2026 Guide: How to Get to Mt. Fuji
Travel from Shinjuku to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, the Trailhead of the Yoshida Route

2026-06-23

When you think, “I want to go to Mt. Fuji,” where should you go first?

The answer is Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, the trailhead of the Yoshida Route. It is the easiest gateway to Mt. Fuji, accessible directly from Shinjuku by highway bus. Located at an altitude of 2,305 meters, it offers a direct experience of the world of Mt. Fuji.

What Is Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, the Trailhead of the Yoshida Route?

Mt. Fuji has four main trailheads: Fujinomiya, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Yoshida. For travelers coming from Shinjuku or the Tokyo area, the most accessible trailhead is Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, located on the Yamanashi Prefecture side of Mt. Fuji.

The altitude is about 2,305 meters. With souvenir shops, restaurants, and rest facilities, it is a popular sightseeing spot where even visitors who do not climb the mountain can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Mt. Fuji. Many travelers from Japan and overseas visit this area every year.

Whether you plan to climb Mt. Fuji or simply enjoy the spectacular views without hiking, this is the place to aim for first.

How to Get to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station from Shinjuku

1. Take a Direct Highway Bus from Shinjuku: The Most Recommended Option

There are direct highway buses from Busta Shinjuku to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, with no transfers required. These buses mainly operate during the sightseeing and climbing season, generally from May to early September, and are the most recommended option for first-time visitors.

The journey takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

The one-way fare is 3,800 yen.
From rides on July 1, 2026, the one-way fare will be 4,800 yen.

For highway bus reservations to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, use highwaybus.com.

2. Transfer at Kawaguchiko Station to Reach 5th Station

If the direct bus is fully booked, or if you want to combine your trip with sightseeing around Lake Kawaguchi, transferring at Kawaguchiko Station is a convenient option.

First, take a highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Then transfer to a local bus from the Kawaguchiko Station bus terminal. The ride from Kawaguchiko Station to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station takes about 55 minutes.

Local bus fares vary depending on the season. Until June 30, 2026, the adult fare is 1,950 yen one way or 3,000 yen round trip. From July 1, 2026, the adult fare will be 2,000 yen one way or 3,400 yen round trip.

The bus mainly operates seasonally from May 23 to September 10, 2026.

Even when taking a local bus to 5th Station, it is more convenient to board from Kawaguchiko Station rather than Mt. Fuji Station. Local buses also depart from Mt. Fuji Station, but there may be fewer services, so transferring at Kawaguchiko Station is recommended.

For highway bus reservations to Kawaguchiko, use highwaybus.com.

For Visitors Traveling by Car: 2026 Private Car Restrictions

During the summer climbing season, private car restrictions are enforced on the Fuji Subaru Line. During the restriction period, private cars cannot drive directly to 5th Station, so please be careful when planning your trip.

Restriction Period and Restricted Section

The restriction period is from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The restricted section is from Mt. Fuji Parking, also known as Fuji Hokuroku Parking, to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. During this period, you need to park your car at Mt. Fuji Parking and transfer to a shuttle bus. The parking fee is 1,000 yen per vehicle, and the parking area is open 24 hours.

Shuttle Bus

The shuttle bus connects Mt. Fuji Parking and Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.

  • Operating period: Saturday, July 4 to Thursday, September 10, 2026
  • Fare: Adults 3,400 yen round trip / 2,000 yen one way; Children 1,700 yen round trip / 1,000 yen one way
  • Travel time: About 45 minutes uphill and about 35 minutes downhill

If you use a private car, the total cost starts from 4,400 yen, including the parking fee of 1,000 yen and the shuttle bus round-trip fare of 3,400 yen.

Outside the restriction period, such as from early May to early July, you can drive directly to 5th Station by private car. The Fuji Subaru Line is a toll road, so a toll fee is required. For a standard passenger car, the round-trip toll is 2,800 yen. Please note that the Fuji Subaru Line is open throughout the year in principle, but it may be closed during winter or in bad weather.

After Arriving at 5th Station: Tips and Things to Enjoy

Clothing and Temperature

Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is located at an altitude of about 2,305 meters. Even in midsummer, it can be more than 10°C cooler than at ground level. In summer, especially in July and August, temperatures at 5th Station are usually around 10°C to 15°C.
Be sure to bring a light down jacket, warm fleece, and rain gear. Short sleeves and shorts alone may feel cold.

