Planning a trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji? You're not alone. This iconic mountain is one of Japan's most popular day trips, and it's surprisingly easy to reach from the city.
If you're after scenic lake views, a chance to hike, or just want that great-for-photos moment, this guide covers the five best ways to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. We'll also share estimated travel times, costs in GBP, and the best spots to visit once you're there, including Klook tours and transport passes to make your journey smooth and budget-friendly.
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1) By highway bus: best for budget travellers
Hop on the Tokyo to Mount Fuji highway bus!
Looking for the best mix of affordability, convenience, and views? Tokyo–Mt. Fuji highway bus is the cheapest way to make this journey, at under £12 per person one-way.
- 🚌 From: Tokyo Station, Akihabara, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Narita Airport
- 📍 To: Kawaguchiko Station, Fuji-Q Highland, or Mt. Fuji 5th Station
- ⏱ Duration: Around 2–2.5 hours
There are no train transfers to deal with, the seats are comfortable, and you'll be dropped off directly near Fuji's main sightseeing spots, including Lake Kawaguchi and the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. It's a solid choice if you're travelling on a budget or simply want a fuss-free ride.
2) By Fuji Excursion Limited Express: best for speed and comfort
Fuji Excursion connects you directly from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko
The Fuji Excursion Limited Express is the fastest and most comfortable train option, getting you from Tokyo to Mount Fuji in less than 2 hours — no transfers needed!
- 🚄 From: Shinjuku Station in Tokyo
- 📍 To: Kawaguchiko Station (direct)
- ⏱ Duration: Around 1 hour 50 minutes
This train connects central Tokyo directly to the Fuji Five Lakes region, making it a stress-free alternative to routes that require multiple connections. The Fuji Excursion has reserved seating only, with panoramic windows, perfect for your first glimpse of Mt. Fuji during your journey.
The train only operates a few times per day, so booking in advance is recommended, particularly at weekends or during busy periods. It's a great pick if you want a scenic, smooth ride straight to the base of Mt. Fuji.
HIGHLIGHT: Klook Tip: The Fuji Excursion runs just a handful of times daily, so check the timetable and book ahead to avoid missing out, especially during Golden Week or autumn foliage season.
Bonus: JR Pass holders only need to pay the limited express surcharge (~¥1,470), as the base fare to Otsuki is already covered. Not sure whether the JR Pass is right for your trip? Read our guide on whether the JR Pass is worth it.
3) With a guided day tour: best for convenience
Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peak on a clear day
Want a fuss-free day trip where all the transport and activities are planned for you? Join a Mount Fuji day tour from Tokyo.
Not sure which Mt. Fuji day tour to choose? Klook offers a variety of options, from nature-focused getaways to combo tours with outlets or hot springs. Here's a quick comparison of some of the most popular Mt. Fuji day tours to help you decide:
Feature | Mount Fuji Sightseeing & Ropeway Experience Instagrammable Tour | ||
🕒 Duration | Full Day | Full Day | Full Day |
📍 Pick-up | Tokyo hotels/B&Bs or Tokyo Station / Shinjuku | Central Tokyo departure | Tokyo or Shinjuku Station |
📸 Highlights | Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, Oishi Park, Maple Corridor, Kawaguchiko Sakura Festival (seasonal), Lawson store | Lawson convenience store, Matcha-making experience at Kawaguchiko, Kachikachi Ropeway or Lake Kawaguchi boat ride, Oshino Hakkai | Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fuji Sengen Shrine, Fuji Yoshida Retro Street, Oshino Hakkai, Oishi Park, Lawson store |
🎁 Perks | Free souvenir (Little Golden Turtle) | Hands-on matcha experience (optional add-on), ropeway ride or boat cruise (included) | Shrine ceremony history, retro streets, deep cultural focus |
👤 Best For | Scenic photographers, seasonal nature lovers | Instagrammers, cultural activity seekers | History lovers, nostalgic travelers |
💬 Available Languages for Driver/ Guide | English / Chinese / Korean/ Hindi | Chinese / English / Japanese / Korean | English / Chinese |
💰 Price | From £34.69 | From £34.40 | From £37.45 |
4) By hire car: best for flexibility
Rent a car in Tokyo and drive to Mount Fuji!
If you want the freedom to explore Mount Fuji at your own pace, you can always book a Tokyo car rental, plus you can drive through some of Japan's most scenic countryside!
- 🚗 Pick-up: Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, or major train stations)
- 📍 Drive to: Kawaguchiko, Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, or even the Fuji Five Lakes
- ⏱ Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Planning a road trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji? Don’t miss scenic stops like Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, and Arakuyama Sengen Park.
