How to Get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji by Shinkansen Train - A Complete Guide for Travelers

Published on August 1, 2018
Last updated on September 6, 2025

Visiting Mount Fuji from Tokyo is one of the most popular day trips in Japan. There are several convenient train routes, depending on whether you want to enjoy the Fuji FIve Lakes, the Fujinomiya area, or a hot spring stay in Hakone.

Recommended Route 1: Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes - Most Popular)

Step-by-Step Route

• Departure Station: Shinjuku Station in Tokyo
• Arrival Station: Kawaguchiko Station
• Train: Fuji Excursion
• Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours

>>>BOOK Fuji Excursion from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko

What to Do After Arriving at Kawaguchiko Station

Kawaguchiko Station is the main gateway to the Fuji Five Lakes region and one of the best bases for exploring Mount Fuji. Once you arrive, you have multiple options depending on your interests - from panoramic viewpoints and cultural spots to amusement parks and relaxing onsen.

Route 1: Lake Kawaguchiko Scenic Spots

Highlights

• Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) - Stroll along the lakeside for stunning views of Mt. Fuji
• Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway - A short cable car ride to the top of Mt. Tenjo with wide Fuji views
• Sightseeing Boat - 20-minute sightseeing boat across Lake Kawaguchi

Access

• Ropeway: 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station or short local bus ride
• Cruise Pier: 10-minute bus ride from the station

Links

• Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
• Lake Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Boat

Route 2: Chureito Pagoda & Fuji Views

Highlights

• Arakura Sengen Shrine - Peaceful shrine at the foot of Mt. Fuji
• Chureito Pagoda - One of Japan's most famous photo spots, with Fuji in the background
• Seasonal views - Cherry blossoms in April, autumn leaves in November

Access

• Train: Kawaguchiko Station to Shimoyoshida Station (~15 minutes on Fujikyu Line)
• Walk: 10-15 minutes uphill from the station to the pagoda

Links

• Arakura Sengen Shrine

Route 3: Fuji-Q Highland (For Thrill Seekers)

Highlights

• Fuji-Q Highland - One of Japan's most famous amusement parks, with record-breaking roller coasters
• Thomas Land - Family-friendly section for kids
• Unique views - Ride attractions with Mt. Fuji as the backdrop

Access

• Train: Kawaguchiko Station to Fuji-Q Highland Station (~2 minutes)
• Walk: The park entrance is directly connected to the station

Links

• Fuji-Q Highland

Route 4: Oshino Hakkai (Traditional Village with Spring Ponds)

Highlights

• Oshino Hakkai - A traditional village famous for its eight crystal-clear ponds fed by Mt. Fuji's spring water
• Thatched-roof houses and old-style water mills
• Local Snacks and Souvenirs - Try handmade soba noodles and fresh wasabi

Access

• Bus: Kawaguchiko Station to Oshino Hakkai (~20-25 minutes)
• Taxi: ~15 minutes from the station

Links

• Oshino Hakkai

Recommended Route 2: Tokyo to Mishima to Hakone (Hot Springs and Fuji Views) or Gotemba (Shopping and Fuji Views)

The city of Mishima in Shizuoka prefecture is a scenic and convenient gateway to explore the eastern side of Mount Fuji, including Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Fuji Five Lakes. Traveling from Tokyo to Mishima by train is easy using the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Step-by-Step Route

• Departure Station: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station
• Arrival Station: Mishima Station
• Train: Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama only - Nozomi does not stop at Mishima)
• Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes

>>>BOOK Shinkansen from Tokyo to Mishima

>>>BOOK Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Mishima

Best Mount Fuji Experience from Mishima Station

Once you arrive in Mishima, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and access natural attractions on both the eastern and southern sides of the mountain. Here are 2 recommended routes for different types of travelers:

Route 1: Mishima to Mt. Fuji Panoramic Viewpoints (Local + Easy Access)

Best for casual travelers, couples, or day trippers who want to see Mt. Fuji without hiking.

Highlights:

• Rakujuen Park – A serene Japanese garden with Mt. Fuji views

• Yamanaka Castle Ruins – Scenic ruins with direct views of the volcano

• Mishima Skywalk – Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridge with panoramic views

Access:

• Rakujuen Park: 5-minute walk from Mishima Station
• Yamanaka Castle Ruins: ~30 minutes from Shin-Fuji Station directly
• Mishima Skywalk: 
  • By Bus: 25 minutes from Mishima Station
  • By Taxi: ~20 minutes

Links:

• Mishima Skywalk

Route 2: Mishima to Hakone to Mt. Fuji South View (Hot Spring + Nature)

Best for travelers who want a spa gateway + cultural sightseeing near Mt. Fuji.

