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As you know, Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. Sometimes we can see it even from downtown Tokyo. And when you travel to west from Tokyo by Shinkansen, you will be able to see this beautiful shaped mountain through the window on your right side.

*If you want to see Mt. Fuji on Shinkansen, when you reserve the ticket for Tokaido Shinkansen, try to get D which is isle side, or E which is window side unless you travel as party of 3. The seat configuration on Shinkansen is 3 (A,B,C) + 2 (D,E). (If you take Green seat, C and D are the right place to see it.) Even if you travel to opposite direction (from Osaka to Tokyo), the seat configuration is same. D and E are always on the mountain side.

Of course Mt. Fuji is one of most popular destination for the tourists. We have several choices to enjoy Mt. Fuji. Let’s see how much you can use Japan Rail Pass to get Mt. Fuji.

View How to get Mt. Fuji in a larger map

Hakone

This is the most well known place to see Mt. Fuji and also is known as the famous hot springs resort. When you go to Hakone, you can take “Kodama” on Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara. Then transfer to Hakone Tozan Railway. Hakone Tozan Railway is the private railway company. So you cannot use Japan Rail Pass and need to pay the extra. If you need more information about access to Hakone, please refer the post, How to get Hakone from Tokyo. Compare Japan Railway and Odakyu lines. And also, Hakone Navi (external link) the following site gives you lots of information too.

Kawaguchiko (=河口湖=Lake Kawaguchi) area

This is the most popular area at the base of Mt. Fuji. It is located the north side of Mt. Fuji. We have another four lakes, such as Lake Motosu (=本栖湖), Lake Sai (=西湖), Lake Shoji (=精進湖) and Lake Yamanaka (=山中湖) around Lake Kawaguchi. So these lakes are called Fuji Goko (=富士五湖=Fuji five lakes).
You can access from Otsuki (=大月) on Japan Railway Chuo line to get Lake Kawaguchi. JR East operates Limited Express trains “Super Azusa (=スーパーあずさ)”, “Azusa (=あずさ)” and “Kaiji (=かいじ)” from Shinjuku (=新宿). It takes just 1 hour from Shinjuku to Otsuki. But you have to take Fuji Kyuko line from Otsuki to Lake Kawaguchi. I will explain you about the trains and rates to take Fuji Kyuko line.

If you need more information about transfer from JR train to Fuji Kyuko train at Otsuki station, please see the post, Otsuki station guide. How to transfer from JR train to Fuji Kyuko train.

Fuji Kyuko

Fuji Kyuko operates the railway from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko via Fuji-Yoshida and a lot of the bus lines. When you get Kawaguchiko, you need to take the trains from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. They have Limited Express train “Fujisan Tokkyu” (=フジサン特急=Mt. Fuji Limited Express), Rapid train “Fuji Tozan Densha” (=快速富士登山電車=Rapid Mt. Fuji climbing train) and many local trains.

I wrote about Otsuki station in other post. Please see the details about transfer between JR train and Fuji Kyuko train at Otsuki station guide. How to transfer from JR train to Fuji Kyuko train.

Limited Express “Fujisan Tokkyu”

This train takes you to Kawaguchiko station in 45 minutes. They have 4 round trips between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko on weekdays. They have 6 trips to Kawaguchiko on weekend and holidays, and 8 trips to Otsuki on weekend and holidays. Basic fare is 1,100yen and Limited Express surcharge is 300yen.
This train is operated by 2000 series. It has the observation seat on car#1 with the huge glass windows. If you want to take the seat on car #1, you need to pay the extra 100yen for securing your seat. This extra charge is not for the seat assignment. You are guaranteed to get the seat on car#1, but it is first come, first serve. If you want to get the front row, come to the station as early as possible.
And also this train has a compartment room on car#2. If you want to take this room, the extra charge is 1,000yen. This compartment can accommodate up to 6 passengers.

Interior images
seat | observation seat | compartment | lounge on car#1

Rapid train “Fuji Tozan Densha”

This train takes you to Kawaguchiko station in 1 hour. They have 1 round trip between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko on weekdays except Thursday. They have 2 round trips on weekend and holidays. They do not operated this train on Thursday. Basic fare is 1,100yen and Express surcharge is 200yen. This express charge is not for the seat assignment, but you are guaranteed to get the seat on this train.
This train is operated by specialized train 1200 series. This train is designed by Eiji Mitooka who designed many express trains of JR Kyushu. This train gives you very nostalgic atmosphere and traditional culture of Japan.

