Mount Fuji/ KawaguchikotoTokyo

Tokyo

For traveling from Tokyo to Yamanashi Prefecture, home of Mount Fuji, we highly recommend the affordable and convenient highway bus! Taking a highway bus is the easiest way to reach Kawaguchiko or Fujisan Station, allowing you to avoid the hassle of transfers and go directly from Tokyo to your destination.
After climbing Mount Fuji, it's natural to feel physically and mentally exhausted, so when returning to Tokyo, the best option is the highway bus, where you can relax as soon as you board. The journey from Kawaguchiko Station or Fujisan Station to Tokyo takes about 2 hours, providing you with the perfect opportunity to rest and recover from the climb.
Choosing to take the highway bus from Kawaguchiko back to Tokyo not only eliminates the need for complicated transfers but also offers comfortable seating and spacious interiors, allowing you to unwind during the journey. While traveling on the bus, you can relieve your fatigue and prepare yourself for the rest of your trip in Tokyo.
There are plenty of highway bus departures from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo, allowing you to choose the departure time that best fits your schedule. The buses are not only budget-friendly but also provide direct service, making them the best option for your return trip. Whether you're departing from Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, or other locations, there are direct highway buses to Kawaguchiko, making your journey even more convenient.
Opting for the highway bus saves you money on transportation and allows you to recharge during the ride, ensuring a smooth and easy return to Tokyo. This is a travel option that is both economical and comfortable, perfect for those who want a simple and direct way back to Tokyo. By choosing the highway bus, you make your trip to and from Kawaguchiko more enjoyable and stress-free.
In conclusion, whether you're traveling from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko or returning from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo, taking the highway bus is the best choice. It saves you money and ensures a smooth and pleasant journey.

If the bus code starts with an X or a Z then you can make a booking from one month in advance. For all other buses, bookings can be made between 1 and 4 months before the intended departure date.
We suggest that you visit our website closer to your desired departure date and make a booking then.

Major Bus Stops

Bus Companies & Fares

Several bus companies operate on the Kawaguchiko / Mt. Fuji–Tokyo route. Here is a quick comparison to help you choose.

Operator Fare (one way) Daily trips Key features
Keio Bus / Fujikyu Bus From ¥1,800 Multiple daily Most departures · direct from Kawaguchiko · Fuji-Q Highland pickup
WILLER EXPRESS From ¥1,500 Multiple daily Budget-friendly · USB charging · online booking
Fujikyu Yamanashi Bus From ¥2,000 Multiple daily Multiple Mt. Fuji area pickups · Fujisan Station
Keio Bus / Fujikyu Bus (富士急行バス)
From ¥1,800
Multiple daily departures Direct from Kawaguchiko Fuji-Q Highland pickup Fujisan Station pickup

The most popular operator on this route, jointly operated by Fujikyu Bus (Fuji area side) and Keio Bus (Tokyo side). Direct service from Kawaguchiko Station to Shinjuku, with pickups at Fuji-Q Highland and Fujisan Station. Runs frequently throughout the day.

Mt. Fuji area stops: Fujisan Station · Fuji-Q Highland · Kawaguchiko Station
Tokyo stops: Shinjuku Station (Busta / Keio Highway Bus Terminal) · Shibuya · Tokyo Station

WILLER EXPRESS — Kawaguchiko to Tokyo
From ¥1,500
Multiple daily departures USB charging Online booking in English

A budget-friendly option with convenient online booking available in English. USB charging is available on most services. Early-bird fares from ¥1,500 make this one of the most affordable ways to get back to Tokyo from the Mt. Fuji area.

Mt. Fuji area stops: Kawaguchiko Station area
Tokyo stops: Shinjuku Busta · Ikebukuro

Fujikyu Yamanashi Bus (富士急山梨バス)
From ¥2,000
Multiple daily departures Multiple Mt. Fuji area pickups Fujisan Station

Covers multiple stops throughout the Mt. Fuji area including Fujisan Station, Kawaguchiko, and surrounding resort areas. A great option if you are starting your journey from the Fujisan Station side of the lake.

