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  • 2025.08.04

How to ride the bus from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko


Kawaguchiko is a popular destination with quaint cafes, hot springs, and views of the beautiful lake surrounded by Mt.Fuji’s backdrop. The area is home to iconic photo spots such as Oishi Park, Mt. Fuji Ropeway, and the “Mt.Fuji Lawson”. If you would like to reach the red pagoda, we recommend getting off at Fujisan Station, and if you’re looking to hike Mt.Fuji, Mt.Fuji 5th Station.

Direct access to Kawaguchiko & Mt.Fuji by Bus

Going by bus is the simplest way to go to Kawaguchiko, especially if you have luggage or want to guarantee yourself a seat. We recommend making a bus reservation in advance as buses fill almost instantaneously if not prepared ahead of time.

Buses departing every 10 minutes from Shinjuku

At Shinjuku Bus Station, buses depart frequently (every 10 minutes) especially during the morning hours. This makes it easy to board a bus if you’re uncertain on time. While some bus terminals have ticket stands in person, its safer to book online especially during peak seasons and during earlier times. Tickets can be booked to Kawaguchiko: here

Bus Reservation Website


For bus reservations, trip ideas, and exclusive discounted tickets to Kawaguchiko or other destinations in Japan (including Kamikochi, Takayama, Kyoto, and more), you can check the website highway-buses.jp

Mt.Fuji Hotel Reservation Website


If you’re looking for a hotel near Kawaguchiko Station or Kawaguchiko Lake, Mt.Fuji Hotels lists all accommodations in the Mt.Fuji area along with information about climbing Mt.Fuji, an area guide, and access information.

Table of Contents:
1. Tokyo Area (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station)
2. Tokyo Area (Haneda Airport, Shinagawa Station)
3. Kanagawa Area
4. Shizuoka Area
5. Saitama Area
6. What to do in the area

Tokyo Area

1. Shinjuku Line (Shinjuku Bus Terminal)


Boarding place: Shinjuku Bus Terminal (BASTA) / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 6:55, 7:15, 7:25, 7:45, 8:05, 8:15, 8:25, 8:35, 8:45, 8:55, 9:15, 9:25, 9:45, 10:05, 10:15, 10;25, 10:35, 10:45, 11:15, 11:25, 11:45, 12:05, 12:15, 12:35, 12:45, 1:15, 2:15, 2:45, 3:15, 4:15, 5:15, 6:15, 7:16, 8:15, 9:15, 10:15

This is the simplest and shortest route to Mt.Fuji in Tokyo with buses coming every 10 minutes in the morning and once an hour after 3 PM. This bus stops at Kawaguchiko Station, Fujisan Station, or Mt.Fuji 5th Station and takes around 2 hours. The Shinjuku Line is located in Shinjuku BASTA, a large three storied bus terminal located directly in front of Shinjuku Station.

Book a seat

2. Shibuya Line (Shibuya Mark City)


Boarding place: Shibuya Mark City 5th Floor / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 6:05, 6;45, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 10:30, 1:30, 3:00, 5:00

This line can also take you to Fuji-Q Highland, a popular amusement park with views of Mt.Fuji, or Gotemba Premium Outlet, a massive outlet shopping complex overlooking Mt.Fuji. This route takes around 2 1/2 hours and the bus terminal is located within Shibuya Mark City Mall next to Shibuya Station.

Book a seat

3. Ikebukuro Line


Boarding place: Ikebukuro Station East Exit / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 7:10, 11:20

Two buses depart from Ikebukuro Station in the early morning and early afternoon. This bus takes approximately 2 hours to reach Kawaguchiko Station and also stops at Fuji-Q Highland and Fujisan Station.

Book a seat

4. Tokyo Station Line


Boarding place: Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 6:20, 6:50, 7:20, 7:40, 8:10, 8:40, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20

This bus also stops at Fuji-Q Highland, Fujisan Station, and several hotels. It and takes around 2 hours to reach Kawaguchiko Station. After 10:20 AM, around once an hour from 11:20 to 6:20 PM. In the afternoon, the bus boarding location changes to the first floor of the Tokyo Station Tekko Building: here.

Book a seat

5. Shinagawa Station Line


Boarding place: Shinagawa Railway Station Konan Exit / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 3:35 PM

This bus is the same bus that runs through Haneda Airport. In total the journey takes around 2 hours. While there is only one bus time available at the moment, the bus also stops at Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko Station, and Mt.Fuji Station.

Book a seat

6. Haneda Airport Line


Boarding place: Haneda Airport Terminal 1,2,3 / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 2;40 PM (Terminal 1, platform 7), 2:50 (Terminal 2, platform 14), 2;55 (Terminal 1, platform 13)

The bus that runs through Haneda Airport picks you up directly at the terminal gate, taking you to Kawaguchiko in around 3 hours. This bus also stops through Shinagawa Station, Fuji-Q Highland, and Mt.Fuji Station. Only one bus currently runs through the airport, stopping at each terminal.