You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to hire a car in Japan, so make sure you arrange this before you travel; it's available from the Post Office or AA in the UK. This option is particularly good for small groups or families who want to stop at multiple spots along the way, like Lake Saiko, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Arakurayama Sengen Park.
Klook Tip: Driving in Japan is straightforward, as roads are well-signposted (often in English too) and traffic rules are strictly observed. Just remember they drive on the left, same as in the UK!]
Want to drive around stress-free? You can hire a private car charter instead! 🚗
Credit: @aqaliliazizan
Don’t feel like navigating the roads yourself? A Tokyo private car charter is the perfect solution. With a local driver handling everything, you can simply relax and enjoy the ride from Tokyo to Mount Fuji without the stress of driving or navigating.
This is a great option for families, small groups, or anyone who wants a more comfortable and personalised experience. You can set your own itinerary, explore at your own pace, and stop at multiple Mt. Fuji highlights, from Lake Kawaguchiko and Oshino Hakkai to Gotemba Premium Outlets or even a relaxing onsen.
5) By Shinkansen + local bus: best for combining Hakone and Fuji
Ride a shinkansen and explore both Hakone and Mount Fuji
If you'd like to combine the thrill of riding the Shinkansen with exploration of both Hakone and Mount Fuji, this is a scenic and efficient option:
- Take the Tōkaidō Shinkansen from Tokyo to either Mishima or Shin-Fuji Station. Both are served by the bullet train network
- From there, board a local Fujikyu or route bus heading to the Fuji Five Lakes area—Kawaguchiko or nearby spots
This route is ideal if you're also planning a hot-spring stop or sightseeing in Hakone, since the Shinkansen leg can connect conveniently with local transport options.
FAQs about Tokyo to Mount Fuji
What is the cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji?
The most budget-friendly option is the highway bus, with fares starting around ~£12 one-way. It offers direct routes to Kawaguchiko, Fuji-Q Highland, and the 5th Station — no transfers required.
Can I visit Mount Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes! Many travellers do a day trip to Mount Fuji, especially to Lake Kawaguchiko or Mt. Fuji 5th Station. Buses and express trains take around 2 hours each way, making it very doable.
Do I need to book transport to Mount Fuji in advance?
It’s highly recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, or peak seasons (spring and autumn). You can pre-book buses, trains, and tours via Klook for guaranteed seats and convenience.
Which is better: going by bus or train to Mount Fuji?
It depends on your priority. Take the Tokyo to Mt. Fuji highway bus if you want a direct and budget-friendly ride. Choose the Fuji Excursion train if you prefer speed, comfort, and scenic views, especially with a JR Pass.
How long does it take to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji?
It depends on how you travel. The fastest option is the Fuji Excursion Limited Express train from Shinjuku, which takes around 1 hour 50 minutes directly to Kawaguchiko. The highway bus from Tokyo Station takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and is the most budget-friendly choice. Guided day tours typically take 2 to 3 hours in each direction.
Is one day enough to visit Mount Fuji from Tokyo?
Yes, a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo is very doable and popular with visitors. You'll have enough time to visit the 5th Station, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Oshino Hakkai if you get an early start. That said, if you want to hike the mountain (only possible in July and August) or explore the Fuji Five Lakes more thoroughly, an overnight stay in the area is worth considering.
What is the best station to depart from in Tokyo for Mount Fuji?
It depends on your transport choice. For the Fuji Excursion Limited Express, depart from Shinjuku Station. For the highway bus, you can board at Tokyo Station, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, or Akihabara — making it convenient from most areas of the city. Guided tours typically offer hotel pick-up or departures from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station.
Is Mount Fuji a good day trip from Tokyo with kids?
Yes, the Fuji Five Lakes area is very family-friendly, and you don't need to hike to have a great day out. Lake Kawaguchiko is easy to explore with young children, and Mt. Fuji Kawaguchiko Ropeway is a highlight that kids tend to love.
Oshino Hakkai is also a lovely, low-key stop; flat, easy to walk around, and interesting for all ages. If you'd rather not juggle train connections with little ones in tow, a guided day tour is the easiest option, as everything is arranged for you and many tours offer hotel pick-up. The highway bus is also a practical choice for families, with child fares available from around £6.
What is the best time of year to visit Mount Fuji?
The best time to visit Mount Fuji depends on what you're after. Spring (late March to early April) is stunning for cherry blossoms framing the mountain. Summer (July to August) is the only time the official hiking trails are open. Autumn (October to November) brings beautiful red and gold foliage, and some of the clearest views of the mountain.
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Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
