Mt. Fuji Access and Transportation Guide: How to Travel to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo
I have been visiting Mt. Fuji for over 10 years. Captivated by its charm, I have enjoyed its various expressions throughout the seasons, and I would like to introduce you to the ways of getting to this special mountain.
Mt. Fuji, a World Heritage site, continues to fascinate many people with its graceful appearance. However, the access methods can be complex, and foreign tourists visiting for the first time often find themselves confused.
In this article, I will explain in detail the various ways to access Mt. Fuji from Tokyo, including their advantages and disadvantages, to help you avoid mistakes. Recently, there have been many positive changes for foreign tourists, such as the operation of new direct trains and the improvement of multilingual reservation systems.
While access to Mt. Fuji may seem complicated at first glance, I hope this article will help you find the method that best suits your needs.
Now, let's begin our journey to Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan!
Table of Contents
・Overview of Access Methods to Mt. Fuji
・How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by Train
・How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by Bus
・How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by Car
・How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by Tour
・Advice for Enjoying Mt. Fuji Sightseeing Even More
・Frequently Asked Questions About Transportation in the Mt. Fuji Area
Overview of Access Methods to Mt. Fuji
In fact, there are more options for accessing Mt. Fuji than you might imagine. From my 10 years of experience, I'll introduce you to the characteristics of each.
There are four main modes of transportation from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji.
Trains are comfortable and highly punctual, with the direct express "Fuji Excursion" from Shinjuku being especially recommended for tourists. Buses offer excellent cost-performance and allow you to enjoy the scenery from the window.
Rental cars offer a high degree of freedom and are particularly convenient when touring the Fuji Five Lakes area. Tours are the best option for first-timers or those who want to sightsee efficiently.
Travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation, but it generally takes about 2 to 3 hours. By train, it takes about 2 hours from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, and buses take about the same amount of time. By car, it usually takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
There are many tourist spots scattered throughout the Mt. Fuji area. The 5th Station, at an altitude of 2,300 meters, is a popular spot where you can experience the grandeur of Mt. Fuji. In the Fuji Five Lakes area, you can view Mt. Fuji from different angles from each lake, such as Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka.
Also, Fuji-Q Highland is a world-famous theme park where you can enjoy thrilling attractions and spectacular views of Mt. Fuji at the same time.
I particularly want to draw your attention to the means of transportation between each spot. For example, buses operate from Kawaguchiko Station to the 5th Station, which tourists can use with peace of mind. Fuji-Q Highland is also easily accessible from Kawaguchiko Station by bus or train.
How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by Train
Traveling to Mt. Fuji by train is a wonderful way to experience Japan's extensive rail network. I have guided many foreign friends, and train travel is particularly popular.
Most Recommended: Direct Express "Fuji Excursion" from Shinjuku
The "Fuji Excursion" is the mode of transportation I can recommend with the most confidence. It's an express train that takes about 2 hours from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station without any transfers, making it an extremely convenient option for tourists.
The train interior features spacious, comfortable seats with storage space for large luggage. You can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and the Japanese countryside from the window, providing a wonderful experience from the start of your journey.
Reservations can be easily made online even before arriving in Japan. An English-language official website is available, and payment by credit card is possible.
The fare is 4,130 yen one-way from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station. There are 4 round trips per day, but this may change depending on the season and time of year, so I recommend checking in advance.
Website: https://e.fujikyu-railway.jp/
Combination of Shinkansen and Local Lines
Another option is to use the Shinkansen. The route takes about 1 hour from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station by Shinkansen, then about 1.5 hours to the Kawaguchiko area by Fuji Kyuko Bus.
The Shinkansen is Japan's pride in high-speed rail, and the ride itself becomes a memorable part of your trip. Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at station ticket machines, ticket windows, or online.
At about 7,000 yen one-way, it's more expensive than the "Fuji Excursion," but it includes the Shinkansen riding experience. Mishima Station has coin lockers where you can store large luggage, allowing you to temporarily store your belongings before or after your Mt. Fuji sightseeing. You can also use a delivery service to send your luggage to your next destination.
While it may seem a bit complicated for first-timers due to the need for transfers, station signage is bilingual in Japanese and English, and station staff will kindly guide you.
