Ticket - Train - Tokyo station - Kawaguchiko

The express bus journey between Kawaguchiko and Tokyo station (Shinjuku or Tokyo station ) usually takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. This time may vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, especially during rush hour, weekends, and holidays. It is always best to allow for a longer travel time and check traffic forecasts if you have a tight schedule.

We recommend two main options for returning to Tokyo station from Kawaguchiko: the express bus or the train.

By express bus: Buses connect Kawaguchiko Station directly to various points in Tokyo station, including Shinjuku Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) and Tokyo station (Yaesu South Exit). This mode of transportation is often the most direct and can be convenient for travelers with large luggage, thanks to the storage space in the luggage compartment. The journey time varies between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic. Seats are generally designed for comfort over medium distances. It is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak periods, via the bus companies' websites or directly at Kawaguchiko Station.

By train: The train journey from Kawaguchiko usually requires a transfer. Take the Fujikyu Railway line from Kawaguchiko Station to Otsuki Station, then take a Limited Express train (Kaiji or Azusa) or a local train on the JR Chuo line to Shinjuku or Tokyo station. The Fujikyu line offers picturesque views. A few “Fuji Excursion” Limited Express trains offer a direct connection from Kawaguchiko to Shinjuku without changing at Otsuki, but they only run a few times a day. The total journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, not including waiting time for connections. Japanese trains are renowned for their punctuality.

To determine the last train to Tokyo station, it is essential to check the updated timetables on the day of your trip, either at Kawaguchiko Station or via reliable navigation apps such as Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan/Navitime). As the journey often involves a transfer at Otsuki, it is crucial to check not only the schedule of the last Fujikyu Railway train to Otsuki, but also the connection with the last JR Chuo Line train (Limited Express or local) departing from Otsuki to Shinjuku or Tokyo station. We advise you not to take any risks with the last connections and to allow for extra time, as a delay on the Fujikyu line could cause you to miss the JR train.

Express buses to Shinjuku depart from the bus terminal just outside Kawaguchiko Station (Kawaguchiko Station Bus Terminal). It is an easy landmark to find, and the staff on site can assist travelers. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter if seats are still available, but online booking is recommended to guarantee a seat, especially during busy periods.