The Complete Guide to Getting from Tokyo to Kawaguchi: A Thorough Comparison of Trains, Buses, and Cars!

While the travel time of highway bus can vary depending on road conditions, a major advantage is that there are no transfers. Even if you have large suitcases, you don't need to carry your luggage around. However, be aware that arrival times can change due to traffic congestion. The journey from Shinjuku to Kawaguchi usually takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, but it can take 2 to 2.5 hours if the roads are congested.

On the other hand, trains are less affected by road conditions and offer the advantage of being able to travel without being impacted by traffic jams. From Shinjuku to Kawaguchi, you can take the "Fuji Kaiyu" train without changing trains, or you can transfer to a local line at Otsuki Station. The ability to choose your route depending on whether you prioritize time or cost is a unique advantage of trains.

Unlike buses and trains, there are no waiting times when traveling by car, and you can freely decide your departure time and stops along the way. You can also sightsee while leaving your luggage in the car, offering a level of freedom not found in public transportation. Around Kawaguchi, you can visit multiple tourist spots such as Oishi Park and Fuji-Q Highland according to your own schedule. If you want to freely plan your itinerary, such as "I want to go here too!", then traveling by car is convenient. However, highways and roads around Kawaguchi can be congested depending on the season and time of day, so be sure to allow plenty of time for travel.

highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchi depart from highway bus terminal on the 4th floor of "Busta Shinjuku". The journey to Kawaguchiko Sta. takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Fares start from 2,200 yen Adult. Booking methods and fares vary depending on the route, and it may be possible to purchase tickets at a lower price through online payment. Please check the route details page for more information.

The train also stops at Fuji-Q Highland along the way, so if Fuji-Q Highland is your destination, you can get off before reaching Kawaguchiko Sta..

If you're traveling to Kawaguchi by Shinkansen (bullet train), highway bus from Tokyo Sta. is also a convenient option. It departs from highway bus terminal at Yaesu South Exit, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours to Kawaguchiko Sta. and about 1 hour and 50 minutes to Fuji-Q Highland.

Since there are multiple highway bus stops around Tokyo Sta., be sure to check the boarding location for your booked bus in advance.

highway bus from Shibuya to Kawaguchi departs from highway bus terminal at "Shibuya Mark City." The journey to Kawaguchiko Sta. takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Since Days of operation and times vary depending on the service, be sure to check the timetable for the day you plan to use it before making a reservation. There are also services that depart from Futako-Tamagawa Rise / Rakuten Crimson House, making it a convenient route for those traveling from the Setagaya/Futako Tamagawa area to Kawaguchi.

You can book highway bus tickets through the official web reservation service, "Fujiyama Connect." Select your route and Date of ride, check the availability of seats and fares for your desired bus, and proceed with booking and payment online.

Many people book highway bus about a week in advance, but popular seats can fill up quickly. If you have a preferred seat, such as a window seat or a women-only seat, it's best to book early as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

You can make reservations without membership registration, but registering will make you eligible for "FUJIYAMACONNECT REWARDS." When using Fujikyu Group facilities, you will receive benefits and privileges according to your membership rank.

Once your travel dates are set, first check for available seats and fares on Fujiyama Connect!

If you also want to visit Fuji-Q Highland, check out the "Toku Q Pack (One-day pass + Bus)," which includes a bus ticket and a one-day pass.

Toku Q Pack (One-day pass + Bus) is a package deal that combines a round-trip highway bus ticket with a one-day pass for Fuji-Q Highland. It offers better value than purchasing the bus and Fuji-Q Highland separately on certain routes, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy both travel and the amusement park in one package!

There are three types of packages available: highway bus packages, local bus packages, and accommodation packages. In addition to departures from Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Shibuya, there are also plans that utilize highway bus departing from Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Purchase methods, eligible routes, and fares vary depending on the plan, so please check the details before using.

If you plan to visit several places in the Fuji Five Lakes area, not just Kawaguchi, we recommend the "Mt. Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes Bus Passport," which allows unlimited rides local bus and sightseeing buses in the Fuji Five Lakes area for two days.

This includes Kawaguchi sightseeing bus (Red Line), Saiko sightseeing bus (Green Line), Narusawa / Shoji / Lake Motosu sightseeing bus (Blue Line), and the "Fujikko-go" bus bound for Lake Yamanaka and Oshino, which will take you around the main tourist spots in the Fuji Five Lakes area.

Additionally, a "Fujikyu Train Set" is available that allows you to use all railway lines, which is convenient for those planning to use both local bus and trains, as it reduces the hassle of purchasing bus and train tickets each time.

Please note that some routes, such as highway bus and buses for climbing Mt. Fuji, are excluded from this offer. Before purchasing, please check if your intended route is included.

The "Fuji Kaiyu" is a JR sightseeing express train that connects Shinjuku to Kawaguchi without transfers. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes to 2 hours, and all seats are reserved. If you plan to use this train, be sure to reserve your seat in advance.

