Hello! I'm @owncolorstravel , a travel blogger who shares travel and lifestyle content both within Japan and abroad. This time, I took a solo domestic trip from my home in Okinawa to Kawaguchiko to see the iconic Mt. Fuji!
While my YouTube channel brings you the sights and atmosphere through travel vlogs, this article focuses in detail on what couldn't be fully covered in the video: How to get from Haneda Airport to Kawaguchiko Station.
Actually making the journey myself, I found quite a few tricky points that could easily confuse a first-time traveler, such as: ・Multiple transfers along the way ・A somewhat complex ticketing system ・Things I wish I had known beforehand regarding "Eki-net" bookings and basic train tickets
Based on my personal experience, I hope this guide will be helpful for anyone planning a visit to Kawaguchiko. This article is based on my trip in mid-May 2026.
Check out the YouTube video here: [Own Colors Journey]
Route to Mt. Fuji
Here is the step-by-step route for this trip:
Although I actually flew in all the way from Okinawa, this guide will focus on detailing the step-by-step journey from Haneda Airport to Kawaguchiko Station.
Trip Preparation
Before Heading to Mt. Fuji, Decide the Purpose of Your Trip
Even if you simply say "going to Mt. Fuji," the best access route changes significantly depending on your goal.
For instance, a trip like mine—focused on sightseeing and staying at a hotel around the Kawaguchiko area—requires different stations and transportation options compared to a trip aimed at climbing Mt. Fuji.
Therefore, I recommend first deciding "what your main purpose is for visiting Mt. Fuji" before looking into your travel routes.
For Mt. Fuji Climbing
When climbing Mt. Fuji, the best route depends on the specific climbing trail you choose.
Departing from Tokyo
・Yoshida Trail: Express buses are highly recommended. Direct buses are available to Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
・Gotemba / Subashiri Trails: Take the Limited Express "Fujisan" (from Shinjuku via the Gotemba Line) or express buses.
・Fujinomiya Trail: Taking the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji Station or Mishima Station is most convenient.
Departing from Nagoya or Osaka
・Tokaido Shinkansen
・Express Buses
Choose the option that best fits your destination, budget, and travel time.
Key Point
There is no single "correct route" for traveling to Mt. Fuji.
Since the nearest train stations or bus stops differ depending on your climbing trail and starting location, it’s essential to choose the transit method that fits your specific trip.
Please note: This article focuses on a travel guide for sightseeing around Kawaguchiko, detailing the route from Haneda Airport via Shinjuku Station, taking the Limited Express Kaiji and the Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station.
① 【Before Departing Booking】 the "Limited Express Kaiji" Ticket on Eki-net
To be honest, this was where I tripped up the most!
Understanding how this "advance reservation" system works before worrying about train transfers will make your actual travel day so much smoother.
What is Eki-net?
Eki-net is an online reservation service operated by JR East. You can reserve limited express tickets in advance from your computer or smartphone, including the "Limited Express Kaiji" that I used on this trip.
I booked my ticket through Eki-net and picked up the physical express ticket at a Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine at Shinjuku Station. Please note that you will need a basic train ticket (乘車券 / fare ticket) in addition to the limited express ticket (特急券), so checking this in advance will give you peace of mind.
Another Option: The "FUJI EXCURSION" (Fuji Kaiyu)
Alternatively, there is a direct option called the Limited Express "FUJI EXCURSION," which takes you straight from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station in about 1 hour and 54 minutes without any transfers.
Benefits of the FUJI EXCURSION:
- No transfers required from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station
- Easy travel, even if you have large luggage
- Hard to get lost, since you don't need to change trains at Otsuki Station
- Relaxing journey where you can enjoy the view without worrying about transfer times
However, the FUJI EXCURSION is generally limited to just 4 round trips per day. If you are considering this option, I highly recommend checking the timetable in advance and booking as early as possible.
Since I arrived at Haneda Airport on an afternoon flight, the timing didn't align, so I took the "Limited Express Kaiji" and transferred to the Fujikyuko Line instead. But if the schedule works for you, the FUJI EXCURSION is by far the most convenient and hassle-free choice!
Booking Flow on Eki-net
- Register for a free Eki-net account
- Select your travel date, route, and train (e.g., Limited Express Kaiji No. 35) to make a reservation
- Choose a payment method (Credit Card / Convenience Store / Financial Institution / Pay at Station)
- Receive your booking confirmation email
Important Note: Express Tickets and Basic Tickets are Different!
This was the biggest trap for me!
A "Limited Express Ticket" (特急券) only grants you a seat reservation—it does NOT cover the actual travel fare to get through the ticket gates. You will need a separate "Basic Ticket" (乗車券 / Fare Ticket).
