“Fuji Excursion” Complete Guide – Fares, Timetables, and More

Just about two hours from central Tokyo, Yamanashi Prefecture is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or even a day trip. At the heart of this region stands Mt. Fuji, which was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 2013. As Japan’s most iconic mountain, it attracts countless visitors from both Japan and abroad.

There are many ways to reach the Mt. Fuji area from Tokyo—by bus, train, taxi, or rental car—but in this article, we will focus on traveling by train.

The gateway to Mt. Fuji sightseeing is Kawaguchiko Station, the final stop on the Fujikyu Railway Line. Located at an elevation of 857 meters, it actually sits higher than the Tokyo Skytree (634 meters). Around the station, you’ll find plenty of attractions and scenic spots with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, making it one of the most popular bases for exploring the area.

For the most convenient and comfortable access from central Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station, the best choice is the Fuji Excursion limited express train, which runs directly on the JR Chuo Line and Fujikyu Railway Line. Departing from Shinjuku Station, it takes about two hours with no transfers, all while offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from your seat.

As the train leaves Tokyo, the scenery transforms from bustling urban landscapes to peaceful countryside vistas. Soon, the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji comes into view, growing larger with every passing minute. The journey itself becomes part of the sightseeing experience, turning your transfer into a luxurious train trip.

In this guide, we’ll introduce everything you need to know about the Fuji Excursion—from fares to timetables and travel tips.

What is the “Fuji Excursion” (Fuji Kaiyu)?

The Fuji Excursion is a limited express train that offers direct access from Shinjuku in Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko area with no transfers required. As the train leaves behind the skyscrapers of the city and glides into the serene countryside, passengers can enjoy the gradual shift in scenery, making the journey itself a memorable sightseeing experience. Running between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko in as little as 1 hour 53 minutes, it is the fastest and most convenient way to travel, eliminating the hassle of changing trains.

The train stops at the following stations, making it an ideal route for both sightseeing and leisure:

Stations served: Shinjuku, Tachikawa, Hachioji, Otsuki, Tsuru-Bunkadaigaku-mae, Shimoyoshida, Mt. Fuji, Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko

Inside the train, you’ll find excellent facilities designed for comfort and convenience, especially for travelers carrying large suitcases or bags.

・Spacious, reserved seating for all passengers
・Power outlets at every seat
・Free Wi-Fi (JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi)
・Dedicated storage areas for large luggage

The Fuji Excursion usually operates as a three-car train. From the fourth car onward, it is coupled with the limited express Kaiji or Azusa trains running between Shinjuku, Kofu, and Matsumoto. If your destination is Mt. Fuji or Kawaguchiko, be sure to board cars 1 through 3.

How to Tell Between a Reserved Seat Ticket and a Non-Reserved Ticket

When traveling on the Fuji Excursion, you will need either a Reserved Seat Ticket or a Non-Reserved Ticket. The price is the same for both, but we strongly recommend purchasing a Reserved Seat Ticket for peace of mind.

Reserved Seat Ticket

A Reserved Seat Ticket guarantees you a seat from your departure station to your arrival station. With your own designated seat, you can travel comfortably and without stress.

Non-Reserved Ticket

A Non-Reserved Ticket is valid only for a specific date and section of the journey, but does not guarantee a seat. You may sit in any unoccupied seat. However:

• If the train is full, you may have to stand for the entire ride.
• If someone with a Reserved Seat Ticket arrives, you must give up the seat.

For passengers using the Fuji Excursion only between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko, only Non-Reserved Tickets are available. Depending on the availability, you may need to stand.

How to Check Seat Availability

On the Fuji Excursion, you can easily confirm the seating status by looking at the lamp above each seat:

🔴 Red light: The seat is available. Anyone may sit here.
🟡 Yellow flashing light: The seat will become reserved from the next station. You may sit temporarily, but be cautious.
🟢 Green light: The seat is already reserved. You cannot sit here.

Fares

The fare for the Fuji Excursion depends on your boarding section. Please note:

• From Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station, you are on the Fujikyu Railway Line, which requires both a regular ticket and a limited express ticket.
• From Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, you are on the JR Chuo Line, which requires a separate JR fare.

