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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
