Japan Travel 2024 - How to Get Around - Visiting Mt Fuji

Check out the best Tokyo Travel in 2024! Before you go, I'll show you how to get around visiting Mt Fuji from Tokyo. If you haven't seen my other video on Arriving In Japan, please check this one out also.
This video will be the first in a series that will guide you to the Kawaguchiko area and subsequent videos in the series will show you what to see and do after you arrive.
There are many ways to make this trip by bus or train, but I'm going to show you my recommended way to go - by express bus! Going by bus guarantees you a seat; the staff will handle your luggage, and in my opinion, it just a more relaxing way to travel.
In this video, we start from Shibuya Station, but the same methods can be applied to stations like around Tokyo, like Shinjuku.
After arriving at Kawaguchiko, You'll see our recommended Hostel and great place for local food and drinks.
Follow us on Facebook for more behind the scenes content:
/ discoveringjapan2024
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This channel is not a travel agency. Comments requesting additional travel guidance, assistance, or recommendations will not be answered by Discovering Japan.
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Check out my video on "Your First Hours In Japan"
• Do This BEFORE Arrivin...
Google Maps Pin to Shibuya Mark City Bus Terminal
(remember, its on the 5th floor)
goo.gl/maps/ts2riDDQ5DKB8TXT7
Google Maps pin to Kawaguchiko Station
goo.gl/maps/29Da1ECm1gwXA1QS9
Google Maps pin to Hostel Fujisan YOU
g.page/hostelfujisan?share
Hostel Fujisan YOU Website and Facebook
hostelfujisan.com/
/ hostelmtfujiyou
Google Maps pin to Sakigake restaurant / Izakaya
goo.gl/maps/L4AFsBihemNrVVtz5
Google Maps pin to Hakone
goo.gl/maps/CcaYirSs23sXf7359
Google Maps pin to Mount Yake near Kamikochi
goo.gl/maps/bnuG6ivxH2g22MWc9
Other bus options from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko
www.kosokubus.com/en/special/...
japanbusonline.com/en/AreaSea...
highway-buses.jp/course/kawag...
Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction
0:39 - First Hours In Japan
1:19 - How do you get to Mt Fuji?
2:00 - From Shibuya Station
3:25 - How to buy your tickets
5:24 - Inside Shibuya Station
6:47 - Bus amenities and ride
8:00 - Arrival at Kawaguchiko
8:30 - Hostel Information
9:45 - Local food at Sakigake - Izakaya
10:18 - Interview with First Tourists after Japan Opened
14:25 - Upcoming video series

[@elishamorgan]

Another fantastic video. When I first started planning, my main goal was to find a way to see Mt. Fuji up close, but everything I found was for tours, and I really dislike the idea of a tour and losing a whole day of my trip basically. I was thinking I would instead leave for Kyoto early in the morning and stop at Mt. Fuji along the way. Thanks to your video, I've got an even clearer plan for doing that. Thank you very much!

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Thank you for the encouraging words. Be sure to check out my video that covers the Kawaguchiko area in more detail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e37WaYCXrNeeb7M&feature=shares

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Thank you guys for all your support and encouragement!

[@jandl9417]

Thank you, very helpful, detailed video!

[@ajakeyes]

This is so helpful as someone with low vision! Glad everything is so well marked.

[@ji1511]

Thank you. Your videos are great. Very clear and easily understood. We did this bus trip in 2017...Mt fuji is majestic when it's right in front of you. Loved it. I m so excited to be flying over tmr...

[@njosborne5540]

Excellent and helpful content. Thanks so much!

[@kayleia23]

can’t wait for your next video! We’re going to kawaguchiko and your video is what we tourists who don’t drive need!!

[@sydsquid-]

Thanks for showing the step by step! This is extremely helpful for someone like me who is solo traveling to Japan, I have some anxiety about figuring things out. I've been before, just not all on my own. Great video, keep it up!

[@Raven-95]

These are so informative! Thanks for making these! Getting around Japan makes me nervous but you made it so easy!

[@EizuTheAssasin]

Im plan on going to mount fuji when im in japan during april Its very overwhelming to keep in mind all the trains and times but your video is exactly what i was looking for! Like a personal guide! thank you so much!

[@kapilachandrabharathi7134]

Thanks for the video..going in October.. cheers

[@HawaiiJapan808]

Lots of good info. Thx for putting this together. Im hiking fuji in july🤙🏽

[@asankamanoj4837]

Great video...thank you soooo much....

[@gusmendez2564]

Very thorough guide. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@nicolefernandez92]

😊😊😊😊 wonderful ✨ ✨Wish to visit ancient/beautiful Japan some years ✨

[@aberstef]

Great video! I found your previous video while I’m planning for a trip to japan (hopefully this coming April) and I think that one and this one were both great! I’m trying to do what you and many others suggest by not packing my itinerary too full, just so I have time to walk around and experience the culture but it’s hard when I have so much I want to do! But I’m sure I’ll just have to save some things for a second trip sometime after :) keep up the good work!

[@xKillingxTimex]

Very helpful video, thank you! Actually helped to ease a bit of my anxiety on getting about

[@ChargerE49VC]

I'm gonna be watching you when I'm in Japan, in a few days time when I'm over there, as well as now!

[@imah7951]

Thank you for the information, auto subscribe..🙏 I have plan to Japan on February, but still confius about places to stay and transportation

[@dominusgengar]

extremely informative. You really know what to recommend for someone who really wanted to experience japan. Beginner friendly, straight to the point, thanks man

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Thank you!! I was a beginner once myself and this is what I wish someone had taught me.

[@suefern]

Another great video with detailed and step by step guide to reach a popular location. It’s great because it has saved me so much time and effort in planning my trip. 😊

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Thank you so much! Please spread the word!