Book a seat

Kanagawa Area

7. Kanawaga Line (Hiyoshi Station)


Boarding place: Hiyoshi Station East Exit / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 6:40 AM, 8:10 AM

If you’re in the Kanagawa/ Yokohama Area, a bus running to Gotemba Premium Outlets, Mt.Fuji Lake, Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko Station, and Mt.Fuji 5th Station stops at Hiyoshi Station. This bus is operated by Tokyu Bus and takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Book a seat

Shizuoka Area

8. Shizuoka Line (Mishima Station)


Boarding place: Mishima Station South Exit (Platform 2) / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 7:20, 8:20, 9:20, 10:20, 11:20, 12:20, 12:30, 1:20, 1:50, 2:20, 3:20, 4:20, 5:20

The Express Liner departs from Mishima Station to Kawaguchiko Station around once an hour. The bus only takes an 1 1/2 hours to reach Kawaguchiko Station and also stops at Mt.Fuji Yamanakako, and Fuji-Q Highland. This line is quite popular and fills up quickly, so we recommend you make a reservation far in advance.

Book a seat

Saitama Area

9. Omiya Station


Boarding place: Omiya Station West Exit / Google maps: here

Boarding times: 6:25 AM

This is the only bus that takes you directly to Kawaguchiko from Saitama Prefecture and takes around 2hr 40 mins. The next closest station to reach Kawaguchiko from Saitama Prefecture is Shinjuku Station, with buses departing every 10 minutes before noon.

Book a seat

Escape the heat in Tokyo!

If you’re looking for some places to cool down and to kill time in Tokyo, there are plenty of refreshing spaces around Shibuya. Plus–cooler climates like Kamikochi and Kusatsu can be reached by bus directly from Shibuya!

Read more

What to do around Kawaguchiko

■ Chureito Pagoda


Fujisan Station is the closest stop to Chureito Pagoda. From Fujisan Station, you can also get to Oshino Hakkai, a mini traditional Japanese village with plenty of foods, souvenir shopping, and stunning views of Mt.Fuji. The town screams old Japan, especially with the iconic image of Mt.Fuji in the background.

■ Fuji Q Highland


Fuji Q Highland is a thrilling amusement park with intense roller coasters overlooking Mt.Fuji, enjoyable even for adults. The amusement park is one of the most iconic parks in Japan as it holds one of the records for one of the highest roller coasters in the world. In addition to the rollercoasters are family themed zones and plenty of attractions such as the infamous haunted house. Most highway buses make a stop at this park.

■ Fuji Motosuko Resort


From mid-April to late May, around 500,000~800,000 Shibazakura bloom at Fuji Motosuko Resort. During this time, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held. Climates are cool and the trees and flowers are freshly bloomed during this time, making it an iconic spot for pictures. In August until October, zinnias and salvia flowers bloom during the Rainbow Flower Festival, creating another great opportunity for photos with the Mt.Fuji backdrop.

View more info here




  • 2024.11.26

How to Buy Tickets for Shibuya Sky

Topic: Shibuya Sky Tickets/ Entrance Fee Info Post date: Nov 25th, 2024

What is Shibuya Sky?

Shibuya Sky view during the day

Shibuya sky observation deck

Shibuya Sky is an observation deck located on the 46th floor and rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, a high-rise building directly connected to Shibuya Station. Standing at around 230m high, you can see the entirety of the city of Tokyo all the way to Mt.Fuji.

To enjoy Shibuya Sky, you need a ticket which states the date and time of entry. Entry times are in 20 minute intervals and there is no limit to how long a person can stay. You can stay as long as you want as long as it is within opening hours. Sunset times are most popular, but can sell out weeks in advance.

Shibuya Sky Ticket Types:

Ticket Types: Adult,  Middle / High Schoolers,  Elementary Schoolers,  Children (3-5y/o),  Under 3y/o

How to Get Tickets Regularly:

There are three main ways to get Shibuya Sky Tickets. 

Ticket CounterOfficial WebsiteOnline Travel Agency
Adult 2,500 yen2,200 yen2,500 yen
Middle / High Schoolers2,000 yen1,700 yen2,000 yen
Elementary Schoolers1,200 yen(Ticket window only)(Ticket window only)
Children (3-5 y/o)700 yen(Ticket window only)(Ticket window only)
Under 3y/oFreeFreeFree
*Notes-Can be quite congested
-Tickets often sold out		-Recommended for Japan residents to buy ASAP
-Evenings and weekends are sold out often
-Credit cards not issued in Japan not accepted
-Recommended for foreigners
-Credit cards not issued in Japan are accepted

1. Ticket Counter

Shibuya Scramble Square’s reception is on the 14th floor. You can buy tickets the day of, but there are many instances where tickets are sold out due to online reservations. We highly recommend reserving a ticket in advance.

