How to Get to Mount Fuji:
Train, Bus & Car from Tokyo
Getting to Mount Fuji is easier than you might think. There are multiple options depending on which trail you plan to climb, your budget, and whether you're travelling solo or in a group. This guide covers every route with step-by-step instructions, booking links and practical tips for night climbers.
Choose your transport option
All three options depart from central Tokyo. For night climbers on the Yoshida Trail, the night bus from Shinjuku is the most convenient — it arrives at the 5th station just as the gate opens at 3:00 AM.
Step-by-step route guide
Select your preferred transport to see the full route with booking instructions.
Trains don't run late enough to arrive at the 5th station in time for a night climb. Use the train to reach Kawaguchiko the day before, sleep in a mountain hut, and start your night ascent from there. Or take the night bus instead.
Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko (Fuji Excursion Limited Express)
From Shinjuku Station, take the Fuji Excursion Limited Express directly to Kawaguchiko Station. Travel time: 1 hour 55 minutes.
- Book tickets via Eki-net — you need a free account to reserve
- Search: departure Shinjuku → arrival Kawaguchiko, train type "Fuji Excursion"
- You need a basic fare ticket or IC card (e.g. Suica) in addition to the Limited Express ticket
- Pick up booked tickets at JR Ticket Machines or the "Midori-no-Madoguchi" counter at Shinjuku, Tokyo or other major JR stations
Kawaguchiko Station → Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station (Fujikyu Bus)
From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Bus to the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station. Travel time: 50 minutes.
- Operated by Fujikyu Bus — check the timetable before you go, especially early morning departures
- Fares: ¥1,950 one-way / ¥3,000 round-trip (discounted)
- Buy tickets at Kawaguchiko or Fujisan Station bus terminal — there is a staffed ticket counter
- One-way tickets can be purchased onboard, but cash only — no credit cards accepted on the bus
Total travel time from Shinjuku: ± 2.5 – 3 hours · Total cost: ¥2,500 – ¥3,500 · Tip: buy train tickets in advance during climbing season.
The night bus from Shinjuku departs around 10:00–11:00 PM and arrives at the Yoshida 5th Station around 3:30–4:00 AM — just as the gate opens. This is the most popular option for night climbers. Book early, seats sell out fast.
Night bus: Shinjuku → Yoshida 5th Station
Direct highway buses run from Shinjuku Station (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) to the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station during climbing season.
- Night departures: typically 10:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Arrival at 5th station: ~3:30 – 4:00 AM
- Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 one way
- Book via Willer Express or Klook — reserve in advance during peak season
Local bus: Kawaguchiko Station → Yoshida 5th Station
If you're already staying near Kawaguchiko, take the Fujikyu local bus directly to the 5th station. This is a good option if you arrive the day before your climb.
- First morning bus: check timetable at fujikyubus.co.jp
- Travel time: 50 minutes
- Cost: ¥1,950 one-way / ¥3,000 round-trip
- Cash only on board — buy your ticket at the bus terminal
How to reach all 4 trails from Tokyo Station by bus
| Trail | Route from Tokyo Station | Transfers | Travel time | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoshida Trail | 🚌 Highway Bus → Kawaguchiko 🚌 Local Bus → Fuji-Subaru 5th Station |
1 transfer | ~2.5 hours | Book → |
| Subashiri Trail | 🚌 Highway Bus → Gotemba 🚌 Mountain Bus → Subashiri 5th Station |
1 transfer | ~3 hours | Book → |
| Fujinomiya Trail | 🚄 Shinkansen → Shin-Fuji 🚌 Bus → Fujinomiya 5th Station |
1 transfer | ~3 hours | Book → |
| Gotemba Trail | 🚌 Highway Bus → Gotemba 🚌 Mountain Bus → Gotemba 5th Station |
1 transfer | ~2h 40m | Book → |
* Book seats in advance during climbing season (July–September). Early morning buses are less crowded.
During climbing season, private cars are not allowed to drive all the way to the 5th station. Use the designated parking areas near the base and take the shuttle bus. Arrive early — parking fills up quickly on weekends.
Drive to the parking area near the 5th station
Take the Tomei Expressway → Gotemba IC or the Chuo Expressway → Kawaguchiko IC depending on which trail you're climbing.
- Travel time from Tokyo: ± 2 hours (traffic dependent)
- Cost: fuel + tolls (approximately ¥2,500–¥4,000 one way)
- For the Yoshida Trail: exit at Kawaguchiko IC → follow signs for Fuji Subaru Line
- For Gotemba / Subashiri: exit at Gotemba IC
Park and take the shuttle bus to the 5th station
During climbing season, the Fuji Subaru Line road is closed to private vehicles above a certain point. Park at one of the official lots and take the shuttle.
- Shuttle buses run regularly during climbing season
- Shuttle fare: approximately ¥1,000–¥1,500 round-trip
- Arrive before 8:00 AM on weekends to secure parking
- Check road closure dates before your trip — closures vary by year
* Driving is best for groups of 3+ people or families with heavy luggage. For night climbers, the night bus is usually more convenient.
Practical travel tips
Keep these in mind before you leave for the mountain.
Ready to plan your full night climb?
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