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. Kim says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Can I please check if the Limited Express Kaiji 101 from Shinjuku to Otsuki is covered by the JR Pass?

    Thank you.
    Kim

  2. Zda says:

    Hi can I use icoco instead of buying the ticket for Fuji Kyuko train.

  3. Lee Eng says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,
    I bought JR Pass. Plan to travel from Kyoto to Kawaguchiko.
    Based on Hyperdia, most of the route is take MT.FUJI for KAWAGUCHIKO at HACHIOJI station.
    Does JR pass cover this? Must I reserve the seat?

    • Hi Lee san,

      Hachioji is covered. But the easiest route is the following:

      Kyoto (Shinkansen) Mishima (Bus) Kawaguchiko

      There are some “Hikari” on Shinkansen stop at Mishima:
      https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf

      And then take Fujikyu express bus from Mishima to Kawaguchiko:
      http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/29

      This bus is not covered by JR Pass but if you take Hachioji route, you have to pay for Fuji Kyuko railway. Bus fare is higher than Fuji Kyuko railway but you can get easier and faster route. I think it’s worth paying this extra cost.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Lee Eng says:

        Hi Takeshi-san,
        Thanks for your prompt reply and information.
        May I know how do I pay for Fuji Kyuko railway?
        How do I know the train is not on JR railway?
        For the bus, i am just worried am I able to reserve successfully as I find it is a bit challenge to seek help when I have issue.

        Thanks

        • Hi Lee san,

          In most cases, you have to change trains at Otsuki station. So when you enter Fuji Kyuko railway, you have to purchase a ticket at the ticket window or a vending machine. Some trains go through Fuji Kyuko railway from JR line. If you take this type of train, you can pay extra charge when you exit Kawaguchiko station. Just show your JR pass and they correct a fare for Otsuki to Kawaguchiko.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. Fransisca says:

    Hi Takeshi san.
    I came across your page when I wanted to find a route to Otsuki station.. So I want to go to Kawaguchiko but through Otsuki station so I can ride the fujikyu express ( the train with mt.Fuji ornaments) but I don’t buy any pass.. Can you suggest any transportation for us from Tokyo to Otsuki station without have to pay for the pass?

  5. Lea says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I came across this page trying to outline my trip from Osaka to Lake Kawaguchiko.
    Are you able to help me plan out the best way to get there, and what train passes I will need for the whole trip? I’m having a hard time understanding these details in Hyperdia, cost, passes, etc.

    Thank you
    Lea

  6. Sarah Chong says:

    Hi Takeshi san,

    I will be going to Shimoyoshida station from Osaka. I see from Hyperdia that I would have 7 minutes to change train/platform but it doesn’t state the track numbers. Is it enough to get ourselves there + purchase tickets? I am worried that purchasing tickets will take time.

  7. Susan says:

    Hi Takeshi San

    Is there a way for a disabled person (wheelchair) to get from platform 4 to platform 3 at Otsuki station?

    Regards
    Susan

  8. 日本が大好き says:

    Hello Takeshi-san,

    I’m trying to make sense of this chart e.fujikyu-railway.jp for finding out cost of fare from Otsuki station to Kawaguchiko station. Do I go horizontally from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. Or vertically?

    Please advise.

    Thank you,

    • Hi,

      Actually I don’t understand what you meant. But base fare is 1140 yen for this segment. If you take limited express or Fuji tozan densha, you need to pay extra, such as seating ticket, express ticket. You can find the exact fare at “transfer/fare search” in the link which you gave me.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  9. Michael says:

    Hello Takeshi san,

    I am planning to take the 10.49am Fujisan View Express No 5 from Otsuki Station to Fujisan Station and planning on hyperdia, as I will be coming from Okubo station near Shinjuku it gives me the following connection:

    Okubo Dep 9.24am (JR Chuo/Sobu local line)
    Mitaka Arr 9.44am
    Mitaka Dep 9.47am (Ltd Express Kaiji 101)
    Otsuki Arr 10.37am
    Otsuki Dep 10.49am (Fujisan View Express 5)
    Fujisan Arr 11.28am

    1. Are the connection times at Mitaka and Otsuki enough to make the transfer? Especially Mitaka this is only 3 minutes?

    2. Is the Ltd Express Kaiji covered by the JR Pass and do we make a reservation for this train beforehand? If reservation is optional, where can we make the reservation anyways?

    Cheers,
    Michael

  10. Mirul says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I would like to go kawaguchiko from yokohama station. Any recommendation on which route and train should i choose. I dont have any pass. Should i get one? And will i be able to get the train anytime from ostuki to kawaguchiko or is there any specific time?

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