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

Published on August 15, 2018
Last updated on September 6, 2025

If you’re staying in Kyoto and want to explore the majestic beauty of Mount Fuji, there are several convenient train routes available. In this guide, we explain the best ways to get from Kyoto to Mount Fuji by train — perfect for international travelers seeking comfort, speed, and scenic views.

Recommended Route 1: Kyoto → Shin-Fuji

Traveling from Kyoto 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: Kyoto Station (Kyoto Central Station)
Arrival Station: Shin-Fuji Station
Train: Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama only - Nozomi does not stop at Shin-Fuji)
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 10~30 minutes

>>>BOOK Shinkansen from Kyoto 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 → 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 → 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 → 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

Recommended Route 2: Kyoto → Mishima

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 Kyoto to Mishima by train is easy using the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Step-by-Step Route

Departure Station: Kyoto Station (Kyoto Central Station)
Arrival Station: Mishima Station
Train: Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama only - Nozomi does not stop at Mishima)
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 10~30 minutes

>>>BOOK Shinkansen from Kyoto 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 → 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 → Hakone → 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:

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from Kyoto to Mount Fuji

Q: Can I go directly from Kyoto to Mount Fuji by Shinkansen?
A: Not directly. There is no Shinkansen Station at Mount Fuji itself. The common routes are:

Kyoto to Shin-Fuji by Shinkansen
Kyoto to Mishima by Shinkansen

Q: Which is the fastest way to reach Mount Fuji from Kyoto?
A: The fastest route is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari) from Kyoto to Shin-Fuji Station (about 2 hours 10 minutes). From there, you can continue by local train, bus, or taxi to reach the Mt. Fuji area.

Q: Can I use the Japan Rail Pass for this trip?
A: Yes. The JR Pass covers the Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shin-Fuji or Mishima.

Q: Is it possible to visit Mount Fuji from Kyoto as a day trip?
A: It's possible but not recommended. The round-trip journey takes 6-8 hours, leaving little time to enjoy Mt. Fuji. Most travelers prefer to stay overnight near Kawaguchiko, Fujinomiya, or Hakone.

Q: When is the best season to see Mount Fuji?
A:

Clear views: October to February
Cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
Climbing season: Early July to early September
Autumn leaves: Late October to November

Q: Can I climb Mount Fuji if I start from Kyoto?
A: Yes. The most convenient is the Fujinomiya Trail (via Shin-Fuji → Fujinomiya). Travel to the 5th Station by bus, then start your climb. Remember, the official climbing season is July-September only.

>>>BOOK trains to Mt. Fuji

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