Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) is the most popular base for viewing Mount Fuji. From Shinjuku, the Fuji Excursion limited express takes approximately 2 hours and costs 4,130 yen. A direct highway bus is a lower-cost alternative. Here is the complete guide with every option.
Quick Answer: Fuji Excursion limited express from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station: 2 hours, 4,130 yen. The most comfortable and convenient option. Departs from Shinjuku Station. Book in advance on the JR website or at Shinjuku Station ticket office. The JR Pass guide does not cover this train (it is operated by Fujikyu Railway from Otsuki onward).
Train Options
Fuji Excursion Limited Express (recommended)
JR Azusa or JR Kaiji from Shinjuku to Otsuki (approximately 50 minutes), then the Fujikyu Railway Limited Express to Kawaguchiko (approximately 55 minutes). The combined Fuji Excursion service runs as a through service. Total: about 2 hours. Cost: 4,130 yen. Book at Shinjuku Station or online. See the Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko guide for the Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko guide.
Highway Bus (budget option)
Direct highway buses run from Shinjuku Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) to Kawaguchiko Station and the Lake Kawaguchi area. Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost: approximately 1,75- 2,000 yen one way. Less comfortable than the train and traffic-dependent, but significantly cheaper. Book through the Keio Bus or the Highway Bus Booking website.
See the Tokyo to Kawaguchiko guide for routes from Tokyo Station and the Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko guide specifically for Shinjuku departure options.
Step-by-Step Directions
Train route:
Step 1: At Shinjuku Station, go to the JR Central platforms. Board the Fuji Excursion Limited Express toward Kawaguchiko. Reserve a seat in advance.
Step 2: The train passes through Hachioji and Otsuki, where it transfers to the Fujikyu Railway. No need to change trains; the service runs through.
Step 3: Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station. The views of the lake and Mount Fuji begin as you descend from the mountains into the Fujisan area.
Bus route:
Step 1: At Shinjuku, go to the Busta Shinjuku Bus Terminal on the 4th floor of the Odakyu Southern Tower adjacent to Shinjuku Station. Purchase a bus ticket.
Step 2: Board the Fujikyu Highway Bus to Kawaguchiko. The bus stops off at Kawaguchiko Station and at several lake-area stops.
Cost Comparison
Fuji Excursion train: 4,130 yen one way.
Highway bus: 1,750-2,000 yen one way.
What to Do at Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchi and the surrounding Fuji Five Lakes area are the best locations in Japan for Mount Fuji guide views. The classic postcard view of Fuji reflected in the lake is taken from the north shore of Kawaguchiko. Other highlights: Chureito Pagoda (the five-storey pagoda with Fuji behind, best in cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons), the Fujiten and Fuji-Q Highland ski and theme parks. See the Kawaguchiko guide for the full Kawaguchiko planning guide.
Nearby Guides
- Kawaguchiko guide
- Mount Fuji guide
- Tokyo to Kawaguchiko guide
- Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko guide
- Tokyo day trips
- Hakone guide
- JR Pass guide
FAQ
Is the JR Pass valid for the train to Kawaguchiko?
Partly. The JR Pass covers the JR portion from Shinjuku to Otsuki, but not the Fujikyu Railway section from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. You will pay approximately 1,140 yen for the Fujikyu portion regardless of pass status. The highway bus is fully priced separately from any rail pass. See the JR Pass guide for pass coverage details.
How long should I spend at Kawaguchiko?
One night is ideal to see Fuji at different times of day (morning mist, evening alpenglow). A day trip is possible for a Fuji view if the weather is clear, but Mount Fuji creates its own cloud cover frequently, and an overnight gives you two chances to see it clearly.
What is the best time of year to visit Kawaguchiko?
Spring cherry blossom season (late March to early May) for the Chureito Pagoda view—Autumn foliage (late October to November). Winter (December to February) is the best time for the clearest Fuji views, with snow on the summit. See the Japan cherry blossom guide and the Japan autumn foliage guide for seasonal planning.
