Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
21/08/2025
Casia Charlie, Pexels
The primary transport hubs for accessing the Fuji Five Lakes region are Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station, both located along the Fujikyu Railway Line. From these stations, various local bus networks, including the Omni buses, offer connections to the five lakes and surrounding attractions. Rental car services are also available near Kawaguchiko Station for exploring the wider area.
By Bus from Tokyo:
Direct highway buses operate frequently from Shinjuku Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) to Kawaguchiko Station, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and a cost of around ¥2,000-¥2,200.
Buses also depart from Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit) and Shibuya (Mark City) to Kawaguchiko Station, taking about 2-2.5 hours and costing around ¥2,100-¥2,200.
Reservations are recommended, especially for morning departures, and the Japan Rail Pass is generally not valid on these highway buses.
By Train from Tokyo:
Direct Limited Express (Fuji Excursion):: A direct train service runs from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station, taking approximately 2 hours and costing around ¥4,130 one-way. Seat reservations are mandatory and should be booked in advance due to limited services. While the JR Tokyo Wide Pass covers this entire journey, the standard Japan Rail Pass requires an additional supplement fee for the section between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko (approximately ¥1,170-¥1,740).
Via Otsuki Station:: Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (70-100 minutes, ¥1,340-¥2,360), then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station (55 minutes, ¥1,170). The total travel time is around 2-3 hours. The Japan Rail Pass is valid for the JR section to Otsuki, but a separate ticket is required for the Fujikyu Railway portion.
By Car Rental:
Driving from central Tokyo via the Chuo Expressway takes about 2 hours, with tolls of approximately ¥2,500. Rental car outlets are available near Kawaguchiko Station, with daily rental costs for a compact car starting from around ¥7,500. An international driving permit is required.
Getting Around within Fuji Five Lakes:
Local sightseeing buses, such as the Omni buses (Red, Green, and Blue lines) and Fujikko Bus, connect Kawaguchiko Station to various points of interest around the lakes. Bus passes, including the Fujisan Fujigoko Passport and Mt. Fuji Pass, offer unlimited rides on these local buses and can be cost-effective for exploring the area.
A bus service operates from Kawaguchiko Station to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (about 50 minutes, ¥2,800 roundtrip), primarily during the climbing season.
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