Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols, possessing a timeless beauty. Located about 100 kilometres south-west of Tokyo, it rises imposingly, dominating the horizon with its perfect conical shape.
Climbing Mount Fuji is certainly an epic experience but not for everyone. For those who prefer not to tackle the climb (or don’t have enough time), the 5th Station, located at an altitude of over 2300 metres, is an excellent alternative. From here, the view of the summit of Mount Fuji is spectacular.
In order to make the most of the time available, it is essential to have a well-organised itinerary: from the departure from Tokyo and for all the stops during the day. This article will guide you through the main attractions of the 5th Station so that you don’t miss anything essential. Get ready to experience an unforgettable day immersed in the natural beauty and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
How to get there
With the Japan Rail Pass (JPR)
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can leave Shinjuku by taking the Azusa Shinkansen to Otsuki (about 68 minutes). From Otsuki, change and take the Fujisan Express to Kawaguchiko station (approximately 47 minutes). Please note that a supplement is charged on the Fujikyu line. From Kawaguchiko, take a Highway bus (extra charge, ¥1540) that will take you to Fifth Station in about an hour.
If you are in doubt about whether or not to buy the JRP, read our Practical Travel Tips for Japan.
Without the Japan Rail Pass (JPR)
If you do not wish to use the Japan Rail Pass, you can take the Highway Bus from Shinjuku that will take you directly to Mount Fuji Fifth Station in about 2 hours and 25 minutes. The cost of the ticket is ¥2,950 each way.
Alternatively, you can take the same bus and stop at Kawaguchiko station. From here, take the Fuji Subaru line, which is only available from May to October as it does not operate during the winter months. We made this choice and details of the route are given below.
Detailed itinerary
7:00 am – Departure from Higashu-Shinjuku
We take the Futukoshin Line underground and get off at stop F13. From there, we walk to the Shinjuku Bus Terminal.
Tips for Trips: The easiest way to find the Shinjuku Bus Terminal is to take the south exit from JR Shinjuku station. Once outside the ticket turnstiles, walk down to street level. You will see a building made of glass in front of the south exit. Cross the street and take the lift to the 4th floor. Once you exit the lift, you will find a map on your left showing where the various bus stops are. Buses to the Mount Fuji area generally depart from bus stops B5 or B6. If in doubt about which is the correct platform ask the terminal staff, they are always willing to help. It is best to arrive at least half an hour before the departure of the bus to allow enough time for any last minute hitches.
From Shinjuku Station we take the Highway Buses to Kawaguchiko. Other buses also leave from Shibuya Station and Tokyo Station. If you want to visit the Chureito Pagoda first (as we did), get off at Chuo Shimoyoshida (2150 Yen).
9:45 – Arrival at Chuodo Shimoyoshida
As we get off the bus, we take a flight of steps to the right that takes us to the inner street, just follow the sea of people moving towards the Arakurayama Sengen Park and the Chureito Pagoda to get to the park. All along the way, however, there are clear signs that one can follow. In about 15 minutes you arrive at the park entrance.
10:00 – Arakurayama Sengen Park and the Chureito Pagoda
The five-storey Chureito Pagoda is situated on a hill and offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. Its traditional structure and deep red colour contrast beautifully with the surrounding landscape. To climb up to the pagoda you have to climb a steep flight of over 400 steps. Although always crowded at the top, a balcony provides a fantastic view of the pagoda roof and Mount Fuji that you will hardly forget.
11:40 a.m. – Shimoyoshida Station
We turn back and head to Shimoyoshida Station, take the Fujikyu Railway Line (14 min, ¥310/track) to Kawaguchiko Station.
12:00 – Kawaguchiko Station
Once we leave Kawaguchiko station, we first take a bus pass.
Omni buses are the easiest way to get around. There are three lines departing from Kawaguchiko station: the Kawaguchiko Red Line (every 15 minutes) runs along the eastern and northern parts of Lake Kawaguchiko; the Saiko Green Line (every hour) runs along the southern part of Lake Kawaguchiko and arrives at Lake Saiko; the Narusawa Shojiko Motosuko Blue Line (every 1-2 hours) serves Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko.
In addition to tourist buses, there is a network of local buses that go as far as the more distant lakes such as Shojiko and Motosuko or in the direction of Oshino, Lake Yamanakako and Gotemba.
12:20 – Mt. Kachikachi cable car to Tenjoyama Park
First stop is Tenjoyama Park, with a magnificent view of Mount Fuji. The Mt. Kachikachi cable car to reach the park is about a 15-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. The bus takes a more circuitous route to stop 11 and still takes about 15 minutes.
The cable car runs from Lake Kawaguchi to Mount Tenjo. Cable cars depart every 5-10 minutes and the journey to the top of Mount Tenjoyama takes 3 minutes. Once at the top we explore Tenjoyama Park famous for its scenic trails leading to various viewpoints of majestic Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi below.
Tips for Trips: for those with more time, beyond the cable car there is a hiking trail from the observatory down the mountain, which takes about 30 minutes to descend. Another path leads from the observation point 300 metres higher up to a small shrine on the summit of Mount Tenjo and from there you can continue on to Mount Mitsutoge.
15:10 – Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre
We take the cable car back down and from stop 11 take the bus to the end of the line, stop 20 – Kawaguchiko Natural Living Centre.
We stroll through the flower gardens, there are all kinds of flowers according to the seasons, from lavender and hydrangeas to bellflowers and roses. It is a very well-kept garden, with plants arranged in neat rows, very characteristic and offers an even different view of Mount Fuji with the lake in the foreground.
16:10 – Kawaguchiko Station
We return to Kawaguchiko Station in time to catch the bus back to Shinjuku Station. In general, it is best to arrive a little earlier than the scheduled departure time. Things can get a little chaotic around the bus stops, and especially during holiday periods, traffic along the highway can cause delays.
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Here ends our one-day trip to Mount Fuji. We take home the classic magnet, some photos and a lasting memory of one of the world’s most famous sights.
Last modified: 18 May 2025
