Mt. Fuji is the icon of Japan. Many tourists visit and see this magnificent mountain. Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi are most popular places to see this mountain and you may think to visit both. I have written two posts in regards to Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi.
In this post, I will focus on the route of these two places. You can find how to combine these two places.
Overview
First of all, please see the map below:
The map shows the whole part of Fuji and Hakone area. Lake Kawaguchi is located at the north of Mt. Fuji. Hakone is located at the south side. Lake Yamanaka is located at the east side.
As I mentioned at the beginning, I will not explain the access to Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone areas. Please see the posts below to find the detailed information about the access to each locations and the sample itineraries:
In the map above, you can find the access route between Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone which goes at the east side of Mt. Fuji. This is the route which connects Hakone and Fuji.
Fuji Hakone Pass is highly recommended to travel in both Kawaguchiko and Hakone.
This pass is the best deal to cover both places. You can choose either Shinjuku version or Odawara version. Shinjuku version includes unlimited travel of the most local transportation in Kawaguchiko and Hakone area, one way Shinjuku – Kawaguchiko and one way Shinjuku – Odawara. You have to use one way each. You cannot take same way to get the round trip, such as Shinjuku – Odawara and Odawara – Shinjuku. If you get Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku, you have to go back from Odawara.
Odawara version does not include the round trip from Shinjuku. It gives you the unlimited travel of Hakone and Fuji only. Both Odawara version and Shinjuku version covers Kawaguchiko – Gotemba route too. Please see the official site in the link below to find the information of Fuji Hakone Pass:
Fuji Hakone Pass official site
Lake Kawaguchi – Gotemba (Hakone) bus route
I showed you the map of the whole part of Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi above. I show you the map which focus on this route only below:
Fujikyuko bus between Kawaguchiko and Gotemba
There are two kinds buses running between these places. All buses are operated by FujiKyuko bus.
The local bus
- Travel time – approximately 1 hour 30 to 40 minutes
- Frequency of the operation – every 30 minutes
- It is covered by Fuji Hakone Pass.
This bus runs between Lake Kawaguchi, FujiQ Highland, Fujisan station, Oshino-Hakkai, Lake Yamanaka, Gotemba station and Gotemba Premium Outlet. There are 70 to 80 more bus stops between these places. This local bus service stops all bus stops. This bus runs a few different routes between Fujisan station and Fujisan Yamanakako bus stop. And also some bus trips do not go to Gotemba Premium Outlet. As I mentioned before, most buses to Hakone depart from Gotemba Premium Outlet. You may have to the free shuttle bus which runs between Gotemba station and Gotemba Premium Outlet to get the bus to Hakone. It depends on the bus connection at Gotemba station.
The limited express bus
- Travel time – approximately 1 hour
- Frequency of the operation – 3 round trips a day
- It is NOT covered by Fuji Hakone Pass.
This bus connects Gotemba and Kawaguchiko directly. This bus stops at Kawaguchiko, FujiQ Highland, Gotemba station and Gotemba Premium Outlet only. This bus does not stop at Oshino-Hakkai, Lake Yamanaka, even Fujisan station. And the bus stops at either Gotemba station or Gotemba Premium Outlet. There is no limited express bus stopping at both bus stops in Gotemba. Please be careful.
You can find the timetable of the bus between Kawaguchiko station and Gotemba in the FujiKyuko bus official website:
FujiKyuko Bus official site- Route bus timetables
The departure point in Lake Kawaguchi area
You can get the local bus at all major places in this area, such as Kawaguchiko station (Lake Kawaguchi), FujiQ Highland station and Fujisan station (Mt. Fuji station).
*By the way, Fujisan station is not located on Mt. Fuji. The elevation is not much different from Kawaguchiko. You have to take the other bus to get 5th station of Mt. Fuji.
But the limited express bus does not stop at Fujisan station.
The departure point in Gotemba area
The bus to Lake Kawaguchi area departs from Gotemba Premium Outlet and Gotemba station. Gotemba is only place in Hakone area to get Lake Kawaguchi area directly. You cannot get Lake Kawaguchi area from other places in Hakone, such as Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Togendai, Hakonemachi. You have to get Gotemba first.
Hakone Tozan bus runs in all part of Hakone which includes Gotemba. But most buses depart and arrive at Gotemba Premium Outlet. The number of the bus to Gotemba station is limited.
