⑤ Boarding the Limited Express Kaiji No. 35 | Green Car Review
To head toward Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku Station, I took the Limited Express Kaiji No. 35.
The segment I rode was from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, which takes about an hour. From Otsuki, I transferred to the Fujikyuko Line to reach Kawaguchiko Station.
I opted for a Green Car (First Class) seat. Compared to standard cars, the legroom is much more generous and the seats recline easily, making for a super comfortable journey. It’s highly recommended if you want to kick off your trip with a touch of luxury!
The very front row features single-seat options, which are perfect for solo travelers as you can relax without worrying about someone sitting next to you.
Inside the train, JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi is available. You can use the travel time productively by looking up sightseeing info or updating your social media.
The 1-hour ride flew by in no time. Eating my ekiben while gazing out the window, planning my itinerary, and watching the urban cityscape of Shinjuku gradually give way to rolling mountains and suburban greenery really built up the travel excitement. The thought of "I'm finally going to see Mt. Fuji!" got me even more thrilled.
Before I knew it, I arrived at Otsuki Station. From here, I transferred to the Fujikyuko Line and finally headed off to Kawaguchiko Station!
⑥ Transferring to the Fujikyuko Line at Otsuki Station
After stepping off the Limited Express Kaiji, it's time to transfer to the Fujikyuko Line at Otsuki Station.
If you follow the platform signs, the transfer itself isn't too difficult, but giving yourself a little extra time will help ensure a stress-free transition.
Once on the Fujikyuko Line, the ride to Kawaguchiko Station takes about 50 to 60 minutes. Outside the window, the scenery transforms into a lush, local landscape, and Mt. Fuji feels so much closer. As the destination drew near, I couldn't help but feel a restless sense of excitement, constantly wondering where I'd catch my first view of Mt. Fuji! (lol)
A Little Mishap on My Trip
Actually, I made one major mistake during this trip!
While transferring at Otsuki Station, I accidentally dropped my basic train ticket that I had been using since Shinjuku Station. I was wearing sweatpants for comfort during travel, but it seems the ticket slipped right out of my pocket—I was definitely in a bit of a panic!
Although I still had my express ticket on my phone via the app, you cannot travel with just an express ticket alone. To ride a limited express train, you need both a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket.
As a result, I explained the situation to the staff at the Otsuki Station counter and had to repurchase a basic ticket for the section from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station. It was an unexpected extra expense, but thanks to the kind and helpful station staff, I was able to safely continue my journey!
It’s easy to assume that having a Limited Express ticket is all you need, but you actually need your basic fare ticket all the way to the end of your trip.
Since you will need the basic ticket to exit through the ticket gates at your final destination, I strongly recommend keeping it somewhere safe—like your wallet or a pass case.
Learn from my mistake so you don't end up having to buy another one in a panic!
Fujikyuko Line Map
Here is the route map for the Fujikyuko Line.
The guidebook I bought didn't include a detailed route map, so I found that getting a rough idea of where each station is located beforehand made it much easier to visualize the journey and feel prepared.
In particular, Shimoyoshida Station (the nearest station for Arakurayama Sengen Park and the Chureito Pagoda), Fuji-Q Highland Station, and the terminal station, Kawaguchiko Station, are frequently used for sightseeing.
Checking where you plan to get off in advance will help make your travel day much smoother!
he local train on the Fujikyuko Line made a great impression with its refreshing, blue-themed design.
The interior was clean and carried that peaceful, cozy atmosphere unique to local train lines. Sharing the carriage with local students commuting from school, residents, and fellow travelers gave a lovely glimpse into daily life in the area—one of the true joys of traveling. I was able to relax and enjoy a peaceful time watching the mountains and countryside scenery roll past the window.
As we got closer to Kawaguchiko, it really felt like a journey taking me far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and straight into the nature-rich Mt. Fuji area.
Heading Home on the Fujisan View Express
To wrap up my trip, I chose Car No. 2 (Reserved Seat) on the Fujisan View Express, a popular sightseeing train operated by the Fujikyuko Line.
Car No. 2 features a relaxing interior filled with the warmth of natural wood, offering spacious and comfortable seats. Since these are reserved seats, booking in advance is required, but it gives you total peace of mind knowing you’re guaranteed a seat.
It’s more affordable than the special car (Car No. 1) that comes with a dessert package, making it a great option if you want to enjoy a touch of luxury on a scenic train without breaking the bank.
During the roughly 50-minute ride from Kawaguchiko Station back to Otsuki Station, I was treated to breathtaking, full-panoramic views of Mt. Fuji right through the large train windows.
They also offer in-train sales where you can pick up limited-edition items and travel souvenirs. Sitting back, relaxing, and taking in the stunning scenery, Car No. 2 offered incredible value for money and was a wonderful way to travel.
Soaking in the beauty of the Mt. Fuji foothills from the window made for the perfect final memory of this trip!
Conclusion
To be completely honest, traveling all the way from Okinawa to Yamanashi Prefecture felt "even more complex and tricky than traveling abroad! (lol)"
- So many transfers
- Confusing ticket types
- Quite overwhelming for a first-timer
However, waiting at the end of that journey was the breathtaking, unforgettable sight of Mt. Fuji.
While navigating the transport system can be complicated if you aren't used to it, simply knowing the flow of the route in advance will give you total peace of mind to enjoy your trip. Understanding things like how Eki-net bookings/pickups work and how to use Mobile Suica makes a night-and-day difference in how smoothly your day goes.
I hope this article helps anyone planning a trip to Kawaguchiko to see Mt. Fuji!
I've also shared the full journey and the incredible scenery in my YouTube Vlog, so please feel free to check that out as well!
