Fuji (Kawaguchiko)

This itinerary was built for a day trip from Tokyo, although you could easily reach Kawaguchiko from other major cities in the Kanto (e.g., Kanagawa) and Chibu (e.g., Nagano) prefectures, as well as from major cities in Kansai (e.g., Kyoto, Osaka).

Detail 1

https://trulytokyo.com/a-day-trip-to-the-mt-fuji-area-lake-kawaguchiko/

  • Bus to Fuji from Shinjuku

    • One of the most economical ways to travel to and from the Mt Fuji area is by highway bus from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station. A single journey is JPY1750 and takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from the Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Return or one-way tickets can be booked online on the Highway Buses Japan site. You can also buy your ticket back to Shinjuku at Kawaguchiko Station once you’re there, though you may have fewer options on the day itself.

    • We suggest taking an early morning bus - departing around 7:30am or so - to arrive at around 9:30am. This will give you a full day in the area.

  • From JR Shinjuku Station, take South Exit 南口

    • Walk outside to street level

    • Cross the road to the Shinjuku Bus Terminal

    • Go to the 4th floor

    • Buses to the Mt. Fuji area typically depart from stops B5 or B6

  • Bus 1251, Fujikyuko Bus

  • Get off at Kawaguchiko Station to go to Lake Kawaguchiko

    • The tourist center at the station has tour books

  • Cable car (15-min walk from the station): Mt. Kachikachi Ropeway to Tenjoyama Park

  • Top of Mt. Tenjoyama

  • “For the energetic, there’s a gentle 40-minute hiking trail leading down from the top of the mountain, which is particularly pleasant in cooler weather.”

Detail 2

  • Once you’re done with the pretty views, take the cable car back down and return to Stop 11. Take the bus to Stop 17, which is outside the Music Forest Museum.

  • Hōtō Fudō (Hōtō noodles)

    • Houtoufudou (ほうとう不動 河口湖北本店)

    • You’ll be eating Hōtō noodles here. There's almost nothing else on the menu, save for some decent simmered intestines, inarizushi (rice in tofu pockets), and Japanese pickles. These noodles are a local Yamanashi specialty, consisting of thick, chewy wheat noodles (texturally rather like rustic dumplings, or knife-cut Chinese noodles) and simmered seasonal vegetables in a rich miso-based broth. Don’t forget to stir in some shichimi chili powder.

  • Make your way back out to the main road and back to the same bus stop from before (Stop 19). Alight at Stop 15. Cross the road, heading to the lakeside walking path. The views of the lake and Mt. Fuji are fabulous. Follow the path, all the while skirting the edges of the lake. Turn into the canopied walking path. Further along, you’ll encounter a set of stone steps. Climb up. You're now on Ubuyagasaki Cape, where you’ll see another view of Mt. Fuji. Go back down and find your way onto the bridge. Walk across to the other side of the lake. It's a leisurely stroll that shouldn't take more than 15 - 20 minutes. If it's hot and sunny, we recommend parasols and plenty of water. We recommend walking down to the lake shore after you reach the other side. Spend some time enjoying the waters - and the fabulous views.

  • Ubuyagasaki Cape and Crossing Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge

Detail 3

  • Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

  • Maple Corridor

  • Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

  • Walk back to Stop 17. It’s a short 10-minute ride to the end of the line - the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center.

  • Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center

  • Head back to Tokyo

  • Dinner at the hotel: Restaurant 1899 Ochanomizu; reservation for 7:30 PM

    • Lunch 11：00 a.m.～2：00 p.m.（L.O.1：30 p.m.）
      Cafe 2：00 p.m.～4：30 p.m.（L.O.4：00 p.m.）
      Dinner 5：30 p.m. ～11：00 p.m.（L.O.10：00 p.m.）
      ※Saturday and Sunday ～10:00 p.m.（L.O.9:00 p.m.)