Depending on the route, Eki-net allows you to purchase the basic ticket together with the express ticket, so be sure to double-check whether the basic ticket is included on your booking screen.
Summary of My Tickets (Real Example)
Route: Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko
Boarding: Shinjuku (15:30) → Otsuki (16:30) | Limited Express Kaiji No. 35
ブログ記事の表やまとめ欄として使いやすいスタイリッシュな英語に翻訳しました！
| Item | Details |
| Train | Limited Express Kaiji No. 35 |
| Segment | Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko |
| Seat Class | Green Car (Ticketless Discount) |
| Express Fare | ¥1,690 |
| Basic Fare | ¥2,580 |
| Total | ¥4,270 |
How to Pick Up Your Ticket
Issue your ticket at a Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine or the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) at Shinjuku Station. → Use your Pickup Code (受取りコード) or QR Code.
Please be extra careful, as you won't be able to pass through the ticket gates without completing this step!
💡 If You Want to Save Money If you choose a standard Reserved Seat (指定席) instead of a Green Car seat, the express fare becomes much cheaper! If you're traveling on a budget, this is definitely something to keep in mind.
⚠️ Note A transfer is required at Otsuki Station to switch to the Fujikyuko Line.
③ From Haneda Airport to Shinjuku Station
Now, let's look in detail at how to travel to Kawaguchiko Station when arriving at Haneda Airport by plane from other regions of Japan.
①From Haneda Airport Terminal 1 to Shinjuku Station
For this trip, I used the Tokyo Monorail and JR Line to get to Shinjuku Station.
From Haneda Airport Terminal 1 to the Tokyo Monorail
After arriving at Haneda Airport Terminal 1 via JAL, follow the signs for the "Tokyo Monorail" down to the B1 floor (B1F).
Both the Tokyo Monorail and the Keikyu Line are located underground. Since I was heading to Shinjuku via Hamamatsucho Station, I chose to take the Tokyo Monorail.
Since I was using Mobile Suica, I didn't need to buy a physical ticket and went straight through the ticket gates. Just a quick tap with my smartphone, and I was smoothly on my way.
The train ride from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station takes about 20 minutes. Watching the views of Tokyo Bay and the cityscape from the window really makes you feel like your Tokyo journey has begun.
↓ (Walk to JR Hamamatsucho Station)
JR Line (Yamanote Line)
↓
JR Shinjuku Station
The total travel time is about 45 to 55 minutes. Since there is only one transfer, it's a relatively easy and straightforward route even for first-timers.
What is Mobile Suica?
Mobile Suica is a smartphone IC card service provided by JR East.
By installing the app and topping it up in advance, you can board trains simply by tapping your smartphone at the ticket gates. There’s no need to buy paper tickets, and it can be used across various transit systems—not only on JR lines, but also on the Tokyo Monorail, private railways, and subways.
I used Mobile Suica for this trip to Tokyo as well. Being able to travel smoothly from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku Station without buying physical tickets made it extremely convenient.
Benefits of Mobile Suica
- No hassle of buying tickets
- Pass through ticket gates with a simple tap of your smartphone
- Top up anytime directly from the app
- Widely accepted across JR, Tokyo Monorail, subways, and private railways
- Smooth travel even in Tokyo, where transfers can be frequent
If you are traveling to Tokyo for the first time or aren't used to navigating the train system, setting up Mobile Suica beforehand will give you great peace of mind!
④ What to Do at Shinjuku Station
Pick Up Your Express Ticket Booked on Eki-net
・Use your QR code or Pickup Code at a Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine or the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) (See Step 1 for detailed instructions).
④ What to Do at Shinjuku Station: Pick Up a Bento Box (Ekiben)
Since the journey to Kawaguchiko takes about 2 hours by train, I picked up a bento box—known as an ekiben (station bento)—at Shinjuku Station. It’s highly recommended as a travel companion!
Inside Shinjuku Station, there are several shops selling ekiben, rice balls, boxed meals, and green tea, making it easy to drop by before your departure. You can also grab one from kiosks located right on the train platforms.
Enjoying an ekiben while gazing at the passing scenery outside your window is one of the distinct pleasures of train travel, turning your transit time into a special memory.
(A quick tip: Having wet wipes on hand proved surprisingly useful for cleaning your hands before and after eating!)
The ekiben I actually purchased this time was the "Hitachi Wagyu Beef & Mountain Treasures Bento" (常陸牛と山の恵み弁当), featuring Ibaraki Prefecture's brand Wagyu beef. It was a delightful box packed with tender, flavorful Hitachi Wagyu accompanied by seasonal mountain delicacies.
