as the backdrop before checking into your evening accommodation.

Evening:

As twilight falls, drive toward the lakeside town and enjoy a peaceful sunset stroll along Fujisan Yume No Ōhashi Bridge, then wander nearby streets of Honcho Street (富士本町商店街) to sample local snacks and shop small stores; many shops stay open into the evening for leisurely browsing. Finish the night with a hearty dinner at なすび総本店 NASUBI SOUHONTEN, famous for its enormous 36cm specialty dish, and return to your budget hotel with free parking to rest before tomorrow's early viewpoints.

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Fuji area (Fujinomiya / Fujiyoshida / Minami Alps vicinity) · Thursday, May 21, 2026

Explore Mount Fuji viewpoints, parks, farms and local streets

Morning:

Rise early for panoramic sunrise views from Makaino Farm Resort, where you can stroll among grazing animals, try fresh dairy treats, and enjoy unobstructed Fujisan vistas from the hilltop pastures; parking is available on-site and it's a gentle, family-friendly start. From there drive a short distance to the Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre to explore interactive exhibits that explain the mountain's geology and cultural significance before continuing to the photogenic Tenu no Torii, a striking torii gate-set viewpoint perfect for morning light and quiet reflection.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, drive to Kanadorii to wander its atmospheric shrine lane and sample street snacks from nearby vendors before a short hop up to Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda) for the iconic pagoda-and-Mt. Fuji composition-arrive with enough time to climb the steps and catch soft afternoon light on the mountain. Finish with a peaceful lakeside visit to Fuji Motosuko Resort, where you can rent a bike or paddleboat, stroll the shoreline trails and frame Mount Fuji from different angles as the day mellows toward sunset.

Evening:

As dusk settles, drive to Numazu LALAPORT for a lively waterfront dinner scene-browse the food court and riverside promenades, catch harbor views and shop for local souvenirs before your meal. After dinner, stroll to the nearby Tenu no Torii illuminated at night for a serene, reflective photo stop, then finish with a short drive to Fujisan Yume No Ōhashi Bridge to admire Mount Fuji silhouettes from the bridge vantage points before returning to your budget hotel with free parking.

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Fuji area → Gotemba/Zama/Kawasaki → Tokyo (Akihabara) · Friday, May 22, 2026

Last sightseeing and return to Tokyo — outlets/Costco stop, return rental by evening

Morning:

Start with a relaxed breakfast and a stroll along Fujisan Yume No Ōhashi Bridge for one last clear-angle photo of Mount Fuji, then drive to Makaino Farm Resort to feed goats, sample fresh milk soft-serve, and enjoy pastoral views before departure; on-site parking is available and it's an easy way to soak up countryside calm. Afterward, head to Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre for a concise, interactive tour that ties together the morning's sights and lends cultural context to your photos, then pick up a few regional souvenirs at the centre shop before setting off toward Gotemba for the afternoon outbound stops.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely checkout, head east to Fujisan Yume No Ōhashi Bridge for one last lakeside photo stop, then drive toward Gotemba Premium Outlets for serious last-minute shopping with Mount Fuji views from the terrace and a wide mix of international and Japanese brands. If you prefer groceries and bulk goods on the return leg, detour to Costco Zama (or Costco Kawasaki if it shortens your drive) for quick groceries and souvenirs, then plan a relaxed coffee break at Starbucks Fujikawa Service Area to stretch legs and finalize your route back to Akihabara before evening drop-off at the rental desk.

Evening:

Round out the trip with an outlet-to-city sendoff: spend late afternoon browsing bargains and soaking in Mount Fuji views at Gotemba Premium Outlets, then swing by Costco Zama or Costco Kawasaki (choose the one with the shorter drive time) for any bulk souvenirs and quick groceries before the long drive back. Pause for a final coffee and people-watching at Starbucks Fujikawa Service Area to stretch legs and review receipts, then aim to return the car to Nippon Rent-A-Car Akihabara by 20:30 - finish with a relaxed walk through nearby Akihabara streets if time and energy remain.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Nippon Rent-A-Car Akihabara (rental pickup fee not included)Free
MOA Museum of Art¥1,600
Izu Panorama Park (ropeway + park)¥1,000
Kanadorii (shrine lane, strolling & shopping)Free
Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda)Free
Fuji Motosuko Resort (park access / bike or paddleboat rental)¥800
Makaino Farm Resort (entrance, animal feeding, soft-serve)¥900
Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre (entrance)¥400
Starbucks Fujikawa Service Area (coffee/snack)¥600
Numazu LALAPORT (dinner typical per person)¥1,800
Tenu no ToriiFree
平野之濱 (Hirano-no-hama beach)Free
富士山夢之大橋 (Fujisan Yume no Ōhashi Bridge)Free
靜岡縣富士本町商店街 / Honcho Street (富士本町商店街)Free
なすび総本店 NASUBI SOUHONTEN (specialty dinner per person)¥2,500
Gotemba Premium Outlets (shopping only - admission free)Free
Costco Zama or Costco Kawasaki (membership required; typical visit per person)¥1,200
Fujisan Yume No Ōhashi BridgeFree
Nippon Rent-A-Car Akihabara (return by 20:30 - drop-off fee not included)Free
Estimated Total (per person)¥11,000
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