🚲 If you’re visiting Kawaguchiko, rent a bicycle — no question about it.
Skip the crowds, traffic, and long lines, and discover views of Mt. Fuji that almost no one else sees.
Kawaguchiko, spread out at the foot of Mt. Fuji, draws travelers from around the world with its beauty. On weekends, long lines form at the bus stops and popular spots get packed shoulder to shoulder. But wait — on a bicycle, that same Kawaguchiko looks completely different.
It’s about a two-hour highway bus ride from Shinjuku. Once you step off at Kawaguchiko Station, how you get around — your “secondary transportation” — is the key to a good trip. Buses get crowded and taxis are pricey. That’s where the best option comes in: a rental bicycle.
You can easily search for and book highway buses to the Kawaguchiko/Mt. Fuji area on the official Kawaguchiko/Mt. Fuji highway bus reservation site. Check the routes and timetables to help plan your cycling trip.
3 Reasons to Ride
3 Reasons We Recommend Renting a Bicycle
No More Crowds or Lines
Skip the stress of waiting for buses or the ropeway — cruise right past the crowded spots.
Total Freedom
No timetables, no fixed routes. Turn down any street that catches your eye and stop wherever you like.
Discover Hidden Viewpoints
Reach spots that tour buses never stop at, and enjoy Mt. Fuji almost entirely to yourself.
Access & Distance
Distances Around Kawaguchiko
Kawaguchiko is just the right size to explore by bike, and an e-assist bicycle makes the hills a non-issue.
🚲 Approximate Distances from Kawaguchiko Station
Where to Rent
Rental Bicycle Shop Information
🏪 Fujikanko Travel
Cycling Journal
Our Actual Cycling Experience
This time we skipped the usual tourist spots and rode a route built around discovering something new. Here’s our roughly two-hour ride around Kawaguchiko, counterclockwise, on a rented e-assist bicycle.
AM
Checking In at Fujikanko Travel
Checked in, paid, and got a rundown of the rules. Chose an e-assist bike, stored our bags for free, and we were ready to go.
AM
Setting Off Into the Kawaguchiko Area
Under clear skies, we pedaled off toward the lakeshore. “FUJIICHI” cycling route signs mark the roads, so it’s easy to stay on track.
*In Japan, cyclists ride on the left side of the road. Wearing a helmet is recommended. See our cycling safety tips for more.
AM
Arriving at the Kawaguchiko Lakeshore
We rode along the lakeshore, bustling with tourists — the fresh air felt amazing. From here we continued west along the shore. (View on Google Maps)
AM
Cruising Past the Crowded Areas
There was a long line near the ropeway station, but that didn’t slow us down on bikes. As we kept going, the crowds started to thin out. You can also park your bike here and ride the ropeway if you like. (View on Google Maps)
AM
🏆 We Found an Amazing Viewpoint!
Just five minutes past the crowded area, we reached a stunning spot with no one else around. The lake and the towering Mt. Fuji merged into one view — and we had it all to ourselves. This is the kind of payoff only cycling can give you. (View on Google Maps)
AM
Arriving at Ubuyagasaki
The view of Mt. Fuji from this small headland jutting into the lake is something special — the blue of the water against the snow-capped white of Mt. Fuji is beautiful. (View on Google Maps)
AM
Nagasaki Park and the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art Area
By this point, there’s hardly a tourist in sight. A few souvenir shops and convenience stores make it a good spot for a break, and you can enjoy sweeping views of Mt. Fuji almost entirely to yourself.
PM
Crossing Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge
The bridge’s roadway is for cars only, so cyclists slowly use the sidewalk. The view of Mt. Fuji from the bridge is well worth it. (View on Google Maps)
PM
Back at Fujikanko Travel to Return the Bike
About two hours of cycling, done — full of fresh air and satisfaction.
Hidden Gems by Bike
Spots You Can Only Reach by Bike
Funatsuhama Area (North Shore)
In contrast to the crowded south shore, this stretch is quiet and open. The view of Mt. Fuji across the lake is stunning, making it a great spot for photos.
Ubuyagasaki
A small headland jutting into the lake, famous for framing both Mt. Fuji and the lake in one shot. Tour buses don’t stop here, so it still feels like a hidden gem.
Nagasaki Park and the West Shore
This area on Kawaguchiko’s west side has quiet parks and lakeshore where you can relax and take in Mt. Fuji at your own pace. It stays uncrowded even during peak season.
Want to Know More About Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji?
For more on scenic spots, food, and seasonal events around Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji, check out our detailed guide on Mount-fuji.jp.
Secondary Transportation
Rental Bicycles: The Best Way to Get Around Kawaguchiko
After the roughly two-hour highway bus ride from Shinjuku, or arriving by the Fujikyuko Line, most travelers run into the same problem: how to get around once you’re there. The local sightseeing bus loop is convenient, but during busy periods it’s often full, and you’re stuck working around its timetable.
Highway Buses from Shinjuku/Tokyo to Kawaguchiko
For routes, timetables, and online booking, the official reservation site is the easiest way to arrange your highway bus to the Kawaguchiko/Mt. Fuji area.
A rental bicycle solves all of that. You can rent one right by the station and set off immediately, with free baggage storage. There’s no traffic to worry about, and you can stop the moment something catches your eye. Kawaguchiko is just the right size for cycling — most sights are within 30 minutes by bike.
For international visitors, Fujikanko Travel’s English-speaking staff make renting easy and stress-free. If you’re staying multiple days, multi-day rentals are available too.
Practical Tips
Good to Know Before You Ride
In Japan, cyclists ride on the left side of the road. Riding on sidewalks is generally not allowed, with some exceptions.
Wearing a helmet has been a “best-effort” requirement since 2023. It’s strongly recommended for safety.
With Kawaguchiko’s hilly terrain, an e-assist bike is well worth it.
The roadway on Kawaguchiko Ohashi Bridge is for cars only. Cyclists should ride slowly on the sidewalk and yield to pedestrians.
Free for rental customers. Leave your heavy bags behind and travel light.
Extra fees apply if you’re late returning the bike, so plan your schedule with some buffer.
🚲 Cycling in Kawaguchiko: Highly Recommended
No crowds, total freedom, and viewpoints almost nobody else finds. A rental bicycle isn’t just transportation — it makes your whole Kawaguchiko trip richer. Once you’ve arrived by highway bus or train, you already know how to get around.
#Cycling
#KawaguchikoTransportation
#MtFuji
#HiddenGems
#TravelJapan
Supervised by
Hidetomo Takahashi, OH Co., Ltd. | Certified General Travel Conductor / Licensed Domestic Travel Services Manager
