Blood, Sweat, and Tears: The Ultimate Mt. Fuji Transportation Survival Guide – Bookmark Now!

Just back from Mt. Fuji! This hard-earned transportation guide will help you dodge all the traffic pitfalls. Save it! Don’t let transport ruin your sacred pilgrimage to the holy mountain 🗻 🚌 Airport → Mt. Fuji Area Transport 【1】Fuji Excursion Limited Express Train ✅ Features: Direct from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko, all reserved seats, scenic windows + charging ports 💰 Price: One-way ¥4,130 (≈¥198) ⚠️ Tips: • Schedule: 4 round trips daily (first train departs Shinjuku at 7:30) • Boarding: Shinjuku Station, Central South Exit, Platform 12 【2】Highway Bus ✅ Features: Half the price of JR, direct to Kawaguchiko/Fuji-Q Highland 💰 Price: Shinjuku → Kawaguchiko ¥2,000 (≈¥96) ⚠️ Tips: • Hours: 5:00–23:00 (departs from Shinjuku Busta Terminal, every 20 mins) 【3】Haneda Airport Direct Bus ✅ Features: No transfers, spacious luggage storage 💰 Price: ¥2,520 (≈¥121) ⚠️ Tips: • Schedule: Weekends only (9:00/14:00/18:00) • Boarding: Haneda T3, Bus Stop 2 • Pro Tip: Book online early! On-site tickets often sell out. 🚎 Mt. Fuji Area Transport 【1】Retro Bus ✅ Features: Covers all attractions, three routes for the Fuji Five Lakes 💰 Price: Single ride ¥150–2,000 | Day pass ¥2,800 (≈¥134) ⚠️ Tips: • Hours: Red Line (Kawaguchiko Loop) 7:00–19:00 | Green Line (Saiko) 8:30–17:00 • Pitfall: Blue Line runs only 3x daily—check the schedule! • Golden Route: Red Line Stop 17 "Kachikachiyama Ropeway" → Stop 8 "Music Forest" 【2】Mt. Fuji Climbing Bus ✅ Features: Direct to 4 major trailheads, Yoshida Trail has the most frequent service 💰 Price: Kawaguchiko → Yoshida 5th Station ¥1,700 (≈¥82) ⚠️ Tips: • 2025 New Rule: Yoshida Trail requires online booking + ¥4,000 climbing fee • Hours: July 1–Sept 10, 6:00–14:00 (trail closes in the afternoon) • Pitfall: Shizuoka routes don’t require booking but still charge ¥4,000 【3】Ropeway + Cruise ✅ Features: Zero hiking, great for families! 💰 Price: Ropeway round-trip ¥900 + Cruise ¥1,000 (≈¥91) ⚠️ Tips: • Hours: Kawaguchiko Cruise 9:00–17:00 (every 30 mins) • Combo Ticket: Ropeway + Cruise ¥1,500 (save ¥400) ⛰️ Climbing Transport Special Guide Yoshida Trail requires mandatory booking 👇 • Website: Mt. Fuji Climbing Reservation System (EN/JP/CN) • Fee: ¥4,000 (≈¥192) includes QR code e-pass • Slots: Only 2,000 online + 2,000 on-site daily • Night climbing is banned! Gate Hours: 3:00 AM–2:00 PM Penalty: ¥50,000 fine for no-reservation night climbers (only mountain hut guests allowed at night) Must-Haves: Headlamp + non-slip shoes + warm jacket 📦 Pro Tips Essential Apps 📱 • JR East: Book Fuji Excursion seats + check real-time availability • Japan Travel by NAVITIME: Bus schedules down to the minute + offline maps • YAMAP: Tracks hiking routes, anti-get-lost tool