Getting Around Mt. Fuji

Retro Omnibus

Taking one of the Omnibuses is the easiest way to get around the majority of the Five Fuji Lakes. The Retro or Omnibus has three different lines: Red Kawaguchiko Line, Green Saiko Line, and the Blue Narusawa Shojiko Motosuko Line.

The Red buses stop in Kawaguchiko Station every 15 minutes. It runs along the eastern and northern parts of Lake Kawaguchiko. The Green bus stops every 30 minutes and runs along the southern parts of Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Saiko. The Blue bus stops every two hours at Kawaguchiko Station and serves Lakes Shojiko and Motosuko. You can get a pamphlet or a travel map/guide at the Kawaguchiko Station.

The bus fares vary depending on where you want to go. They also offer an unlimited bus pass which covers the three lines. This particular pass can be used for two consecutive days and costs 1500 yen for adults and 750 for kids.

More details here: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/

Fujikko Bus

Another bus network travels between Fujiyoshida, Oshino Village and Lake Yamankako. The Fujikko buses run eleven times or once every one or two hours every day, almost similar to the Omni Blue bus line. It also has a 2-day pass which costs 1500 yen for adults and 750 for kids. There is a cheaper alternative but it only covers the areas between Oshino Village and Yamankako. You can ask the driver about it.

More details here: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/2/

Mt. Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus

You can learn more about Mt. Fuji’s history and culture just by riding this bus.

This particular tourist bus departs from Kawaguchiko Station every 1.5 hours and stops at several sites near the famous Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida and some spots near the Oshino Village before it loops back to Kawaguchiko Station. There are 6 services every day but during winter they cut down their trips to 5. Don’t be confused about their free coupons, you still have to pay for it so you can ride the bus for 2 consecutive days. This 2-day pass costs 1030 yen for adults and 310 for kids.

More details here: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/3/

Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station

This line will bring you to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji where you can start your ascent to the mountain.

Can’t find which bus to take? Don’t fret! There is a network of regular buses that access the more remote areas of Lake Shojiko and Motosuko, as well as Oshino, Lake Yamankako, and Gotemba.

Fares and Passes

So far Japan is the only country I know which has TONS of passes for different kinds of purposes. And yes, Japan definitely has passes for Fuji!

Fuji Hakone Pass

This pass can be used within the Fuji Five Lakes region and the neighboring Hakone area. It costs 8000 yen.

Fujigoko Enjoy Ticket

This ticket combines a roundtrip bus ticket from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko or Yamankako and a 2-day pass for either Omnibus or the Fujikko bus. It is valid for seven (7) days and can be purchased in Shinjuku for 4350 yen.

Fuji Q Highland Plans

If it’s not that obvious, this can be used in the amusement park, Fuji Q Highland, BUT it includes access to buses with park passports and in some cases accommodations.

Fujisan Fujigoko Passport

This pass allows unlimited use of the Fujikyu buses around the Fuji Five Lakes. This covers both the Omnibus and Fujikko buses. You can purchase this pass at the ticket counters in Kawaguchiko Station, Fujisan Station, Mishima Station, Shin-Fuji Station, Fujinomiya Station, Gotemba Station, and the Asashigaoka or Yamankako bus stop. There are two variations – one that includes the entire Fujikyu railway line and the other one includes Fujikyu trains ONLY between Kawaguchiko and Shimoyoshida stations. It costs 3550 yen and 2550 yen respectively.

JR Pass

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you may ride all JR lines, including the newest Fuji Excursion. However, at present only the JR portion of the ticket (Shinjuku <=> Otsuki) would be covered.

Passengers would be responsible for the Otsuki <=> Mt. Fuji, Fujikyu Highland, Kawaguchiko portion of the ticket plus express fare.
・Otsuki→Kawaguchiko: 1,140 yen (one-way)
・Express fare (one-way): 600 yen for adults; 400 yen for children
・Total: 1,740 yen (one-way)

JR Tokyo Wide Pass

Express fare plus ticket is included with this pass. However, it is recommended to speak with a JR ticket counter (green window) staff to make a seat reservation, given the popularity of the train. Reservations are free.

Sights and Activities

Below are some of the tourist attractions in Yamanashi Prefecture:

Oishi Park

You can enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Fuji while strolling in Oishi Park or dining in one of their outdoor restaurants.

Maple Corridor

Just by its name, you will only enjoy this place come Autumn. Although most would prefer the Kawaguchiko Music Forest where you can find the Momiji Tunnel, the maple corridor is easier to access. Just ride the Red Omnibus and stop right in front of the maple tree covered street.

Kachi-Kachi Ropeway

Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:10, 9:30 to 16:40 (between December and February)

Admission: 800 yen (roundtrip)

The Kachi Kachi Ropeway ascends to an observation point near the summit of Mount Tenjo, where Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji can be seen.

Kubota Itchiku Museum

A unique museum showcasing kimonos created by Kubota Itchiku who spent his lifetime reviving the lost art of Tsujigahang silk dyeing. One of his notable and yet unfinished masterpieces is the “Symphony of Light” which comprises 80 kimonos that form a picture of Mt. Fuji.

Yamanashi Gem Museum

Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:30 (between March and October), 9:30 to 17:00 (between November to February)

Closed: Wednesday, unless it’s a national holiday

Admission: 600 yen

The Yamanashi Gem Museum displays gems, precious stones and large quartz crystals collected from Japan and other parts of the world. The museum also has a store where you can purchase pieces of jewelry and other trinkets made with the same types of gems on display.

Chureito Pagoda

After 398 steps, you’ll reach the hilltop facing Mt. Fuji in Arakurayama Sengen Park.

Fujiten Snow Resort (and other Ski Resorts)

Opening Hours: Weekdays 8:30 to 17:00, Weekends and Holidays 9:00 to 17:00, Night Skiing 16:00 to 22:00

Lift Tickets (1day)

Adult Lift Ticket 4,000yen
Junior Lift Ticket 3,000yen
Senior Lift Ticket 3,000yen

Rentals (1day)

Ski Set 4,500yen
Snowboard Set 4,500yen
Wear 4,000yen

If you’re visiting during the winter, consider going to any of the two ski resorts in Fuji area. I only visited Fujiten Snow Resort on my last visit. Fujiten Snow Resort is a snow park equipped with 4 lifts, 7 courses, sledding slopes and more. It’s the most suitable location to ski for beginners. More info here.

Aokigahara Forest

Aokigahara, also known as the Jukai which means Sea of Trees, is located at the Northwestern part of Mt. Fuji and can be accessed by riding the Retro or Omnibus. Its entrance is in the parking lot of the Lake Sai Bat Cave.

Some tourists visit the area because of the two caves – the Ice Cave and the Wind Cave but some visit because of its macabre side. Unfortunately, it happens to be coined as the world’s second most popular suicide location.

Locals say there are three types of visitors who dare to visit Jukai: the trekkers, those who are interested in scenic vistas of Mt. Fuji; the curious, those who are hoping for a glimpse of the macabre; and those souls who don’t plan on leaving Jukai.

If you plan to visit the forest, be respectful. Contact the local authorities if you spot something so they can appropriately handle the situation. Anything you experience or witness in the forest should not be taken lightly.