Otsuki station is the station where you change to/from JR train and Fuji Kyuko train. If you travel to Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) and Mt. Fuji by train, you will transfer at this station. Many limited express trains to/from Tokyo and Shinjuku stop at this station. Some rapid trains go through Fuji Kyuko railways to Lake Kawaguchi via this station, Otsuki.
In this post, I would like to show you some images and explain about this station. You will find how to transfer the trains here at Otsuki station.
Tracks and platforms
First of all, please see Otsuki station map of Fuji Kyuko. It is in Japanese, but don’t worry. It is not complicated.
Both JR and Fuji Kyuko Otsuki station are at the ground level. There are located at the same place. There are 3 tracks / 2 platforms for JR lines and 3 tracks (#3-#5) / 1 platform and 2 tracks (#1-#2)for Fuji Kyuko train.
| Track# | Destination |
| 1,2 | Fujisan, Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) |
| Track# | Destination |
| 3 | Kofu, Kobuchizawa, Matsumoto (A few trains to Takao, Hachioji, Shinjuku) |
| 4 | Takao, Hachioji, Shinjuku (A few trains to Kofu, Kobuchizawa, Matsumoto) Trains go through Fuji Kyuko line to/from JR line. |
| 5 | Takao, Hachioji, Shinjuku |
If you take Limited Express Azusa / Super Azusa, train arrive at track #3 most of times. You don’t have to change the platforms to transfer to Fuji Kyuko.
In summer peak season, direct rapid train “Holiday Kawaguchiko” is operated between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko. This train goes through Fuji Kyuko line. But it departs/arrives at track #4 mostly. When you arrive at Otsuki station, just proceed to the west end of the platform. You will find Fuji Kyuko transfer gate very easily.
Even if you have to change the platforms, 5 minutes is fine. Otsuki station is quite small and very easy to find the direction.
Ticket gate/Exit
Both JR East and Fuji Kyuko have ticket gate. But if you use JR Pass, JR East Pass or Kanto Area Pass, you don’t need to exit station. As I mentioned, there is a transfer gate at JR track #3. Especially if you have Kanto Area Pass, it cover Fuji Kyuko line. All you have to do is showing your pass when you enter Fuji Kyuko platform. But even if you have Kanto Area Pass, surcharge is required to take Fujisan Tokkyu (Limited Express) and Fuji Tozan Densha (Rapid train by specialized fleet). You have to purchase surcharge ticket at transfer gate. If you use JR Pass or JR East Pass, you can purchase Fuji Kyuko single ticket at transfer gate.
If you use Suica when you enter JR station, like Shinjuku, you can go through transfer gate and get Fuji Kyuko train. Fuji Kyuko accept Suica. So you can tap your Suica at any Fuji Kyuko station when you exit.
You may find some more information at Fuji Kyuko Railway official site:
Fuji Kyuko railway official site
I hope this post helps you to change trains at Otsuki station.
Comments
Hello
We will be visiting Lake Kawaguchigo in Nov 2016. We do not have JRPass.
1) We are wondering if we should buy the train tickets for both the JR & Fuji Kyuko train in advance?
2) Was looking at Hyperdia, they have indicated
1) Fujikyu Railway for Kawaguchigo
2)Fujiku Raiway Ltd Express 5
Is any of this train the Fuji Tozan Densha Train? What is the difference between them?
Hi Grace,
1. You can purchase a base fare ticket to Kawaguchiko and limited express surcharge ticket to Otsuki if you want to take limited express train at any major JR stations. But you cannot purchase Fuji Kyuko express train ticket in Tokyo. Unfortunately online is available in Japanese only so far. So basically you have to purchase Fuji Kyuko express train ticket on the spot.
2. Fujikyu Railway for Kawaguchiko is an ordinary train. You can take this train by base fare ticket only. This is a sort of local commute train. Fujikyu Railway Ltd Express 5 probably means Fujisan Tokkyu. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html#Fuji_Kyuko_Railway
If you take this express train, you have to purchase express surcharge ticket at Otsuki station. Actually both trains are not Fuji Tozan Densha. It is shown as “Rapid”.
Actually if you want to get Kawaguchiko easily, express bus is cheaper and easier.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
You can get Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku by this bus directly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thanks for your response.
