Exclusive Hidden Gems: Private Local Driver Discovery Tour

Our original Mount Fuji tour, which we’d booked about six months in advance, was unexpectedly cancelled — and I didn’t realize it until the day before. In a bit of a panic, I started searching for a last-minute alternative… and that’s how we found Taka. What an incredible stroke of luck! Taka picked up our group of six adults around 8 AM and comfortably fit all of us into his van for a full-day “hidden gems” tour around Mount Fuji. The weather couldn’t have been better — clear skies and stunning views from every angle. Taka was friendly, accommodating, and extremely knowledgeable. He shared personal stories and fascinating insights about life in Japan, and he took amazing photos of us throughout the day. We loved the experience so much that we extended the tour by two extra hours. What started as a stressful scramble turned into one of the highlights of our trip. We couldn’t recommend Taka enough!

We had a great experience with Native Fuji! We couldn’t recommend more. Although visibility wasn’t great to see Mount Fuji. Our tour guide still made it a wonderful experience, missing all of the crowded locations and seeing some of the hidden gems. From the time of booking he assisted in getting train tickets and our many questions. He was even willing to drop us off at a location that worked best for us. Book this tour, you will not regret it!

Taka picked us at our AIR BNB and gave us ( family of 4 and 2 grandparents from the US) a fantastic tour of some amazing local sights! Very picturesque local park with colorful plants, another park with caves, an observatory and a playground were highlights over 3 hours. Had a WONDERFUL time and highly recommend Taka.

Taka was an amazing guide - very knowledgeable, fluent English, showed us less travelled sights including a shrine, waterfall, caves and lakes.

This tour was fantastic. We were able to avoid tourist traps and get a great well rounded experience around Fuji in a reasonable timeframe. We left the tour feeling extremely satisfied and pleased with the entire experience. I want to acknowledge how great Taka is. He is very friendly and knowledgeable - really grateful to have him as our guide.

Without question, the most knowledgeable, interesting, nicest, truly wonderful guide. Truly the highlight of our trip. He made it clear that this area is so much more than a day trip from Tokyo. If he’s available, book Taka now.

Our local guide,Taka, thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion and joy during our tour - a highlight of our Japan visit. My family experienced the most magical time exploring a centuries old Shrine, pristine lakes, lava caves, ancient forests, stunning waterfalls, and absolute breathtaking views of Mt Fuji and surrounding area. I highly recommend Taka as your guide his interesting and historical knowledge, care for the environment and you truly have stepped into a special part of Japan. Arigatou gozaimasu

Absolutely amazing time going to secret caves, shrines, wonderful views of Mount Fuji and tour of Lake Kawaguchiko with Taka. It was great having Taka show us around, like someone else said in a review it was like a friend showing you his favorite spots in his town. Took loads of great pics, Taka was lovely and informative and a definite highlight to my trip. Thank you so much, Taka!

Very interesting tour around the surrounding area. The views were spectacular and our guide was extremely knowledgeable.

This was by far our favorite day of all our 2-weeks trip to Japan! Taka was absolutely amazing and even helped my boyfriend (now fiancé) with his proposal, by going to an amazing place with a clear view of Fujisan and filming everything in this unique moment. He explained the history of Fuji, the different gods and shrines in the region, and even brought us to Aokigahara forest to see unique natural wonders. He told us some interesting facts and customs about Japanese culture, Shintoism and Buddhism, we learned so much with him! One more thing: while the weather forecast might look like it’s going to be raining or unclear, don’t lose hope because it literally can change in a minute and you’ll end up seeing the most beautiful views of Fujisan and the 5 lakes. Taka knows the region by heart and will find ways to make it worth your time no matter the weather, and will bring you off the beaten tracks. 1000000% recommend! Arigato Gozaimasu Taka-Dono!!!! 🤩