The Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko, or Fuji five lakes) are one of the main highlights of viewing Mt. Fuji, especially Lake Kawaguchiko, the second largest of the five lakes. It also serves as the gateway for visiting all five lakes around Mt. Fuji, since it is the only one of the five lakes served by a train station. Thanks to its pleasant climate and beautiful lake views, Lake Kawaguchiko has become a popular resort town among Japanese travelers.
A trip around the Fuji Five Lakes usually starts at Lake Kawaguchiko.
Recommended article ▶︎ Updated Guide to Recommended Attractions Around Mt. Fuji
From Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko
1) Direct Expressway Bus
- Shinjuku (Busta Shinjuku) ⇄ Kawaguchiko: buses run frequently from morning to night. Travel time ~1 hr 45 min–2 hrs. One-way fare ¥2,200. Bookings and timetables are available via Keio/Fujikyu (Highway-buses.jp) and monthly JNTO schedules.
Links: Keio/Fujikyu • JNTO Timetable (updated monthly) - Tokyo Station (Yaesu) ⇄ Kawaguchiko: direct buses are also available. Travel time is similarly about 2 hours. Current fare: ¥2,200 one-way.
Link: JNTO Timetable (Tokyo ⇄ Kawaguchiko)
2) Train (JR Chuo Line + Fujikyu) / FUJI EXCURSION
- The direct FUJI EXCURSION train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko takes ~1 hr 50 min–2 hrs. All seats are Reserved (advance booking recommended).
Sample fare (paid as actual cost): about ¥3,930–¥4,130 one-way for the full route (varies by train/fare components).
Passes: The JR TOKYO Wide Pass covers both JR and Fujikyu (including reserved Fujikyu seats/booking required). The JR Pass/JR EAST PASS does “not cover” the Otsuki–Kawaguchiko section, so an additional Fujikyu fare is required (for the express train, this adds ~¥1,770).
Links: JR East Timetable (includes FUJI EXCURSION schedules) • JR TOKYO Wide Pass (official) • Fujikyu Railway (official) • Pass/fare explanation (Japan-Guide) - Standard train route: JR Chuo Line (Shinjuku ⇄ Otsuki) transferring to the Fujikyu Railway (Otsuki ⇄ Kawaguchiko)
Reference fares (JNTO): Shinjuku–Otsuki regular ~¥1,340 / limited express “Kaiji” ~¥2,360; and Otsuki–Kawaguchiko regular ~¥1,170 (Fujikyu reserved seat ~¥1,370).
Link: Fare summary + timetable (JNTO)
From Osaka or Kyoto to Lake Kawaguchiko
- Shinkansen (bullet train) to Mishima, then transfer to the direct Mishima ⇄ Kawaguchiko bus (Mishima/Kawaguchiko Liner) ~1 hr 30 min–1 hr 45 min.
Links: Navitime timetable (Mishima → Kawaguchiko) • SEKITORI (includes Fujikyu bus booking) - Night Bus from Osaka/Kyoto to Kawaguchiko/Fujisan Station takes approximately ~10.5 hours. Fares vary widely by seat class, roughly ~¥7,700–9,700.
Links: Japan-Guide: route/price overview • FUJIYAMA LINER (Japan Bus Online) • WILLER EXPRESS
From Hakone to Lake Kawaguchiko
Take the Hakone Tozan / Odakyu Highway Bus from Hakone to Gotemba, then transfer to the Fujikyu Bus Route A/C to Kawaguchiko (about 1 hr 10 min–1 hr 20 min, depending on the schedule). Check the latest timetables via the official links below.
- Hakone Navi (schedule/service status search)
- Fujikyu: Local Route Bus (Gotemba ⇄ Kawaguchiko)
- Sample timetable (Gotemba → Kawaguchiko)
Getting Around Lake Kawaguchiko and the Other Lakes
The area around the Fuji Five Lakes has two main transportation hubs: Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station, both on the Fujikyu rail line. From both stations, buses run to destinations around all five lakes.
The sightseeing bus, also known as the Retro Bus, is probably the easiest way to get around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko. The Retro Bus is split into three lines: one loops north of Lake Kawaguchiko, starting in front of Kawaguchiko Station with buses every 15 minutes, another starts at the same point but heads south of Lake Kawaguchiko before continuing around Lake Saiko, and the third continues west to Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko.
Sightseeing Bus All Line (Red, Green, Blue): ¥1,500
Kawaguchiko and Saiko Retro Sightseeing Bus: ¥1,200
*Tickets are valid for one day and are non-refundable.
Red/Green/Blue are sightseeing buses that loop around the lakes and lava caves (Kawaguchiko–Saiko–Shojiko–Motosuko).
- Mt. Fuji North Area 1Day Pass (Kawaguchiko–Saiko–Motosuko) — Adults ¥1,500 / Children ¥750
- 2DAY PASS (same area) — Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥1,000
- Mobile Ticket versions can be purchased via the Jorudan app (show the QR code on the bus), and paper tickets are also available at information centers and major stations.
- Pass details/pricing: Kawaguchiko・Saiko・Motosuko area PASS
Eastern Zone (Fujiyoshida–Oshino–Yamanakako)
- Mt. Fuji East Area 1Day Pass (Fujikko-go) — Adults ¥1,800 / Children ¥900
- 2DAY PASS — Adults ¥2,200 / Children ¥1,100
- Official English map/timetable, updated April 2025: Fujikko Guide Map & Timetable (PDF) • Mobile Ticket page (Jorudan)
Tip: The North and East passes are separate. If you plan to visit both Kawaguchiko–Saiko and Oshino–Yamanakako, you may need to choose the correct pass for each zone, or purchase individual tickets as needed.
Bus to Mt. Fuji 5th Station from Kawaguchiko/Fujisan
- Fare: round-trip ¥3,000 / one-way ¥1,950 (subject to official announcements; schedules vary by season and Subaru Line road closures)
- Official links: Fujikyu Bus (5th Station) • Monthly schedule/price summary (JNTO)
Combined Area Pass (for Hakone + Fuji Trips)
The Fuji Hakone Pass (Odakyu) covers travel in both the Hakone Area and the Mt. Fuji Area, including several Fujikyu Bus routes. It's recommended to check the terms and covered routes before purchasing.
Official link: Fuji Hakone Pass Guide (PDF, Oct 2025)
You can check bus schedules and routes at http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/
Fuji Retro Bus or Sightseeing Bus
Click to download the sightseeing bus route map for Lake Kawaguchiko
To reach Lake Yamanaka and Fuji-Q Highland, board the Shinjuku-bound bus in front of Kawaguchiko Station.
For less popular lakes or more remote attractions such as Oshino Hakkai, you can travel by other Fujikyu buses or local buses, though these run only a few times a day. Be sure to check the schedule carefully. Timetables and route information are available at the tourist information center at Kawaguchiko Station.
Another great way to explore the area around the Fuji lakes is by renting a bicycle. Near Kawaguchiko Station, there are two or three bike rental shops. A basic bicycle rental costs around ¥1,000, while multi-gear bikes cost more. Cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko covers a distance of about 20 kilometers, which is comfortably doable in a day, or even in half a day if you ride at a faster pace.