After passing Otsuki, there are sections where you can see Mount Fuji from the train window, weather conditions being favorable. Being able to admire Mount Fuji on the way to Kawaguchi is something only possible by train.

You can reach Kawaguchi without using the limited express "Fuji Kaiyu" by taking the Chuo Line Rapid train to Otsuki Station and then transferring to the Fujikyu Railway Line. The journey time varies depending on the transfers, but it is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, and the fare is around 2,500 yen.

Although it takes longer than the Fuji Kaiyu (Fuji Sightseeing) train, it allows you to travel without paying an express train surcharge, making it suitable for those who want to save on travel expenses or who want to slowly enjoy the scenery from the train window.

On conventional railway lines, you can use transportation IC cards such as Suica and PASMO.

If you plan to use the Fuji Kaiyu train, it's best to purchase your limited express ticket in advance through "Ekinet" or at a station ticket counter price for a smoother experience.

At Otsuki Station, there are trains with short transfer times. If you have a lot of luggage, it's best to choose a connection that allows for ample time.

The distance and travel time to Kawaguchi Interchange on the Chuo Expressway will vary depending on the route you choose.

Under normal circumstances, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Take the Chuo Expressway, passing through Hachioji Junction and Otsuki Junction, and head towards Kawaguchi Interchange. From Kawaguchi Interchange to Kawaguchiko Sta. is about a 10-minute drive. Alternatively, you can park your car near Kawaguchiko Sta. and take a sightseeing bus from there.

Traffic congestion is likely to occur on the Chuo Expressway and around Kawaguchi on weekends and holidays. Especially during peak tourist seasons like summer vacation, travel times may be longer than expected, so please be aware of this.

If you're traveling by car, it's a good idea to allow plenty of time in your schedule. During peak seasons when traffic is a concern, comparing different access methods, including trains, will make it easier to plan your itinerary.

Overnight highway bus operate from the Osaka and Kyoto areas. A key feature is that you depart during the night and can enjoy the Mt. Fuji area from the following morning. highway bus also operate from Nagoya in the Tokai area, allowing direct access to Kawaguchi area without having to go to Tokyo.

Depending on the route, you can enjoy services such as round-trip discounts and women-only seating, and some routes are eligible for the "Toku Q Pack (One-day pass + Bus)," which combines a Fuji-Q Highland one-day pass with highway bus travel. If you're traveling to Mount Fuji from the Kansai or Chubu region, taking an overnight bus is one way to make the most of your travel time.

If you are traveling to Kawaguchi from the Kansai or Chubu region, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima Station and then transfer to highway bus from Mishima Station.

From Osaka and Kyoto, take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Mishima Station. Similarly, from Nagoya, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima Station. From Mishima Station, you can take highway bus to Kawaguchiko Sta. without changing trains; the journey takes approximately 90 minutes.

This route is characterized by its smooth connection from the Shinkansen to Kawaguchi. It's a convenient route for those who want to combine the Shinkansen with highway bus, rather than relying solely on trains.

From Kawaguchiko Sta., you can travel to major tourist spots using sightseeing buses or local bus. You can access not only the area around Kawaguchi, but also tourist destinations in the Fuji Five Lakes area, such as Saiko and Lake Motosu.

If you have large luggage, using the coin lockers at Kawaguchiko Sta. is an option. There are coin lockers on the first floor of the Fuji Kanko Building in Kawaguchiko Sta. Station. However, during peak tourist seasons, the lockers may be full, so you can also use the luggage storage services around the station. There are also services around Kawaguchiko Sta. that can store large luggage such as suitcases. If you are planning to stay overnight, using Fujiyama Luggage Delivery, operated by Fujikyu Yamanashi Hire, is convenient as they will transport your luggage between Kawaguchiko Sta. and your accommodation.

If you head towards the lakeside from Kawaguchiko Sta., you can board a sightseeing boat on Kawaguchi. You can enjoy a different view of Kawaguchi and the surrounding scenery from the water compared to sightseeing from land.

Fuji-Q Highland is a popular tourist spot accessible from Kawaguchiko Sta. by Fujikyu Railway Line or local bus. It boasts numerous thrilling attractions, allowing visitors to enjoy themselves from morning till night.

Located on the northern shore of Kawaguchi, the Kawaguchi Museum of Music and Forest offers a variety of exhibits and gardens themed around music. The museum features buildings and gardens reminiscent of European townscapes, allowing visitors to stroll around and admire seasonal flowers.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Fujikyu Bus:

• Q

  When using highway bus, how far in advance do most people make reservations?
  AMost people make reservations about a week before their trip. Morning and evening slots fill up quickly, so we recommend booking early when planning your trip.
• Q

  Which platform do I board highway bus bound for Shinjuku from?
  AYou can board from Platform 1.
• Q

  From which platform can I board highway bus to Mishima?
  AYou can board from Platform 6.
• Q

  Which platform can I board Kawaguchi sightseeing bus (Red Line) from?
  AYou can board from Platform 1.
• Q

  How do I get to the cable car station?
  AIt's about a 15-minute walk towards the lakeside.