Speed, efficiency, and riding the Shinkansen Bullet Train are enough reasons to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo. It just whisks you there in just 90 minutes. Think sleek, comfortable bullet trains zipping through the countryside, offering a great view of the city at first too! But it does not get you directly to Mount Fuji, and you need to switch to Otsuki. But I did not mind because I had this all planned out!
Running from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station, the Limited Express Kaiji service operates on the Chuo Main Line between Shinjuku Station and Kofu Station. As such, the Limited Express Kaiji connects with the Fujikyu Railway Line at Otsuki Station, from where visitors can head to the Mount Fuji area. On this page you will find the following information:
Routes and stations from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji
Step 1 : Tokyo to Otsuki Station
From Tokyo Station, you can catch the Kodama or Azusa Shinkansen lines to Otsuki Station, the closest station to Mount Fuji. Otsuki is a small station with limited express train services, so be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets accordingly. I cannot emphasize enough that you need to even book your seat on the Shinkansen, especially if you are visiting during peak seasons! The Kodama or Azusa Shinkansen line offers unreserved seats (cheaper) or reserved seats (guaranteed comfort). Remember though, the JR Pass covers Kodama Shinkansen trains but not Azusa trains.
Step 2 : Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station with the Fujikyu Railway
There are plenty of options that get you to the base of Mt. Fuji. The Limited Express options are Fujisan View Express, Fujikyu Romance Car (panoramic windows), or Mt. Fuji View Train (unique design). These offer faster travel and some have reserved seating (purchase separate tickets). You can take the local trains that take close to two hours to get there when the Limited Option train gets you there swiftly in 45 mins to 1 hour. Popular destinations include Kawaguchiko Station at Lake Kawaguchiko, Fujisan Station for close-up views of Mount Fuji, and Gotemba Station for access to the Gotemba Trail.
Step 3 : Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Railway)
Once at Kawaguchiko Station, you are in the heart of the Fuji Five Lakes region. You can use the Fujikyu Railway network to explore the area, but the JR Pass does not cover the Fujikyu Railway. Once there, you can also use the buses and boats to get around. More on that here.
Returning from Mt. Fuji to Tokyo
You can easily follow the route you took from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, but I opted for the Kaiji Limited Service Train.
What is the Kaiji Limited Service Train?
An alternative route, this scenic train runs from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station and stops at several beautiful locations like Hachioji and Lake Yamanakako. I only took it from Otsuki back to Tokyo. It took 2 hours and 30 minutes, but the views are much more rural, and you can really soak in the countryside. A very different experience than the Shinkansen! It’s not covered by the JR Pass and has fewer departures, but I’d say, it was worth it!
Tickets and Cost
Shinkansen Prices: Ticket prices for the Shinkansen vary depending on the train type and seat class. A one-way unreserved seat on the Kodama line from Tokyo to Otsuki starts at around 4,120 yen, while a reserved seat can cost up to 5,080 yen. The Azusa line is slightly more expensive, with unreserved seats starting at 4,440 yen and reserved seats at 5,400 yen. Keep in mind that the JR Pass covers travel on the Kodama Shinkansen but not the Azusa. Some of my friends learned this the hard way!
Fujikyu Railway Options: Since they are not covered by the JR Pass and require separate tickets, I recommend this for convenience and speed, but only if you don’t mind spending about 2000 yen extra on it.
Local Trains: If you're on a budget, taking local trains from Otsuki is a more affordable option. However, it can be slower and involve more transfers, so factor in the extra travel time when planning your trip.
Tips for getting Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station
- Book Tickets in Advance: Tickets for the Shinkansen and Fujikyu Railway trains can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Book your tickets online or at the station in advance to ensure you get a seat. If you want to see Mt Fuji before actually getting there, then pick a seat on the right of the train, going from Tokyo.
- Consider the JR Pass: If you're planning to travel extensively by train in Japan, purchasing a JR Pass might be a cost-effective option. The JR Pass covers travel on the Kodama Shinkansen and certain local trains, but not the Azusa Shinkansen or Fujikyu Railway trains.
- Know Your Stations: Research your train route and station changes beforehand. Familiarize yourself with platform numbers and transfer times to avoid confusion.
- Kaiju and Kaiji are Different Words:The Kaiji is a train. The Kaiju is a monster. Don’t get the two confused. I speak from the experience of a friend shouting out Kaiju at the Otsuki train station and sending all the locals and some foreigners into a total panic.
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