Mt. Fuji area stops: Fujisan Station · Kawaguchiko Station · surrounding resort areas
Tokyo stops: Shinjuku · Tokyo Station

Bus Stop Guide

Bus stops vary by operator. Always check the boarding location map in your booking confirmation email before travel.

Mt. Fuji Area Departure Stops

Kawaguchiko Station

The main departure point for most services back to Tokyo. Located directly at Kawaguchiko Station on the Fujikyu Railway. Bus stops are right outside the station exit. Check your confirmation email for the exact bay number.

Fuji-Q Highland

Most Keio Bus / Fujikyu services also pick up at Fuji-Q Highland before heading to Tokyo — convenient if you are spending the day at the theme park before returning.

Fujisan Station (select services)

Some services pick up at Fujisan Station, useful if you are returning from the Mt. Fuji 5th Station area (during climbing season) or staying in the Fujisan Station area.

Tokyo Arrival Stops

Shinjuku (Busta 4F / Keio Highway Bus Terminal)

The most popular arrival point. Keio Bus / Fujikyu Bus arrives at the Keio Highway Bus Terminal (Shinjuku Station West Gate). WILLER arrives at Shinjuku Busta (4F, South Gate). Both are within a few minutes' walk of each other and close to major hotels.

Tokyo Station / Shibuya (select services)

Some Keio Bus / Fujikyu services drop off at Tokyo Station (Yaesu area) or Shibuya. Check the route details when booking if these are more convenient for your onward journey.

Ikebukuro (select services)

Some WILLER services arrive at Ikebukuro Sunshine. Handy if you are staying in northern Tokyo.

What to Do After Arrival in Tokyo

Buses from Kawaguchiko typically arrive in Tokyo (Shinjuku) in about 2 hours. If you've had a full day at Mt. Fuji and arrive in the evening, here are some options to wind down.

Arriving in Tokyo (Shinjuku / Tokyo Station)

① Store your luggage

Coin lockers are available on Floor 4 of Shinjuku Busta and throughout JR Shinjuku Station (South Gate / West underground). For Tokyo Station arrivals, lockers inside the station are the most convenient option. If full, try ecbo cloak (luggage storage service) at nearby shops.

② Shower & freshen up

Shinjuku Natural Hot Spring Thermae-yu (~13 min walk from Shinjuku Busta · open 24 hrs)
Perfect for washing off a day of hiking or sightseeing. Natural hot spring with 6 baths, sauna and rock sauna. From ¥2,364 on weekdays.

Ruby Palace Shinjuku (~9 min walk · open 24 hrs · women only)
Women-only spa open around the clock. Free amenities and hair irons provided.

③ Dinner & drinks

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) (~5 min walk from Shinjuku Busta)
Narrow alley packed with tiny yakitori bars and izakayas — a classic Tokyo evening experience right near the bus terminal.

Kabukicho & Golden Gai (Shinjuku · ~10 min walk)
Golden Gai's 200+ tiny bars are ideal for a quiet drink after a long day. Kabukicho offers neon-lit dining and entertainment options for all budgets.

Highway Bus vs Train (Fujikyu Railway)

Wondering whether to take the bus or train back to Tokyo? Here's a quick comparison.

🚌 Highway Bus 🚃 Train
(Fujikyu + JR)
Fare From ¥1,500 ~¥2,600
(Fujikyu + JR)
Travel time ~2 hrs (direct) ~2 hrs
(transfer at Otsuki)
Transfer needed No — direct to Shinjuku Yes — change at Otsuki
Luggage Trunk storage free Carry on board only
IC card / Rail Pass Not accepted JR Pass valid (JR section)
Best for Budget · luggage · direct JR Pass holders

* Fares and times are approximate. JR Pass covers the JR section (to Otsuki) but not the Fujikyu Railway section.

