Blood, Sweat, and Tears: The Ultimate Mt. Fuji Transportation Survival Guide – Bookmark Now!

Just back from Mt. Fuji! This hard-earned transportation guide will help you dodge all the traffic pitfalls. Save it! Don’t let transport ruin your sacred pilgrimage to the holy mountain 🗻

🚌 Airport → Mt. Fuji Area Transport
【1】Fuji Excursion Limited Express Train
✅ Features: Direct from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, all reserved seats, scenic windows + charging ports
💰 Price: One-way ¥4,130 (≈¥198)
⚠️ Tips:
• Schedule: 4 round trips daily (first train departs Shinjuku at 7:30)
• Boarding: Shinjuku Station, Central South Exit, Platform 12

【2】Highway Bus
✅ Features: Half the price of JR, direct to Kawaguchiko/Fuji-Q Highland
💰 Price: Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko ¥2,000 (≈¥96)
⚠️ Tips:
• Hours: 5:00–23:00 (departs from Shinjuku Busta Terminal, every 20 mins)

【3】Haneda Airport Direct Bus
✅ Features: No transfers, spacious luggage storage
💰 Price: ¥2,520 (≈¥121)
⚠️ Tips:
• Schedule: Weekends only (9:00/14:00/18:00)
• Boarding: Haneda T3, Bus Stop 2
• Pro Tip: Book online early! On-site tickets often sell out.

🚎 Mt. Fuji Area Transport
【1】Retro Bus
✅ Features: Covers all attractions, three routes for the Fuji Five Lakes
💰 Price: Single ride ¥150–2,000 | Day pass ¥2,800 (≈¥134)
⚠️ Tips:
• Hours: Red Line (Kawaguchiko Loop) 7:00–19:00 | Green Line (Saiko) 8:30–17:00
• Pitfall: Blue Line runs only 3x daily—check the schedule!
• Golden Route: Red Line Stop 17 "Kachikachiyama Ropeway" → Stop 8 "Music Forest"

【2】Mt. Fuji Climbing Bus
✅ Features: Direct to 4 major trailheads, Yoshida Trail has the most frequent service
💰 Price: Kawaguchiko → Yoshida 5th Station ¥1,700 (≈¥82)
⚠️ Tips:
• 2025 New Rule: Yoshida Trail requires online booking + ¥4,000 climbing fee
• Hours: July 1–Sept 10, 6:00–14:00 (trail closes in the afternoon)
• Pitfall: Shizuoka routes don’t require booking but still charge ¥4,000

【3】Ropeway + Cruise
✅ Features: Zero hiking, great for families!
💰 Price: Ropeway round-trip ¥900 + Cruise ¥1,000 (≈¥91)
⚠️ Tips:
• Hours: Kawaguchiko Cruise 9:00–17:00 (every 30 mins)
• Combo Ticket: Ropeway + Cruise ¥1,500 (save ¥400)

⛰️ Climbing Transport Special Guide
Yoshida Trail requires mandatory booking 👇
• Website: Mt. Fuji Climbing Reservation System (EN/JP/CN)
• Fee: ¥4,000 (≈¥192) includes QR code e-pass
• Slots: Only 2,000 online + 2,000 on-site daily
• Night climbing is banned!

Gate Hours: 3:00 AM–2:00 PM
Penalty: ¥50,000 fine for no-reservation night climbers (only mountain hut guests allowed at night)
Must-Haves: Headlamp + non-slip shoes + warm jacket

📦 Pro Tips
Essential Apps 📱
• JR East: Book Fuji Excursion seats + check real-time availability
• Japan Travel by NAVITIME: Bus schedules down to the minute + offline maps
• YAMAP: Tracks hiking routes, anti-get-lost tool