Tokyo to Fujiyoshida: 4 Ways to Travel Without a Car
Fujiyoshida is a charming town sitting at the base of Mount Fuji, offering some of the most stunning views of Japan's iconic mountain. Located just 110 kilometers from Tokyo, this peaceful destination is famous for the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint and traditional streets lined with shops and restaurants.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the 4 best ways to travel from Tokyo to Fujiyoshida, helping you pick the right option for your trip.
1. Highway Bus: The Most Budget-Friendly Option
Travel Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
Cost: Around ¥2,000-¥2,200 ($14-$20 USD)
Best For: Budget travelers and those who want direct service
The highway bus is hands down the cheapest and most popular way to reach Fujiyoshida from Tokyo. Multiple bus companies run frequent services throughout the day, making this option both convenient and affordable.
How It Works
Buses depart from several locations in Tokyo including Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Station, and Shibuya Station. Most buses stop at Fuji-Q Highland theme park before reaching Kawaguchiko Station. From Kawaguchiko Station, you can easily walk a few minutes to catch a local train to Fujisan Station in Fujiyoshida or the famous Shimoyoshida Station near Chureito Pagoda.
Key Details
Buses run hourly throughout the day
All seats are reserved, so book in advance
Online booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends
The Japan Rail Pass doesn't cover these buses
You can book through websites like Willer Express, Kosoku Bus, or Highway-buses.jp
If you're interested in exploring Mount Fuji and the surrounding area with a guided experience, consider joining a Mount Fuji day tour from Tokyo that includes transportation and visits to multiple scenic spots around Fujiyoshida and Lake Kawaguchiko.
2. Limited Express Train: The Most Comfortable Choice
Travel Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours
Cost: Around ¥4,000-¥6,000 ($28-$42 USD)
Best For: Travelers with JR Pass and those prioritizing comfort
The Fuji Excursion Limited Express train offers a comfortable and scenic journey from Tokyo to Fujiyoshida. This direct train service runs from Shinjuku Station straight to the Mount Fuji area with large windows perfect for viewing the countryside and Mount Fuji itself.
How It Works
The Fuji Excursion departs from Shinjuku Station and runs on both JR lines and the private Fujikyu Railway. The train stops at Mount Fuji Station (also called Fujisan Station) in Fujiyoshida, which is the main station in town.
Understanding the Route
The journey has two parts:
Shinjuku to Otsuki: Operated by JR East (covered by JR Pass)
Otsuki to Kawaguchiko/Fujisan Station: Operated by Fujikyu Railway (NOT covered by standard JR Pass)
JR Pass Holders
If you have a regular Japan Rail Pass, you'll need to pay a ¥1,570 surcharge for the Fujikyu Railway portion. However, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass fully covers the entire journey, making it an excellent value if you plan multiple trips in the region.
Important Notes
Only 3-4 trains depart daily, usually in the morning
All seats are reserved - book in advance
Check train schedules before your visit
This train offers the most scenic views of any transportation option
For travelers who want a hassle-free experience with stunning scenery, combining the train journey with a private Mount Fuji tour can maximize your time in the area and ensure you don't miss any photo opportunities.
3. Regular Train with Transfer: The Flexible Option
Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
Cost: Around ¥2,500-¥3,500 ($18-$25 USD)
Best For: Flexible travelers and those without advance bookings
If you missed the Limited Express train or prefer more departure flexibility, you can take regular JR trains with a transfer at Otsuki Station. This option gives you more departure times throughout the day.
How It Works
Take a JR Limited Express "Kaiji" or "Azusa" train from either Shinjuku Station (Platform 9) or Tokyo Station (Platform 2) to Otsuki Station. Then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway local train heading to Kawaguchiko, which stops at Fujisan Station in Fujiyoshida.
Why Choose This Option?
More frequent departures compared to the Fuji Excursion
Good views of Mount Fuji from the Fujikyu Railway section
Covered by JR Pass up to Otsuki (then pay the Fujikyu Railway fare)
No advance reservation required for most services
4. Private Driver or Tour: The Premium Choice
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cost: Varies (typically $200-$400 for a group)
Best For: Families, groups, or travelers wanting a customized experience
Hiring a private driver or joining a guided tour offers maximum flexibility and convenience. This option lets you create your own schedule, visit multiple locations, and travel in comfort without worrying about train schedules or bus bookings.
How It Works
Private drivers pick you up from your Tokyo hotel and take you directly to Fujiyoshida and other Mount Fuji area attractions. You can customize your itinerary to include popular spots like Chureito Pagoda, Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai village, and Fuji-Q Highland.
Tour Options
Many Mount Fuji private tours include popular stops like:
Chureito Pagoda for the iconic five-story pagoda photo
Lake Kawaguchiko for waterfront Mount Fuji views
Oshino Hakkai with its traditional thatched-roof houses and clear ponds
Arakurayama Sengen Shrine
Local restaurants for traditional Japanese lunch
Some tours also offer the option to visit Gotemba Premium Outlets for shopping or the Mount Fuji 5th Station during climbing season (July-September).
Getting Around Fujiyoshida Once You Arrive
Once you reach Fujiyoshida, getting around is easy. The town is small enough to explore on foot, though some attractions require local transportation.
The Fujikko Bus connects Kawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida, and nearby attractions. Buses run hourly and cost around ¥200-¥500 per trip. A 1-day bus pass costs ¥1,800 and covers unlimited rides around Fujiyoshida, Oshino, and Lake Yamanakako.
Fujikyu Railway Local Trains
Local trains on the Fujikyu Railway line connect:
Kawaguchiko Station (main hub)
Fujisan Station (Fujiyoshida city center)
Shimoyoshida Station (closest to Chureito Pagoda - 10 minute walk)
Fuji-Q Highland Station (theme park)
These trains run every 30-60 minutes and cost ¥150-¥400 depending on distance.
Sample One-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic itinerary for a Fujiyoshida day trip from Tokyo:
7:00 AM - Depart Tokyo on a highway bus from Shinjuku
9:00 AM - Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station, transfer to the local train
9:15 AM - Arrive Shimoyoshida Station
9:30 AM - Visit Chureito Pagoda (allow 1-2 hours with photo time)
11:30 AM - Walk through Fujiyoshida Honcho Street, lunch at local restaurant
1:30 PM - Visit Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
3:00 PM - Explore Lake Kawaguchiko or Fuji-Q Highland
5:00 PM - Return bus to Tokyo from Kawaguchiko Station
7:00 PM - Arrive back in Tokyo
This itinerary works best during clear weather. Many travelers adjust this schedule based on sunrise times, especially photographers wanting that perfect Chureito Pagoda shot at dawn.
For those who want to cover more ground without the stress of planning, guided Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko tours handle all the logistics and typically visit 4-5 attractions in one day.