Interior images

Reservations and Local trains

Unfortunately they take a reservation on the phone only. (Of course it’s in Japanese!) If you really want to take these trains, you have to use the travel agency. As long as they have a seat, you can get the ticket at the station. But if you cannot make it, take the local trains. They have the local trains every 20 to 30 minutes. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get Kawaguchiko.

Japan Railway operates some Rapid trains “Holiday Rapid Kawaguchiko” to Kawaguchiko directly from Tokyo via Shinjuku on weekend and holidays during summer season. When you take this train, you don’t need to transfer the trains at Otsuki. But you still need to pay for Otsuki to Kawaguchiko if you use Japan Rail Pass. They usually have 1 or 2 round trip(s) between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko. Travel time is about 2 hours. Sometimes JR East operate same type of train between Yokohama and Kawaguchiko. Please check the details at “Seasonal trains schedule“.

Bus line from Kawaguchiko station

If you want to go to Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Sai, you can take Retro Bus. You can get more informations at Retro Bus info on Mt. Fuji and Fuji Goko Navi. If you want to go to Lake Yamanaka, you can take the bus “Fujikko-Go” at Fuji-Yoshida station. You can get more informations at Fujikko-Go info on Mt. Fuji and Fuji Goko Navi. And you can catch the bus to Fuji Skyline 5th station on Yoshida trail for Mt.Fuji climbing.

Gotenba (=御殿場) Area

You can access to Mt. Fuji from South side. Gotenba is the place to catch the bus to Fuji Skyline 5th station on Gotenba trail and Fuji Skyline 5th station on Subashiria trail for Mt.Fuji climbing.

Gotenba is accessible by Japan Railway. But you need to transfer the train twice. First of all, take Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara (=小田原). Most of Hikari do not stop at Odawara. So you better take Kodama. After getting off Shinkansen, transfer to the local train to Kouzu (=国府津). Then transfer the local train on Gotenba line. It takes 35 minutes to get Odawara from Tokyo by Shinkansen, takes 7 minutes from Odawra to Kouzu and takes another 50 minutes from Kouzu to Gotenba. You will not have many trains on Gotenba line. It usually is operated every 30 minutes. Please be sure to check the timetable.

*Odakyu Railway (=小田急電鉄) has Limited Express train “Asagiri (=あさぎり)” from Shinjuku to Gotenba. This train takes you to Gotenba from Shinjuku directly. This is the easiest way to get there. But Japan Rail Pass does not cover from Odakyu Shinjuku to Matsuda. But from Matsuda to Gotenba, this express train go through on Japan Railway Gotenba line. So you don’t need to pay for this section. You need to pay 1,420yen (Base fare 750yen + Ltd Exp surcharge 670yen) to take this train by using Japan Rail Pass. If you need more info about Odakyu, please see Odakyu Railway website (English ver).

Fujinomiya (=富士宮) Area

If you want to take Fujinomiya trail to climb Mt. Fuji, Fujinomiya station and Shin-Fuji station are the place to get the bus. Shin-Fuji (=新富士) station is on Tokaido Shinkansen. So it is more accessible and easier. But if you want to save the money as much as you can, you have to take Shinkansen to Shizuoka, and transfer Limited Express train “Fujikawa (=ふじかわ)” to Fujinomiya.

*Actually the bus fare is only 340 yen difference between Shin-Fuji and Fujinomiya. If you access from Tokyo side, I think you don’t need to go to Shizuoka. Just get off Kodama at Shin-Fuji.

Hikari do not stop at Shin-Fuji. So you need to take Kodama from either side Tokyo and Nagoya. It takes 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tokyo. 1 hour and 30 minutes from Nagoya. If you take Fujinomiya via Shizuoka route, some of Hikari stop at Shizuoka. It takes 1 hour from both Tokyo and Nagoya. It takes another 40 minutes to get Fujinomiya by “Fujikawa”.