Be Careful of Altitude Sickness

5th Station is already over 2,000 meters above sea level. Since you travel up quickly by bus, moving around too actively immediately after arrival may cause altitude sickness symptoms such as headaches or nausea.
After arriving, it is recommended to rest for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to let your body adjust, and to drink water regularly. Please do not push yourself if you feel unwell.

Walking Courses You Can Enjoy Without Climbing Mt. Fuji

Around Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station and along the Fuji Subaru Line, there are walking spots that can be enjoyed without entering the mountain trail above 6th Station.

Ochudo Walking Course
This route starts from 5th Station and follows part of an old trail that crosses the middle slopes of Mt. Fuji. You can enjoy the nature of Mt. Fuji while walking through a forested area. Distance and walking time vary depending on the route, so check the local signs before entering the trail.

Okuniwa Nature Park Course
This course leads to Okuniwa Nature Park, located around the 4th Station area along the Fuji Subaru Line. You can walk through a unique landscape of alpine plants and lava fields. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy the nature of Mt. Fuji in a quieter atmosphere.
If you plan to visit Okuniwa Nature Park, check in advance how to access the area, such as by using the Oniwa / Okuniwa local bus stop or by visiting outside the private car restriction period.

There is no entrance or passage fee for either course. Since these are mountain areas, be sure to prepare comfortable walking shoes, warm clothing, and drinking water.

Facilities at 5th Station

At 5th Station, there are shops, souvenir stores selling Mt. Fuji goods and mountain badges, restaurants serving dishes such as mountain-style meals and curry, and observation areas.
On clear days, you can enjoy the impressive slopes of Mt. Fuji and a sea of clouds spreading below.

For highway bus reservations to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, use highwaybus.com.

For Those Climbing Mt. Fuji: Important Rules for 2026

If you plan to climb the Yoshida Route beyond 5th Station toward 6th Station and higher, be sure to check the following rules.

Trail Use Fee: 4,000 Yen
If you use the climbing and descending trails, you must pay a trail use fee of 4,000 yen per person per entry, as set by Yamanashi Prefecture. This fee is not required if you are only sightseeing around 5th Station or walking the Ochudo route.

Daily Climber Limit and Advance Reservation System
On the Yoshida Route, if the number of climbers reaches 4,000 people in one day, the entrance gate to the mountain trail at 5th Station will be closed. However, hikers staying at mountain huts are not included in this limit.
If you plan to climb on a crowded day, making an advance reservation through the official Mt. Fuji climbing website is recommended.

Nighttime Gate Closure to Prevent Bullet Climbing
To prevent “bullet climbing,” the gate at 5th Station will be closed from 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. the following morning. Those with mountain hut reservations are exempt.

Summary: If You Are Visiting Mt. Fuji, Start with Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station

The easiest and most recommended way to get from Shinjuku to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is by direct highway bus. With no transfers and a travel time of about 2 hours and 35 minutes, you can arrive directly at the world of Mt. Fuji at an altitude of 2,305 meters.

Start your Mt. Fuji journey from 5th Station.

For highway bus reservations to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, use highwaybus.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station all year round?
In practice, it is difficult to travel all the way to 5th Station in winter. Although the Fuji Subaru Line is scheduled to operate year-round, it is often closed in winter due to snow or icy roads. Buses to 5th Station also operate seasonally, generally from May to September.
For sightseeing, it is recommended to plan your visit between late May and early September.

Q. Should I take the bus to 5th Station from Kawaguchiko Station or Mt. Fuji Station?
We recommend boarding from Kawaguchiko Station. Local buses depart from both stations, but Kawaguchiko Station usually has more services and is also served by highway buses from Shinjuku, making transfers more convenient.

Q. Can I enjoy 5th Station even if I do not climb Mt. Fuji?
Yes, you can. There are observation areas, shops, and restaurants, and many visitors come even without climbing the mountain.
You can also experience Mt. Fuji’s nature more deeply by walking the Ochudo Walking Course or the Okuniwa Nature Park Course. No trail use fee is required for either course.

Q. Do I need to reserve the highway bus in advance?
Yes. Since highway buses have reserved seating, it is recommended to book in advance through highwaybus.com. During the climbing season, especially in July and August, buses may sell out early, so please make your reservation as early as possible.

Q. How much does it cost to climb Mt. Fuji?
The basic costs are the highway bus fare from Busta Shinjuku to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, which is 3,800 yen one way and 4,800 yen from July 1, plus the 4,000 yen trail use fee.
If you stay at a mountain hut, additional accommodation costs are required.

For highway bus reservations to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, use highwaybus.com.