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Leaving the neon-soaked skyline of Tokyo for the serene shores of Lake Kawaguchi feels like stepping into a different version of Japan. While the capital offers a relentless pace of innovation and energy, Fujikawaguchiko provides that iconic, postcard-perfect view of Mount Fuji reflecting off still waters. It is the gateway to the Fuji Five Lakes region, where the air is crisper and the rhythm of life slows down.
The trip from the capital to the foot of Mount Fuji is surprisingly smooth. Whether you are heading there for cherry blossoms, a weekend of hiking or the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park, you can choose between a direct limited express train and a highway bus, depending on your budget and how much luggage you carry.
Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko by Bus
For most travelers, the highway bus is the simplest way to reach the lakes.
From Busta Shinjuku, the highway bus terminal on the 4th floor directly connected to the south exit of Shinjuku Station, the ride takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to Fuji-Q Highland (the stop before Kawaguchiko Station) and about 1 hour 45 minutes to Kawaguchiko Station. Fares start at 2,200 yen, or 2,000 yen when you pay online.[1]
Buses also leave from Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit) between 6:20 and 18:10. The ride to Kawaguchiko Station takes about 2 hours and costs 2,300 yen. All seats are reserved, reservations open one month ahead, and the buses make no rest stops, so use the toilet before you board.[2]
Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko by Train
The FUJI EXCURSION (Fuji Kaiyu) limited express runs direct from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station, with no change at Otsuki, and stops at Mt. Fuji and Fuji-Q Highland on the way. On weekdays it leaves Shinjuku at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30, with an extra 11:34 departure on some days, and reaches Kawaguchiko in about 1 hour 55 minutes. The total fare is 4,200 yen: 2,580 yen basic fare plus a 1,620 yen limited express charge.[3]
All seats are reserved, so buy your limited express ticket in advance. If the FUJI EXCURSION is full, take the Azusa or Kaiji limited express to Otsuki and change to the Fujikyu Railway line.[4]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Fare | Duration | Departs from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 2,200 to 2,300 yen | 1h 45m to 2h | Busta Shinjuku, Tokyo Station[1][2] |
| Train (FUJI EXCURSION) | 4,200 yen | about 1h 55m | Shinjuku Station[3] |
Tips for Traveling from Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko
- Book in Advance: Every bus and train seat on this route is reserved, so book ahead for weekends and holidays.
- Check the Weather: Mount Fuji is notorious for being shy. If your main goal is seeing the peak, check the visibility forecast before you book.
- Luggage Strategy: Buses carry suitcases in the hold, which is easier than managing a large case on the train racks.
- Arrival Points: Both the bus and the train stop at Fuji-Q Highland before Kawaguchiko Station. Know which one is closer to your hotel.
- Departure Hubs: Busta Shinjuku sits above Shinjuku Station, but the station is huge, so allow extra time to find the terminal.
Timetable
| Bus Tokyo - Fujikawaguchiko $ 25.19–70.09 1h 50m – 10h 10m | |
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| Taxi Tokyo - Fujikawaguchiko $ 284.72–302.01 2h | |
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| Bus Tokyo - FujiQ Highland $ 10.43–17.20 1h 50m – 2h 40m | |
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| Train Tokyo - FujiQ Highland $ 27.56–28.02 1h 55m – 2h | |
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| Bus Shinjuku - Fujikawaguchiko $ 70.09 9h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko, including current prices and schedules.
The highway bus. Fares from Busta Shinjuku start at 2,200 yen (2,000 yen online), and from Tokyo Station the fare is 2,300 yen. The FUJI EXCURSION train costs 4,200 yen.
The bus from Busta Shinjuku takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to Kawaguchiko Station in normal traffic. The FUJI EXCURSION takes about 1 hour 55 minutes and does not depend on road traffic.
About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by bus, depending on the departure point and traffic, and about 1 hour 55 minutes by the FUJI EXCURSION train.
The bus is cheaper (from 2,200 yen against 4,200 yen) and leaves from both Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. The train runs direct from Shinjuku and does not depend on road traffic.
From Busta Shinjuku, the 4th floor terminal connected to the south exit of Shinjuku Station, and from the Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station.
Yes. All seats on the FUJI EXCURSION are reserved, so buy your limited express ticket in advance. If the train is full, you can take the Azusa or Kaiji to Otsuki and change to the Fujikyu Railway line.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Fujikyu Bus: Highway bus Shinjuku to Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko Sta.: timetable and fares. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [2] Fujikyu Bus: Highway bus Tokyo Station / Ueno to Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko Sta., Yamanakako: timetable and fares. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [3] Fujikyu Railway: JR/Fujikyu Railway direct express Fuji Kaiyu (FUJI EXCURSION): timetable and fares. Retrieved November 5, 2026.
- [4] East Japan Railway Company (JR East): Shinjuku-Kawaguchiko main trains timetable (valid from 14 March 2026). Retrieved November 5, 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.