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You see a lot of advice about how to get to Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji, from Tokyo – but, what if you want to come in from Kyoto or Osaka? This is the guide that explains what to do.
The first thing you want to know about getting to Kawaguchiko from Kyoto or Osaka is that it’s not possible to do this as a day trip there and back. It’s over four hours of travelling each way so, this is strictly a stopover deal, maybe a way to break your journey back to Tokyo.
The second thing you need to know is that you can’t do it all by bullet train. So, let me explain the route…
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At A Glance
If you just want the topline details, here’s what you need to know.
- Catch a bullet train to Mishima, then get the Fujikyu Bus to Kawaguchiko Station
- The journey costs around 13,500 yen for adults
- You cannot buy tickets on the bus so book in advance or buy at the ticket office in Mishima
- The actual journey time is only about 4 hours – but you have to allow for connections.
- The earliest you will get to Kawaguchiko is 11.50 am so don’t plan any morning activities
More Details
The above might be all you need to know, but if you’re wondering how you book the tickets, where the stops are, how to organise your timings, read on.
Step 1: Catch the Bullet Train
Cost: From 10,780 in an unreserved seat for adults, children are half the adult price
This bit is easy – head to either Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka Station and catch the bullet train to a stop called Mishima.
The first direct train on this route leaves Shin-Osaka at 7.36 am Kyoto at 7.51 am and will bring you into Mishima at 9.57 am.
There is a slightly earlier option which will get you in at 9.19 am – but this isn’t worth catching as you’ll be extremely unlikely to make the connecting bus (which leaves at 9.20 am) so do yourself a favour and take the direct train which gives you a little over 20 minutes to find your bus and lets you have a lie in.
Personally, this is one journey I would book. While lots of bullet trains run through Kyoto and Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo, they don’t all stop at Mishima.
Also, there are two types of train that travel this route – the Hikari and the Kodoma. The Hikari stops at less stops en route and so takes 50 minutes less than the Kodoma. Don’t just look at the departure time when booking, look at when it arrives or you might end up getting in much later than you planned.
Either book in advance on Smartex, Klook, or a few days before your trip at the station.
Step 2: Get on the Highway Bus
Cost: 2700 yen for adults, 1350 for children
This is the bit about the journey that catches people out as, while there’s lots of advice online about catching bullet trains in Japan, there’s not so much about catching the Highway Buses – but, I took the bus from Mishima to Kawaguchiko on my last trip and can vouch for the fact that it’s very easy once you know it exists.
The journey takes about 90 minutes and the buses only run once hourly for most of the day – which is why you don’t want to miss one.
All seats are reserved and you can make reservations one month in advance. Find the timetable and book the bus directly here. If you have trouble booking on the bus company website, the bus is also available via Klook.
The bus can sell out, particularly the buses leaving Mishima around 12.20 pm, so again, this is best booked in advance. The good thing is, if a bus sells out quickly, they will often add a second bus at the same time, or 10 minutes later – so, if when you first look, the seats are sold out – look again a day or so later and see if they’ve added a second service.
If both buses are sold out,you may have to wait for the next service – but don’t worry, Mishima is actually a cute town to explore.
The last bus is at 5.20 pm – so, if you’re planning on spending the day in Kyoto/Osaka and arriving in Kawaguchiko ready to check into your hotel and wake up to a Fuji-view the next morning, make sure you’re on a train to Mishima by around 2.30 pm.
Any Questions?
So that’s the basics, but there might be a few things you’re now wondering so, let me try and cover those…
Where Do I Book Tickets?
If you do want to book the bullet train in advance, you can book the Shinkansen via the Smartex app or website or on Klook.
The bus is run by Fujikyu and you can book via their direct website.
However, a few people in my Facebook group said they were finding it hard to get foreign cards accepted by the website. If you do get stuck, you can also book the bus via Klook.
Can I Buy a Ticket on the Bus?
Not going from Mishima to Kawaguchiko. You have to buy it in advance – either online in advance or at the ticket office before you board.
How Long Should I Leave Between the Shinkansen and the Bus
Often this will be out of your control as there are a limited number of Shinkansen stopping at Mishima, but, if there is an option, allow at least 10 minutes to get off the train, out of the station and onto the bus – especially if you have luggage.
Where is the Bus Stop at Mishima?
It’s outside the South Exit of the station. You will walk out and see a loop with a number of bus stops on it, you are heading toward Bus Stop 2 which is on the left of the loop.
As you can see from the picture above, they are clearly marked.
The buses are also clearly marked with digital signs – and the driver will check your reservation carefully so you don’t end up on the wrong bus.
Is There Anywhere to Get Snacks?
Yes – there’s a Vie De France bakery on your left as you come out of the station if you want something pastry-led. I had a few good things from there in my five days in Mishima.
If you need coffee there’s a Tully’s Coffee on your right and a Starbucks to your left.
There is also a Lawson convenience store across the main road in front of the station.
What About Something For Lunch?
If you have a bit longer to wait and want a more substantial meal, there is a ramen shop called Fukonoken Mishima just right of the station entrance. It’s not the most gourmet, but I ate there on my trip and enjoyed it. It sells ramen but also a selection of yakatori skewers and gyoza
There are also a few different restaurants in the Mitowa shopping mall to the left. Or, just cross the main road and you’ll find lots of different restaurants around.
Can I Bring Luggage?
Yes. Each person is allowed to store one suitcase or larger bag under the bus – there is also a small overhead rack and room under the seat for small items.
How Will I Know When to Get Off?
This can be the scary thing about getting buses in a foreign country – what if you miss your stop? On this route you don’t need to worry – there are only three stops on the route and Kawaguchiko is the last.
The stop before Kawaguchiko is Fuji-Q Highland which you can easily identify by the rollercoasters – you’ll reach Kawaguchiko about ten minutes after this.
You stop at the station in Kawaguchiko – from here you can take taxis, buses or, possibly, trains to your hotel.
Save Money with Klook & Japlanease
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T&Cs apply. Some items, including Tokyo Disney and USJ tickets, are not available for discounts.
Do I Go Back to Tokyo the Same Way?
No. If you want to go back to Tokyo after visiting Kawaguchiko, going via Mishima is not the cheapest, fastest or most convenient option. Instead, catch either a bus or train direct to Tokyo. This guide explains the options.
What if I Want to Go From Kawaguchiko to Kyoto?
Just reverse the route. The first bus leaves Kawaguchiko Station at 8.55 am on weekends or 9.20 am on weekdays. That will get you to Mishima by 10.25 am at weekends or 11 am in the week.
At weekends you can join the 10.54 am train (arriving in Kyoto at 1.15 pm) or in the week there is a train at 11.46 am which will get you into Kyoto by 13.37 am – and Osaka a little after that.
Should I Stop at Mishima a Few Days?
I stayed here for five days recently as it’s a brilliant place for day trips around the Shizouka region and even down to Izu Peninsula. I think you could actually base yourself in Mishima for over a week and not run out of things to do. It’s also a really cute little town – it doesn’t have any major sights, but if you like wandering and seeing what you find it’s perfect – and the craft beer scene is very good.
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And I think that’s everything you need to know. If you do have further questions though, head over to my Japan Planning Facebook Group and I, or another traveller, will help you out.
Who Writes This Blog?
My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, Escape, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.
I’ve travelled to Japan nine times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 50 towns and cities. My last visit was in April 2026, so everything here is pretty up to date.