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Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi

How to get to Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko)

Kawaguchiko is the easiest big Fuji view from Tokyo. Mirror reflections, the Chureito pagoda nearby and a ring of cafes facing the mountain.

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From Tokyo you have two practical options. The cheapest is the direct highway bus from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station, which drops you outside Kawaguchiko Station in about 110 minutes. The rail option uses the JR Chuo line to Otsuki and then changes onto the private Fujikyuko (Fujikyu) line for the final 50 minutes along the river valley. The Fujikyu line is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass, so you pay roughly 1,170 yen for that segment even if you hold a JR Pass.

Option 1

Train via Otsuki (JR Pass friendly)

About 2 h
From Tokyo (Shinjuku) via JR Chuo Line + Fujikyu Line
  1. JR Chuo Line Limited Express Azusa or Kaiji to Otsuki
    65 min· Covered· JR Pass
  2. Cross the platform at Otsuki
    5 min
  3. Fujikyuko Line local or Fuji Excursion to Kawaguchiko
    50 min· ¥1,170· Not on JR Pass
Total cost
¥1,170 with JR Pass, ~¥4,130 without
JR Pass
Tokyo to Otsuki is fully covered. Otsuki to Kawaguchiko is a private line and is paid separately.
Best for
JR Pass holders, travellers continuing west afterwards.

The direct Fuji Excursion limited express from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko also runs three times a day. The Chuo line portion is JR Pass eligible, the Fujikyu portion is not.

Option 2

Highway bus from Shinjuku

About 1 h 50
From Tokyo (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, Busta) via Fujikyu / Keio Highway Bus
  1. Shinjuku Station to Busta Shinjuku, 4th floor
    5 min
  2. Highway bus direct to Kawaguchiko Station
    105 min· ¥2,200· Not on JR Pass
Total cost
¥2,000 to ¥2,500
JR Pass
Not covered. Buy online in advance, seats sell out on weekends.
Best for
Travellers without a JR Pass, anyone who wants a single seat the whole way.

Book on the Japan Bus Online or Highway Bus sites at least a few days ahead in autumn and during sakura week.

Highlights at Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko)

  • Lake reflections on calm mornings
  • Chureito pagoda is 20 minutes away
  • Easy bus loops around the lake
  • Hot springs and lake-view hotels

FAQ

Is the JR Pass enough to reach Kawaguchiko?

It covers Tokyo to Otsuki. You pay around 1,170 yen extra for the Fujikyu line to Kawaguchiko.

Bus or train?

The bus is faster and cheaper if you do not already hold a JR Pass. The train is more reliable in heavy traffic and on holiday weekends.

Other Fuji destinations