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Kawaguchiko is the gateway to beautiful views of Mount Fuji, but if you’re travelling from Tokyo, you have a choice of ways to get there. But is it better to catch the train, or take the bus?
It’s a tricky decision – both options are popular, both are relatively affordable, and both can get you to Kawaguchiko Station in around two hours.
However, they’re actually quite different experiences. The train is generally more comfortable and reliable, while the bus is cheaper, more regular and allows a bit more flexibility.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which is right for your trip.
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
The Decision at a Glance
| CHEAPEST | Bus from Shinjuku |
| QUICKEST | Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku |
| BEST WITH LUGGAGE | Fuji Excursion train or bus |
| BEST FOR VIEWS | Fuji Excursion train |
| AT LAST MINUTE | Bus or Local Train – unless you’re solo |
| FROM WEST TOKYO | Bus or Trains from Shinjuku |
| FROM EAST TOKYO | Bus from Tokyo Station |
Need More Information
Here’s a guide to the options in more detail….
Travelling by Train
There are two main train options between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko. Both leave from Shinjuku Station and take you to Kawaguchiko Station.
Fuji Excursion
For most visitors, the Fuji Excursion is the most convenient train option.
This limited express service runs direct, no changes required. The journey takes just under 2 hours.
However, the train requires reserved seating, and it can sell out – which can be a problem if you don’t want to confirm your visit to Mount Fuji until you know it’s likely to be visible.
It’s also the most expensive option, costing ¥4200 for adults, half price for children.
There are up to five departures a day between 7.30 am and 11.30 am. For the return journey, the first departure leaves Kawaguchiko at 2.08 pm, and the last is at 5.41 pm. Find the current timetable here.
Local Trains via Otsuki
If the Fuji Excursion is full – or you want to save some money – you can travel using regular trains.
Take a JR Chuo Line train from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway for the final section to Kawaguchiko. Depending on trains and connections, the journey usually takes 2½ to 3 hours. It costs ¥2580 for adults, half this for children.
The advantage is flexibility. Trains run frequently, and you don’t need reservations, making last-minute jaunts simple.
The first service departs Shinjuku at 5.15 am, and the last one to leave Kawaguchiko is at 9.25 pm. This also makes it more flexible if you have a full day of activities planned – but be aware that local transport, activities and many restaurants around Lake Kawaguchiko close early.
The downside is that changing trains at Otsuki can be annoying if you’re travelling with suitcases.
Pro Tip: It can be a bit tricky to access the timetable for the local train option on Google Maps as it will usually show you the faster Fuji Excursion service. Instead, look for trains going from Shinjuku to Otsuki, and then search for the closest departure from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko to your arrival. I also use the Japan Transit by Navitime app when planning journeys like this, as I can filter to just show local trains or the cheapest fare.
What’s the Fujisan View Express?
This train also goes to Kawaguchiko – but not all the way from Tokyo. Instead, the Fujisan View Express is a sightseeing train that runs only on the Fujikyu Railway between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko.
This can be a good compromise if the Fuji Excursion train is booked, as it has big picture windows and comfy seats – but, and it’s an important but, the train only does two return journeys a day. Check the timetable here.
It costs between ¥2,570 and ¥1,570 to travel between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko depending on the car you sit in. Children’s discounts also vary by car.
To check current timetables and work out your exact fare, visit the Fujisan View website.
Travelling by Bus
One selling point of the trains is that the tracks run close to Mount Fuji, offering scenic views during the last part of the journey; if you’re not that bothered about the view until you actually get there, the highway bus is another easy way to reach Kawaguchiko.
The buses are comfortable, have luggage storage underneath, and take you directly to Kawaguchiko Station without you having to change or lug your bags around Shinjuku Station. You also know you have an allocated seat.
Departures on both routes are frequent, and you don’t need to book as early as you do with the Fuji Excursion train.
There are two bus routes to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo – and the one you choose will likely depend on where you are staying.
Bus from Shinjuku
This popular route departs from Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal).
There are frequent departures throughout the day – often every 30 – 60 minutes – with the journey typically taking around 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic. It costs ¥2200 per adult and half that for children.
This is the cheapest option overall and probably the simplest bus option for visitors staying in western Tokyo.
The first buses depart Shinjuku at 6.50 am. The last buses leave around 8.10 pm.
Bus from Tokyo Station
If you’re staying near Tokyo Station, Ginza or Nihombashi, forget heading to Shinjuku; buses also depart regularly from the Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station.
Journey times are a tiny bit longer than Shinjuku – usually around 2 hours and 10 minutes. It costs ¥2300 per adult, half that for children.
The first buses leave Tokyo Station at 6.15 am. The last buses leave Kawaguchiko at around 7.30 pm. If you’re very lucky, you’ll end on a Thomas the Tank Engine bus as I did!
Allow for Delays
This is the main downside of buses. Unlike trains, buses can get stuck in traffic, so journey times can vary a bit from the schedule.
It’s not normally a problem going to Kawaguchiko, but things can be slower on the way back – especially during weekends, public holidays and busy times like autumn leaf season.
Traffic delays can sometimes add an hour – or more – to the journey. I’ve got the bus back from Kawaguchiko twice just on normal days, and both times we’ve arrived 15 minutes later than scheduled – which in punctual Japan is unusual. Always build in a time buffer if you choose the bus.
Which Should You Choose?
Here’s our opinion of each option if you still haven’t yet made your decision
Choose the Fuji Excursion train if…
- You want a reliable journey time.
- You dislike road traffic or get motion sick in cars.
- You are happy to book in advance.
- You enjoy scenic train journeys.
- You are travelling with luggage.
Choose the local train if…
- You want a reliable journey time and don’t mind it being a bit longer.
- You want to save some money
- You dislike road traffic or get motion sick in cars.
- You want to leave booking things until you know Fuji will be visible.
- You enjoy scenic train journeys.
- You aren’t travelling with luggage or can easily lift it.
Choose the bus if…
- You’re travelling on a budget.
- You’re staying near Tokyo Station.
- You have large luggage and don’t want to change trains or deal with station steps.
- You want to book closer to departure time.
- You want the simplest journey possible.
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Where to Book
You must book the Fuji Excursion train, and it’s a good idea to book the Highway buses. Here’s where to do so.
Booking Trains
For the Fuji Excursion train, book your tickets at the official JR East booking site. They go on sale one month in advance at 10 am Japanese time, and they do sell out – particularly the first trains of the day.
If you’re a solo traveller, you will be more likely to get on at the last minute. Couples and families who want to sit together should book early. You can also buy tickets via Klook.
If you want to catch the local train, you don’t need to book, but if you want to change to the Fujisan View Express at Otsuki, the first two cars do require a reservation. Seats for Car 2 open up 30 days before the date of travel; those in Car 1 only open 14 days before. Make bookings via the Fujisan View website.
Booking Buses
Even though departures are frequent on the bus, they can fill up (as you can see from the information board below), and, unlike the train, you can’t stand in the aisles, so I would suggest making a booking if you can.
This doesn’t need to be done massively in advance – both times I’ve got the bus back from Kawaguchiko I’ve booked the night before.
For the buses to and from Shinjuku, book at Highway Buses. You can also book the bus via Klook.
For the buses to and from Tokyo Station, you can book at Japan Bus Online. You can also book the bus via Klook.
Hopefully that’s helped you decide on the best route from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji.
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 traveled to Japan eight times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 25 towns and cities. My last visit was November 2024 so, everything here is pretty up to date.