Step-by-step guide on how to travel from Ekoda or Nerima station to Mt. Fuji in 2026. Best routes by train and bus, travel time, costs, and tips for visiting Fuji as a day trip.
Mt. Fuji is Japan's most iconic landmark, and from Nerima or Ekoda you are only 2–2.5 hours from its base. The journey involves connecting to Shinjuku Station first, then taking one of two main routes: by train to Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes area) or by highway bus directly to the Fuji 5th Station.
From Ekoda to Shinjuku:
1. Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ekoda to Ikebukuro (approximately 8 minutes)
2. Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line toward Shinjuku (approximately 10 minutes)
3. Total time: approximately 18–20 minutes | IC card fare: approximately ¥230–¥280
From Nerima to Shinjuku:
1. Take the Toei Oedo Line from Nerima toward Shinjuku
2. Total time: approximately 20–30 minutes | IC card fare: approximately ¥280–¥350
Option A — Highway Bus to Kawaguchiko (Recommended):
Operator: Keio Bus / Fujikyu Highway Bus
Departure: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Basta Shinjuku), connected to Shinjuku Station South Exit
Travel time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours (depending on traffic)
Fare: approximately ¥1,800–¥2,000 one way (2026)
Booking: Reserve online in advance — strongly recommended during peak season (July–August, spring)
Option B — Direct bus to Fuji 5th Station (July–September only):
During the official climbing season (early July to mid-September), direct buses run from Shinjuku to the Yoshida 5th Station.
Travel time: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes | Fare: approximately ¥2,800–¥3,000 one way
Option C — Train via JR Chuo Line + Fujikyu Railway:
1. JR Chuo Line Limited Express (Kaiji or Azusa) from Shinjuku to Otsuki (approximately 60–75 minutes, ¥1,450–¥2,000)
2. Transfer to Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko (approximately 50 minutes, ¥1,170)
Total: approximately 2 hours | Fare: approximately ¥2,620–¥3,170
Note: Some weekend trains run directly Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko without transfer.
Route summary:
- Shinjuku + Highway Bus to Kawaguchiko: ~2 hrs 10 min, ~¥2,050–¥2,300 (most visitors)
- Shinjuku + JR + Fujikyu to Kawaguchiko: ~2 hrs 20 min, ~¥2,900–¥3,450 (train enthusiasts)
- Shinjuku + Direct Bus to 5th Station: ~2 hrs 35 min, ~¥3,050–¥3,300 (climbers, July–September)
Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi)
The most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes. Key attractions:
• Kachi Kachi Ropeway – cable car to a viewpoint with Mt. Fuji panorama
• Kawaguchiko Music Forest – lakeside museum with European-style gardens and Fuji views
• Oishi Park – famous for seasonal flowers (lavender in July, kochia in autumn) with Fuji backdrop
• Kubota Itchiku Art Museum – textile art set in beautiful gardens
Fuji 5th Station (Subashiri or Yoshida route)
Even if you are not climbing, visiting the 5th Station gives you a close-up view of the mountain and access
to souvenir shops and restaurants. The air is noticeably cooler at altitude (approximately 2,300m).
Note: The official Mt. Fuji climbing season is July 1 – September 10. Outside this period, higher stations may be closed or difficult to access.
Chureito Pagoda (Fujiyoshida)
One of the most photographed views of Mt. Fuji: the five-story Chureito Pagoda with Fuji in the background. Access from Fujisan Station on the Fujikyu Railway (approximately 20–30 minute walk and stair climb from the station).
Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay
Day trip is possible — leaving Ekoda or Nerima at 7:30–8:00am gives you plenty of time to reach Kawaguchiko by 10:00–10:30am, explore for 5–6 hours, and return to Tokyo by early evening.
Overnight stay is recommended if you want to:
• Climb Mt. Fuji (requires an early morning start from the 5th Station)
• See Fuji at sunrise or sunset
• Visit multiple lakes or attractions without rushing
Several ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and guesthouses are available around Kawaguchiko at various price points.
Practical Tips
• Book buses in advance during peak season — seats sell out, especially on weekends in July and August
• Dress in layers — even in summer, the 5th Station is significantly cooler than Tokyo
• Cash — some facilities at the 5th Station and smaller lake-area shops are cash-only
• Check weather — Mt. Fuji is frequently obscured by clouds; clear days are more common in the morning
• IC card (Suica/Pasmo) works for the Fujikyu Railway
• Return buses from Kawaguchiko to Shinjuku run until approximately 8:30pm — check the last bus time before leaving
