Getting There in Mount Fuji and Hakone
Part of the Mount Fuji and Hakone travel guide — see every topic in All Mount Fuji and Hakone Guides.
Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes are both easy day trips from Tokyo, but they are on different routes. Hakone is south of Fuji and is best reached by train. The Fuji Five Lakes are north of Fuji and are often easier by bus. This guide explains each choice and how to link the two areas.
Shinkansen to Odawara
The fastest way from central Tokyo to Hakone is the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Odawara. Hikari and Kodama trains stop at Odawara, and the trip takes about 35 to 45 minutes. Most Nozomi trains do not stop there, so check before you board. From Odawara, take the Hakone Tozan line or a local Odakyu train to Hakone-Yumoto in about 15 minutes, then start the Hakone loop. Buses also leave from Odawara Station to many parts of Hakone. This route is a good choice if you stay near Tokyo Station or arrive from western Japan.
Romancecar from Shinjuku
The Romancecar is Odakyu's limited express train. It runs from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 80 minutes, with no change. Seats are reserved, and you need an express ticket on top of the normal fare. Some trains have front seats with a wide window over the track. These sell out early, so book online a few days ahead. The Romancecar is the most relaxing way to reach Hakone from west Tokyo. If you buy a Hakone Freepass in Shinjuku, it covers the normal fare to Hakone, and you add only the express ticket.
Highway buses to Kawaguchiko
Highway buses run often from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, called Busta Shinjuku, to Kawaguchiko Station. The trip takes about 2 hours, but traffic can make it longer on weekends and holidays. Some buses also stop at Fuji-Q Highland, a theme park near the lake. Buses also run from Tokyo Station, Shibuya and Haneda Airport. Book seats online ahead of time, because buses fill up, especially in the morning and on weekends. Buses to the Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station, where the Yoshida climbing trail starts, also run from Shinjuku in the climbing season.
Trains to Kawaguchiko
By train, the usual way is a JR express from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then the Fujikyu line to Kawaguchiko. The Fuji Excursion is a limited express that runs straight from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko without a change, in about 2 hours. There are only a few trips each day, so book a seat early. Japan Rail Pass holders ride free only as far as Otsuki and must pay for the Fujikyu section. Mount Fuji Station and Shimoyoshida Station, for the Chureito viewpoint, are on the same line. The Fujikyu line has some special trains with large windows facing Fuji.
Linking Hakone and the lakes
There is no direct train between Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes. The usual link is by bus through Gotemba, a town at the eastern foot of Fuji. Buses from Hakone go to Gotemba Station or to Gotemba Premium Outlets, a large outlet mall. From Gotemba, other buses go on to Kawaguchiko or Lake Yamanaka. The trip takes about 2 to 3 hours with a change, and buses are not frequent. Check timetables before you go, or join a tour that covers both areas. Many visitors prefer to stay one or two nights in each area instead of rushing both in a day.
Getting There at a glance
| Getting there | Hakone: Romancecar from Shinjuku about 80 minutes, or Shinkansen to Odawara about 35 to 45 minutes; Kawaguchiko: highway bus or Fuji Excursion about 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Hours | Trains and buses run from early morning to evening; last buses can be early |
| Cost | Express tickets are extra on the Romancecar and Fuji Excursion; the Japan Rail Pass covers only part of the Kawaguchiko route |
| Best time | Weekday mornings to avoid traffic and full buses |
| Tip | Book seats on Romancecar, Fuji Excursion and highway buses in advance |