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When it comes to exploring Japan just beyond the reaches of Tokyo, I always recommend Kawaguchiko.

Why? Not only can you get up close and personal with Mt Fuji, but it’s also one of the most scenic places if you plan on making the most of cherry blossom season or autumn celebrations.

While the mega-metropolis of Tokyo is brimming with hole-in-the-wall ramen restaurants, izakayas serving yakitori straight from the grill, and the dazzling scenes of Shinjuku under a neon glow, there’s something special about seeing another side of Japan.

If you’re planning a day trip or an overnight stay, Kawaguchiko is a great choice, with many people choosing to visit the Fuji Five Lakes region. If you’re using Tokyo as your base, then you’ll be granted some additional flexibility to wait for ideal conditions to increase your chances of seeing Fuji-san.

Kawaguchiko is a great choice for expanding your itinerary from the capital as it offers the most convenient public transport connections to the city.

In this guide, I’ll cover each of the four options for visiting Kawaguchiko from Tokyo, including pros and cons, and must-know information for your journey.

Once you’ve finished deciding how you will get there, discover what to do and where to stay with my guide to Kawaguchiko.

Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by train

Japan is known for its brilliant train network, with the shinkansen (bullet train) earning fame for being exceptionally punctual. Catching the train from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko lets you enjoy the convenience and comfort of a world-class railway system.

There are a few options to choose from if train travel is your preference, depending on whether you are prioritising costs or convenience.

The fastest route by train from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko is via the direct limited express train from Shinjuku. The service is known as the ‘Fuji Excursion’ and is ideal for those wanting to visit Kawaguchiko on a day trip.

The service operates three services every morning at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30, with return journeys in the afternoon back to Shinjuku departing at 15:03, 16:51, and 17:36. The journey takes just under two hours and costs ¥1,600 for adults and ¥900 for children one way.

Alternatively, the non-direct route takes between 2-2.5hours and requires a transfer at Otsuki station. First, take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku station to Otsuki Station, then from Otsuki, join the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station.

This journey cost varies depending on which service you choose. The direct limited express train takes 70 minutes to Otsuki and costs ¥2,360 one way or 100 minutes and ¥1,340 by local trains. The journey from Otsuki station to Kawaguchiko takes 55 minutes and costs ¥1,170 one way.

If you have a JR Rail Pass, the pass does not cover the journey between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko, so you will need to pay a supplement fee of ¥1,170 for that section of the route. The entire journey between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko is covered by the JR Tokyo Wide Pass except for panorama seats on limited express services.

Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by bus

Since the launch of the Fuji Excursion train route, convenience and cost have a more even playing field now when it comes to choosing how to travel between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko. There are three options if you want to reach Kawaguchiko by bus, with routes departing from Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Stations.

The bus journey is mostly on highways with high barrier walls, so if you want a scenic journey, the train is a better option. You cannot use the JR Rail Pass on any of these bus services.

By bus from Shinjuku Station

There are two direct bus routes per hour running between Shinjuku Bus Terminal and Kawaguchiko Station. Operated by Fujikya and Keio, the journey takes approximately two hours and costs ¥2,000 one way. Stops on this service usually include Fujisan Station and Fuji Q Highland.

By bus from Shibuya Station

From Shibuya there is usually one bus service operating every two hours to Kawaguchiko run by Fujikyu. The service usually stops at Fuji Q Highland and Fujisan Station as well, a one way journey takes 2-2.5hrs, and costs ¥2,000.

By bus from Tokyo Station

Fujikyu and JR Kanto Bus operate up to two direct buses per hour between Tokyo Station and Kawaguchiko Station. The route for this service also takes approximately two hours and costs ¥2,000.

I would recommend booking your tickets for the bus online in advance to ensure you can travel at your preferred time, especially if you are only visiting as a day trip. Luggage restrictions do apply, so please check these with the bus company before travelling.

road lined with autumn leaves in kawaguchiko japan

Self-drive from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko by rental car

If you’re planning on hiring a rental car in Japan and making the most of your wheels with a road trip, then it will give you even greater flexibility.

Fujikawaguchiko takes around one and a half hours from Tokyo if you’re driving, taking you approximately 110 km from the capital. The fastest route follows the Fuji SubExpressway heading westward from the city centre.

Follow the Fuji SubExpressway until you reach the Kawaguchiko Interchange, from there exit the expressway and follow the signs to Kawaguchiko. From here, explore the town of Fujikawaguchiko at your own pace.

There is free and paid parking available throughout Kawaguchiko, so I recommend ensuring to carry some cash on you just in case you need it.

For car hire in Japan, I recommend booking via rentalcars.com and collecting from Haneda Airport. This is the most convenient location to collect your rental car.

If you plan on renting a car in Japan, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in line with the Geneva Convention. When using an IDP, you will also need to carry your local driver’s licence with you from your home country.

Most car hire companies in Japan also require you to use a credit card to place a holding deposit or excess and this will need to be in the name of the driver.

You should also be aware that you drive on the left in Japan, which is the same as other countries such as Australia and the UK. Speed limits also are generally slower in Japan, with most maximum speed limits not exceeding 80-100 km/hr.

Tokyo to Kawaguchiko tours

If you’d prefer to sit back, relax, and let someone else guide you, then joining a day trip may just be the right option for you.

There are a few options to visit Kawaguchiko from Tokyo on a day tour, with both group tours and private tours available. These are full day tours that visit several key locations in the Fuji Five Lakes area so you can catch the highlights of the region.

For example, this full day private tour to Kawaguchiko is fully customisable and can cover sights including Sengen Shrine Complex, Kawaguchiko Lake, and Oshino Hakkai. The tour also includes an English-speaking guide and collection from your hotel in Tokyo.

If you’d prefer a group tour to meet other travellers or keep costs lower, then this 10-hour day trip from Tokyo is a great option. The tour includes stops at Oishi Park, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai for lunch, and Gotemba Premium Outlets before returning to Tokyo.