Understanding the Area
"Fuji" in a travel context usually means the Fuji Five Lakes region (Fujigoko) around Mount Fuji, and the neighbouring Hakone area. These are two distinct zones, each with its own local bus network, and visitors typically base themselves in one or move between the two. The Fuji Five Lakes zone is made up of Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji and Lake Motosu.
Kawaguchiko Station is the main transport hub for the Five Lakes region, with nearby Fujisan Station acting as a second hub. Both sit on the Fujikyu Railway Line, and buses depart from both in all directions toward the lakes and other attractions. In Hakone, the hubs are Hakone-Yumoto and Odawara. Comprehensive route maps are available at the major stations.
Rail
The Fujikyu Railway is the main rail line in the Five Lakes area, running primarily between Kawaguchiko Station and Otsuki Station. Within the Five Lakes region itself it is of limited use for sightseeing, since the lakes and attractions are spread out and served mainly by bus.
In Hakone, the Hakone Tozan Railway connects Hakone-Yumoto with Gora. From Gora, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car climbs the steep section up to Sounzan, where you can connect to the Hakone Ropeway.
Note that the Japan Rail Pass and other JR passes are not valid on the Fujikyu section between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko; a supplement is required for that stretch. The JR Tokyo Wide Pass, by contrast, covers the whole Tokyo–Kawaguchiko journey, except for panorama seats on limited express trains.
Buses
Buses are how most visitors get around the Five Lakes region. The Omni buses run three colour-coded lines from Kawaguchiko Station:
- Red Line — the Kawaguchiko area, serving the eastern and northern shores of Lake Kawaguchi.
- Green Line — the Saiko area, covering the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi and around Lake Saiko.
- Blue Line — connects Kawaguchiko with Lake Yamanaka, and also serves the more remote lakes Shojiko and Motosuko.
The Fujikko Sightseeing Bus (also known as the Retro Bus) serves the Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Saiko areas, with a Kawaguchiko Line circling Lake Kawaguchi and a Saiko Line circling Lake Saiko. Its stops include Kawaguchiko Music Forest, Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, the cable car stations, Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, the Bat Cave and the Wind Cave. A separate Fujikko service runs between Kawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida, Oshino Village and around Lake Yamanakako.
A regular bus network fills in the gaps, serving remote Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko and directions toward Oshino, Lake Yamanakako and Gotemba. There is also a bus line connecting Kawaguchiko Station with the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station halfway up Mount Fuji.
In Hakone, the Hakone Tozan Bus network links the hot springs, museums and lake shores.
Buses and trains generally run from early morning to late evening. Frequency is higher on popular routes and during peak tourist seasons. Pay attention to last departure times, especially between towns or in less popular areas after dark, and keep a backup plan and taxi information in case you miss the last service.
Ropeways, Cable Cars and Boats
Two ropeways offer some of the best views in the region. The Kawaguchiko Ropeway climbs to the Mount Tenjo observation deck, with views over the lake and Mount Fuji. The Hakone Ropeway takes in Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi and the Owakudani volcanic valley.
Lake cruises are another way to sightsee while you travel. Boat cruises run on Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, with terminals reachable by local bus. In Hakone, the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise — the "pirate ships" — connects stations around Lake Ashi.
Tickets and Passes
Single tickets can be bought from machines or directly from drivers. IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo are widely accepted.
If you plan to use the buses a lot, regional passes are worth considering:
- Kawaguchiko Saiko Motosuko Bus Pass — valid on the three Omni lines and other regular buses around Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko on consecutive calendar days. Sold at Kawaguchiko Station; the 1-day version can also be bought on board Omni buses.
- Fujiyoshida Oshino Yamanakako Bus Pass — valid on the Fujikko bus and other regular buses around Fujiyoshida, Oshino and Yamanakako on consecutive calendar days. Sold at Fujisan Station, the Yamanakako-Asahigaoka bus ticket counter and inside buses.
- Fujisan Fujigoko Passport — unlimited use of Fujikyu buses around the Fuji Five Lakes, including the Omni and Fujikko buses, on two consecutive calendar days. It comes in two versions: one covering the entire Fujikyu Railway Line, and one covering Fujikyu trains only between Kawaguchiko and Shimoyoshida Station. Sold at Fujikyu ticket counters at Kawaguchiko Station, Fujisan Station, Mishima Station, Fujinomiya Station, Gotemba Station and the Asahigaoka/Yamanakako bus stop.
- Fuji Hakone Pass — aimed at foreign tourists, covering transport within the Fuji Five Lakes region and the neighbouring Hakone area, plus the round trip between Tokyo and Hakone.
- Hakone Free Pass — covers all transport on the Hakone Loop.
Fees and schedules change, so check current prices before you travel.
The Hakone Loop
Hakone is best explored on the Hakone Loop, a circular route that combines train, cable car, ropeway and boat. You start at Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto and follow the prescribed order of transport. Along the way you pass Lake Ashi with its pirate ship cruises, the Owakudani volcanic valley with its hot springs, and various museums and art galleries.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis can be hailed from kiosks or on the street. They are relatively expensive, and a night surcharge applies. Cash is often preferred, though many taxis accept credit cards and IC cards. Uber is less prevalent here; what you will mostly find are licensed taxis.
Car and Bicycle Rental
Rental cars are available near Kawaguchiko Station and in major cities and near train stations, and are convenient for reaching places outside central Kawaguchiko. Book online in advance, especially in peak season. To drive you need an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention), plus a valid home licence and your passport. Driving is on the left, roads are in good condition, and toll roads are common — an ETC card is useful for paying them. Parking is available at nearly all sights and hotels, usually for a fee. Expect heavy traffic on weekends and public holidays.
Rental bicycles are widely available, with numerous shops near Kawaguchiko Station and electric bikes on offer for uphill rides. Cycling is popular around Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako, and designated cycling paths exist around some lakes. Avoid major highways and long tunnels, and be aware that rural roads can be narrow and that distances between lakes are considerable.
Walking
There are walking paths around Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko and Lake Yamanakako, and many trails in Hakone. Self-guided walks are feasible if you pick up maps from a tourist information centre, and local operators offer guided tours if you prefer company.
Getting There from the Airport
Most visitors reach the Fuji area via Tokyo. Direct buses run from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station, operated by Fujikyu and Keio Bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal, by Fujikyu and JR Kanto Bus from Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit), and by Fujikyu from Shibuya (Mark City). Most services stop at Fujisan Station and Fuji Q Highland, and many continue to Lake Yamanakako. Online reservations are available through Willer and Japan Bus Online. Note that the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on any of these buses.
By rail, take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Kawaguchiko Station. A few direct limited express trains also run between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko each way; seat reservations are mandatory on these. As mentioned above, JR passes do not cover the Fujikyu section between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko, so a supplement is required there.
Practical Tips
- Google Maps is useful for real-time bus and railway schedules.
- Public transport adheres to strict schedules, with on-time arrivals and departures and smooth transfers. Major hubs have multilingual information displays.
- Heavy rain or snow can temporarily close ropeways or roads, and strong winds can affect cable car operations. Volcanic activity near Owakudani may halt the Hakone Ropeway. Check area warnings during stormy seasons.
- Cell reception can be unreliable closer to the mountain, so download maps in advance.
- Staying overnight in one of the lake areas is recommended if you want to explore extensively.
- Major train stations and newer facilities often have elevators, escalators and ramps, but older infrastructure such as temples, shrines and traditional inns may have stairs or uneven surfaces. Contact individual services for specifics; the Accessible Japan website offers resources.