Shizuoka to Kawaguchiko 2026: Shinkansen & Fujikyu Bus Guide

Many travelers head from Shizuoka to Lake Kawaguchiko to see Mount Fuji, right?

There are three main ways to make this journey, and I'm here to break them down for you. I'll also share my personal experience using the

Shinkansen and Fujikyu Bus, which I found to be the most convenient route.

1. Three Ways to Get from Shizuoka to Lake Kawaguchiko

✅ JR + Local Bus

From Shizuoka Station, you can take the JR Tokaido Main Line to Fuji Station, then transfer to the JR Minobu Line to Fujinomiya Station. From Fujinomiya Station, you'll switch to a local bus to reach Lake Kawaguchiko.

The total journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs around ~$16 one-way.

While it involves two transfers, which can be a bit cumbersome with a lot of luggage, it's a great option if you're looking to save on travel expenses.

✅ Highway Bus

This is a direct option from Shizuoka Station without any transfers, offering a more relaxed journey.

However, the highway bus service has limited daily departures, so it's

essential to check the timetable in advance if you plan to use this route.

✅ Shinkansen + Fujikyu Bus

The Shinkansen ride to Mishima Station takes approximately 20 minutes, and from Mishima Station to Kawaguchiko, it's about 1.5 hours by bus, totaling around 2 hours.

This is the method I personally used, and despite one transfer, I found it to be the most comfortable and efficient way to travel.

2. My Experience: Shinkansen + Fujikyu Bus

The Shinkansen segment from Shizuoka Station to Mishima Station is quite popular, so I made sure to book my tickets in advance.

Book Shinkansen to Mt. Fuji Kawaguchiko

I reserved seats on the Shinkansen. The difference between an unreserved seat and a reserved seat on this segment is about ~$7. Since the ride to Mishima Station only takes about 20 minutes, reserved seats aren't strictly necessary for everyone. However, I was traveling with my parents, so I opted for them for added comfort.

With such a short travel time, I didn't get to enjoy an Ekiben (station bento box), but I comfortably sat back and admired the glimpse of Mount Fuji from the window. In just 20 minutes, we arrived at Mishima Station.

Upon arrival at Mishima Station, you'll need to transfer to the Fujikyu Bus to continue your journey to Lake Kawaguchiko. This segment is also very popular, so I highly recommend booking your bus tickets in advance.

Book Fujikyu Bus Tickets

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Booking in advance allows for mobile reservations and pre-selecting your seats, which is super convenient.

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]⚠️ Seat Selection Tip

When traveling from Mishima to Lake Kawaguchiko, make sure to choose a window seat on the “right side” (relative to the direction of travel) to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Mount Fuji outside your window.

To catch the Fujikyu Bus from Mishima Station, head towards the “South Exit.”

After reaching the South Exit, I waited for the bus to depart. The area around the station has convenience stores and restaurants, so you can grab a snack or use the restroom before your journey. Since the bus ride is about 1.5 hours, it’s a good idea to take care of any necessities beforehand. Once the boarding time arrived, I hopped on the bus.

Booking in advance meant I could board using a QR code on my mobile, which was incredibly convenient – no need for a physical ticket!

The Fujikyu Bus, like many Japanese local buses, is on the smaller side. It felt a bit cramped for a 1.5-hour journey. While there is a restroom at the back of the bus, it felt like most people preferred not to use it. It's probably best to use the facilities at Mishima Station before boarding.

Sitting on the right side as advised, I enjoyed the views of Mount Fuji as we drove along, even catching a quick nap. Before I knew it, we had arrived at Lake Kawaguchiko!

Honestly, the journey from Shizuoka to Lake Kawaguchiko wasn't the easiest, but I firmly believe that if you're visiting Shizuoka, a trip to Lake Kawaguchiko is an absolute must.

Seeing the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes alongside the majestic Mount Fuji landscape, you'll definitely feel that the journey was worth every minute.

If you're looking to truly experience Mount Fuji from Shizuoka, refer to this guide on how to get to Lake Kawaguchiko!

↓↓ Read my Lake Kawaguchiko Ryokan review

Review: Japan Ryokan for Senior Travel – Tokyo to Kawaguchiko & Mt. Fujiblog.naver.com

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