Shinjuku is the main departure hub for Kawaguchiko and the Mount Fuji area. Two practical options exist: the highway bus from Busta Shinjuku (cheaper, direct, traffic-dependent) and the Fuji Excursion limited express train (more comfortable, fixed time, pricier). Here is how to choose and how to book.
Quick Answer: Highway bus: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, 1,800 yen. Cheapest option. Book in advance via Keio Bus or Highway Bus Japan website.
Fuji Excursion train: Approximately 2 hours, 4,130 yen. Most comfortable. Book at Shinjuku Station JR ticket window or online. See the full Tokyo to Kawaguchiko guide for all Tokyo departure point options including Tokyo Station.
Highway Bus from Busta Shinjuku
The Route
Direct highway buses depart from the Busta Shinjuku Bus Terminal (on the 4th floor of the Odakyu Southern Tower, directly connected to Shinjuku Station south exit). The bus runs non-stop or with a single highway rest stop to Kawaguchiko Station and several lakeside stops. No transfers required.
Journey Time
1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The route uses the Chuo Expressway,y and traffic can be heavy on weekends, Golden Week, and during peak cherry blossom season. Weekday morning buses are the most reliable.
Cost
Approximately 1,750 to 2,000 yen one way. Return tickets are available at a small discount. Not covered by the JR Pass guide.
Booking
Book online via the Keio Bus website or the Highway Bus Japan reservation site. Booking opens approximately 1 month in advance. Weekend buses in cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons sell out fast. Same-day purchases at the terminal are possible on weekdays if buses are available.
Fuji Excursion Train from Shinjuku
The Route
The JR Fuji Excursion limited express departs from Shinjuku Station on the JR Central platforms. It runs as a through service combining JR tracks from Shinjuku to Otsuki with the Fujikyu Railway from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. No transfer required; you stay on the same train.
Journey Time
Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko.
Cost
Approximately 4,130 yen with a reserved seat. The JR Pass guide covers the JR portion (Shinjuku to Otsuki), but the Fujikyu Railway portion (Otsuki to Kawaguchiko, approximately 1,140 yen) is ned. If using a JR Pass, pay the Fujikyu portion at Otsuki.
Booking
Reserve at the Shinjuku Station JR ticket window or via the JR Central website. The Fuji Excursion runs a limited number of services daily, and reserved seats sell out during peak seasons. Book as early as possible for weekend and holiday travel.
Bus vs Train: Which Should You Choose
Choose the bus if: You want the cheapest option and are travelling on a weekday morning when traffic is manageable. Also, if your JR Pass guide does not cover this route, or you prefer not to pay the pass premium.
Choose the train if you value comfort and a guaranteed travel time. The train is significantly more comfortable than the bus, has proper luggage space, and is unaffected by traffic. For peak-season travel (cherry blossoms, Golden Week, autumn foliage), the train offers more predictable timing.
What to Do at Kawaguchiko
See the Kawaguchiko guide for the full guide: north shore Mount Fuji guide views, Chureito Pagoda, Fuji-Q Highland, onsen with Mount Fuji views, and the Oshino Hakkai spring ponds.
Nearby Guides
- Kawaguchiko guide
- Tokyo to Kawaguchiko guide
- Mount Fuji guide
- Hakone guide
- Tokyo day trips
- JR Pass guide
- Best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
How far in advance should I book the Kawaguchiko bus?
For weekdays, a few days in advance is usually sufficient. For weekends and peak seasons (late March to early May for cherry blossoms, mid-October to mid-November for autumn foliage): book 2 to 4 weeks in advance. Buses in these periods sell out completely.
Where exactly is Busta Shinjuku?
Busta Shinjuku is the large intercity bus terminal attached to the south exit of Shinjuku Station. Take the Shinjuku Station south exit and look for the Odakyu Southern Tower building. The bus terminal is on the 4th floor, with English signage. See the Shinjuku guide for Shinjuku Station orientation.
Can I bring luggage on the bus to Kawaguchiko?
Yes. Highway buses have luggage storage under the bus for large bags. Carry-on items go in the overhead rack or on your lap. If you plan to move luggage between hotels, consider the luggage forwarding guide to send bags ahead.