On the other hand, some local buses and the limited express buses to/from Kawaguchiko depart and arrive at Gotemba station only.
You may be able to take Odakyu Hakone express bus. This bus takes you to Togendai. It is located at the shore or Lake Ashi. You can change the buses at Sengoku if you go to Gora or Hakone-Yumoto.
Otherwise you can take the free shuttle bus between Gotemba station and Gotemba Premium Outlet. The outlet free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes during the operation hours of Gotemba Premium Outlet.
You may find the timetables of Hakone Tozan Bus and Odakyu Hakone express bus in the link below:
Hakone Navi – Transportation guide and the timetable
Other places along the bus route between Lake Kawaguchi and Gotemba
As you saw the map, Lake Yamanaka (Yamanakako) and Oshino-Hakkai are located on the route. You may drop by or stay overnight at the shore of Lake Yamanaka. Lake Yamanaka is much quieter than Lake Kawaguchi. You can enjoy and relax at the mountain lake resort.
You can access to Lake Yamanaka directly by FujiKyuko express bus from Shinjuku. You also can access to Lake Yamanaka by the express bus between Kawaguchiko and Mishima which is called “Mishima/Kawaguchiko Liner”. Please see the link below to find these express bus timetable:
FujiKyuko Bus official site – Express bus timetable
Sample itineraries
I have a day trip plan and 2-day trip plan which cover Fuji and Hakone. Please find the posts below to get the detailed trip plan:
Assessment
Lake Kawaguchi area and Hakone area are located at the base of Mt. Fuji. But these two places have the different atmosphere. As long as you have enough time, I recommend you to visit both. Fuji Hakone Pass helps you lots to travel in these places.
I hope this post will help you to build your plan.
Comments
Hi Takeshi san,
About Hokuriku Area Pass:-
Kyoto-Kanazawa-Shiragawa-go-Takayama
“Takeyama-Kanazawa-Shinjuku or Takeyama-Kanazawa-Shinjuku” both way need to use another single ticket to Tokyo
are not cover by Hokuriku Area Pass??
Thanks,
Lin
Hi Lin san,
You need to add only outside coverage area of this pass. As long as you travel in 5 days, you don’t need to pay for Takayama to Kanazawa. You need to pay for Kanazawa – Shinjuku. But this pass also covers pat of Kanazawa – Shinjuku trip that is Kanazawa-Toyama. This pass does not cover the fastest train on Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki. So if you are okay to take slower train to all the way to Tokyo or transfer to Kagayaki at Toyama, you don’t need to pay for Kanazawa – Toyama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks your reply.
The route from Takayama-Kanazawa-Shinjuku or Takayama-Nagoya-Shinjuku, via nagoya will be nearer and cheaper than via Kanazawa?
Thanks,
Lin
Hi Lin san,
Nagoya route is faster than Kanazawa route and it’s also cheaper because this pass covers train to Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m trying to plan out transportation for day 2 of 3 in Hakone/Fuji area and need some advice. I will be starting my day in Fujikawaguchiko (hotel will drop me off at Kawaguchiko Station).
Here are the things I want to do that day (Friday):
Start: Hotel New Century
1. Chureito Pagoda (Arakura Sengen Shrine)
2. Lake Yamanaka
3. Hakone Open Air Museum
4. Lake Ashi, Moto-Hakone, Hakone Shrine
Finish: Shinanoki Ichinoyu
Here is my transport plan:
1. From Kawaguchiko station, take a train to Shimoyoshida Station (about 15 mins). Then walk to the Arakura Sengen Shrine which take around 10-15 mins.
2. From Arakura Sengen Shrine, return to Shimo Yoshida and train to Fujisan Station, then take Fujikyu Bus towards Gotemba Station/Gotemba outlet from Fuji Station to Lake Yamanakako. (Following this time table/route http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/pdf/rosen/fujigoko/detail_id6_timetable.pdf)
3. From Lake Yamanakako, board the next Fujikyu Bus towards Gotemba station/outlet. Get off at Gotemba Station? (or Gotemba Outlet?), switch to Hakone Tozan Bus towards 小涌園, get off at Chokokunomori stop (http://www.hakone-tozanbus.co.jp/dia-hakone/viewsectioninfo?routeNo=10019&roundTrip=2&startBusStopNo=13219&startSeqNo=1#).