You can buy tickets for elementary schoolers,  children (3-5 y/o), and children (under 3 y/o), only at the ticket counter.

If a child is accompanying an adult or middle/high schooler who has a ticket, you can still buy tickets for the child at the front desk, even if it is listed as sold out. 

The ticket counter is open from 10AM-9:20PM. 

2. Shibuya Sky’s Official Website

*This is a more economic method and is recommended for residents of Japan.

Buying on the official site is cheaper than going directly at the ticket counter. You can choose an entry time up to 4 weeks in advance. We recommend buying the tickets early. If you go to the ticket counter, it can also get quite busy in the evening and on the weekends.

If tickets reservations were canceled on the same day, the spot will open on the website.

*Note: You cannot use credit cards issued outside of Japan

Official website: Shibuya Sky Scramble

3. Online Travel Agency

*This method is recommended for foreign visitors to Japan.

Examples of online travel agencies are: Klook [10% off at Paradise Lounge], Trip.com , KKday

You can make reservations for the day you’d like to enter up to 4 weeks in advance.

*Note: The evening and weekend times can be quite busy, so we recommend you to book far in advance.

still want shibuya sky tickets when they’re sold out at peak times?

There are special tickets available which allow you to enter Shibuya Sky during peak times, guaranteed.

>>> Read more here <<<

Escape the heat in Tokyo!
(rest areas and indoor activities near Shibuya)

If you’re looking for some ideas to keep cool and to kill time in Tokyo, there are plenty of spaces near Shibuya. Plus–cooler climates like Kamikochi and Kusatsu can be reached by bus directly from Shibuya!

Read more

  • 2024.09.03

Things to Know Before Booking Sunset Shibuya Sky Tickets

How to Get Guaranteed Access to Shibuya Sky at Sunset Hour/Sunset Time

Did you know there’s a rooftop observation deck at the top of Shibuya’s tallest high-rise building, Shibuya Scramble Square?

Shibuya at night

Shibuya Sky (SHIBUYA SKY) is directly connected to Shibuya Station about 230 meters above ground.

With the “SKY STAGE” skyscraper rooftop observation deck and the “SKY GALLERY” indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor, Shibuya Sky offers open and vast views from Shibuya skyline. While Shibuya Sky during the day is great in its own sense, sunset time (sunset hour) at dusk and the night time view are most popular!

We recommend that you purchase an online ticket in advance because this Shibuya Sky is a popular spot and it will be crowded. If you can’t secure a sunset ticket, we’ll teach you a loophole below.

※Estimated sunset times at SHIBUYA SKY

shibuya sky during the day
shibuya sky couple at night

Unfortunately, admission tickets for later evenings sell out quickly, and reservations are often sold out months in advance.

This is the booking calendar on the official website as of September 19, 2024.
As you can see, there’s almost no availability after 15:00 until October 17, 2024.

※ Although there is a designated time for entering Shibuya Sky, you can leave at any time as long as it is during business hours.

sold out reservation screen
sold out shibuya sky reservation screen
one available time left shibuya sky reservation screen
Shibuya Sky reservations (Official Website)

Most people come all the way to SHIBUYA SKY, but find out that sunset tickets have been sold out. There’s actually a way to fix this problem!

How to secure SHIBUYA SKY tickets at sunset times.

All you have to do is…

Purchase a ticket for the open-top bus “SHIBUYA STREET RIDE” that includes an admission voucher, also known as the “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket”! The “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket” gives you guaranteed access to SHIBUYA SKY at any time in the day.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket

By purchasing this set of tickets, you will be able to get into Shibuya Sky even during sold-out times!

First, what is a SHIBUYA SKY set ticket?

shibuya bus top view
shibuya street ride
view of shibuya sky

The SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket is an online ticket voucher you are given when you ride SHIBUYA STREET RIDE.

The greatest advantage of this ticket voucher is that it guarantees admission to Shibuya Sky at any time.

When purchasing a regular ticket, you must specify the time of admission. This makes it almost impossible to purchase a ticket during sold-out times. You can use the “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket” any time after you get off at SHIBUYA STREET RIDE as long as its the same day. This is perfect if you are trying to secure a sunset ticket for a certain day on your trip, but didn’t have time to book ahead.


However, please note that this pass will only be available until the final entrance time of Shibuya Sky on the day of your trip. Re-entry is also not permitted.

During the daytime, you can take the open-top bus, and in the evening, you can enjoy the city of Shibuya on the Shibuya Sky.