I suppose we should just hop onto any train at Otsuki that is bound for Kawaguchiko that is marked as Rapid then. Ordinary trains stops at every station?
Just to confirm my understanding, we can use the Sucia for the whole trip.. however, If we are to take the special or express trains or want reserved seats, we have to buy the tickets at Otsuki station or Kawaguchiko station in cash? No credit cards accepted? So that I can set aside money if needed.
Hi Grace,
Ordinary train stops at all stations from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko.
If you take express or rapid, you have to purchase a ticket beside Suica. I’m not sure they accept credit card or not. I recommend you to prepare cash.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
It appears there are many types of trains running between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. Here is a list of rapid trains as for today, in the highest season. Some trains would not be available in November.
Fujikyu Railway
1 Fuji view express 2,4,5,8,9,12,13
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/fujisan-view-express/
2 Fujisan express 1,2,3,6,7,10,11,92,94
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/fujisan_express.php
3 Fuji Tozan Densha 1,2,3,4
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/fujitozandensha.php
JR seasonal trains
4 Kaisoku Fujisan Jul-Sep (Fri) Shinjuku
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/kaisoku_fujisan_2016.php
5 Narita Express 8,41 Jul-Sep (Sat/Sun/holidays) Shinjuku, Narita
http://www.jreast.co.jp/nex/
6 Yamanashi Fuji Jul-Sep (Sat/Sun/holidays) Shinjuku, Chiba
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/yamanashi_34_2016.php
7 Holiday Kaisoku Fujisan Jul-Sep (Sat/Sun/holidays) Shinjuku
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/holiday_kaisoku_2016.php
8 Resort Yamadori Fujisan Jul 16-18 Takasaki
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/resort_yamadori_2016.php
So, I suspect that the “Fujiku Raiway Ltd Express 5” on Hyperdia should be Fuji view express 5, departing Otsuki at 10:48.
Hello Luis
Thank you for your explanation.
We’ll look out for the train numbers for the rapid trains in Nov.
Just to recap on our understanding of the process… We will have to buy the extra tickets for the rapid train at Otsuki Station and since we have tap in with our Sucia at the Shinjuku Station, we can only tap it out at Kawaguchigo station.
First time we are doing this without a tour group and we are quite ‘stress’ about the process.
Hello Grace,
If I were you, I would just rely on a Suica. Just tap in with a Suica and tap it out at Kawaguchiko. The time gain with special trains looks subtle, compared with a cost of the extra fee. Just look into a timetable at this link.
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/pdf/jikokuhyou2016.pdf
If I planed to do a day trip on a weekday, I would try to catch a direct train from Takao at 7:47. This train stops all the stations from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko, but it takes just 56 min for that part. Fujisan express #3 takes 48 min requiring an express ticket at least 400 yen and a procedure to buy it. Yes, any extra train itself should have some merits; such as the seats would be better than the others, fantastic wide windows for landscapes, likely on a brand new Fujisan View Express.
If I wanted to stay in Kawaguchiko, I would take a direct train to Otsuki departing from Tokyo at 9:05. A transfer time of 13 min at Otsuki would be ideal to handle a luggage, and I would arrive at Kawaguchiko just past noon.
Anyway, if you are not sure, just ask someone around you. Take it easy. We are all humans. Especially, officers at Otsuki station would be used to contact foreign guests.
Hi,
I will visiting Japan in Oct’2016. Will be visiting Mt Fuji area on 14 Oct. Will be taking express bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station. On the day itself in the evening, wish to travel from Kawaguchiko Station to Shinjuku Station by train. As I holding on to JR pass so I understand that from Kawaguchiko to Otsuki station, I have to purchase another train ticket as the JR pass only cover from Otsuki back to Shinjuku. Where should I purchase the train ticket from Kawaguchiko to Otsuki?
Hi Serene,
You can purchase it at Kawaguchiko station on the spot.
Cheers,
TAkeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My itinerary is from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo this year Dec 19. I will be getting the Nationwide JR Pass. I wonder if u can advice me in terms of price and convenience which way should I head to Tokyo (Shinjuku).
As far as i know its either by the Fujikyu train from Kawaguchiko Stn to Otsuki and head back to Shinjuku on JR train
Or
Highway bus straight back to Shinjuku
Thanks in advance!