You may also like these posts:

• Otsuki station guide. How to transfer from JR train to Fuji Kyuko train.
• Trip to Tohoku and Nagano in 2013 winter – Part 6, round trip to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku by Azusa and Fuji Kyuko
• How to access Hakone from Tokyo. Compare Japan Railway and Odakyu lines
• JR East Kanto Area Pass. Perfect choice for tourist who want to go to Fuji, Izu, Nikko from Tokyo.
• Access to Fuji, Shizuoka and Kofu. Limited Express Fujikawa

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78 Comments to “Japan Railways is the best way to access Mt. Fuji? How much can we use Japan Rail Pass to go to Mt. Fuji?”

1. Joyce says:

   May 1, 2013 at 6:41 am

   Hi Takeshi!

   Your blogs are very informative, and you are so helpful, thanks for this site.

   We are planning to be in Japan first week of September this year, our itinerary is Tokyo then an overnight in Kawaguchiko before heading to Sapporo. How do we go from Kawaguchiko to Sapporo using JR train system?

   Thank you in advance!

   Joyce

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     May 1, 2013 at 10:36 pm

     Hi Joyce,

     Thank you for your comment about my website.

     First of all, go back to Tokyo from Kawaguchiko. And then follow the instruction at the link below:
     http://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
2. Heather says:

   May 1, 2013 at 12:41 am

   Hello, travelling from Suzuka, Mie to see Mount Fuji…can you please tell us the route to take and which would be best station exit to see the mountain, and perhaps stay overnight.
   Thanks.
   HC

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     May 1, 2013 at 10:18 pm

     Hi Heather,

     You can get Ise Railway-JR train or Kintetsu train from Suzuka to Nagoya. And then take Shinkansen to Tokyo or Shin-Fuji.

     I recommend you to visit Kawaguchiko. If you go to Kawaguchiko, you have to access to Tokyo and then follow the instruction above.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
3. Grant says:

   April 24, 2013 at 9:49 pm

   hi Sir

   i will arriving Narita aiprpoort on 30 Apr 9am, my intention is to go to Mt. Fuki and stay at K House, Mt Fuji, can you advice me how to take a train and bus to there as i heard Day Pass is quite a good saving?

   thanks in advance.

   Best Regards
   Grant

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     April 24, 2013 at 9:58 pm

     Hi Grant,

     It’s not complicated. Just take Narita Express to Shijuku and transfer to Ltd Exp Kaiji or Azusa to Otsuki.
     http://jprail.com/trains/limited-express-azusa-super-azusa-and-kaiji.html
     After arrive at Otsuki, transfer to Fuji Kyuko as I explained this post at “Kawaguchiko” chapter.

     You can find the schedule at Hyperdia.
     http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

     Regarding ticket, use Suica and N’ex.
     http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html
     It includes Narita Express ticket and 1500 yen e-money. You can use it for Shijuku-Otsuki transfer.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
4. Grant says:

   April 24, 2013 at 5:10 pm

   Hi Sir

   I arriving Narita Airport on 30 April around 9am, can you please advice how to travel to K house Mt Fuji? (6713-108 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamituru-gun Kawaguchi-ko / Sai-ko/Fuji-san/Japan)

   Your advice is greatly appreciated.

   Best regards
   Grant

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     April 24, 2013 at 9:46 pm

     Hi Grant,

     Narita (Narita Express) Shinjuku (Ltd Exp Kaiji or Azusa) Otsuki (Fuji Kyuko) Kawaguchiko
     Please see the following links to get the details:
     http://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
     http://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/narita-express.html

     I think you accommodation provide you shuttle service from Kawaguchiko station.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
5. yj says:

   April 12, 2013 at 12:43 am

   Hello Takeshi!

   I’m traveling to Japan in mid-may.

   I’m heading to Hiroshima from Osaka, Kanji Airport
   From Hiroshima, I’m going to Kyoto
   Then from Kyoto to Toyama
   From Toyama, I’m heading towards Omachi
   Then from Omachi, to Mt Fuji
   And finally the last place to Tokyo.

   Would you recommend buying JR pass?
   It’s very confusing because there’re not much information on certain part of Japan railway.
   I was wondering if Im available to travel all these places listed above using JR pass.

   (Especially, the traveling from Omachi to Mt Fuji)

   Thank you :>

   YJ

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     April 12, 2013 at 9:57 pm

     Hi yj,

     If you complete this trip in 7 days, JR Pass 7 days is the best deal. Otherwise single ticket may be cheaper.

