
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
Takeshi-san! Thank you for replying to peoples queries so quickly! You are doing a great service to Japan!
I unfortunately left my bookings for a day tour to Mt Fuji too late and everything is booked out (apparently). I have a JR Pass for 7 days, I’ll be getting a Suica card, and will be staying in Tokyo and then moving onto Kyoto for a few days but I would like to visit Mt Fuji while I am in Tokyo. I’d like to just do my own thing and not worry about the useless bits that tours offer. Perhaps skipping the 5th station and maybe just focusing on Lake Ashi and Hakone Komagatake Ropeway? And perhaps Gotemba? I’ve also heard about Lake Kawaguchi as being another great spot. I’m just a tad confused because of the many options. Appreciate your help!
Hi Ken san,
If you visit Fuji and Hakone area as day trip, it’s hard to visit both Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone area in one day. It’s not impossible but not recommended.
Lake Kawaguchi is the best spot to see the view of Fuji. You can see Mt. Fuji from Hakone area too. But Lake Kawaguchi is closer.
However Hakone offers many more sightseeing attractions. If you want to enjoy Fuji plus something, Hakone is better.
JR Pass does not cover everything. It covers to Otsuki on the way to Lake Kawaguchi and Odawara on the way to Hakone. You need to add single fare or Hakone Free Pass on top of JR pass.
So I recommend you to decide which one you want to visit, Lake Kawaguchi or Hakone.
http://mtfuji-jp.com/
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/english/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Last year Aug, Owakudani was closed for visit due to volcano activities.
Is it open now?
Hi Javen,
It’s still closed.
http://www.hakonenavi.jp/topics/pdf/4730.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
That’s sad, that means I can’t get to visit the beautiful place.
Anyway, thanks for updating.
Hi Jav,
Hope the situation is improving.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
May I ask is it possible to travel in the morning from Shinjuku by bus to Kawaguchiko for short sightseeing then by bus to Mount Fuji 5th Station for short sightseeing then by train or bus to Hakone area like Hakone Shrine, Hakone Komagatake Ropeway & Lake Ashi as a day trip?
I read that Owakudani cable car is closed becos its emitting some smoke?
May I know I hardly come across visits to the Mt Fuji Lava cave or Aokigahara Jukai walking Trail?
Lastly, is it possible to travel by myself in Kyoto going to Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha & Nijo Castle? Are these places nearby and accesible by train and bus?
Thank you very much.
Hi Nickk,
Fuji and Hakone in one day is not impossible but not feasible. If you really want to do it, you can go for it.
Aokigahara and Cave are located at other side of Fuji. If you go there, you need to go back to Kawaguchiko and then take a bus to Hakone. It’s impossible to squeeze these two places into Fuji and Hakone day trip.
You can visit Kyoto by yourself by bus and train.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I plan to spend 3 days in the Fuji and Hakone area so will take either the Hakone free pass or Fuji Hakone pass. My plan is to go from Shinjuku to Kawaguchi , visit Fuji 5th station, then travel down to Gotemba, Gora and explore the Hakone area (such as Owakudani valley, Lake Ashi, Hakone open air museum). That means I will need to stay at different places along the route. Also means I need to travel with my luggage trolley everyday to the next destination. What is your advice on where I can stay to minimise moving my luggage around? I feel I need to travel to and fro the lodging areas so as to collect my luggage to the next destination and that will waste travelling time.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Ping,
If you take early bus from Shinjuku, you can go to Hakone area after visiting Lake Kawaguchi area and 5th station. You may leave your luggage at Lake Kawaguchi station. There are coin lockers and luggage storage in/around the station. So you don’t need to stay in Lake Kawaguchi.
Then you can proceed Hakone area and stay there 2 nights. You may get Lake Ashi area or Gora by bus with one change at Gotemba.
You can visit all places in Hakone without luggage in next day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We are planning to visit MtFuji and Hakone are on 3 n 4 th of Apr 2016, and will be using Fuji Hakone Pass. Will start from Shinjuku by Keio highway bus to kawaguchiko.
Could you please help me answers few question and help me complete my itinerary
1. Do we have coin locker facility at Kawaguchiko station ? ( we will be having 2 backpacks of ~ 12 kg each )
2. After seeing Kachi Kachi Ropeway, Music Forest, Iyashi no Sato and Chureito Pagoda ( if time permits ) , planning to reach Gotemba at 20:00 . We have an accommodation booked at Gora. Are there bus services which will let me reach GORA after 20:00 or should I plan early. If early what will be the latest hour I must be reaching Gotemba.
3. If available , pls share the timetable of
– odukyu bus from gotemba
– hakone Tozan bus
Thank you,
Sindhu Ravindraprasad
Hi Sindhu,
1. Yes.
2. 18:20 is the last one. If you go Gotemba outlet, 19:00 is the last one.
