Tokyo to Mount Fuji: Best Ways to Get There
|
posted by WANGKIRA
Getting from Tokyo to Mount Fuji is straightforward once you choose the right destination. For most visitors heading to Lake Kawaguchiko, the main options are a direct highway bus or the Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku. Other routes use the Shinkansen and a connecting bus, while guided day tours make it easier to visit several sights in one day.
This guide compares travel times, approximate fares, train and bus routes, and the differences between visiting the Fuji Five Lakes area and going to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
Travel information reviewed in October 2026. Fares, timetables and seasonal services can change. Check the relevant operator before travel.
What Is the Best Way to Get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo?
- Best for a direct train journey: Take the Fuji Excursion from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko.
- Best for a lower-cost direct journey: Take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko.
- Best for visiting several sights in one day: Consider a guided Mount Fuji day tour or a private driver.
- Best for Shinkansen connections: Travel to Mishima and check the connecting highway bus to Kawaguchiko.
- Important: Kawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida and the 5th Station are different destinations. Check the route for the place you actually want to visit.
How Far Is Mount Fuji from Tokyo?
Mount Fuji is roughly 100 km from central Tokyo in a straight line, but the actual road distance and travel time depend on your starting point and destination. Kawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida and the 5th Station have different transport connections.
For most visitors planning a day trip, Kawaguchiko is a practical base for exploring the Fuji Five Lakes area. From Kawaguchiko Station, local buses and other transport connect to places such as Lake Kawaguchiko attractions .
If you want to see Mount Fuji, check the weather forecast and visibility conditions before travelling. Clear views are never guaranteed, and cloud cover can change throughout the day. Read our guide to the best places to see Mount Fuji for viewpoint ideas.
Planning tip: Choose your destination before booking transport. A ticket to Kawaguchiko Station does not take you directly to every Mount Fuji viewpoint or to the 5th Station.
Tokyo to Mount Fuji Transport Comparison (2026)
The following fares are approximate adult one-way prices for common routes. The exact cost depends on the departure date, booking channel, seat type and destination.
| Transport | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. One-Way Fare | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji Excursion | About 1 hr 50 min–2 hr | About ¥4,200 | Direct train travel from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko |
| Highway bus from Shinjuku | About 1 hr 45 min or longer | About ¥2,000–¥2,200 and up | Budget-conscious travellers |
| Shinkansen + connecting bus | Depends on the connection | Separate train and bus fares | Travellers already using the Shinkansen network |
| Guided day tour | Usually a full-day itinerary | Varies by tour | Visiting several sights without arranging each transfer |
| Private driver | Traffic and itinerary dependent | Quote required | Families, small groups and customised itineraries |
Official route information: Fuji Excursion timetable and fares , Shinjuku–Kawaguchiko highway bus . Always confirm the price for your selected departure.
¥683.00
¥458.00
Option 1: Take the Train from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
The train is a good choice if you want to avoid highway traffic. The most convenient rail option for Kawaguchiko is the Fuji Excursion, which runs directly from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station.
Fuji Excursion Limited Express: The Direct Route
The Fuji Excursion runs directly from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko without a transfer. The journey generally takes around two hours, depending on the service. The current listed one-way fare to Kawaguchiko is approximately ¥4,200.
All seats on the Fuji Excursion are reserved. Check availability and book in advance if you are travelling during busy periods, especially cherry blossom season, autumn foliage season and public holidays.
Check the current Fuji Excursion timetable and fares before choosing a departure.
Can You Use the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass does not cover every section of the journey to Kawaguchiko. On the Fuji Excursion, the section between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko is operated by Fujikyu Railway, a non-JR railway. You must pay the applicable additional fare for that section.
If you want to use JR services for part of the journey, you can travel from Shinjuku to Otsuki on an eligible JR service and transfer there to Fujikyu Railway. The total journey time depends on the train and transfer you choose.
Check the official Japan Rail Pass route coverage before travelling. Do not assume that every limited express charge or private railway segment is included.
Option 2: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo
There is no Shinkansen station at Kawaguchiko itself. If you prefer to use the Tokaido Shinkansen, one possible route is to travel from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Mishima Station and then transfer to a highway bus to the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Via Mishima Station
- Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima Station.
- Transfer to a connecting highway bus bound for Kawaguchiko.
- Check the bus departure time before buying your train ticket, because the connection affects the total journey time.
