Contents
Leaving behind the refined wooden machiya houses and quiet stone gardens of Kyoto for the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji is a transition from Japan's cultural heart to its spiritual peak. While Kyoto represents the elegance of the past, the Fuji Five Lakes region offers a dramatic encounter with nature that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. The journey east takes you away from the Kansai plains and into the volcanic highlands of Yamanashi, where the air turns crisp and the scenery becomes rugged.
The choice for this route comes down to a balance between budget and time. You can take an overnight bus that saves a night of accommodation, or ride the Shinkansen to Mishima and continue by bus. You can browse and book on GoAsia.cc.
Kyoto to Mount Fuji by Overnight Bus
The Fujiyama Liner, run by Fujikyu Bus and Kintetsu Bus, lets you fall asleep in the ancient capital and wake up at the foot of the volcano. It leaves from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Platform F3) at 23:18, or at 23:33 on the second, lighter service. It reaches Fuji-Q Highland at 8:13, Mt. Fuji Station at 8:20 and Kawaguchiko Station at 8:27 (8:18, 8:25 and 8:32 on the second bus). The ride takes about 9 hours 20 minutes to Kawaguchiko Station and about 9 hours to Fuji-Q Highland.[1]
The 3-row bus has large reclining single seats and slippers, and the 4-row bus has double seats. Both have a toilet. Reservations open two months ahead, and an online reservation must be paid within 5 days. Arriving at Fuji-Q Highland puts you at the famous amusement park, with local connections to Lake Kawaguchi and the Chureito Pagoda.[1]
Kyoto to Mount Fuji by Shinkansen and Bus
In the daytime, ride the Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto to Mishima. Hikari trains take about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes, and Kodama trains about 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.[2] A reserved seat costs 11,110 yen in the regular season.[3]
From Mishima Station South Exit, the Mishima-Kawaguchiko Liner leaves about hourly between 07:20 and 17:20 and takes about 80 to 90 minutes to Kawaguchiko Station. Fares start at 2,700 yen (2,500 yen online). All seats are reserved, and booking opens one month ahead.[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Departs | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Overnight bus (Fujiyama Liner) | Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, 23:18 or 23:33 | About 9h 20m to Kawaguchiko Station[1] |
| Shinkansen to Mishima, then bus | Kyoto Station | 1h 50m to 2h 45m to Mishima, then 80 to 90 min[2][4] |
Tips for Traveling from Kyoto to Mount Fuji
- Book the Bus Early: Reservations open two months ahead, so you can lock in a seat for weekends and the peak cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
- Prepare for the Bus: Bring layers, an eye mask and a small neck pillow to ensure you get a good night's sleep.
- Choose Your Drop-off Wisely: Fuji-Q Highland is the first stop, Mt. Fuji Station the second and Kawaguchiko Station the last. For Lake Kawaguchi, ride to Kawaguchiko Station.
- Watch the Weather: Mount Fuji is famously shy. Even if the forecast in Kyoto is clear, the mountain can be shrouded in clouds, so check the forecast before you leave.
- Luggage Considerations: Bicycles are not allowed on the bus, and mobile batteries must stay with you, not in the luggage hold.
Timetable
| Bus Kyoto - FujiQ Highland $ 45.57โ57.41 9h 5m | |
|
| Taxi Kyoto - Mount Fuji $ 1,447.02โ1,545.40 4h 49m | |
|
| Taxi Kyoto - Fujikawaguchiko $ 1,450.09โ1,541.30 4h 50m | |
|
| Taxi Kyoto - Fujiyoshida $ 1,450.09โ1,541.30 4h 50m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Kyoto to Mount Fuji, including current prices and schedules.
The overnight Fujiyama Liner bus is the budget choice because it also saves a hotel night. The Shinkansen to Mishima costs 11,110 yen for a reserved seat, plus 2,700 yen (2,500 yen online) for the bus on to Kawaguchiko Station.
The Shinkansen to Mishima and the bus on from there. Hikari trains reach Mishima in about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes, and the bus to Kawaguchiko Station takes about 80 to 90 minutes. The overnight bus takes about 9 hours 20 minutes.
The overnight bus takes about 9 hours 20 minutes to Kawaguchiko Station and about 9 hours to Fuji-Q Highland. By Shinkansen and bus, expect 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes to Mishima, then 80 to 90 minutes by bus.
The 3-row bus has large reclining single seats and slippers, and the 4-row bus has double seats. Both have a toilet.
It stops at Fuji-Q Highland first (8:13), then Mt. Fuji Station (8:20) and Kawaguchiko Station (8:27). From Fuji-Q Highland and Kawaguchiko Station local transport continues to Lake Kawaguchi and the other lakes.
From Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit, Platform F3, at 23:18 (3-row bus) or 23:33 (4-row bus).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Fujikyu Bus: Highway bus Osaka/Kyoto to Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko Sta., Mt. Fuji Station: timetable and fares. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [2] West Japan Railway Company (JR-Odekake Net): Line timetable Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen inbound (Kagoshima-Chuo to Tokyo). Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [3] smartEX (JR Central, JR West, JR Kyushu): smartEX Service prices: reserved seat in ordinary cars (as of 1 April 2025). Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [4] Fujikyu Bus: Highway bus timetable, fares and reservations: Mishima Station to Fuji-Q Highland / Kawaguchiko Sta.. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.