Below is a summary of fares (adult and child, paper ticket and IC card) for major stations to Mt. Fuji, Fuji-Q Highland, and Kawaguchiko.

[2025] Special Seasonal Trains: Fuji Excursion No. 81 & No. 78

From May through September 2025, special seasonal trains, the Fuji Excursion No. 81 and Fuji Excursion No. 78, will also be in operation. These extra services are especially convenient during peak travel times, such as Golden Week and summer holidays, making it easier to reach the Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko area.

Tip: These special trains are very popular during weekends and holidays. We recommend securing tickets early to ensure a smooth and comfortable trip.

[2025] Timetable

Outbound (Shinjuku Sta. ～ Kawaguchiko Sta.)

＜Weekdays＞

＜Weekends & Holidays＞

Inbound (Kawaguchiko Sta. ～ Shinjuku Sta.)

＜Weekdays＞

＜Weekends & Holidays＞

Timetables are subject to change depending on train operations.

How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets for the Fuji Excursion can be purchased through the following methods:

Online Reservation: via Ekinet (JR East’s official booking site)
Ticket Counter: “Midori no Madoguchi” staffed ticket offices at major stations
Ticket Machines: Automatic vending machines at JR stations

Among these, we highly recommend advance booking through Ekinet. Since the Fuji Excursion operates with only three cars and limited seating, tickets sell out quickly—especially in recent years with the increasing number of international travelers.

Important: Same-day purchases may not guarantee a seat. To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey, we strongly advise booking tickets well in advance.

When departing from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, head to Platform 9 or 10 for Chuo Line Limited Express trains.

Reserve your Fuji Excursion tickets online here!

How to Book Online

Search

First, select your departure station, arrival station, date, and number of passengers.

Route Search Results

In the results, look for tickets labeled “Fuji Excursion.”

• If seats are fully booked, a “×” will be displayed.
• In that case, scroll down and select “Next Train” to check availability on a later departure.

Select Ticket & Seat Type

Choose “Select from Reserved Seats” and then pick either:

• “No Discount”: You will need to issue the ticket at a reserved seat machine or ticket counter.
• “Ticketless Discount”: If asked by staff or the conductor, you must log in to your Ekinet account and show your purchase history as proof.

Select Your Train Ticket

In addition to the reserved seat, you also need a regular train ticket. Choose either:

• “Apply for Train Ticket (Paper)”: Must be issued at a ticket machine or counter.
• “Do Not Apply for Train Ticket”: Use your own IC card (such as Suica or PASMO) for the basic fare.

Choose Your Seat

Next, select your preferred seat from the seat map.

Confirm Booking Details

Review all details of your booking. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. Payment methods include:

• Credit card
• Convenience stores
• Financial institutions
• JR stations

Once confirmed, your ticket purchase is complete.

Book your Fuji Excursion tickets online here:

Summary

In this guide, we introduced the Fuji Excursion, the limited express train that directly connects the JR Chuo Line with the Fujikyu Railway Line—offering both speed and convenience for traveling to the Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko area.

One of the most unique highlights of the Fuji Excursion is the switchback maneuver at Fujisan Sta.. During this process, the car that was at the back (Car No. 3) becomes the front of the train. This allows passengers to enjoy a completely different perspective—traveling toward Kawaguchiko while watching the scenery unfold with Mt. Fuji behind you. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that makes the journey even more memorable.

At Otsuki Sta., the Fuji Excursion separates from the Kaiji and Azusa trains. Passengers can briefly step off the train, enjoy the fresh air, and even take a short stroll on the platform before continuing their journey. Just be sure to pay attention to the separation time so you don’t miss your train.

Although the Fuji Excursion itself does not offer onboard sales, you can purchase drinks and light snacks in the Azusa cars, which are coupled with the train between Shinjuku and Otsuki. This is a great way to refresh yourself during the trip.

For more details, don’t forget to also check out our guides to the Kaiji and Azusa trains, which connect Tokyo with other parts of Yamanashi and Nagano.

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