Highlights:

• Hakone Yumoto – Onsen resort town with Mt. Fuji views

• Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) – Famous for the view of Mt. Fuji from pirate cruise ships

• Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani – Volcanic valley with Fuji views and black eggs

Access:

• Train + Bus Option:

1. Mishima Station → Odawara Station (JR local train, ~30 mintues)
2. Odawara → Hakone-Yumoto (Hakone Tozan Line)
3. Hakone area bus/ropeway to Mt. Komagatake or Lake Ashi

• Alternative: Bus from Mishima Station to Motohakone (~40 mintues)

Route 3: Mishima to Gotemba (Shopping)

Gotemba is a popular destination near Mount Fuji, known for its outlet shopping, Mt. Fuji views, and access to hiking trails. If you arrive at Mishima Station by Shinkansen, it's easy to reach Gotemba by local train or bus.

Highlights:

• Gotemba Premium Outlets – One of Japan's largest outlet malls with over 200 stores

• Gotemba Peace Park (Heiwa Koen) – A peaceful park with a white pagoda (stupa), offering a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji

• Subashiri Trail (Mt. Fuji Climbing Access) – Gotemba is a gateway to the Subashiri 5th Station. Best for hikers starting from the eastern side of Mt. Fuji.

Access:

• By Train: Take JR Tokaido Line from Mishima to Numazu, then transfer to JR Gotemba Line from Numazu to Gotemba (Approximately 1 hour)
• By Bus: Take Highway Bus from Mishima Station to Gotemba Station (Approximately 1 hour)

Links:

• Gotemba Premium Outlets
• Mt. Fuji Climbing

Recommended Route 3: Tokyo to Shin-Fuji to Fujinomiya (South Side of Mt. Fuji)

Traveling from Tokyo to Shin-Fuji Station is one of the most convenient ways to approach the southern side of Mount Fuji. Shin-Fuji is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, making it a fast and comfortable option for international travelers.

Step-by-Step Route

• Departure Station: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station
• Arrival Station: Shin-Fuji Station
• Train: Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama only - Nozomi does not stop at Shin-Fuji)
• Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

>>>BOOK Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Fuji

>>>BOOK Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Shin-Fuji

What to Do After Arriving at Shin-Fuji Station

Once you arrive at Shin-Fuji, you'll find yourself on the southwestern side of Mt. Fuji - a less crowded, more local-friendly gateway to Japan's most iconic mountain. Although there is no direct train to the summit area, several scenic and cultural spots are easily accessible by local train or taxi.

Here are 3 recommended routes for exploring Mount Fuji from Shin-Fuji Station:

Route 1: Shin-Fuji to Fujinomiya (Culture & Local Heritage)

Highlights:

• Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha Shrine – A UNESCO-listed starting point of the Mt. Fuji pilgrimage

• Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center – Learn about the mountain’s spiritual and natural importance

• Street Food in Fujinomiya – Try the famous Fujinomiya Yakisoba

Access:

• Train: Shin-Fuji Station to Fuji Station (Walk, ~ 10 minutes), then take the JR Minobu Line to Fujinomiya (~25 minutes)
• Taxi: ~30 minutes from Shin-Fuji Station directly
• Bus: Some local buses run from Shin-Fuji Station to Fujinomiya Station

Links:

• Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre

Route 2: Shin-Fuji to Fuji 5th Station (For Climbers & Adventurers)

Highlights:

• Fujinomiya 5th Station – Starting point for climbing Mt. Fuji via the Fujinomiya Trail, the second most popular trail to the summit

• Climbing season: Early July to early September

Access:

• Train: Shin-Fuji Station to Fujinomiya Station (as above)
• Bus: From Fujinomiya Station to Fujinomiya 5th Station (seasonal busses run in summer)

Links:

• Mt. Fuji Climbing

Route 3: Shin-Fuji to Shiraito Falls & Lake Tanuki (Nature Lovers & Photographers)

Highlights:

• Shiraito Falls – A breathtaking cascade of spring water, considered one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls

• Lake Tanuki -A peaceful lake with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji reflected on the water

Access:

• From Fujinomiya Station, take a local bus or rental car to reach:
  • Shiraito Falls (~30-40 minutes)
  • Lake Tanuki (~45-60 mintues) 
• Taxi from Shin-Fuji Station direct to Shiraito Falls: ~45 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from Tokyo to Mount Fuji

Q: Can I go directly from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji by Shinkansen?
A: No. The Shinkansen goes only as far as Mishima or Shin-Fuji. From there, you need a local train or bus.

Q: Which is the best route for first-time visitors?
A: Most travelers choose Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, because it offers the most famous views of Mt. Fuji and many attractions.

Q: Is it possible to visit Mt. Fuji from Tokyo as a day trip?
A: Yes. Many tourists do a day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, especially to Kawaguchiko or Hakone.

Q: Can I climb Mt. Fuji if I start from Tokyo?
A: Yes. The most direct trailheads are accessible from Fujinomiya (vis Shin-Fuji) or Subashiri (via Gotemba)

>>>BOOK trains to Mt. Fuji