Mount Fuji to Tokyo: The 5 Best Ways to Travel
You want to view Japan’s 3,776-meter-high national symbol, Mt. Fuji. There are a few different modes of transportation, depending on whether your goal is to hike to the peak or simply sight Fuji from the lakes below. This is a summary of how to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, within the climbing season, as well as other important information.
All Things Need to Know
Where is Mount Fuji?
The National Park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu (Source: Internet)
The National Park of Fuji-Hakone-Izu includes Mount Fuji. Since 2013, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and day trips from Tokyo have long been a favorite activity.
It is just a day trip or overnight journey away from Tokyo, which is located around 100 kilometers to the south-west of it. At a height of 3,776 meters, Fuji may be seen from a wide distance, including the capital as well as numerous places. Together with Mount Tate and Mount Haku, Fuji is regarded as one of Japan’s “Three Sacred Mountains” and serves as a beacon inviting tourists from Tokyo to discover Central Japan’s mountainous interior.
When is the ideal season to visit Mt. Fuji?
The designated climbing season for Mount Fuji is from July 1 to September 10. The mountain is mostly visible when the weather is clear, bright, and comfortable.
Note: It might be extremely risky to attempt to climb Mount Fuji outside of the climbing season! Mountain paths are off-limits and the first aid stations are blocked during the off-peak climbing season.
How much time will you need to see the Mount Fuji area?
As Mount Fuji is only a little more than two hours’ drive from Tokyo, getting a solid first impression of the area in a single day is very feasible. It is advised to stay for two or three days if you wish to go trekking, have an onsen day, or just want to enhance your chances of seeing Mount Fuji in all its glory.
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How far is Mt Fuji from Tokyo?
About 100 kilometers (62 miles) west is the distance from Tokyo to Mt.Fuji. So how to get to Mt Fuji from Tokyo?
Private Trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo
Private Trip to Mount Fuji (Source: Internet)
Nothing beats a customized trip where you may choose where to travel, how long to stay at each location, and when to return for the best Mt. Fuji experience. Even better, based on the number of people you’re traveling with, the trip may be planned for either an individual or a small group.
You decide how much time you spend in each location; if you’re unsure, the driver will offer suggestions, such as going to Komitake Shrine for unimpeded views over the stunningly blue Lake Yamanaka and standing on the observation tower at Mount Tenjo (reachable after a 400-meter ascent through the Kachi Kachi ropeway cable car) for sweeping views of Mt. Fuji.
By Bus: Mount Fuji from Tokyo
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Source: Internet)
- Buses during the climbing season: At the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, travelers may take a direct bus to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, which serves as the Yoshida Trail’s starting point, during the climbing season (1 July to 10 September). It takes around 2.5 hours to travel by bus, and a single ticket costs US$22.38. Via the Highway-buses.jp website, tickets can be purchased.
- Year-round buses:
- Buses from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko:
The Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Basuta Shinjuku), the most convenient of Tokyo’s long-distance bus terminals, is where departures happen the most frequently. With more regular arrivals in the morning and afternoon, these buses operate roughly once every hour (returning to Shinjuku).
Shibuya Station as well as Tokyo Station both have departures. Moreover, all bus stops are at Fuji-Q Highland (a well-known amusement park with thrilling rides ).
The average cost of the two-hour trip from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko is $15.17 USD.
Every seat has a ticket. Online ticket reservations are available. To compare routes and ticket costs, we suggest visiting the booking websites Highway-buses.jp, Willer Express, and Kosoku Bus.
- Buses from Kawaguchiko to Mt. Fuji:
Buses from Kawaguchiko travel to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station according to a seasonal timetable. In the peak climbing season, buses run every hour; during the shoulder season, they run less often. It takes US$11.91 (or $17.45 for a roundtrip ticket) and takes around 50 minutes. No reservations are required.
Rail Travel from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
If a bus isn’t your thing, you may also go from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by rail. Nevertheless, this is more expensive than the bus, and you still have to take a bus from Kawaguchiko if you want to travel to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. Shinjuku offers the most ideal departure location, much like with the buses. Choices include a combination of normal trains and the most expensive, luxury limited express trains.
- By Shinkansen:
Tokaido Shinkansen (Source: Internet)
From Tokyo Station to Mishima, you may travel via Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train). A little over an hour is needed for this. Keep in mind that Mishima only serves select Kodama and Hikari trains.
Buses to Kawaguchiko depart from Mishima Station approximately every hour (schedule here). It costs US$17.45 and takes around 90 minutes.
- Trains operated by Fuji Excursion Limited:
Fuji Excursion Limited (Source: Internet)
The quickest train from Tokyo to Fuji-san is the Fuji Excursion Limited Express, which travels from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station in approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes.
A one-way trip will set you back US$31.33. Each seat has a reservation. The train is comfortable, with outlets at each seat, restrooms, and room for bags.
- Shinjuku Station has departure timings of 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 9:30 a.m. on weekdays (except weekends and holidays).