Other Popular Highway Bus Routes

See All Popular Routes

Sightseeing Guide: What to See & Do Near Mt. Fuji

The Mt. Fuji area offers far more than just a view of the mountain. Here are the top sights and how to get to each from Kawaguchiko Station.

🗻 Mt. Fuji 5th Station (Kawaguchiko Route)
Trekking base Panoramic views Altitude 2,305m

The most popular starting point for climbing Mt. Fuji and the highest point accessible by road. Even if you're not climbing, the views from the 5th Station are spectacular. Souvenir shops, restaurants and a small shrine are located here.

Open for road access: Typically early July to early September (Fuji Subaru Line). Check current conditions before visiting.

From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Shuttle Bus (Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station direct, ~50 min, ¥1,500 one way). During climbing season only.
🌊 Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖)
Mt. Fuji reflection views Lakeside stroll Onsen

The most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes and famous for its stunning reflection of Mt. Fuji on calm mornings. The north shore of the lake offers the best reflection views. The area has onsen, cafés, and seasonal flower festivals (lavender in summer, autumn leaves in October–November).

Kawaguchiko Station is right at the lake. The Kawaguchiko Retro Bus (sightseeing loop bus, 1-day pass ¥1,500) circles the lake and stops at key viewpoints.
🎡 Fuji-Q Highland
Theme park World-record roller coasters Mt. Fuji backdrop

Japan's most thrilling amusement park, home to several world-record roller coasters including Fujiyama and Do-Dodonpa. The park sits right at the foot of Mt. Fuji, making for dramatic backdrop photos. Thomas Land and a haunted hospital attraction are also popular.

Entry: From ¥6,000. Individual ride tickets or all-day pass options available. Check the official website for seasonal hours.

The highway bus from Tokyo stops directly at the Fuji-Q Highland entrance — no transfer needed. From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Railway or local bus (~5 min).
⛩️ Chureito Pagoda (富士山と五重塔)
Iconic photo spot UNESCO World Heritage Cherry blossoms (April)

The famous five-storey pagoda with Mt. Fuji framed behind it — one of the most reproduced images of Japan. Part of the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine complex. The pagoda requires a climb of about 400 steps from the base, but the view is well worth it. Especially stunning during cherry blossom season (early April).

From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Railway to Shimoyoshida Station (~10 min), then walk ~10 min to the base, followed by the stair climb (~15 min).
💧 Oshino Hakkai (忍野八海)
UNESCO World Heritage Crystal-clear spring ponds Traditional village

Eight sacred ponds fed by snowmelt from Mt. Fuji, filtered through lava rock over 80 years. The water is incredibly clear and the ponds reflect Mt. Fuji on clear days. The surrounding village preserves traditional thatched farmhouses and has local food stalls and souvenir shops.

From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Bus towards Oshino Hakkai (~15 min, ¥360). Alternatively, accessible by taxi (~10 min) or rental bicycle.
🌋 Aokigahara / Narusawa Ice Cave & Fugaku Wind Cave
Lava caves Natural monument Cool even in summer

Formed by lava flows from Mt. Fuji's last major eruption in 864 AD, these two caves at the edge of the Aokigahara forest are fascinating natural monuments. The ice cave (Narusawa Ice Cave) maintains sub-zero temperatures year-round and has ice pillars inside. A great spot to cool down in summer.

From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Retro Bus Sightseeing Loop Bus (West course) and get off at Narusawa Ice Cave stop (~30 min). The two caves are a short walk apart.
♨️ Onsen (Hot Springs)
Day-use available Mt. Fuji views Open to non-guests

The Mt. Fuji area has several excellent onsen facilities, many with outdoor baths facing the mountain.