3. I think they have only Japanese version. I put the link just in case.
http://www.hakone-tozanbus.co.jp/map/hakone_index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I am very confused by the Japan rail although your guide has been very useful and comprehensive. Hope you can help with some decisions. I am planning a 8D7N trip with the following itinerary:
Day 1 & 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo ->Mt Fuji & Hakone
Day 4: Hakone -> Kyoto
Day 5-6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto -> Tokyo
Was wondering if I should get a JR Pass. If not what will you recommend. Or will you recommend getting JR Pass and other passes? Appreciate your advice.
Regards
June
Hi June san,
You can use JR pass 7 days. But you need to add the deal for Hakone. JR pass does not cover Hakone but you can use JR pass to get Odawara by Shinkansen.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
It covers Odawara-Kyoto and Kyoto-Tokyo but you may need to add some local deal in Kyoto and Tokyo because JR pass does not cover subway and local bus. Please find more info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi San,
We are planning to visit Japan early March 2016.
We have JR Pass and would like to visit Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji Q highland. Is that okay if my itinerary –>
Day 1 : Sightseeing around Tokyo
Day 2 : From Shinjuku to Hakone (will spend one day in Hakone) then go back to Shinjuku (one day trip)
Day 3 : From Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji Q highland (will spend one day in Fuji) then go back to Tokyo (one day trip)
which pass should i purchased? Should i purchase 2 days hakone fuji pass ? Or should i just purchased hakone free pass? Thank you in advance.
Hi Talisa,
You can use JR pass to get Odawara for Hakone and Otsuki for Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji Q land. You have to add some fare or pass from Odawara and from Otsuki. But you can use JR pass partially.
If you don’t want to use JR pass for these trips, you can use Hakone free pass for Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Express bus is the best way to get Lake Kawaguchi as you read the post above.
Fuji Hakone Pass covers both places but it includes only one round trip between Shinjuku and Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi. You cannot use this pass for 2 day trips.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I will be in Tokyo for 8 days and I’m planning a trip down to Hakone for 4days (3nights). My plan is:
Day1: arrive at Hotel Green Plaza hotel and stay at Palace Hotel Hakone
Day2: Mt Fuji 5th Station/Lake Yamanaka Onsen
Day3: Gotemba outlet mall (from Palace Hotel Hakone)
Day4: Go back to Tokyo
With my above itinerary, i’m not sure if it is better to stay at Hakone for 3 nights or I should stay in Tokyo every day and head down to Hakone on a daily basis (which i think will be very tiring due to the 2-3 hours journey).
I was thinking of getting the Fuji Hakone Pass because it covers most of my above itinerary except Mt Fuji 5th station. But as per the website, only one trip can be made within 3 days. I’m not sure if I can take both Odakyu Electric Railway and Chuo Highway Bus, or can I only choose one? My next question is, can the round trip be made on two different dates e.g. Odakyu Electric Railway: Shinjuku-Odawara on Day 1, and Odakyu Electric Railway:Odawara-Shinjuku on day 4?
Also, Lake Yamanaka Onsen is very difficult to get to as there are not much details on Google. Are you able to help?
Thank you!
Hi QiaoPing san,
Fuhi Hakone Pass is the perfect deal but it’s valid for only 3 days. So you have to add the fare for either day 1 or 4. Even if you add the fare for day 1 or 4, Fuji Hakone pass is still the best deal. It’s not a good idea to have many day trips on each day.
I have never stayed at Lake Yamanaka Onsen. But I believe there are several onsen accommodations there. I recommend you to contact to your hotel to make sure the location.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
If i were to return to Tokyo on day 3 instead of day 4, can i then take Odakyu Electric Railway or Chuo Highway Bus on different days? If not, can I take Odakyu Electric Railway on day 1 and Chuo Highway Bus on day 3?
Thank you.
Hi QiaoPing,
Of course you can. The following links shows you the sample course by Fuji hakone pass. It may give you some idea.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/course/fujihakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-san! 🙂
No problem, QiaoPing san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi, i intend to go hakone and fuji in mar. 2 adults & 2 kids.
12/3 – shinjuku to fuji by bus
12/3 – stay 1 night in hotel regina in fujikawaguchiko
13/3 – check out and move to hakone
13/3 – stay 1 night in hakone gora kanon
14/3 – check out and move to shinjuku
Can i know if the above feasible and which pass i should take?
Many thanks
Suhaila
Hi Suhalia,
It’s feasible and you may use Hakone Free Pass. Please see the post above.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html#Visit_both_Lake_Kawaguchi_and_Hakone_by_Fuji_Hakone_Pass
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi ,
I have a vague plan for my 10Ds trip to japan. I am kind of doubtful about 2D trip from Tokyo to MtFuji ( wanna see 5th station and go around Kawaguchiko lake and Yamanakako lake ) – stay for a night at Hakone area – Next day take a round trip of hakone area – reach Odwara and go ahead to Kyoto.