The official Fujikyu bus route from Mishima to Kawaguchiko generally takes around 80–90 minutes. The listed adult fare is approximately ¥2,700, with online discounts available on eligible bookings.
See the official Mishima–Kawaguchiko bus timetable and fare information .
The Shinkansen can be useful if it fits your wider itinerary, but compare the complete journey, including transfers and total cost, against the direct train and highway bus from Shinjuku.
Option 3: Highway Bus from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
A direct highway bus is often the most economical way to travel from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko. Services run from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station, with journey times generally starting at around 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Departure: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal.
- Destination: Kawaguchiko Station on the direct route.
- Fare: Approximately ¥2,000–¥2,200 one way, depending on the booking channel.
- Advantage: Direct travel without a train transfer.
- Limitation: Travel times can increase in heavy traffic, especially during holidays and peak travel periods.
Bus fares, timetables and boarding locations vary by route. Check the operator's booking page before travelling: Shinjuku–Kawaguchiko direct highway bus .
Some services continue beyond Kawaguchiko, but do not assume that every bus goes to the same destination. If you are travelling to Fujiyoshida, Oshino Hakkai or the 5th Station, confirm the actual stops on your selected service.
Option 4: Guided Mount Fuji Day Tours and Private Drivers
Public transport works well if you are visiting one main destination. If you want to visit several viewpoints in one day, a guided tour can simplify the journey by combining transport and sightseeing stops.
Why Choose a Mount Fuji Day Tour?
- Visit several sights: Depending on the itinerary, a tour may include Mount Fuji viewpoints , Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai and Lake Kawaguchiko.
- Reduce transfer planning: You do not need to arrange every train, local bus and connection independently.
- Choose a suitable travel style: Shared coach tours can suit solo travellers and couples, while private arrangements offer more flexibility for families and groups.
If you prefer a planned itinerary, browse our Mount Fuji day tours . Compare the included stops, departure arrangements, duration and cancellation conditions before booking.
Planning a private trip? Contact us to discuss a customised Mount Fuji itinerary and transport arrangements. Contact KeepGoodTrip .
How to Get to the Mount Fuji 5th Station
The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is a separate destination from Kawaguchiko Station. It is a starting point for the Yoshida Trail during the climbing season and a mountain-access destination in its own right.
Seasonal highway buses may run directly from Shinjuku to the 5th Station. Services and fares depend on the operating period. Other journeys require a connection through Kawaguchiko or another designated transport point.
Check the official Shinjuku–5th Station highway bus information and the official Fuji Subaru Line bus timetable and fares before departure. Road access and bus services can be affected by weather, seasonal restrictions and road closures.
If you are not planning to hike, compare the time needed to reach the 5th Station with the time available for other sightseeing stops. A trip to the 5th Station does not guarantee a clear view of the summit, particularly when the mountain is covered by cloud.
Mount Fuji Travel FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo?
A direct highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko is often one of the cheapest options. Compare the fare for your departure date before booking.
How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji?
A direct train or bus to Kawaguchiko generally takes around two hours, although traffic, train schedules and transfers can change the total journey time. Trips to the 5th Station require a separate route check.
Can you take the bullet train directly to Mount Fuji?
No. The Shinkansen does not go directly to Kawaguchiko. You need a connecting bus or another form of transport to reach the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the Fuji Excursion?
The JR Pass does not cover the Fujikyu Railway section between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. Additional fares apply to that section. Check the official pass conditions and the charges for your selected train.
Is Kawaguchiko Station the same as Fujisan Station?
No. Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station are different railway stations on the Fujikyu Railway network. Check the station name on your ticket and the location of the attraction you want to visit.
Can you take a bus directly to the Mount Fuji 5th Station?
Some direct services operate seasonally. Check the current timetable, operating dates and road conditions before travelling.
Is a Mount Fuji day tour worth it?
A guided day tour can be useful if you want to visit several attractions in one day without planning every public transport connection. Compare the itinerary, group size, included services and cancellation terms before booking.
Before You Travel from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
- Choose the exact destination: Kawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida or the 5th Station.
- Compare the total journey time and fare, including transfers.
- Reserve seats in advance where required.
- Check weather conditions and the latest transport timetable.
- Allow extra time if you are travelling by highway bus during a busy period.
For more planning ideas, read our guides to a Kawaguchiko day trip from Tokyo , seeing Mount Fuji from Hakone and Mount Fuji cherry blossom season .