Fujiyama Onsen (next to Fuji-Q Highland · from ¥1,500) — Large outdoor baths with Mt. Fuji views.
Tenku no Yu (Kawaguchiko · from ¥1,300) — Rooftop open-air bath, spectacular sunrise views.
Fuji Tominoko Hotel (lakeside · day-use available) — Quiet lakeside onsen with garden.

Fujiyama Onsen: walk from Fuji-Q Highland bus stop (~3 min). Tenku no Yu: Retro Bus loop (Kawaguchiko Onsen stop). Fuji Tominoko Hotel: Retro Bus loop (Kawaguchiko Onsen area).
🏔️ Lake Motosuko & Shoji (本栖湖・精進湖)
¥1,000 bill view Quieter crowds Fuji Five Lakes

Lake Motosuko is the source of the famous Mt. Fuji silhouette printed on the Japanese ¥1,000 banknote. Much quieter than Kawaguchiko, it's ideal for travellers looking to escape the crowds. Lake Shoji, the smallest of the Five Lakes, also offers pristine views.

From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Bus towards Motosuko (~40 min). The ¥1,000 bill viewpoint is a short walk from Motosuko bus stop.

FAQ

How long does the Kawaguchiko to Tokyo highway bus take?
The journey from Kawaguchiko to Shinjuku typically takes about 2 hours. Travel time may vary during peak seasons (Golden Week, summer holidays, autumn foliage season) due to traffic on the expressway.
How much is a bus ticket from Kawaguchiko / Mt. Fuji to Tokyo?
Fares start from around ¥1,500 to ¥2,000 one way depending on the operator and booking timing. WILLER EXPRESS offers early-bird fares from ¥1,500, and Keio Bus / Fujikyu Bus starts from about ¥1,800. Both are cheaper than the train (Fujikyu Railway + JR, around ¥2,600) and offer a direct service with free trunk storage.
Is the bus or train better for getting from Mt. Fuji to Tokyo?
For most travellers, the bus is the better option. It's cheaper, direct (no transfer needed), and includes free trunk storage — ideal if you have luggage after a stay or hike. The train requires a transfer at Otsuki and the total fare is higher. However, if you hold a JR Pass, the JR section (from Otsuki) is covered — making the train more economical in that case. See the comparison table above.
Where do buses depart from in the Kawaguchiko / Mt. Fuji area?
Most services depart from Kawaguchiko Station. Some services also pick up at Fuji-Q Highland (convenient after a day at the theme park) and Fujisan Station. Check the boarding map in your confirmation email for the exact stop.
Where do buses arrive in Tokyo?
Most buses arrive at Shinjuku — either the Keio Highway Bus Terminal (West Gate) for Keio Bus / Fujikyu, or Shinjuku Busta (4F, South Gate) for WILLER. Some services also stop at Shibuya, Tokyo Station or Ikebukuro. Check the arrival map in your confirmation email.
How far in advance can I book a ticket?
Most buses go on sale 1 to 3 months before the departure date. During peak seasons (Golden Week, summer, autumn foliage) buses sell out quickly — we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Can I book a ticket on the day of travel?
Yes, if seats are available you can book up to a short time before departure. However, popular services and peak-season buses often sell out well in advance, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Do the buses have toilets and charging facilities?
Availability varies by service. Buses with onboard toilets or USB/AC charging ports are clearly marked with icons on the search results page. Most Keio / Fujikyu services on this route do not have onboard toilets, but rest stops are made at service areas during the journey.
How much luggage can I bring?
Each passenger may generally store one piece of luggage in the trunk (underfloor storage) and carry one small bag on board. Trunk size limits vary by operator — check the bus details page before booking. Suitcases are not permitted in the cabin. Pets, bicycles and musical instruments may not be accepted.

▶ Contact Customer Support
What should I do if I leave something on the bus?
Please contact Kosokubus.com customer support as soon as possible with your booking number, a description of the lost item (colour, shape, brand), and the bus name. We will check with the bus company on your behalf.

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