4. Board Hakone Tozan Bus (Gora “Y” Line) towards Hakone-machi.
5. Return to hotel. It is at “Shinanoki hakone highland hotel” stop, close to Sengoku stop.
Couple questions:
a) Can you tell me if this is the best bus to take if I’m traveling from Fujikawaguchiko > Lake Yamanaka > Gotemba? http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/rosen/detail/id/6
a) If I decide to transfer at Gotemba station, there’s limited busses running in the late morning/early afternoon. (http://www.hakone-tozanbus.co.jp/pdf/13219-002001.pdf ), but if I decide to transfer at Gotemba outlet, it takes additional 15 minutes on Fujikyu bus…
(http://www.hakone-tozanbus.co.jp/pdf/13223-002001.pdf). Should I transfer at Gotemba station or Gotemba outlet? Which station is better to get to Hakone Open Air Museum?
b) Based on this map (https://www.hakone-tozanbus.co.jp/english/pdf/access.pdf) Is my plan correct, that the best way to travel my itinerary is “S” line, and then “Y” line?
c) What is the best way to get from Hakone-machi area back to my hotel, which is at the “shinanoki hakone highland hotel” stop?
d) Does the Fuji-Hakone Pass cover all the Hakone Tozan Bus lines in this map? (https://www.hakone-tozanbus.co.jp/english/pdf/access.pdf)
Thank you very much for your help!
Bryan
Hi Bryan,
a) Yes.
a) I don’t think you can get Gotemba station by 07:33. 8:15 bus goes to only Sengoku Annnaijo. I don’t think you can catch this bus after Chureito and Yamanakako either. There is no choice. Goremba outlet is only choice for you anyway.
b) If you take a bus at outlet, the bus goes to Gora station. You have to transfer to another bus (G, M or Y) at Gora.
c) Take Y and transfer to G or M at Gora.
d) Yes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Do you know if the Fuji Hakone Pass also covers Fujikyu Railway? Or is it just the highway buses that connect Fuji and Hakone?
Regards,
Bryan
Hi Bryan san,
Fuji Kyuko Railway is covered but you need to take JR train to get Otsuki. JR is not covered by this bus.
You can take Fuji Kyuko after you arrive in Kawaguchiko. But you need to take highway bus to get there from Shinjuku.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you!
I am planning to go from Kawaguchiko to Gotemba, but stopping over at Lake Yamanakako for a short time to sightsee. I looked as best as I could on the website but was only able to find the fare chart from Kawaguchiko to Gotemba.
http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/pdf/rosen/gotemba/20151001/timetable_1.pdf
When I buy a bus ticket, do I specify my final destination and pay that price? or do I pay when i get on/off the bus? If I get off at Lake Yamanakako (in front of Hotel Mount Fuji), and I need to re-board that bus when the next one arrives, do I need to pay again? Or do I use the same ticket I first purchase (will it still be valid to reboard)?
This part of my trip is just for Kawaguchiki to Gotemba using Fujikyu Bus, is the bus fare system the same for Hakone Tozan Bus as well?
Sorry for many questions, thank you for your time!
Bryan
Hi Bryan,
It’s 630 yen + 1110 yen. You can find the fare for Yamanakako to Gotemba station or outlet at the link below:
http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/rosen/detail/id/6/#d_h02
I think you will use Fuji Hakone Pass. This bus is included in the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi-san,
I was looking for the bus schedule from Hakone-Machi back to my hotel, which is close to the Shinanoki Highland Hotel stop along Tozan Bus route map.
It doesn’t look like there are any buses that go from Hakone area to Gora Station so I can transfer (http://www.hakone-tozanbus.co.jp/dia-hakone/viewbusstopinfo?busStopNo=10157). The “Y” Line doesn’t run at all during weekdays and seems like it’s the only bus that goes in the Gora direction.
Is my only option then to take “H” Line towards Odawara, then get off at Hakone-Yumuto and transfer for a bus towards Sengoku? Unless I am reading the bus schedule incorrectly…
Regards,
Bryan
Hi Bryan san,
You choice is okay but you may change the bus route M or G at Kowakien from route H.
http://www.hakone-tozanbus.co.jp/pdf/10137-003001.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m currently planning a trip to Japan
Day 1: Staying near Haneda as our flight will arrive late at night
Day 2: Depart to Fuji (either Haneda Airport Express or JR train)
Day 3: Depart from Fuji to Nagoya
Day 4: Depart from Nagoya to Tokyo
Day 5-9: Travel around Tokyo (On Day 6 or 7, we might head to either Yokohama or Nikko for a day trip)
Would you advise us to get a JR Pass or would it be better for me to get single tickets throughout the trip?