- On weekdays, trains leave Kawaguchiko Station at 3:05, 4:51, and 5:36 p.m.; on weekends, they depart at 3:05, 3:57, 4:51, and 5:36 p.m. (weekends and holidays).
Note: This train travels over both the Fujikyu Railway and JR lines from Shinjuku to Otsuki. Only the JR portion is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. For the portion of the trip that involves the Fujikyu Railway, pass holders must pay an additional US$11.91. On their way to Kawaguchiko, Fuji Excursion trains also stop in the Fuji-Q Highlands.
- Trains from Shinjuku JR limited express:
Shinjuku JR limited express (Source: Internet)
Taking a JR Limited Express “Kaiji” rail from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki, then changing to the Fujikyu Railway for Kawaguchiko, is a compromise option in terms of cost and convenience. Kaiji trains are also accessible from Tokyo Station. We’ve also listed several “Azusa” trains that stop at Otsuki below. Use the platforms at Shinjuku Station (platform 9) and Tokyo Station (platform 2).
The entire trip costs US$26.78 and lasts between two and two-half hours (based on transfer time).
- Daily timetables from Tokyo Station are 3:15, 4:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:45, and 10:45.
- Daily departures from Shinjuku Station are at 7a.m., 7:30a.m., 8:30a.m., 9:30a.m., 10:30a.m.,11:30a.m., 12:30pm., 1:30pm., 2:30pm., 4:30pm., 5:30pm., 6:30pm., 7:30pm., 9pm.. (Azusa), 10pm., and 11pm.
- Departure times from Otsuki Station are 7:36am, 8:25am, 9:21am, 10:16am, and 10:54am (Azusa), 12:06pm, 1:06pm, 2:06pm, 3:06pm, 4:47pm, and 5:45pm (Azusa), 6:30pm, 7:05pm (7:08 pm on weekends and holidays), 7:36pm, 8:38pm, and 9:09pm daily.
Otsuki Station is rather compact and simple to navigate. Between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko, Fujikyu Railway trains operate once or twice an hour. This is the timetable for trains traveling to Kawaguchiko as well as the schedule for trains traveling to Otsuki.
To leave the JR tracks, you could use your IC card, but to board Fujikyu Railway trains, you must purchase a paper ticket.
- From Tokyo and Shinjuku, regular trains travel to Kawaguchiko:
Chuo Line Commuter Rapid (Source: Internet)
There are two regular daily trains that travel directly from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station via Shinjuku Station. As they are commuter trains, they leave Kawaguchiko in the morning and Tokyo in the evening. The “Chuo Line Commuter Rapid,” the train you’re looking for in Tokyo, will leave first from Chuo Line tracks. From Tokyo Station, the trip takes 3 hours, while from Shinjuku, it takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. From Tokyo Station and Shinjuku, it costs 2,690 and 2,510, respectively.
- Time of departure from Tokyo Station: 6:08 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. on weekdays; 6:09 p.m. and 7:12 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
- Shinjuku Station departure times: 6:23 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. on weekdays; 6:23 p.m. and 7:26 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
- There are two daily departure times at Kawaguchiko Station: 5:49 and 6:19.
Note: Avoid boarding a train headed for Ome! If you do, by chance, exit at Tachikawa (before the line divides) and board a train headed toward Takao there.
- Special trains on Fujikyu Railways:Fujikyu Railway, which furthermore operates ordinary trains and a number of resort/theme trains, provides the means of transportation from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. Just a handful of these trains run throughout the day.The base price for each of these trains is 1,170 yen; the extra fees are indicated below. The difference in travel time between ordinary and express trains is minimal (like 5 minutes). At Fuji-Q Highland Station, all trains alight as well.
- By Fujisan View Express:
Fujisan View Express (Source: Internet)
A posh train with large windows for viewing Mount Fuji while traveling. During holidays and weekends, first class reserved seats may only be reserved as part of a “sweets package,” which costs an adult/child 4,900/3,900 and includes sweets and coffee/tea.
Weekday departure times from Otsuki are 11:52 and 2:55; weekends and holidays are 11:48 and 2:55. 9:40 a.m. and 1:11 p.m. daily departures from Kawaguchiko. 400 for an unreserved seat; 1,300 on weekdays for a first class reserved seat.
- By Fujisan Express:
A different fast train. Its facade has cartoon Fujis, making it a fantastic picture opportunity.
Arrives at Otsuki at 12:48 and 15:52 on weekends only. Only on weekends; departs Kawaguchiko at 11:10 and 2:20. Unreserved/reserved seat surcharge of $400/$600
- By Thomas Land Train:
Thomas Land Train (Source: Internet)
An ordinary train with Thomas the Tank Engine decals on it.
Monday through Friday, 7:55am, 10:01am, 2:17pm, and 5:03pm; weekends, 7:55am, 9:59am, 2:17pm, and 5:05pm holidays and weekends. Kawaguchiko departs at 6:40, 8:57, 12:42, and 3:51 in the mornings and 6:40, 8:57, 12:42, and 3:21 holidays and weekends.
