#3197

Mt. Fuji access guide; trains and buses for Lake Kawaguchiko area.

How to get to Kawaguchiko station, Lake Yamanakako and Mount Fuji 5th station.

If you will visit Mount Fuji (富士山), Kawaguchiko Station (河口湖駅) or Mt. Fuji Station (富士山駅) are major gateways for magical Mount Fuji, designated as a world cultural heritage site in 2013, and the magnificent Fuji Five Lakes area (富士五湖).

Deepjapan published "Mt. Fuji Travel Guide" e-book, which I compiled and I am a certified private tour guide specialized in Mount Fuji area. This article is to share the detailed explanation about the transportation to and around Mt. Fuji quoted from the guidebook, updating the latest information.

Starting from Tokyo, you can take an expressway bus (中央高速バス) or JR Chuo Line (中央線) and Fujikyuko Line (富士急行). Both buses and trains depart from Shinjuku Station (新宿駅). You can take the bus from Tokyo Station and Haneda Airport and Shibuya Mark City as well. After reaching Mt. Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station, you can progress up the mountain to the Mount Fuji 5th Station (富士山五合目) by local buses leaving from just outside the stations' exit.

- Expressway buses from Shinjuku:

Fujikyu Bus and Keio Bus operate expressway buses every hour with over 20 buses a day from Shinjuku expressway Bus Terminal. The buses expertly transport you to Kawaguchiko Station via the Chuo Expressway (1750 yen, 1 hour & 45 minutes). Once you board the bus, it is a ride without any transfer, stopping at Mt. Fuji Station (富士山駅) and Fuji-Q Highland (富士急ハイランド). Some Buses continue to Yamanakako Hirano (山中湖平野) bus stop in the Lake Yamanakako (山中湖) area (2100 yen, 2 hours & 24 minutes). There are also frequent bus operations to the Mt. Fuji 5th Station Yoshida trail (2700 yen, 2 hours & 25 minutes) during the Mt. Fuji climbing season (Jul.-Sep.). All seats are reserved.

Reservations: Fujikyu Expressway Bus reservation center 0555-73-8181 (7:30-20:00), Keio Expressway Bus reservation center 03-5376-2222 (9:00-20:00)
http://highway-buses.jp/fuji/
Reservation office at the Shinjuku expressway bus terminal

- Train access from Shinjuku:

Buy your ticket on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (2770 yen including limited express ticket, reserved seat , approx. 1 hour by Kaiji (かいじ)or Azusa (あずさ) limited express trains). If you have a Japan Rail pass, it is valid for your travel between Shinjuku and Otsuki Stations. Then you will need to change trains at Otsuki Station. You simply purchase a ticket and transfer to the Fujikyuko train line bound for Kawaguchiko (1140 yen, approx. 40 minutes). The Fujikyuko Line also stops at Mt. Fuji Station and Fuji-Q Highland Station. Several Limited Express "Fuji-tozan Train (富士登山電車)" and "Fujisan Limited Express (フジサン特急)" trains are operated daily (plus 200-300 yen).

There is a "Holiday Rapid Fujisan" (ホリデー快速富士山号) train service which offers you travel from Shinjuku (8:14) to Kawaguchiko (10:26) without transfer (2460 yen, 2 hours & 12 minutes). This special train runs only once each on Saturdays and Sundays and one of six cars features reserved seating (520 yen). From summer, 2014, Narita Express (成田エクスプレス), limited express trains will offer access straight from Narita International Airport to Kawaguchiko Station. The round trip train departs Narita Airport at 9:15 and then departs Kawaguchiko Station at 14:13. This train will operate exclusively during tourist seasons (6840-7040 yen, 3 hours & 28 minutes).

Reservations: JR East Railway 050-2016-1603 (10:00-18:00)
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx
JR Ticket Offices “Midori-no-madoguchi” (みどりの窓口) or Travel Service Centers “View Plaza” (びゅうプラザ)
Timetables:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_lex_chuo_d/index.html (Shinjuku to Otsuki)
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_lex_chuo_u/index.html (Otsuki to Shinjuku)
http://e.fujikyu-railway.jp/station/timetable.php (Otsuki to Kawaguchiko)
http://e.fujikyu-railway.jp/station/timetable.php?no=18 (Kawaguchiko to Otsuki)

- Expressway buses from other departure points:

Expressway buses to Kawaguchiko Station also run from Tokyo Station (1750 yen, 2 hours & 56 minutes), Shibuya Mark City (1800 yen, 2 hours 4-33 min), Akihabara Station (1850 yen, 1 hours & 58 minutes), Ikebukuro Sunshine City (1850 yen, 2 hours & 5 minutes), Yokohama Station (2060 yen, 2 hours & 31 minutes), Haneda airport (2470 yen, 2 hours & 25 minutes) and Narita Airport (4440 yen, 3 hours & 35 minutes).
An overnight service is also offered between Osaka (8700 yen, 11 hours & 4 minutes) and Kyoto (8200 yen, 10 hours & 44 minutes) Stations once daily.