Appreciate your help and have a nice day!
Hi Inge san,
If you are sure to go to Nikko, JR Pass 7 days suits your plan. If you go to Yokohama, 7 days pass will be more expensive than regular fares. Yokohama is much closer to Tokyo than Nikko. You have to go to Nikko to get the worth of 7 days JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to seek your advice on buying the JR Pass. I’m not sure how to get the best value and if i should use the Hakone Free Pass.
My itinerary is this:
Day 1 – 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Hakone
Day 5: Kawaguchiko
Day 6-7: Nagoya
Day 8-9: Kanazawa
Day 10-11: Nagano
Day 12-14: Tokyo
Would you recommend a 14 Day JR Pass? If i buy that, should i still buy the Hakone Free Pass?
Also, would you advise to stay in Nagano for 2 days, or just a day trip from Tokyo?
Thank you so much for your help.
Cheers,
Byron
Hi Byron,
14 days pass is too much for you. I recommend you to use 7 days pass and Fuji Hakone pass.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
You can use this pass for day 4 and 5. And then start to use JR Pass 7 days on day 6. It will cover until you get back to Tokyo on day 12.
If you arrive Narita airport, you may find some deal at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Nagano can be accessed from Tokyo but it’s located in the middle of Tokyo and Kanazawa. You can drop by Nagano very easily by Hokurku Shinkansen on the way to Tokyo from Kanazawa.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/takayama-kanazawa-and-shirakawago/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
I will be going to japan from Nov4-Nov10 with my fiancee, and will be arriving and departing from Narita airport.
I already understood how to go from Narita airport to Tokyo, thanks to your guide on previous pos, but I am having difficulty on making an itinerary after that.
We want to visit Mt Fuji then go to Hiroshima – Miyajima – Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo, but per research this is not possible due to time limitation.
Is there anyway you can provide me with a sample itinerary and what mode of transport we can use. Will purchasing a JR pass reasonable since from Kyoto we will be travelling back to Narita, or is it better to just get 1 way trip each time?
Thanks,
Joann
Hi Joan,
It’s not impossible. What about this sample itinerary?
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-tokyo-to-osaka-in-just-7-days-by-japan-rail-pass-7-days.html
This is from Tokyo to Osaka. But if you leave from Narita in late afternoon, you can get back to Narita from Osaka. Trip time by Shinkansen and Narita Express is around 4 hours. Or you can go back to Tokyo on day 6 by the last train to Tokyo.
Anyway, it’s very busy trip but you can make all places on your wish list!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Shimomura-san,
I’m currently making itinerary of my 10-days Japan visit.
I’d like to visit Kawaguchiko as a day-trip from Tokyo on October.
I also like to visit Hakone in the same day.
Then the next day I want to go to Nagano.
Here are my questions:
1. Is it possible to visit both Kawaguchiko and Hakone in one day? Will be very tight-schedule trip? I’m planning to leave from Tokyo early.
2. Since I want to go to Nagano in the next day, which one is better:
a. Staying overnight in Hakone/Mt Fuji area?
b. Go back to Tokyo (even with the last train) and head to Nagano from Tokyo?
別な質問がありますけど、下村さんにとって、秋の時にどちらがきれいですか。富士山
ですか。高尾山ですか。
わたしは迷っています。
高尾山についてブログポストってありますか。
返事を待ってます。下手な日本語すみませんでした。
ありがとうございます。
-Septi
Hi Septi san,
Your Japanese is very polite and excellent!
Here is my answer:
1. It’s not impossible but it’s very very tight. You will miss many spots in Hakone. The first bus to Lake Kawaguchi is 6:00 departure at Shinjuku and arrive at Lake Kawaguchi at 7:50. But most of stores and attractions, such as Kachi Kachi Yama gondola are not open yet. Most of them are open at 9:00. If you are okay just seeing Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji, you can go for it.
2. Tokyo is better place to get Nagano. Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Nagano and Tokyo directly. This is the fastest and the easiest way.