How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by Bus
Traveling by bus is an economical and comfortable option. I especially recommend this route to tourists who want to keep their budget low. The journey itself becomes part of the sightseeing as you enjoy the views.
Using Highway Buses
Highway buses are a mode of transportation with excellent cost-performance. Regular direct buses operate from Shinjuku Bus Terminal (commonly known as Busta Shinjuku) to Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
The travel time depends on traffic conditions but usually takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The fare is about 2,000 yen one-way, which is reasonable compared to other modes of transportation. You can relax in spacious reclining seats, and the rest facilities along the way are clean and easy to use.
What I often tell passengers is the importance of advance reservations. Especially during tourist seasons, buses can often be fully booked, so I recommend making online reservations in advance. The reservation website is available in multiple languages including English, Chinese, and Korean, making it easy to book even from overseas.
Website: https://www.kosokubus.com/en/special/tokyo_kawaguchiko.html
Buses from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport
Let's also touch on buses that go directly from airports to the Mt. Fuji area. Actually, I don't really recommend this route.
While there are direct buses from Haneda Airport to the Mt. Fuji area, they are limited to weekends and have few departures, making it difficult to plan your itinerary. From Narita Airport, bus transfers are necessary, making it even more inconvenient.
From my experience, I recommend moving to central Tokyo (Shinjuku or Tokyo Station) once after arriving at the airport, and then heading to Mt. Fuji from there. Central Tokyo has facilities where you can temporarily store your luggage or have a meal, making it easier to plan a more comfortable trip.
Also, as mentioned earlier, there are more frequent highway buses from the city center, giving you more time options. I especially recommend those arriving on night flights to rest in the city center before heading to Mt. Fuji. By doing this, you can create a more relaxed itinerary.
How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by Car
Sightseeing Mt. Fuji by rental car is a method I particularly recommend to those who want to enjoy a free-style trip. It's an option that allows you to experience Japan's well-maintained road network and well-equipped service areas.
Advantages of Using a Rental Car
The biggest attraction of a rental car is that you can enjoy the trip at your own pace. While there are many attractive spots around Mt. Fuji, some places are difficult to reach by public transportation. With a car, you can easily stop by hidden scenic spots where you can see Mt. Fuji at sunrise, or secret viewpoints that only locals know about.
From Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji area, you can arrive in about 2 hours using the expressway. To avoid traffic jams, I recommend departing early in the morning. The expressways have clean and well-equipped service areas, allowing you to experience Japan's rest area culture.
There are spacious parking lots available around Lake Kawaguchi and at the 5th Station. Parking lots around Lake Kawaguchi cost about 1,000 yen per day, and the Fuji Subaru Line (toll road to the 5th Station) costs 2,100 yen round trip for regular cars.
Precautions When Driving
From my 10 years of experience, I'll share some important precautions. First, in winter (December to March), there's a possibility of snow, so you need to prepare studless tires or chains. Rental car companies can lend you winter equipment, so I recommend checking when making a reservation.
The Fuji Subaru Line (the road to the 5th Station) can suddenly be closed due to weather conditions. This is especially important to note in winter and during bad weather. I always make sure to check road information before departure.
An international driving permit is essential, but recently, car navigation systems with English displays have become more common, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. Refueling is also easy, with gas stations staffed by courteous attendants located in various places.
How to Get to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo by Tour
I particularly recommend Mt. Fuji sightseeing tours for first-time visitors to Japan or those who want to sightsee efficiently. With the guidance of knowledgeable guides, you can gain a deeper understanding of Mt. Fuji's culture and history.
Guided Tours Departing from Tokyo
Mt. Fuji tours departing from Tokyo are a popular choice among many foreign tourists. What I particularly appreciate is their comprehensive content and convenience. Many plans include hotel pick-up and drop-off, minimizing the burden on tourists.
There are plenty of tours available with English-speaking guides, allowing you to efficiently visit tourist spots by bus. Typical tours cover popular spots like Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchi, and Oshino Hakkai, allowing you to fully enjoy the charms of the Mt. Fuji area in one day.
Many tours include lunch, allowing you to enjoy local Japanese cuisine. Dishes like hoto noodles and meals using local ingredients are particularly popular among tourists. If you choose a plan that includes Fuji-Q Highland, you can enjoy both attractions and spectacular views at the same time.
