[How to Get to Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo] A Complete Guide to Discount Tickets and Things to Do

Another main way to get from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchi is by direct highway bus.
In particular, highway buses departing from Shinjuku run frequently, take less time, and are reasonably priced, making them a great option for both cost and convenience.
They also operate from several locations, so they are recommended for travelers whose plans do not make Shinjuku Station easy to use.
However, if there is traffic congestion on the expressway, arrival may be significantly delayed from the scheduled time, so keep that in mind.
Also, like limited express trains, these buses are likely to sell out during the sightseeing season.
In addition to booking early, international visitors may want to check the bus stop location in advance for peace of mind.

The Fuji Excursion is a limited express train that directly connects Shinjuku Station (JR Chuo Line) and Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyuko Line).
With no transfers from Shinjuku Station and a fastest travel time of 1 hour 53 minutes to Kawaguchiko, it is an extremely convenient option.
All seats are reserved, so you are guaranteed a seat, which makes it nice to enjoy the scenery from the window, a station lunch box, or conversation during the ride.
It is especially recommended for those who want to make the most of their sightseeing time around Lake Kawaguchi and travel comfortably.
However, it only runs 5 round trips a day and only in the morning, so reservations fill up quickly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, as well as holiday periods. Once your itinerary is set, it is best to book early through the reservation website.

The Fujisan View Express is a sightseeing limited express train that connects Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station in about 55 minutes.
Board this crimson train inspired by Mt. Fuji climbing and enjoy a short journey up a gradient with an elevation difference of Approx. 500 meters.
The biggest attraction is the grand view of Mt. Fuji from the train window and the beautiful natural scenery that changes with the seasons.
The interior has a warm design using wood, allowing you to travel in comfort with the feel of a hotel.
In particular, Car No. 1, the special car, offers a variety of seating styles such as face-to-face seats and wood chairs around round tables, along with light meals and drink service.
Original goods with exclusive designs are also sold, making them great souvenirs or keepsakes from your trip.

The Fujisan Express is a limited express train on the Fujikyuko Line that connects Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station in under an hour.
This train uses 8000 series cars converted from the former Odakyu Romancecar 20000 series “RSE.”
Its standout feature is the playful design covered with the original character Fujisan-kun across the train body.
While the interior retains the look of its Romancecar days, the headrest covers, curtains, and digital displays are decorated with Fujisan-kun motifs.
Of course, you can also enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji from the window, especially from the observation car in Car No. 1, where you can see it up close in impressive detail.
If you are looking for a more premium experience, choose the Fujisan View Express above. For a more casual ride, the Fujisan Express is recommended.

The Fujikyu Limited Express Free Ticket is a great-value ticket that allows unlimited rides on the entire Fujikyuko Line (between Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station) for 2 days.
You can also ride the Fujisan View Express and Fujisan Express mentioned above if you use non-reserved seating. (Reserved seats and the Fuji Excursion require an additional reserved-seat limited express ticket, etc.)
The fare is 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children, and it is sold at major Fujikyuko Line stations (Otsuki Station, Tsuru-bunkadaigaku-mae Station, Shimoyoshida Station, Mt. Fuji Station, Fuji-Q Highland Station, and Kawaguchiko Station) as well as as a mobile ticket.
It is recommended for those planning to spend 2 days visiting sightseeing spots along the line, such as Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes, and Fuji-Q Highland.

The Lake Kawaguchi Sightseeing Boat “Appare” takes about 20 minutes to cruise around the lake.
Departing from the Appare Pier on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi, it passes under the Lake Kawaguchi Ohashi Bridge, then turns around near U no Shima, the only island in the Fuji Five Lakes, on a route where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji that can only be experienced here.

A popular spot where maple trees are planted along the lakeside of Lake Kawaguchi for about 1.5 km.
True to its name, the branches of the maples overlap overhead, and the colorful fallen leaves on the ground add to the scene, creating a beautiful view often described as a tunnel of autumn leaves.

A scenic spot located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji across the lake.
It is also famous as a flower spot, with a walking path in the park known as the “Flower Road.”
You can enjoy beautiful collaborations of Mt. Fuji with seasonal flowers, such as tulips and rapeseed blossoms blooming from late April, kochia around August to September, and sages and asters from October onward.

If you want to discover more sightseeing spots around Lake Kawaguchi, be sure to check out the article below as well.

If you plan to enjoy Fuji-Q Highland as well, the Fujisan Highland Set Ticket is recommended.
It is an e-ticket that combines 2 days of unlimited rides on the Fujikyuko Line (excluding limited express trains) with a one-day pass for Fuji-Q Highland (unlimited attractions).
As prices vary depending on the season, please check the official website.
It is sold through Fujiyama Connect, which requires membership registration.
When boarding, you use it by showing the usage screen displayed after purchase to the conductor or at the station counter.
Also, since an adult one-day pass costs 6,000 yen–7,800 yen, this option may be easier and more affordable than arranging everything separately.

Lake Yamanaka covers about 6.57 square kilometers and sits at an elevation of Approx. 980.5 meters above sea level.
It is located in the third-highest place in Japan. It is the closest of the Fuji Five Lakes to Mt. Fuji, and offers beautiful seasonal scenery created by the majestic mountain and the lake together.
Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy sightseeing, with tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, cosmos in autumn, autumn leaves in fall, and beautifully snow-covered views of Mt. Fuji in winter.

The smallest lake among the Fuji Five Lakes, it is a dammed lake formed by Mt. Fuji’s volcanic activity.
The current landscape was formed when lava from a 9th-century eruption flowed into Lake Motosu, which is also a dammed lake formed by Mt. Fuji’s volcanic activity, and Senoumi.
The view of Mt. Fuji from the observatory is called “Kodaki Fuji” because it looks like Mt. Omuro is being cradled in its arms, making it a popular photo spot for photographers and tourists.

Located in the middle of the Fuji Five Lakes, this mystical lake is surrounded by mountains and the Aokigahara Forest.
In recent years, it became a major topic of interest when the kunimasu, once thought extinct, was discovered there for the first time in about 70 years.
It is also home to colonies of Fuji marimo, designated as a Natural Monument of Yamanashi Prefecture, making it a place rich in natural resources. Another characteristic of the area around Lake Saiko is its many caves.

Located on the western foot of Mt. Fuji, this lake has a circumference of 12.6 km, an area of 4.7 square km, and a depth of 122 m.
Among the Fuji Five Lakes, it retains especially untouched natural surroundings. Its water quality is also excellent, and it boasts “the highest transparency in Honshu.”
The north shore is a famous viewing point for Mt. Fuji, and the beautifully reflected “upside-down Mt. Fuji” on the calm water is well known for appearing on the back of the 1,000-yen bill.

If you also want to enjoy the Fuji Five Lakes, the Mt. Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes Passport is recommended.
This ticket combines 2 days of unlimited rides on the Fujikyuko Line and major buses in the Fuji Five Lakes area with special benefits at eligible spots.
It covers most of the public transportation used to reach the main sightseeing spots, so there is a good chance it can reduce your transportation costs.
Another highlight is that it comes in 2 types depending on the train coverage, so you can choose according to your sightseeing plan.