Day 1: reach haneda at 9:30, staying at Shinjuku
– planning to buy 2D metro pass to go around Tokyo
Day2: take 1/2 tour to Kamakura and sightseeing in Tokyo
Day 3: Nikko and back to Tokyo
Day4: start towards Mt.Fuji and stay at Hakone ( @ Gora )
– I am gonna purchase 7D JR pass and start using it from day 4
Day 5: roundtrip of Hakone and leave to Kyoto from odwara
Day 6: sightseeing in Kyoto
Day 7: Sightseeing in Kyoto
Day 8: Nara and back to Kyoto
Day 9: Osaka / Himeji / Kobe ( any of these )
Day 10 : Osaka / Himeji / Kobe ( any of these ) and leave to Tokyo , stay at tokyo
Day 11: Tokyo sightseeing, take back flight from Narita at 18:30
– Which pass will be more suitable to go round Tokyo and also to commute to Narita on day 11 ??
Do you feel that plan is ok and can be executed ? We are open to modify our plan for a better ( if you can suggest any )
Thanks,
Sindhu Ravindraprasad
Hi Sindhu,
I recommend you to use the following deals:
For Day 1-2 Welcome! Tokyo Subway Ticket 2 days
http://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/info/discountticket_welcometokyo.html
For Day 2-4, trip to Kamakura, Nikko and Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Wide Pass
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-wide-pass-is-newer-version-of-kanto-area-pass-nikko-fuji-gala-yuzawa-and-odaiba-are-covered-by-this-pass.html
You may use Fuji Hakone pass for day 4 and 5.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
Because you need to pay either single fare or pass. But there is no deals to cover only bus and local transportation in Fuji and Hakone. Fuji Hakone pass includes round trip between Shinjuku-Fuji or Hakone. If you use this pass, you have to give up return portion of this pass. But it’s still very convenient.
And if you use Tokyo Wide Pass for trip to Nikko and Kamakura only, it’s still cheaper than single fare.
For Day 5-11 JR Pass 7 days. Now you can use the pass to get Narita.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much 🙂
No problem Sindhu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san;
We have a JR Pass and wold like to visit Mt Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Gotemba Premium Outlet etc. How would you suggest the trip like if we have a 7 day JR Pass ? We would also like to have a sightseeing at Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Sky Tree, Imperial Palace, Ginza, Tokyo National Museum, Rikugien Garden, Komehyou etc..is it worth to have the 7day pass to go to all those places? is the pass valid to all the places? by the way we will land at Haneda Airport and stay at Best Western Nishikasai. So, is the 7D pass useful as airport transfer too? Sorry for my multiple questions as this is my first time to Japan.
Hi Aishah san,
JR Pass does not cover all part of Fuji and Gotemba. If you want to visit both places in one day, you need to pay single fare for Otsuki-Lake Kawagcuhi, Lake Kawaguchi-Gotemba. You can use JR pass from Gotemba. But you need to take a bus to Gotemba station from Premium Outlet. As I mentioned above, expresss bus is much easier to go back to Tokyo.
If you visit Lake Kawaguchi, Gotemba and Hakone, Fuji Hakone Pass is better choice. In this case, you don’t need JR pass. But you have to stay at least one night in this area if you want to visit these three places.
JR pass is not recommended from Haneda to Nishikasai. You will take Keihin Kyuko and subway. But both trains are not covered by JR pass. You can take Keihin Kyuko at Haneda. Most of trains go through subway Asakusa line via Sengakuji. You can keep getting on until train get Nihonbashi. And then transfer to suwbay Tozai line to get Nishikasai. You may find the map at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
You can use station number to find the location. Sengakuji = A07, Nihonbashi = A13, Nishikasai = T16
JR pass covers many places in Tokyo. But subway pass is better choice for you because Nishikasai is not covered by JR Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
If you visit Tokyo and Fuji/Hakone, JR pass is too expensive. If you intend to visit Osaka or/and Kyoto and leave from Haneda, JR pass is still recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much Takeshi san..that really helps.
No problem, Aishah san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I’m planning to get a JR pass to cover tokyo, kyoto, osaka and Hakone.
I’ll be travelling from Osaka to Hakone on 6th April, during Sakura period. Do you think it is very peak period at that time? and I must reserve the Shinkansen ticket in advance? I understand that I can only make reservation when I exchange for the JR pass in tokyo. Will that be too late to get a reserved ticket?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Regs,
Jav
Hi Jav san,
I think it will be too early to see cherry blossom in Hakone. But it’s mother nature. No one can find the right period.
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/sakura13/130410_hakone.html
I recommend you to book when you exchange JR pass. It will be spring break season and cherry blossom is getting popular among foreign travelers.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com