The places you tour by bus are small and spread out around your feet, making for an interesting and memorable experience.

Details of SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY set ticket

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE has two routes:
・Shibuya Excursion Route
・Shibuya⇔Shinjuku Route（※September 2024～January 2025）
These are two popular routes.

Both routes are designed to take in the sights.

shibuya street ride car
view from shibuya street ride

The bus is an open-top bus specification with no roof on the second floor, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing from a perspective they would not normally be able to see.

Seats are equipped with multilingual audio guides and in-train monitors that provide information on each area during the trip. Of course, Japanese is also available.

It also comes with a digital version of a city walking guide to enjoy the streets of Shibuya even after getting off the bus.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE Ride Experience

I immediately booked a SHIBUYA STREET and RIDE SHIBUYA SKY online set ticket.
This time, I rode on the round-trip route of SHIBUYA on the Shibuya Excursion route.

At the south exit of Shibuya Station is Shibuya Fuclas. There is a bus terminal there on the first floor.

The departure time was 11:25 but I arrived a before 11:00.
I was able to relax in the stylish area waiting area right in front of the bus stop.

shibuya fuclas bus terminal
shibuya street ride at shibuya fuclas

Before I knew it, a stylish open-top bus entered the boarding area shortly after 11:15.

Next, all you have to do is show the screen of your cell phone to the crew and board the train!

At this time, I received a voucher for admission to Shibuya Sky on the same day.

Now you can enjoy the evening and night views from Shibuya Sky ^^.

shibuya sky set ticket


This time, the route took me from the Scramble Crossing to Harajuku, Omotesando, and other areas around Shibuya.

The colorful seating inside the car will surely be Instagram-worthy if you take pictures!

On the second floor, you can feel the breeze and enjoy the view from a different perspective than usual.

The thrill of passing under an overpass is especially unique to this bus.

shibuya street ride seats
shibuya street ride view of national stadium

The bus first departs from Shibuya Fuklas and head towards Harajuku on Meiji Street.

Along the way, you can see Meiji Shrine and Takeshita-dori Avenue from a slightly elevated vantage point. After that we headed towards Sendagaya and Gaienmae.

As we reach Omotesando, we can see the National Stadium, which was the main venue for the Olympics. There were no power lines so you could see the view of the sky really clearly and it felt great!

In Omotesando, you can feel the street trees up close while overlooking the rows of high-end fashion stores.

Finally, I returned to Shibuya for the last time to view the scramble crossing. It is a luxurious feeling to be able to see the scene of many people coming and going from above, up close and personal.

I returned to the bus terminal on the ground floor of the Shibuya Fuklas– the area I departed from around 12:30 p.m.

After a leisurely lunch, I went for a stroll in Shibuya, using the digital version of the city walking guide that was in the pocket of the car!

Don’t forget to check the passcode in the car!
Since the audio is also recorded, wearing earphones is recommended.

shibuya street ride digital walking guide

It’s evening, and SHIBUYA SKY is located in Shibuya Scramble Square.

With this same-day admission voucher, I went to SHIBUYA SKY, and on the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square I was able to register and enjoy the evening and night views.

“Crossing Lights,” a light show held every 30 minutes after 7:00 p.m. every day, is a unique nighttime experience. The performance is said to change with the seasons.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket Details

shibuya sky at sunset pic 1
shibuya sky at sunset pic 2
twilight hour at shibuya sky
couple enjoying shibuya sky at night

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket Details

Estimated Sunset Times at SHIBUYA SKY

“Twilight Time” in Shibuya takes place 15 minutes after sunset.

This is the most beautiful time to see Shibuya Sky as day transitions into night. “Twilight Time” can be seen only in this 15 minute time frame.

Sunset times may vary by month. Please use this as a reference.

Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)		Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)
January4:40PM~5:10PM~
February5:10PM~5:35PM~
March5:35PM~6:00PM~
April6:00PM~6:25PM~
May6:25PM~6:50PM~
June6:50PM~7:00PM~
July7:00PM~6:45PM~
*Around July and August, the sun sets a bit earlier.
Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)		Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)
August6:35PM~6:10PM~
September6:10PM~5:25PM~
October5:25PM~4:45PM~
November4:45PM~4:30PM~
December4:30PM~4:40PM~
*From around December 12th, the sun sets a little later.

Even if tickets are sold out, as long as you have the Shibuya Sky Set Ticket, you can enjoy the beautiful views of SHIBUYA SKY at any time.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket

Escape the heat in Tokyo!
(rest areas and indoor activities near Shibuya)

If you’re looking for some ideas to keep cool and to kill time in Tokyo, there are plenty of spaces near Shibuya. Plus–cooler climates like Kamikochi and Kusatsu can be reached by bus directly from Shibuya!

Read more