Hi Samuel,
If you use JR pass, JR pass covers Otsuki to Shinjuku. You need to pay 1140 yen for only Fuji Kyuko from Lake Kawaguchi to Otsuki. If you take an express bus, JR pass does not cover anything. You have to pay 1750 yen. But it’s direct transfer to Shinjuku.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
The choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I’m going to travel from Kyoto – Nagoya – Matsumoto – Kawaguchiko – Tokyo next year. Question is: is it possible to exchange or buy the JR East pass on Otsuki station? Thank you!
Hi Olga,
No, you can’t. Please see the link below to find the exchange place info.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_n/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am going on a day trip. But I do want to go to a few places around Kawaguchiko. Basically to the Iyashi no Sato, herb hall and kachi kachi ropeway.
Do I have to buy the 2 day pass to go this places? Or can I just go by local bus? Which is cheaper?
Thank you.
Hi Ramlah,
I don’t see Which “2 days pass” you intend to use. But Herb hall and Kachi Kachi Yama Ropeway can be accessed from Kawaguchiko station by wail. I think you just need to pay single fare to get Iyashi no sato.
You may get Kawaguchiko by express bus directly from Shinjuku.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
May I know if there’s many luggage lockers in Ostuki station?
We are a group of 10 planning to detour to Nirasaki before heading back to Shinjuku in summer this year.
Hi Jovin,
There are some lockers but large size locker is very limited. And also all lockers are outside ticket gate. You have to exit the station to store your luggage.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Here are the two images of the lockers that Takeshi should have told:
http://locker1.exblog.jp/20154604/
Large x2
Middle x12
Small x(15+10)
This is our 1st trip to Japan our arrival will be on Dec. 22 Narita airport around 11am plan to take bus. no.12 to mitsui outlet before check in at hotel nikko narita for 2 nights
Dec 23 – DisneySea open to suggestion regarding night sightsee ing
Dec 24 Plan to go to Tokyo attractions check in Washington hotel
Dec 25 Fuji-q – mt fuji check-in fuji highland
Dec 26 mt. fuji – hakone- mitsumoto- snow monkey if possible
Dec 27 -29Universal studio – osaka-nara-kyoto
Dec 30 Odaiba big sight for Comiket
Dec 31-
Jan1- Depart tokyo Narita
I will greatly appreciates if you can help me out regarding what Pass to get throughout my trip . I am looking forward for your valueble opinion .Hope to hear from you soon. Thank You very much.
Hi Belinda,
You can use NEX round trip ticket to get Disney on Dec 23.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_round.html
And you may start using JR pass on Dec 24. It will cover until you come back to Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
I don’t think you can make Hakone and Snow Monkey in one day. Actually Hakone is not very accessible from Lake Kawaguchi/Fuji Q side.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I’m asking regarding transfer of trains.
For an example, using the suica card, I’m from Shinjuku wanting to travel to Yokohama. From my research, I would be taking a train to Shinagawa Station then transfer trains to JR Tokaido Line to get to Yokohama.
The thing I’m confused is that when entering the Shinjuku Station, I tap using the Suica Card, then do I need to get out of Shinagawa Station and reenter again to take the JR Tokaido Line? Or will the suica card deduct the total amount of the journey travelled simply by taping out from Yokohama Station?
Hi Nana,
You need to tap at Shinjuku and Yokohama only. By the way, there are lots of direct trains between Shinjuku and Yokohama that is called Shonan Shinjuku line.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-greater-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
I’m wondering if I travel from Hachioji to Kawaguchiko. I can take the train to Otsuki using my suica card. But the last part I have to buy a ticket? Can I buy the ticket at Otsuki station or do I need to buy it beforehand?
Thank you!
Hi Maartje,
You can purchase a ticket on the spot. Before taking train from Otsuki station, don’t forget to tap your Suica card at Otsuki station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Fujikyu has already started to accept SUICA.
http://www.fujikyu-railway.jp/column/suica.php
Y.
Thanks for your info, Y.
I will update this post.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
Can i check if we can walk from kawaguchi station to the maple corridor?
Thanks
Hi Mic,
No. You have to take a bus and it takes about 20-25 minutes from Kawaguchiko station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for your reply!
May i know which bus is that or I can check with the officers at the station?
Thanks again 🙂
Hi Mic,
There is the information center in the station. Kawaguchiko station is quite small and easy to find it. They may speak English so you can ask thme.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com