How to travel between the Fuji Five Lakes and Kyoto
By shinkansen
Take a direct Hikari train on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Mishima Station (two hours, 11,000 yen, one direct train every two hours) and transfer to a Fujikyu bus to Kawaguchiko Station (two hours, 2410 yen, 1-2 departures per hour, may require a transfer in Gotemba) in the Fuji Five Lakes region. There are additional train connections between Kyoto and Mishima that require a transfer along the way.
Japan Rail Pass holders can save a little bit money and possibly time by taking local JR trains from Mishima to Gotemba (one transfer of trains at Numazu along the way) and then board the Kawaguchiko bound Fujikyu bus at Gotemba Station (1470 yen, 1 hour) instead of Mishima Station.
The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains along the JR Tokaido Shinkansen as well as on local JR trains between Mishima and Gotemba, but the buses between Mishima, Gotemba, and Kawaguchiko are not covered.
By bus
Fujikyu Bus operates a daily overnight bus between Kawaguchiko and Osaka, stopping in Kyoto along the way. The one way trip from Kyoto takes about 9.5 hours and costs 6,700 yen. A round trip ticket is available for 12,060 yen and must be used within ten days.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.
Orientation
The two major transportation hubs in the Fuji Five Lake region are Kawaguchiko Station and nearby Fujisan Station (formerly known as Fujiyoshida Station), both located along the Fujikyu Railway Line. From these two stations, buses depart into all directions, providing access to the five lakes and other attractions.
Bus Network Map:
The retro buses are generally the easiest way for tourists to get around. There are two lines starting from Kawaguchiko Station: the Kawaguchiko Line runs along the eastern and northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, while the Saiko-Aokigahara Line runs along the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko and around Lake Saiko. A 2-day pass for unlimited use of the Kawaguchiko Line on two consecutive calendar days costs 1000 yen, while a 2-day pass for both retro bus lines costs 1300 yen.
For transportation between Fujiyoshida, Oshino Village and around Lake Yamanakako the Fujikko Bus can be useful, although buses run only once every one or two hours. A 2-day pass for unlimited use of the Fujikko bus on two consecutive calendar days costs 1300 yen, while a cheaper version for 1000 yen covers just the area between Oshino and Yamanakako, not including Fujiyoshida.
Apart from the retro buses and the Fujikko Bus, there is a network of regular buses, which can be useful for access to the more remote Lake Shojiko and Motosuko, as well as in direction of Oshino, Lake Yamanakako and Gotemba. Another bus line of interest connects Kawaguchiko Station with Kawaguchiko 5th Station halfway up the mountain.
A rental car can also be a convenient way to get around, especially if visiting places outside of central Kawaguchiko. A few rental car outlets can be found near Kawaguchiko Station. Similarly, a rental bicycle can be an attractive way to get around, although some roads in the region are rather busy and distances between the lakes are considerable.
Special Tickets
Several passes are available for the Fuji Five Lake area, which can provide savings and comfort:
- Fuji Hakone Pass (7200 yen)
The Fuji Hakone Pass is a pass for foreign tourists, which provides access from Tokyo and transportation within the Fuji Five Lakes region and the neighboring Hakone area.
- Fujigoko Enjoy Ticket (4200 yen)
This ticket combines a round trip by highway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko or Yamanakako (regular cost: at least 3400 yen) with a 2-day pass for either the retro bus or the Fujikko bus (regular cost: 1300 yen). It also qualifies for discounts on selected local tourist attractions. It is valid for up to seven days.
- Fuji Q Highland Plans
There are various discount travel plans available for a visit to the Fuji Q Highland amusement park. The plans combine access by bus with park passports and in some cases accommodation.
- Fujisan Fujigoko Passport
This ticket provides unlimited use of Fujikyu buses around the Fuji Five Lakes, including the retro buses and the Fujikko bus on two or three consecutive calendar days. The following versions are available:
- Fujisan Fujigoko Passport Light (2 days, 2500 yen)
Does not cover anything in addition to the above mentioned buses.
- Fujisan Fujigoko Passport (3 days, 3800 yen)
Includes the bus to the Kawaguchiko 5th Station.
- Fujisan Fujigoko Passport Light Mishima/Shin-Fuji Version (2 days, 4500 yen)
Includes the buses to Shin-Fuji Station and Gotemba/Mishima Stations.
- Fujisan Fujigoko Passport Mishima/Shin-Fuji Version (3 days, 5800 yen)
Includes the buses to the Kawaguchiko 5th Station, Shin-Fuji Station and Gotemba/Mishima Stations.
- Fujisan Fujigoko Passport Light Mishima Liner Version (2 days, 5400 yen)
Includes the buses to Gotemba/Mishima Stations and a round trip on the "Mishima Liner" limited express bus between Mishima and Kawaguchiko Station.
- Fujisan Fujigoko Passport Mishima Liner Version (3 days, 6700 yen)
Includes the buses to the Kawaguchiko 5th Station and Gotemba/Mishima Stations, as well as a round trip on the "Mishima Liner" limited express bus between Mishima and Kawaguchiko Station.
The 3-day passes are 500 yen discounted from early December to late March when the buses to the Kawaguchiko 5th Station are not running. The map below illustrates the coverage area of the various versions of the pass:
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