- By Fujisan View Express:
Touring with a group from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
Touring with a group from Tokyo to Mount Fuji (Source: Internet)
A trip that includes Lake Ashinoko and Mt. Fuji may be a wonderful choice if you want to see more of Japan’s breathtaking natural beauty in a single day.
Shinjuku City, Tokyo’s bustling financial district and “Skyscraper District,” is the starting point of the 10-hour Mt. Fuji and Hakone One-Day Tour. The van will proceed directly to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station from this point, giving you some opportunity to take photographs and have a quick meal at a nearby restaurant.
The journey next moves on to Owaku-dani Valley, a volcanically active region where tourists may observe bubbling ponds, hot springs, and steam vents. The Hakone Ropeway transports passengers up a volcanic mountain to the beaches of Lake Ashi, and is the next item on the program.
The excursion comes to an end at Lake Ashinoko, where you can take a leisurely sail and see Mount Fuji. If you decide to take the Bullet Train back to Tokyo, the van will drop you off at Odawara Station or close to Shinjuku Station.
Climbing Mount Fuji
- What month is best to see Mount Fuji?
The best time to see Mount Fuji is in the winter. If seeing Mount Fuji is among your top priorities while in Japan, schedule your trip around December or January for the clearest views of the mountain as well as its peak.
- What to wear when climbing Mount Fuji?
If you climb Mt. Fuji in one day, you need a minimum of a 29-liter rucksack, specialized hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket. It’s vital to pack additional layers of clothes because the mountain’s top typically registers around -7oC/19oF.
Here are some things you should have with you to survive the rain: a change of clothes in case you are caught in a downpour; a hat to protect you from the sun; and a walking stick for added stability. Shoes are another need.
The only footwear option is hiking boots. Your feet will be kept warm, clean, and hopefully injury-free thanks to their strong construction. You’ll have more stability and traction to help you navigate those tricky turns and slick terrain.
- Choose and plan your Mt Fuji route.
Below is a complete map of the major Mt. Fuji climbing routes. You can decide which option is best for you or your entire family.
- How much does it cost to see Mount Fuji?
Because Mount Fuji can be climbed in a single day, climbing Mount Fuji with a coach in the off-season may be considerably less expensive than in the peak season. On weekdays, a guided private excursion costs 33,500 yen on average. If you want to climb on weekends or holidays, the cost goes up by roughly 20.000 yen.
If you decide to take a guided excursion to Mount Fuji’s summit. You should budget about ¥100,000 for a private trip that lasts for two days. If you sign up for a group trip with about six other individuals, the price is considerably lower—around 50,000 yen.
- Is it cold near Mount Fuji?
It may get really freezing, depending on where you are from and what you consider to be cold. The top should only reach a maximum temperature of 5 °C (41 °F) without wind chill. The temperature may easily reach -15 °C (5 °F) in the early or late seasons or with any kind of wind.
You should be aware that the area at the base of Mount Fuji is typically quite hot and muggy in the summer, so you should expect to experience fast changes in temperature between sweating and freezing.
- Can a beginner climb Mt. Fuji?
If you’re in good shape, climbing Mount Fuji is not too difficult. Although they are not common, there are a few difficult sections that are steep and rocky. The greatest difficulty, especially for individuals with no prior climbing expertise, is the altitude.
The Yoshida Path, which has amenities spaced every hour to 90 minutes apart, is the most convenient way to climb Mount Fuji. They include the five, seven, and eight stations’ first-aid facilities and physicians, as well as the vending machines and mountain lodges.
- Can you climb Mt. Fuji in sneakers?
As the majority of the Mt. Fuji route is blanketed in volcanic ash, so using regular walking shoes is a challenge. It is preferable to wear a pair of sturdy shoes, particularly hiking boots whose soles are designed to firmly grasp uneven terrain.
- Are there toilets on Mount Fuji?
Both public restrooms and those in mountain chalets are available for use (just during the climbing season). Every toilet is an ecological toilet that treats human waste using oyster shells, sawdust, etc.
Mt. Fuji’s restrooms want a little gratuity of 100 yen to 300 yen.
- What is the closest city to Mount Fuji?
The city nearest to the spectacular Mount Fuji is Fujinomiya, which is situated halfway between Tokyo and Kyoto. Shin-Fuji Station, which can be reached by bullet train from Tokyo Station in just over an hour, is only a short drive from Fujinomiya city.
- Is there WIFI at the top of Mount Fuji?
Both Japanese tourists and international travelers to Japan can use the free wireless LAN service Fujisan Wi-Fi. Foreign tourists to Japan could use Fujisan Wi-Fi entry points on devices known to Wi-Fi by installing and accepting the conditions of Wi2’s TRAVEL JAPAN Wi-Fi app, which is supported by Fujisan Wi-Fi.
Furthermore, Fujisan Wi-Fi is easy to utilize as a simple Wi-Fi hotspot for smartphone users.
Conclusion
Consider taking a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo. In this article, we go into great depth on how to get there and pick the best path for your journey. Your journey will undoubtedly be more convenient and enjoyable as a result of everything mentioned above.