The online reservation system is user-friendly and accepts credit card payments. During the tour, experienced guides will tell you interesting stories about Mt. Fuji. Alternative plans are also prepared in case of bad weather, so you can participate with peace of mind.
Local Tours in the Mt. Fuji Area
Local tours after arriving in the Mt. Fuji area are also attractive options. I recommend these for those who want to sightsee efficiently in a short time or those who want to enjoy specific spots in depth.
Particularly popular are tours that explore the Aokigahara forest area of Mt. Fuji. You can explore the mysterious primeval forest with the guidance of specialized guides. However, many of these local tours can only be booked in Japanese, which can be a language barrier.
My advice is for non-Japanese speakers to choose English-guided tours departing from Tokyo. Reservations and guidance are smoother, allowing for a more fulfilling sightseeing experience.
Advice for Enjoying Mt. Fuji Sightseeing Even More
From my 10 years of experience guiding around Mt. Fuji, I'd like to share some advice to make your sightseeing more fulfilling.
First and most importantly is consideration for the weather. Mt. Fuji's weather can be changeable, and conditions near the summit can differ greatly from those on the plain. I always recommend checking the weather forecast the day before and on the day of your visit, and flexibly adjusting your plans. On clear days, you can see a particularly beautiful view of Mt. Fuji in the early morning.
The Mt. Fuji area has attractive local cuisine. Hoto noodles, local beer made with Mt. Fuji's natural water, and dishes using local vegetables are all important elements of sightseeing. At local restaurants frequented by locals, you can enjoy authentic flavors at reasonable prices.
Hot springs are another unmissable attraction. There are numerous hot spring facilities around Mt. Fuji where you can soothe your fatigue and enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji after your bath. Many facilities offer day-trip bathing, so you can easily drop by between sightseeing spots.
For accommodation, I recommend hotels and ryokans around Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka. Not only can you enjoy views of Mt. Fuji in the morning and evening, but you can also take your time sightseeing. Recently, there has been an increase in facilities catering to foreign tourists, ensuring a comfortable stay.
What to bring varies greatly depending on the season. Even in summer, it's cool at the 5th Station, and in winter, it gets severely cold. I particularly want to emphasize the importance of warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Also, if you have a camera or telephoto lens, you can take more memorable photos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Transportation in the Mt. Fuji Area
From years of experience, I've compiled frequently asked questions from foreign tourists and their answers.
Which station is closest to Mt. Fuji?
Kawaguchiko Station is the most suitable base for Mt. Fuji sightseeing. In addition to convenient access from Shinjuku in about 2 hours by the direct train "Fuji Excursion," the surrounding area is full of tourist facilities and accommodations. Buses to Mt. Fuji 5th Station and other tourist spots also run frequently from here.
What are the precautions when visiting Mt. Fuji in winter?
For winter Mt. Fuji sightseeing, thorough cold weather preparation is essential. Especially near the 5th Station, temperatures can often drop below freezing. Warm winter clothes, gloves, and a hat are necessities. Also, depending on road conditions, access to the 5th Station may be restricted, so it's important to check information in advance.
Is driving in Japan difficult?
Japan's roads are well-maintained, and guide signs with English are increasing. Major roads are relatively easy to drive on, and car navigation systems are increasingly available in foreign languages. With an international driving permit, you can use rental cars with peace of mind, but you need to be aware of left-side driving and narrow roads.
Traveling to Mt. Fuji begins with choosing the right mode of transportation. From my 10 years of experience, I've conveyed that each method has its own unique charm.
Train travel is comfortable and reliable, especially if you use the direct express "Fuji Excursion" from Shinjuku. Buses are economical and allow you to leisurely enjoy the scenery. Rental cars offer a high degree of freedom, allowing you to explore hidden scenic spots. Tours are attractive for efficiently visiting tourist spots.
The important thing is to choose the best method that suits your travel style and budget. For example, I recommend tours for those on short stays who want to sightsee efficiently, and rental cars for those who want to thoroughly enjoy the Mt. Fuji area.
Also, Mt. Fuji's appearance changes dramatically with the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and snow-capped winters each have their own distinct charm. By paying attention to weather and temperature and making appropriate preparations, you can have a more fulfilling trip.
Mt. Fuji is not just a mountain, but a special existence where Japanese culture and nature blend. I hope that the information introduced in this article will help you find your own special encounter with Mt. Fuji!
