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Leaving the neon glow of Shinjuku for the mirror-like waters of Lake Kawaguchi is a rite of passage for many visiting Japan. As the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, Kawaguchiko offers that iconic postcard view of Mount Fuji that seems to change its mood with every passing hour. Whether the mountain is wearing a cap of snow or reflecting in the lake at dawn, the transition from the capital to the serene foothills of Yamanashi is a journey of stark and beautiful contrasts.
The route is well-traveled and efficient, catering to everyone from adrenaline seekers heading to Fuji-Q Highland to photographers chasing the perfect shot of the Chureito Pagoda. You can choose between a budget-friendly highway bus and a direct limited express train. You can easily book your preferred tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by Bus
For many travelers, the highway bus is the most practical balance between cost and convenience. Buses run from Shinjuku and Tokyo Station straight to the Fuji Five Lakes area, with reclining seats and large windows for your first glimpses of the mountain.
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 Kawaguchiko by Train
The rail journey to Mount Fuji is a classic Japanese experience, and it is often the preferred choice for those who want to avoid highway traffic jams on weekends and public holidays.
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 Kawaguchiko
- Book in Advance: All bus seats and all FUJI EXCURSION seats are reserved. Book ahead for the cherry blossom season in April and the autumn foliage peak in November.
- Check the Weather: Mount Fuji is notoriously shy. Before you depart, check the Fuji visibility forecast. If the mountain is shrouded in clouds, you might prefer to delay your trip by a day.
- Luggage Considerations: Buses carry suitcases in the hold, and trains have overhead racks. Traveling light makes Kawaguchiko Station much easier, as it can get crowded with visitors.
- Fuji-Q Highland: If your goal is the theme park, get off at Fuji-Q Highland, the stop before Kawaguchiko Station, to save time on local transfers.
Timetable
| Bus Tokyo - Fujikawaguchiko $ 25.19–43.64 1h 50m – 3h 55m | |
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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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| Train Tokyo - Mount Fuji $ 27.16 1h 50m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, 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.