Otsuki station guide. How to transfer from JR train to Fuji Kyuko train.

OtsukiMt. Fuji and Hakone
I took this picture from overpass between #3 and #4/#5 platform. Red brown color train (left) is Fuji Kyuko's Fuji Tozan Densha. (C) JP Rail
I took this picture from overpass between #3 and #4/#5 platform. Red brown color train (left) is Fuji Kyuko’s Fuji Tozan Densha. (C) JP Rail

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.

This picture was taken from the end of Fuji Kyuko's platform. (C) JP Rail
This picture was taken from the end of Fuji Kyuko’s platform. (C) JP Rail
Track#Destination
1,2Fujisan, Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi)
Track#Destination
3Kofu, Kobuchizawa, Matsumoto (A few trains to Takao, Hachioji, Shinjuku)
4Takao, Hachioji, Shinjuku (A few trains to Kofu, Kobuchizawa, Matsumoto)
Trains go through Fuji Kyuko line to/from JR line.
5Takao, Hachioji, Shinjuku
I took this picture from the west end of platform #4 and #5. Chuo line rapid train (silver and orange) at track #4, Fuji Tozan Densha at #2 and Fuji Kyuko's local train (silver and blue) at #1 can be see in this picture. (C) JP Rail
I took this picture from the west end of platform #4 and #5. Chuo line rapid train (silver and orange) at track #4, Fuji Tozan Densha at #2 and Fuji Kyuko’s local train (silver and blue) at #1 can be see in this picture. (C) JP Rail

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.

Overpass at track #4 and #5 (C) JP Rail
Stairs to overpass at track #4 and #5 (C) JP Rail
Overpass at track #3. Transfer gate is located behind this stairs. (C) JP Rail
Overpass at track #3. Transfer gate is located behind this stairs. (C) JP Rail

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

Transfer ticket gate is located at the end of platform for track #3. (C) JP Rail
Transfer ticket gate is located at the end of platform for track #3. (C) JP Rail

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

  1. Gops says:

    Hii Takeshi san,

    I am super confused here. If we want to visit Chureito Pagoda in evening we have to get down at Shimoyoshida. So from Shimoyoshida we have to again purchase tickets for Otsuki to go back to tokyo. Or the return ticket we bought in morning between OtsukiKawaguchiko is used.?? Pls help

  2. Andy says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I’m just wondering if you can give me some advice on my travel plans back to Shinjuku from Kawaguchiko.

    Using Hyperdia, I will be departing Kawaguchiko Station at 7:37pmn and arriving at Otsuki Station at 8:32pm and need to transfer onto the Limited Express at 8:38pm back to Shinjuku. Will 6 minutes be enough to transfer between trains? (I’ll make a run for it even if I need to!) I really don’t want to miss it as it will be the last express train for the day. I will be travelling with a JR pass and IC card if that will make things faster.

    Thank you!

    • Hi Andy san,

      It’s easy to transfer in 6 minutes. You have to go up and down by the stairs or the elevators to get other platform. But you can make in 3 minutes. Don’t be nervous and you can do it easily.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. Vic says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Based on Hyperdia, I plan to travel from Kawaguchiko and arriving at Otsuki around 13:35 followed by a train transfer at 13:42 to Matsumoto. Considering that I’m not travelling on a JR Pass but using a single trip ticket, I suppose that 7 min would be rather insufficient for me to purchase the ticket on the spot and do the transfer. Thus would it be possible to buy the tickets for this trip at an earlier date? and what if for some reason I happen to miss the transfer? Appreciate your kind advise.

    Thanks!

    • Hi Vic san,

      You can book a seat and purchase a ticket in advance at any major JR stations. 7 minutes is enough to change trains. But if you buy a ticket, it will be tight. I recommend you to buy it in advance.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

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