At last, actually I have never visited Mt. Takao. Sorry I cannot compare it and Mt. Fuji. You will see many photos of fall foliage of Mt. Takao in last yeat at the link below:
http://koyo.walkerplus.com/photo/detail/23584.html
I have never been there but I have heard that it has gorgeous fall scenery many times.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-san,
thank you for the quick reply ^_^.
I’m sorry if I’m going to ask petty questions onward.
Since I’m going to visit Japan on autumn, which one do you think is better for Koyo Viewing: Kawaguchiko/mt Fuji or Hakone?
After browsing many sites, Kawaguchiko area is a bit cheaper than visiting Hakone. But then both locations have its own appealing point:
– Hakone has Hakone Tozan Railway and the Ropeway which interest me so much. But since Hakone is quite famous, the price there would be a bit more expensive, right?
– Some sites said that Mt Fuji can be seen better from Kawaguchiko, and the retro bus is interesting as well. I watched an episode of Moshimo Tours about Autumn Festival in Kawaguchiko, and this episode makes me want to visit Kawaguchiko.
Which one do you think will be more crowded?
Thank you for the website reference about Mt Takao. You make me more confused now (全部すごくきれいですから ＾＿＾). I’m still considering Mount Takao as well, but this choice will be made once I discussed with my friends.
The next question I want to ask is about paying extra fee if I have JP Rail Pass but the train I take go through non JR track:
– where do I pay this extra fee? Inside the train? Or in the station?
本当にありがとうございます。ご迷惑かけてすみませんでした。
-Septi
Hi Septi san,
It’s hard to choose Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi. I like Lake Kawaguchi more than Hakone. Because Hakone is too famous and Lake Kawaguchi is a bit more quiet.
Regarding cost, I think it’s not much different. Because you can use Hakone Free Pass that includes everything. But now Hakone ropeway is closed due to volcano activity. If ropeway will be still closed, it may be the biggest reason to skip Hakone.
If you take Non JR trains, in most cases, you need to transfer. You can purchase a single ticket. Some JR trains go through Fuji Kyuko railway. In this case, you can purchase a ticket in advance at the station or purchasing a ticket from conductor on board.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Is it true you don’t recommend buying Hakone Free Pass if it is only one way from Shinjuku to Hakone? We will visit Hakone from Shinjuku and then on to Osaka. Planning to use Ropeway and Tozan train. do we just buy individual tickets then?
Also, we will take romance car to get to Hakone. Do we buy online before we leave or just buy at Shinjuku station? Thanks.
Hi Detty,
If you use only ropeway and Hakone tozan railway, the following deal is better:
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/freepass/tokotoko/
You may use Hakone Free Pass, but Odawara departure pass is better choice than Shinjuku departure. Simply add one way ticket to Odawara.
Reservation is recommended if you take it on weekend or busy period.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/romancecar/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Takeshi san,
I am currently planning a trip to Mt Fuji. I consider a roundtrip.
Day 1: depart from Tokyo early -> see Mt Fuji, a ride up to Fuji 5th Station if possible -> Stay for a night at Gora -> day 2: return to Tokyo.
I do consider buying the Fuji Hakone pass for 7400 Yen. Now I wonder, if this pass will really be cheaper than buying seperate tickets.
Thank you so much in advance for your help.
Greetings from Germany 🙂
Hi Katarina,
Yes. It’s cheaper. As long as you have circle route, Tokyo (Shinjuku) – Fuji – Hakone – Shinjuku, it’s cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Oct I going to Osaka Kyoto Nara mt Fuji And Tokyo for ten day what pass I need buy
Hi Sia,
Before choosing pass, make sure the following things:
1. location to stay.
2. arrival and departure airport.
For example, it’s different to see Kyoto as day trip from Osaka or stay in Kyoto and see.
Please make the detailed itinerary and then you can find the best pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Can i go to Numazu from Demachiyanagi st. without shinkansen?
I will be stay in Numazu area on 23 May, and am a backpacker traveller.
Please advice on the best and cheapest way.
Thanks.
fichan
Hi Fichan,
It’s possible but not feasible. You may have to transfer local trains about 8 times. Trip time is about 7 hours.
You can find the schedule and fare at Hyperdia. Check only local train, JR and private Railway and search it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail