[Thorough Comparison] What’s the Best Way to Access Kawaguchiko/Mt.Fuji from Shinjuku? Train vs. Highway Bus

2026-01-28

“I want to go to Kawaguchiko to see Mt.Fuji on the weekend!”

“I want to take my friends from overseas to see Mt.Fuji.”

When you think that, the first thing you might wonder is, ‘What’s the best way to get there from Shinjuku?

It looks close on the map, but there are actually several ways to get there, but the cost and comfort vary greatly. You might choose the train without thinking and then regret it, thinking, “That was surprisingly expensive…” or “I’m tired from all the transfers…”

Below we will thoroughly compare the four main access methods from Shinjuku to the Kawaguchiko/Mount Fuji area!

In conclusion, if you want both cost-effectiveness and comfort, the highway bus is by far the most recommended way to get to Mt.Fuji. Let’s unravel the reasons why.

Access to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku 4 Options

The typical routes are the following four:

1. [Train] Limited Express “Fuji Excursion” (Direct)
2. [Train] Limited Express “Kaiji/Azusa” + Fujikyuko Line (Transfer)
3. [Train]JRChuo Line + Fujikyuko Line (Local Trains Only)
4. [Bus] Highway Bus (From Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal)

Let’s take a look at the features of each.

1. Train: Limited Express “Fuji Excursion” (Fuji Excursion)

“Fast, but difficult to book & pricy”

This is a limited express train that was newly established in 2019 and goes directly from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko.

• Travel Time: About 1 hour 55 minutes
• One-Way Fare: About 4,130 yen (Reserved Seat)
• Pros: You can arrive without changing trains. The train is clean.
• Cons:
  • The fare is expensive. It costs more than 8,000 yen for a round trip.
  • Difficult to book. It’s extremely popular with inbound tourists, and it’s often fully booked even on weekdays. There are also “standing tickets,” but standing for 2 hours is tough.

2. Train: Limited Express “Kaiji” or “Azusa” + “Fujikyuko Line”

“Transfer is required. It may be difficult if you have a lot of luggage.”

This is the route from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station on the JR Chuo Line Limited Express, and then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line.

• Travel Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes (including transfer time)
• One-Way Fare: About 3,500 yen – 4,000 yen (Limited Express + Fujikyuko fare)
• Pros: More frequent than the “Fuji Excursion” and easier to book.
• Cons:
  • Transfer at Otsuki Station is required. If you have a large suitcase, moving on the stairs and platform can be a burden.
  • If the Fujikyuko Line is crowded, you may not be able to get a seat from Otsuki.

3. Train: Chuo Line Rapid + Local Train + Fujikyuko Line

“For those who want to go as cheaply as possible and have a lot of stamina”

This is a method of transferring by commuter train (rapid or local) without using a limited express.

• Travel Time: About 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours
• One-Way Fare: About 2,500 yen
• Pros: The cheapest of the trains. No reservation required.
• Cons:
  • It takes time. There are many stops, so it feels long.
  • Since it’s a long bench-type seat, it’s hard to enjoy the feel of the trip.
  • You need to transfer at Takao Station and Otsuki Station, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to get a seat.

4. Highway Bus (From Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal)

“Guaranteed seating the whole way! The smartest choice with the best cost performance”

The highway bus leaves from “Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal,” a bus terminal directly connected to Shinjuku Station. The express bus is a secret trick–actually, more experienced travelers tend to choose the bus.

• Travel Time: About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours (depending on road conditions)
• One-Way Fare: About 2,000 yen～ 2,200 yen
• Pros:
  • Incredibly cheap! About half the price of the Limited Express “Fuji Excursion.” You can use the extra 2,000 yen to have a delicious lunch locally.
  • You are guaranteed to get a seat. Since seats are fully reserved, you won’t have to stand due to there being no seats.
  • You can store your luggage. Before boarding you can leave your large luggage in the trunk, allowing you to move more lightly.
  • Many are equipped with charging and Wi-Fi. Charge your smartphone while traveling.
  • Many buses depart per day. Since they run frequently from morning to night, it’s easy to make a schedule.
• Cons:
  • Risk of traffic jams. On weekends and holidays mornings, arrival may be delayed.

Book your highway bus to Lake Kawaguchi with Highwaybus.com

[Conclusion] Why is the highway bus recommended?

We’ve summarized the four methods in a comparison table.

Looking at it this way, the balance of pros for the highway bus stands out.
The “reliable time” of the train is attractive, but the limited express fare is a setback.
With the highway bus, you can get to the site for almost half the price of the train, you can always sit, and you can be taken to the site without changing trains.

What are the tips for avoiding traffic jams?

If you are worried about traffic jams on the bus, we recommend booking an early departure at the 7AM to 8AM time slot. If you arrive early, you can have a quiet Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji all to yourself!

Book your highway bus to Lake Kawaguchi with Highwaybus.com

Summary: If you’re going to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku, book a highway bus

If you want to save on transportation costs and spend that money on local gourmet food and activities, then the highway bus is the way to go.
It departs from “Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal,” which is directly connected to the South Exit of Shinjuku Station, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost.
Why not enjoy a trip to Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko on a comfortable highway bus on your next holiday?
Buses on popular dates may fill up quickly, so don’t forget to book online early once your plans are set!

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