Reservations: Fujikyu Expressway Bus reservation center 0555-73-8181 (7:30-20:00), Kintetsu Expressway Bus reservation center (Osaka/Kyoto Line) 06-6772-1631 (9:00-19:00)
http://highway-buses.jp/
Timetables:
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/5/ (Tokyo Station)
https://www.highwaybus.com/rs-web01-prd-rel/gp/foreign/frgSelectLine?lang=en (Shibuya Mark City)
http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/40 (Akihabara Station / Japanese)
http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/8 (Ikebukuro Sunshine City / Japanese)
http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/6 (Yokohama Station / Japanese)
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/4 (Haneda Airport)
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/39 (Narita Airport)
http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/9 (Osaka & Kyoto Station / Japanese)

- Train access from Osaka / Kyoto

Take Tokaido Shinkansen and transfer at Shin-Yokohama Station to JR Yokohama Line for Hachioji Station, and transfer to JR Chuo Line limited express "Kaiji" to Otsuki Station. Then, take Fujikyu Line for Kawaguchiko Station.

Approaches from other major stations and airports (Mt. Fuji Explorer)
http://www.fujiyama-navi.jp/fujitozan/access/page/station/lang/en/

Inexpensive excursion tickets to visit the Mt. Fuji Vicinity

Train and bus operators offer various excursion tickets including unlimited use of trains and buses. If you want to get around for a day or two, these economical tickets will help you to enjoy your trip.

- If you want to travel by bus:

"Fuji Five Lake Enjoy! Ticket" (富士五湖エンジョイ!きっぷ) Fujikyuko 4350 yen

http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/otoku/enjoykippu.html
If you want to go by expressway bus and tour around the Fuji Five Lakes area, this ticket offers you a round trip by expressway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko or Yamanakako Hirano, with a choice of 2 day unlimited ride of Kawaguchiko and Saiko Sightseeing Buses or Fujikkogo Bus for Yanamakako area.

Reservations: Fujikyu Expressway Bus reservation center 0555-73-8181 (7:30-20:00), Keio Expressway Bus reservation center 03-5376-2222 (9:00-20:00)
http://highway-buses.jp/
Reserve a round-trip ride in advance by telephone or website, then purchase a "Fuji Five Lake enjoy! ticket" at the ticket office of the Shinjuku expressway bus terminal.

- Traveling by Train with Your Japan Rail Pass:

Fujisan Express Free Ticket" (フジサン特急フリーきっぷ) Fujikyuko 2250 yen

http://e.fujikyu-railway.jp/ticket/
Your Japan Rail Pass is valid between Shinjuku and Otsuki Stations (an additional ticket is required when you select a limited express). You can get a "Fujisan Express free ticket" at Otsuki Station which allows you to ride on the Fujikyuko Line for 2 days with unlimited boarding and de-boarding between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko Stations. This also includes the non-reserved seats of the limited express trains. Purchase at Otsuki Station (Fujikyuko Line).

The Mt. Fuji/World Heritage Excursion Ticket + Fujikyuko Line Set" (富士山世界遺産めぐりきっぷ+富士急行線きっぷセット) Fujikyuko 4000 yen

http://mtfuji-jp.com/static/front/pdf/bus_reaf_ticket_en.pdf
If you want to tour around the Fuji Five Lake area, this ticket is very useful. It offers you 2 day unlimited ride on the Fujikyuko Line between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko Stations as well as use of local buses such as Kawaguchiko and Saiko Sightseeing Buses, Fujikkogo Bus for Yamanakako, Mt. Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus and the fixed root bus within the Fuji five lakes area. A ticket that does not include the Fujikyuko Line round trip service is also available (3000 yen).

Purchase: Otsuki Station (The Mt. Fuji/World Heritage Excursion Ticket + Fujikyuko Line Set), The Fujikyu Bus counters at the Mt. Fuji Station, Kawaguciko Station and Yamanakako Asahigaoka Bus Terminal (The Mt. Fuji/World Heritage Excursion Ticket)

- Travel by trains without Japan Rail Pass:

"World Heritage Mt. Fuji Free Ticket" (世界遺産・富士山フリー乗車券) JR East 4630 yen

http://www.jreast.co.jp/tickets/info.aspx?GoodsCd=2020 (Japanese)
This ticket offers a round trip between the JR Chuo Line’s Shinjuku and Otuski Stations (additional ticket is required when you ride a limited express train) and 2 day unlimited ride of Fujikyuko Line between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko Stations. In addition, this includes 2 day unlimited pass for rides on local buses such as Kawaguchiko and Saiko Sightseeing Buses, Fujikkogo Bus for Yamanakako, Mt. Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus, Fuji Tozan (Climbing Mountain) Bus to the bus stop at the Fifth Station of Mt. Fuji and Shibazakura Liner Bus during the period of Fuji Shibazakura Festival.

