Japan Running Retreat: From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji | August 2026

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Overview

Japan Running Retreat: From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji | August 2026
Tokyo, Japan
Aug 2 - 9, 2026
Aire Libre Running ALR210616FA8 image
Aire Libre Running ALR210616FA8
$3,990
Deposit: $380

About this trip

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Japan, where tradition and adventure come together.

Climb Mount Fuji, run the Ohachi Meguri circuit, and witness sunrise from the summit. Explore Tokyo’s lush parks and hidden gems, then visit Kamakura and Enoshima for stunning coastal views of Fuji. Traverse the scenic Tenjoyama Kokuko trail and cycle around Lake Kawaguchi. Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture with a visit to Tsukiji’s Outer Fish Market, a traditional tea ceremony, and exquisite local cuisine.

What's included

In-country transport

Special trails

Culinary experiences

All meals

All accommodations

Entrance tickets

Knowledgeable guides

What's not included

Airfare

Airport shuttle

Travel insurance

Health insurance

Alcoholic drinks

DAY 1

DAY 1 image

MEET-UP + WARM UP 3.3 KM RUN

Our Japan adventure begins in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, surrounded by neon lights and urban energy. After meeting your guides and settling into our hotel, we’ll head out for an easy 3 km shake-out run through the lively Kabukicho neighborhood; a perfect first glimpse into Tokyo’s nightlife.


The evening continues with a welcome dinner at Sushi Ginzo and an optional stop at Tokyo’s best outdoor gear shops to pick up last-minute trail snacks and running essentials.


Dinner: Included.

Accommodation: Shinjuku Hotel  | Double occupancy

Shuttles from Airport: Not Included.

We will provide detailed instructions on how to reach Shinjuku from either Haneda or Narita airports. If you would like assistance with airport-to-hotel transportation, please contact us to inquire about private transfer options available for your convenience.

DAY 2

DAY 2 image

MEIJI JINGU SHRINE 7.8 KM RUN + ENOSHIMA WALKING TOUR

Starting at our hotel, we'll take a train to the iconic Tsukiji Outer Fish Market for lunch, where everyone will be free to explore and sample small dishes at various market stalls at their own pace, immersing in the vibrant atmosphere and discovering flavors individually as we navigate through the bustling market. From the market, we'll venture into the famously serene Hamarikyu Gardens, a Zen-like oasis amidst the bustle of Tokyo.

The afternoon will take us to our first traditional Japanese experience, the Tea Ceremony. Our walking tour will conclude with a visit to the stunning Buddhist Temple of Senso-ji and the iconic Shibuya Crossing (if time allows), a staple of the Tokyo visual scene. We’ll then head back to our hotel for a small break before heading out to a nearby restaurant for our second group meal.

 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included.

Accommodation: Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura | Double occupancy

DAY 3

DAY 3 image

KAMAKURA BEACH & DAIBUTSU 9.5 KM TRAIL RUN + HAKONE

Greet the day with a sunrise stretch on Yuigahama Beach, followed by a 9.5 km run on the Kuzuharaoka-Daibutsu Trail, passing forested paths, coastal views, and Mount Fuji lookouts.


After breakfast, explore Kamakura’s shrines, bamboo forests, and street-food markets before transferring to Hakone, a serene mountain town known for its hot springs and art museums. Enjoy a relaxed evening stroll and an optional onsen soak before dinner.



 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included.

Accommodation: Hotel Nanpuso, Hakone | Double occupancy



DAY 4

DAY 4 image

HAKONE 15.7 KM TRAIL RUN + LAKE ASHI CRUISE + GOTEMBA

Start the morning with a scenic journey through the mountains, taking the Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi Cruise with panoramic views of Mount Fuji and the iconic red torii floating on the water.


Our 15.7 km run follows the historic Tokaido Route, once used by samurai and pilgrims. Traverse ancient cobblestones, cedar-lined paths, and waterfalls before a restorative stop at Kappa Hot Springs. We’ll then travel to Gotemba, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, where we’ll dine locally and prepare for tomorrow’s ascent.


 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included.

Accommodation: Toyoko Inn Gotemba Ekimae | Double occupancy

DAY 5

DAY 5 image

MOUNT FUJI ASCENT (6.6 KM) + CRATER RIM 2.6 KM RUN

After breakfast, we’ll check out and send our luggage ahead to our Lake Kawaguchi cottages, where it will be waiting when we arrive the following day. Carrying only daypacks, we’ll travel to the Subashiri 5th Station trailhead and begin our ascent of Japan’s most iconic mountain.


The climb follows a volcanic trail of sand, lava rock, and alpine terrain, offering wide-open views and a gradual but steady challenge. We’ll move in small pace groups, stopping regularly to rest, hydrate, and take in the changing landscape. Bring small change for bathrooms and warm drinks at mountain huts, and remember that all waste must be carried down.


At the summit, we’ll settle into the Chojo Fujikan Mountain Hut before running or hiking the 2.6 km Ohachi Meguri Crater Rim Trail, a breathtaking loop circling the volcano’s edge. As the sun sets, we’ll share a warm meal and rest early, preparing for a sunrise we’ll never forget.


 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included.

Accommodation: Chojo Fujikan Mountain Hut | Shared tatami lodging



DAY 6

DAY 6 image

MOUNT FUJI DESCENT (9 KM) + KAWAGUCHI LAKE

We’ll rise before dawn to witness sunrise from the summit of Mount Fuji, as the first light spills across the horizon in a moment of quiet reflection and awe. After a simple breakfast in the hut, we’ll begin our 9 km descent via the Yoshida Trail, passing through sections of soft volcanic gravel and winding switchbacks. Some may choose to take it slow, while others may prefer a light downhill run.


Once we reach the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, we’ll take time to pause and share how the climb and sunrise have shaped our journey. Depending on the group’s appetite, we’ll either stop for an early lunch or a coffee break before taking the bus to Kawaguchiko Station.


At Lake Kawaguchi, our luggage will be waiting for us at the cottages. The rest of the day is meant for rest and recovery, whether swimming in the lake, walking by the water, or simply enjoying the sight of Mount Fuji reflected on the surface. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at Kobaiya and enjoy a peaceful walk back along the shoreline to our cottages.



Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included.

Accommodation: Tozawa Cottages | Double or shared lodging


DAY 7

DAY 7 image

MOUNT SHIMOYAMA 11.7 KM TRAIL RUN + KAWAGUCHI LAKE BIKE TOUR

After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll head out for an 11.7 km run on the Mount Shimoyama–Tenjoyama Kokuko Trail, part of the Ultra-Trail Mount Fuji course. Expect soft forest trails, rope-assisted descents, and stunning viewpoints over the mountain.


Later, we’ll trade running shoes for bikes and ride the Lake Kawaguchi circuit, a peaceful route surrounded by pine trees and mirror-like water. As the sun sets, we’ll gather for a farewell barbecue dinner at our cottages, celebrating a week of movement, culture, and connection.



Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Included.

Accommodation: Tozawa Cottages.

DAY 8

DAY 8 image

KAWAGUCHI LAKE TO TOKYO

Our final day itinerary will be decided once we learn everyone’s departure flights. After the team has everyone’s departure schedule, we will update this portion of the itinerary with a potential early morning group activity. 



About your organizer

We design running and hiking experiences all over the world that connect you spiritually to nature and to yourself. Our work is to establish relationships with these places and people, and to share their wisdom through movement, storytelling and experiences that bring us in contact with a different reality.

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Japan Running Retreat: From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji | August 2026