Last updated: October 26, 2025
Quick Answer:
The easiest day trip is the highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kawaguchiko Station. It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours and has reserved seats. Trains are also simple: JR Shinjuku → Otsuki (JR Chuo Line), then Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko. The FUJI EXCURSION is a direct, all-reserved train.
November is cool and clear around Mount Fuji. For one day, keep travel simple. Book the highway bus for a direct ride. Or take JR East to Otsuki and switch to the Fujikyu Railway. If you can get seats, reserve the direct FUJI EXCURSION train.
Three easy ways to go
1) Highway bus (best for most people)
- Start: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (above JR Shinjuku).
- End: Kawaguchiko Station. Some buses also stop at Fuji-Q Highland.
- Why pick it: Cheap, frequent, no transfers. You travel on the exact time you booked.
- Book on: Highway-Buses.jp (Keio/Fujikyu). Typical one-way fare to Kawaguchiko is about ¥2,200 in autumn schedules.
2) JR + Fujikyu transfer (very flexible)
- JR East: From JR Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki.
- Change trains: Follow signs to Fujikyu Railway (right next to JR gates).
- Fujikyu Railway: Ride to Kawaguchiko (stops include Fujisan and Fuji-Q Highland).
- Tickets: Pay the Fujikyu base fare. If you choose a Fujikyu Limited Express, pay a small surcharge.
3) Direct train: FUJI EXCURSION (all-reserved)
- One train, no transfers: JR Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko.
- All seats are reserved. Book on JR-EAST Train Reservation.
- Check the current timetable (valid on and after March 15, 2025).
Tickets, passes, and how to book
- Highway bus: Reserve a time and seat on Highway-Buses.jp. Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Autumn brochures show ¥2,200 one-way from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko and ¥3,800 to the 5th Station.
- JR trains: Use JR-EAST Train Reservation to book limited-express seats (including FUJI EXCURSION). You can pick up tickets at a machine if needed. Bring the payment card and your passport.
- Fujikyu Railway: JR passes do not automatically cover Fujikyu unless clearly stated. See the Otsuki ↔ Kawaguchiko fare table on the operator site. If you ride a Fujikyu Limited Express, a small surcharge applies.
- JR TOKYO Wide Pass (3 days): Good if you plan two or three day trips in three consecutive days. For a single Mt. Fuji day trip, regular tickets are usually cheaper.
- IC cards (Suica/PASMO): You can tap in for base fares on JR and many Fujikyu gates. Limited-express seats still need a reservation ticket or QR.
Time and cost overview (Nov 1–30, 2025)
USD shown at ≈ 1 USD = ¥150; check live rates.
| Route | Typical one-way time | Typical one-way fare (¥) | Booking needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highway bus Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko | ~1h45–2h | ~¥2,200 | Seat reservation | Frequent. Some buses also stop at Fuji-Q Highland. |
| JR (Shinjuku→Otsuki) + Fujikyu (Otsuki→Kawaguchiko) | ~2–2.5h | JR fare + Fujikyu fare; add Limited Express surcharge if used | Limited-express seats only | Short, well-signed transfer at Otsuki. |
| FUJI EXCURSION (direct, all-reserved) | ~1h50–2h | Limited-express reserved fare | Reservation required | One-seat ride; popular on weekends/holidays. |
Plan your return (very important)
Save a note on your phone with three items:
- Last direct FUJI EXCURSION back to Shinjuku.
- Latest Otsuki → Shinjuku train you can catch if you transfer.
- Last highway bus back to Shinjuku.
Check the JR timetable (from March 15, 2025) and the day’s Highway-Buses listings before you leave Tokyo. Add a buffer around sunset.
Mt. Fuji 5th Station in November
- The Fuji Subaru Line road can reduce or stop service outside climbing season.
- Buses may run part-way or not at all on bad-weather days.
- Check the Fujikyu Bus notice on the morning of your trip.
- Surfaces at the 5th Station can be uneven. Dress warm and wear steady shoes.
Accessibility
- Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal: Elevators and staff support. Pre-booked seats help with strollers and wheelchairs.
- Otsuki transfer: It is a short, signed walk between JR and Fujikyu gates. Allow extra time with luggage or mobility devices.
- Kawaguchiko Station: Flat bus bays and coin lockers. Bring small coins or bills.
- 5th Station: Mountain weather and steps in some spots. Always re-check bus operations on the day.
FAQs
Which is better in November: bus or train?
The bus is the simplest and avoids transfers. Trains offer more flexibility. If you can book the FUJI EXCURSION, it is the most relaxing rail option.
When should I book the FUJI EXCURSION?
As soon as your date is set. Weekends and holidays fill first. Book on JR-EAST Train Reservation.
Is the JR TOKYO Wide Pass worth it for one day?
It is a 3-day pass. It works best if you plan 2–3 day trips in those three days. For a single Fuji day trip, point-to-point tickets usually cost less.
Can I use Suica or PASMO all the way?
You can tap in for base fares on JR and many Fujikyu gates. Limited-express seats still need a reservation ticket or QR.
Are there direct buses to the 5th Station in November?
Sometimes. The service depends on the Fuji Subaru Line road status and the weather. Check the Fujikyu Bus page on your travel day.
What time should I arrive for good views?
Try to reach Kawaguchiko by late morning. November has short daylight. Clouds can build later in the day. Book a late-afternoon return with a buffer.
Key takeaways
- The highway bus from Shinjuku is the easiest choice for a one-day visit.
- JR → Otsuki → Fujikyu is flexible; Limited Express on Fujikyu has a small surcharge.
- FUJI EXCURSION is a direct, all-reserved train. Reserve early.
- In November, make a return plan and check 5th Station service on the day.
Sources
- JR East — Azusa/Kaiji & FUJI EXCURSION: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/traininformation/azusa_kaiji/
- JR East — JR-EAST Train Reservation: https://www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index
- JR East — FUJI EXCURSION timetable (valid Mar 15, 2025 onward): https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/pdf/routemaps_timetable.pdf
- JR East — JR TOKYO Wide Pass: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/pass/tokyowidepass.html
- Fujikyu Railway — Fare table (Otsuki↔Kawaguchiko): https://e.fujikyu-railway.jp/fare/
- Fujikyu Railway — Trains (Limited Express info): https://e.fujikyu-railway.jp/train/
- Highway-Buses.jp — Overview & Kawaguchiko route: https://highway-buses.jp/ and https://highway-buses.jp/course/kawaguchiko.php
- Fujikyu Bus — Fuji Subaru Line operations: https://www.fujikyubus.co.jp/mycar/en/
- Unjōkaku (Mt. Fuji 5th Station facility) — Access: https://www.unjokaku.jp/en/access/index.html
- Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus — Route/timetable PDF: https://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/mtpass/tw/_file/routemap_RedBlueGreen_new.pdf