     Regarding route and trains, KIX-Hiroshima-Kyoto is not difficult. Take Haruka to Shin-Osaka and transfer to Shinkansen to get Hiroshima. Shinkansen can take you to Kyoto from Hiroshima too.
     http://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html

     From Kyoto to Tomaya, please see the following post. This post explain to get Kanazawa. Tomaya is closed to Kanazawa. So I bellieve it will help you.
     http://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-kanazawa.html

     I am not sure where Omachi is. Because there are several Omachi in Japan. Do you mean Shinano-Omachi? Do you take Tateyama-Kurobe alpine route? If so, these following post will help you:
     http://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
     http://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-one-of-most-spectacular-sightseeing-route-in-northern-japan-alps.html
     The easiest way to get Mt. Fuji, take Azusa from Shina-Omachi to Otsuki. And as you saw this post, take Fuji Kyuko to Lake Kawaguchi.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
6. Ron says:

   March 31, 2013 at 2:08 am

   We will be going from Tokyo to Shin-Iwakuni and want to stop by at a train station to view Mount Fuji. We’ve read that Shin-Fuji is the best station to view Mount Fuji. Would this be correct? What would you recommend as a route from Tokyo to Shin-Fuji to Shin-Iwakuni?

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     March 31, 2013 at 4:24 pm

     Hi Ron,
     Shin-Fuji is the closest station to Mt. Fuji. But I’m not sure how clear you can see Mt. Fuji from Shin-Fuji station. Because I have never exit Shin-Fuji station. In the station, it may be hard to see Fuji because of the wall. I think you need to exit station. But outside of station, trees or buildings bother you to see the mountain. I checked google street view. I could not find any mountains.
     http://goo.gl/maps/pgHck

     I am not sure it is good idea or not to see Mt.Fuji from the station.

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
7. Orapin Weerachatwatana says:

   March 17, 2013 at 5:08 am

   How can I get to shin fuji station From fujisan station?
   We will go to Kyoto after visit fuji area, also we have JR pass.
   thanks,

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     March 17, 2013 at 4:47 pm

     Hi Orapin,

     You cannot move by train on that section. Only bus that is not covered by JR pass can take you from Shin Fuji to Fujisan station. I could find only Japanese link:
     http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/line/jikokuhyo/02.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
8. kim says:

   March 16, 2013 at 8:52 pm

   Good Afternoon Takeshi

   Im staying in Tokyo for four night and osaka for five night. I want to go to wakayama to nachi waterfall. is it closer to Tokyo or Osaka? for day trips.

   kind regards

   kim

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     March 16, 2013 at 8:55 pm

     Hi Kim,
     It can be accessed from Osaka. Please see the following link:
     http://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kuroshio-ocean-arrow.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
9. Junni says:

   March 12, 2013 at 7:22 am

   Hi Takeshi,

   Your site is wonderful. May I ask the fare info I gather from your ‘Fare Calculator’ is for single or two way trip? E.g. travel from Shinjuku to Otsuki by Kanji express costs 2690 yen.

   I am going to stay in Tokyo for 6 days, mainly in the city, and spend 1 day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko. Would you recommend me to use JR Pass?

   Thank you very much!

   Reply
   • JPRail says:

     March 12, 2013 at 6:17 pm

     Hi Junni,

     At Hyoerdia, the fare is shown for one way.

     JR Pass is obviously too much for your trip. I think single ticket or Kanto Area Pass will be suitable for your trip.
     http://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-kanto-area-pass-perfect-choice-for-tourist-who-want-to-go-to-fuji-izu-nikko-for-a-day-trip.html

     Cheers,

     Takeshi / JP Rail

     Reply
     • Junni says:

       March 16, 2013 at 7:41 am

       Oh, thank you very much !

       Reply
10. Pam says:

    February 24, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    Hi,

    I will be in Japan for 9 days. What would the best way to get to Mt. Fuji from Hotel Grand Fresa Akasaka? I would like to do a day trip for Mt. Fuji and Hakone. Should I buy JR Pass if we would only stay in Tokyo? Thanks!

    Reply
    • JPRail says:

      February 24, 2013 at 10:03 pm

      Hi Pam,

      First of all, go to Shinjuku by subway. And take the train or bus to go to Mt. FUji or Hakone. Probably the following pass is the best choice for you.
      http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_014.html

      JR Pass is too much for your plan.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      Reply