Period of Sales: Apr.1 to Nov.29 (2014), Period of Use: Apr.2 to Dec.1 (2014). Purchase at the JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) or Travel Service Centers (View Plaza) is required by the day before the trip in advance.

Get around by local buses

Getting off at Kawaguchiko Station, you can take local buses that go around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko, or ride a bus from Mt. Fuji station for Lake Yamanakako area. They take you to a lot of sites with beautiful sceneries and attractions.

- Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus Red Line (河口湖周遊バス) / Saiko Sightseeing Bus Green Line (西湖周遊バス) / Narusawa Shojiko Motusuko Sightseeing Bus Blue Line (鳴沢・精進湖・本栖湖周遊バス)

This bus line starts at Fujikyuko Line’s Kawaguchiko Station and connects local sightseeing spots in the area, such as “Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum”, “Kawaguchiko Excursion Ship Ensoleille”, and “Tenjoyama Park Mt. Kachikachi Ropeway”. Particularly, the north bank of Lake Kawaguchiko is worth visiting because of its beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji and the lake. Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Retro Bus or Omunibus) takes you to the site from Kawaguchiko Station in 32 minutes.

Fare: 2 day ticket / adult: 1300 yen, Child: 650 yen (Red Line and Green Line,
Lake Kawaguchiko and Saiko areas only), adult: 1500 yen, Child: 750 yen (All lines including Lake Shojiko and Motosuko areas)
Timetables: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/

- Fujikkogo Bus (ふじっ湖号)

This bus departs Mt. Fuji Station (not Kawaguchiko Station), and stops at Oshino Hakkai, Hananomiyako Park and go around Lake Yamanakako.

Fare: 2 day ticket/adult: 1340 yen, Child: 670 yen (all areas), adult: 1030 yen, Child: 520 yen (from Oshino Hakkai to Yamanakako area only)
Timetables: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/2/

- Mt. Fuji, World Cultural Heritage Site Loop Bus (世界遺産ループバス)

This bus departs Kawaguchiko Station and stops at Arakurayama Sengen Park and the components of the UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage Site such as Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, Oshino Hakkai, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine and Oshi Former Togawa Family House.

Fare: 2 day ticket: 1030 yen, Child: 310 yen,
Timetables: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/3/

- Climbing Mountain Bus (富士登山バス)

From Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji Station at the base of Mount Fuji, this is a 50 to 60 minute ride that will take you to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji via the Fuji Subaru Line toll road.

Fare: one way/adult: 1540 yen Child: 770 yen, round trip/adult: 2100 yen, Child: 1050 yen
Timetables: http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/rosen/detail/id/14 (Japanese)

Other fixed route buses are operated throughout the Fuji Five Lakes area.

- Mt. Fuji climbing tour

If you would like to climb to the summit of Mt. Fuji, the climbing routes usually open to public from July 1st through mid. September. Willer Travel offers two-day Mt. Fuji climbing tour during the summer climbing season. Starting from Shinjuku Station, the expressway bus tour takes you to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji and you will start climbing to the summit with an English speaking guide. The tour includes insurance and accommodation at a mountain hut.
http://willerexpress.com/en/fuji/

All information is as of Jun. 2014, please note the information may change with time.

If you are interested in Mt. Fuji area trip, visit "Mt. Fuji Explorer powered by フジヤマNAVI".
http://mtfuji-jp.com/

“Mt. Fuji Explorer” is organized by Fujikyuko Corporation, operator of railways and highway bus services to areas around Mt. Fuji. The company also runs local buses, amusement parks, hotels and many other tourist attractions in the Mt. Fuji vicinity. This site is dedicated to providing visitors with recommendations about what to do and see during their Mt. Fuji adventure. Access, recommended routes to popular destinations, climbing trails and transportation on Mt. Fuji Explorer.

For further information about Mt. Fuji excursion, please refer to my another article;
http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3229

As a professional tour guide, I have been offering one day excursion to get around Lake Kawaguchiko to enjoy magnificent views from some places around.
Please visit my tour page find the itinerary to visit these places in a day.
https://www.toursbylocals.com/MountFujiOneDayTour

As an editor, DeepJapan has released the 1st e-book "Mt. FUJI Travel Guide". This guidebook is illustrated with beautiful photos and covers a wide range of topics: local foods, festivals, onsen (hot spring), popular sights, superb view points, shrines, hotels and transportation. "Mt. Fuji Travel Guide" was compiled by the editorial team of the DeepJapan travel website in cooperation with the tourism divisions of local governments and organizations.

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/DeepJapan_Mt_FUJI_Travel_Guide?id=Yk_eAwAAQBAJ&hl

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mt.-fuji-travel-guide/id893098687?mt=11

http://www.amazon.com/Mount-FUJI-Travel-Guide-Japanese-ebook/dp/B00L6S0LUY

http://www.amazon.co.jp/Mt-FUJI-Travel-Guide-DeepJapan-ebook/dp/B00L6S0LUY
Or Amazon stores in 10 other countries.

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