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The Fuji Excursion is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. It runs directly from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko — no transfers needed.
This guide explains the route, timetable, tickets, and how to book your seat.
The Fuji Excursion is a limited express train, not a Shinkansen. It is jointly operated by JR East and Fujikyu Railway, a private railway company serving the Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko area.
The train runs on two different rail lines during the same journey: the JR Chuo Line between Shinjuku and Otsuki, and the Fujikyu Railway Line between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko.
The Fuji Excursion is the only direct train between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko. For travelers staying in Tokyo, it offers a simple, one-train connection to the Mt. Fuji area. No transfers mean less confusion — especially useful for first-time visitors to Japan.
The train also offers a comfortable interior with scenic views and a relaxed travel experience between city and nature.
The Fuji Excursion makes the following main stops:
Not all services stop at every station. Check the timetable before boarding.
The Fuji Excursion takes approximately 1 hour 55 minutes to travel from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko. This makes it one of the fastest options for reaching the Mt. Fuji area from central Tokyo.
The Fuji Excursion typically runs 4 round trips per day on weekdays. The first departure from Shinjuku is in the morning, and the last return from Kawaguchiko is in the evening.
Exact departure times vary by season and schedule, so always confirm on the JR East or Fujikyu Railway website before you travel.
The Fuji Excursion runs more frequently on weekends, public holidays, and during peak travel seasons such as Cherry Blossom Season (late March–mid-April), Golden Week (late April–early May), summer (July–August), and autumn foliage season (October–November). Additional trains are added during these periods to meet higher demand.
During busy seasons, tickets often sell out days or weeks in advance. Plan ahead if you are traveling on a weekend or holiday.
All seats on the Fuji Excursion are reserved. To board, you must have either a Reserved Seat Ticket or an Unassigned Seat Ticket.
We strongly recommend booking a Reserved Seat Ticket in advance. With an Unassigned Seat Ticket, you can only sit in a seat if it is currently vacant. If the train is full, you may have to stand for the entire journey.
Power outlets are available at every seat, allowing you to charge your laptop or smartphone during the journey.
The train offers onboard Wi-Fi service, though connection speed and stability may vary. For more stable internet access while traveling in Japan, many visitors choose a travel SIM or pocket Wi-Fi, such as Japan Wireless or a Japan Wireless eSIM.
The train has overhead luggage racks above the seats.
Large suitcases can be placed in designated storage areas in some cars. These spaces are not reservable, so boarding early is recommended if you need extra luggage space.
Book your tickets as early as possible, especially for weekend travel or peak seasons. Reservations open one month in advance. During busy periods, trains can sell out quickly.
You can book Fuji Excursion tickets through several online platforms. Online booking allows you to secure your seat in advance and avoid the risk of sold-out trains.
If you are planning a Fuji Excursion trip in addition to Shinkansen travel, Japan Bullet Train offers an easy online booking experience with multilingual support. You can book online, receive a QR code, and exchange it for a paper ticket at the station.
You can buy tickets at JR ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) at major stations. Ticket machines at Shinjuku Station also sell reserved seat tickets. However, during busy seasons, counter wait times can be long. Online booking is the safer option for guaranteed seats.
The Fuji Excursion departs from the JR platform area at Shinjuku Station, on the JR Chuo Line side. It typically uses the following platforms:
Platform assignments may change depending on the day and schedule, so always check the departure board before boarding.
Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest stations in the world. Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure to allow time for navigation and ticket exchange.
For a guide to boarding at Shinjuku Station, see our Shinjuku Station Guide.
While Fuji Excursion is the most direct and convenient train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, there are several other ways to reach Mt. Fuji.
Some travelers transfer at Otsuki, while others choose highway buses from Shinjuku.
The Azusa and Kaiji limited express trains also run on the JR Chuo Line and stop at Otsuki. From Otsuki, you transfer to the Fujikyu Railway to reach Kawaguchiko.
This option requires one transfer and takes slightly longer than the Fuji Excursion, but trains run more frequently throughout the day.
You can reach Otsuki using local trains on the Chuo Line, then transfer to Fujikyu Railway. This is the cheapest option because you don't have to pay the Limited Express surcharge.
However, be prepared for a significantly longer journey — usually around 3 to 3.5 hours or more, depending on connections.
Highway buses from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko are a popular, budget-friendly choice. While they are cheaper than the Fuji Excursion, they are highly susceptible to traffic congestion, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
Fuji Excursion offers fixed, reliable arrival times, and a more spacious environment, making it the stress-free choice for those on a tight schedule.
Fuji Excursion has no non-reserved cars. You need either a reserved-seat limited express ticket or a seat-unassigned limited express ticket before boarding.
If the reserved seat ticket is sold out, you may still board with a limited express ticket without a seat assignment. However, you may have to stand for the entire journey from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko.
The JR Pass covers the JR section between Shinjuku and Otsuki, but you must pay separately for the Fujikyu section between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko.
Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure. Shinjuku Station is large and can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Yes. On clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible from window seats, especially after the train passes Otsuki.
The Fuji Excursion is one of the fastest and most direct ways to travel from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko. With reserved seating and scenic mountain views, it offers a smooth start to your Mt. Fuji visit.
For Shinkansen and other limited express trains across Japan, book easily online with Japan Bullet Train. Reserve your seat, receive a QR code, and exchange it for a paper ticket at the station — simple and convenient for international travelers.
Plan your trip early, especially for weekends and peak seasons, and enjoy a comfortable journey to one of Japan’s most iconic destinations.