Mt Fuji from Tokyo: How to Get There 2025

Last Updated: Feb 24, 2025

The Lake Kawaguchi area, located to the southwest of Tokyo, is the best place to view Mount Fuji. Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line serves as the transportation hub for the area.

Option 1: Express Bus (Best Choice for Non-Holidays)

Advantages: Low fare, fast travel time (during non-holiday periods).
Disadvantages: Requires advance online booking (tickets can also be purchased on-site, but suitable departure times may be unavailable); severe traffic congestion during holidays (try to avoid Japan’s holiday periods).
Departure Station: Shinjuku Express Bus Terminal, 4th Floor.
Arrival Station: Kawaguchiko Station
Travel Time: 1 hour 45 minutes. The timetable can be found here.
Fare: 2,200 yen
Booking Website: See here.
If tickets are sold out or the timing is unsuitable: Consider departing from Shibuya instead; fare is 2,100 yen. Details can be found [here]. Use Option 3 mentioned below, which requires no booking and offers flexible timing but is slower… Recommended Video: Day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko By Bus

Option 2: Direct Train “Fuji Excursion” (Best Choice for Holidays)

Advantages: No traffic jams, fast travel time.
Disadvantages: High fare, limited departures, requires advance booking on the JR East website (select Chuo Line, departure station: Shinjuku, destination: Kawaguchiko). Tickets are also available on-site, but only standing room may be offered.
Departure Station: Shinjuku
Arrival Station: Kawaguchiko
Fare: 4,130 yen
Travel Time: 1 hour 57 minutes. Th e timetable can be found here.
Recommended Video: How to take Fuji Excursion from Shinjuku

Option 3: JR Chuo Line + JR Chuo Line

Advantages: No traffic jams, no reservations required, can use a Suica card for the entire journey (valid for both private railways and JR), frequent departures, no rush to catch the train.
Disadvantages: Slow speed, requires 1-2 transfers, no guaranteed seating during holidays (no issue on weekdays).
Departure Station: Shinjuku
Arrival Station: Kawaguchiko
Fare: 2,170 yen
Travel Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Note: When using Japan Transit Planner, first search for trains from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then search for trains from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. Otherwise, only the Fuji Excursion Train will be displayed.
Recommended Video: Tokyo to Mt Fuji by Local Train