Fuji Excursion Train

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The most convenient way to travel is by the Limited Express Fuji Excursion train. This train offers a direct, no-transfer connection between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko.

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1. Book Your Ticket in Advance (Highly Recommended!)

 

• Tickets are required for the entire route (Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko).

• All seats are reserved. Booking ahead is essential, especially on weekends, holidays, or during peak travel seasons (e.g., cherry blossom/fall foliage).

• You need two components: the Basic Fare Ticket and the Limited Express/Reserved Seat Ticket.

• Where to Buy:

  • Online: JR East Train Reservation website (Eki-net). Click here to go to Eki-Net.Com

  • In-Person: JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines at major JR stations like Shinjuku.

 

2. Locate Your Platform at Shinjuku Station

 

• The Fuji Excursion usually departs from the JR Chuo Line platforms at Shinjuku Station.

• Check the electronic signs for the Limited Express Fuji Excursion (or FUJI KAIYUU in Japanese) and the final destination (Kawaguchiko).

• Note: The train often couples with another limited express train (like the Kaiji or Azusa) until Otsuki Station, where the Kawaguchiko-bound cars decouple and continue on the Fujikyu Railway line. You do not need to transfer or get off the train at Otsuki.

 

3. Board the Train and Enjoy the Ride

 

• Board the train car indicated on your ticket.

• The journey is approximately 1 hour 55 minutes (times vary slightly).

• The train passes through beautiful scenery as it approaches the Fuji Five Lakes area.

 

4. Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station

 

• Kawaguchiko is the final stop.

• Have your ticket ready to pass through the ticket gates upon arrival. You're now at the gateway to the Mt. Fuji area!

 

➡️ Travel Time & Cost (Approximate)

 

• Duration: ≈1 hour 55 minutes

• One-Way Fare: ≈¥4,130 (Adult, Ordinary Reserved Seat, varies slightly by season/booking method)

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Anthony's Hack

 

One of my favorite clients, Anthony, came on our tour twice, but on his second trip he figured out a way to get here without a reserved seat on the Fuji Excursion. If you cannot get a reservation why not give it a try as a last resort! If there are no seats you can stand all the way to Kawaguchiko Station and get here quicker than taking local trains.

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1. Go to Shinjuku station and buy a ticket to get through the turnstiles. 

2. Go to platform 9 or 10 which is the CHUO LINE and which also serves as the starting point for the Fuji Excursion train.

3. On the Platform there should be a blue ticketing machine where you can buy a ticket. Choose the Chuo Line's Limited Express option with No Reservation (Far right button) for the specific train (time) you want. Change the language to English to better find these options.

4. Cars 1,2 and 3 decouple from the main train and keeps going to Kawaguchiko station. Make sure you are standing in one of these cars. But do double check with train staff and make sure these cars the correct ones that go to Kawaguchiko station. 

5. If there are seats that are reserved and no one is sitting in them, I believe you can temporarily use them until the person with the reserved seat ticket arrives. If this works, you have Anthony to thank. Good luck! :)