[@orawancarlile6192]

The algorithm from KZbin popped up your channel for me since I am preparing to visit Japan on the way to another destination. Thanks for making the video.

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Glad to help. Its also good to know that the YT algorithm has finally picked me up!

[@farwestoutlaw]

Thumbs up for using west coast synth beat.

[@access_error]

just watched your last two videos about visiting Japan for the first time))) They are so informative and I think really helpful Can't wait for your next video 🤗

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Thank you! Almost finished editing the next episode... Hope to have it published this weekend!

[@Santos_XVII]

This is great. I'll definitely be taking the bus to Kawaguchiko station. Now I need to find the best way to get from Kawaguchiko station to Kyoto station. 😅

[@manator90]

As a first time traveller to Japan this was incredibly helpful. The step by step directions to the bus station at Shibuya Mark City really helped me a lot. Thanks

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Thank you! Please be sure to check out our other helpful videos like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roe6aIiPntd0m8Usi=3aajpmdZ3KuBxwGn

[@angelinaxiao9827]

Thanks for a very helpful video. Can you please share how to get bus tickets from shinjuku to Kawaguchiko station thru online booking. thanks

[@Indpendnt27]

Awesome. Great info and video.

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Glad it helped! Great chatting with you yesterday!

[@Indpendnt27]

@@DiscoveringJapan1 You too my friend! Happy New Year to you and your wife. God bless.

[@taniasierra4922]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Since we are travelling in high tourist season, We are wondering if bus tickets can be bought in advance?

[@c.m.dianas.8376]

Hi, very insightful information! Thank you so much. By any chance, could you please tell if the buss ticket could be bought with JR pass that we purchase earlier? Or it's something separate from JR Pass? I'm planning to go to japan this March and have no idea .

[@dungvuong8455]

I highly suggest to not try and buy a bus ticket at the ticket machine on the same day anymore. Every seat on every bus is sold out way in advance and you will need to try and reserve bus and also limited express train seats ahead of time. No more spontaneous day trips.

[@RG.......]

Thanks for sharing - any idea how to get from Kawaguchiko to Narita airport? There used to be a direct bus but it's stopped since covid.

[@user-od9kj6qo8v]

Can't wait for another video of you speaking on KZbin 😎😎😎

[@cclarkk]

Another highly informative video, well done! I have to admit, I wish I knew about busses taking off from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th floor etc before my two friends and I missed our tour bus to Mt. Fuji back in 2019.. That memory and the wasted money still haunts us to this day! Looking forward to the series. And if you don't mind, I'd like to suggest focusing a bit more on your audio. It definitely works fine but I think it (emphasis and volume) fluctuates quite a bit and I believe that improving on this would enhance the viewing experience!

[@libra53ish]

Well, I breathed a sigh of relief when I found this channel, a concise and clear voiceover, to me it rates well above average. So many videos have no or little narration some are so difficult to understand. Keep up the good work

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

@@libra53ish Thank you for your encouraging words. I hope you subscribed. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

[@hurricaneflowers]

Hi! Thank you for informative video, i was wondering, when you were buying ticket it was only starting from 3 pm is it because you were buying later in the day? What time bus services starting?

[@aaclhfirteedso]

Wow great info, this is what I needed. Do I need to pre book for fuji express?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Usually no need, but with Japan opening again, it might be worth looking into.

[@michiganwannarbor3255]

The step by step is so helpful. Can you do a video of using the restaurant ticket machines at the sushi places.

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Do you mean ticketing machines at ramen restaurants? I haven't seen ticketing machines at sushi restaurants.

[@michiganwannarbor3255]

Yes those machines. That’s how you order at ramen places ? I think at the conveyor belt sushi places it’s how you get a table.

[@catalinacurio]

😂😂😂 “That was easy”! Even I relaxed that I could find the bus stop. My biggest fear is being on the right platform but getting in the train at the wrong side.

[@RotemChan]

Thank you for this video, but how do I know what is my assigned seat after check in for the bus?

[@cebamy]

Hello, I like your channel. Quick question. Do the signage’s have an English translation?

[@johnkim2480]

thanks for this informative video! Question! How would you recommend getting BACK to Tokyo from this area?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Bus. Get your tickets as shown in the video

[@kktang9167]

Thank you for the very informative video. We will visit Japan in April. Our travels will include Tokyo - Kawaguchiko - Kyoto. It’s one-way. Do you know what sized luggage is allowed on the bus from Shibuya Station to Kawaguchiko? Thanks in advance 😊.

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Be sure to check out my latest video about visiting the Kawaguchiko area. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e37WaYCXrNeeb7M&feature=shares If you're taking a bus, any size luggage should be fine. Larger pieces are stored under the bus.

[@kktang9167]

🙏

[@aegisdusk]

Great informative video! Did the bus have a lavatory?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

This one did. Some do not

[@brookeu2458]

Very informative video, thank you! Do you know if you can get to Oshino Hakkai by bullet train??

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

There is no shinkansen to Oshino Hakkai, You'd need to get a local train to Fuji station or kawaguchiko station from a shinkansen stop. This would depend on where you're coming from and what shinkansen you are on. Fuji station in Fujiyoshida is closest to Oshino Hakkai. Please see my video where I visit Oshino Hakkai: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e37WaYCXrNeeb7M&feature=shares

[@brookeu2458]

@@DiscoveringJapan1 Thank you so much for the information!! I will definitely check out your Oshino Hakkai video!

[@brebara1]

First - we are Loving your videos!!!! We are visiting Japen this month & Mount Fuji is a must. Wondering why did you take a bus vs a train? Thanks

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Thank you for your kind words. From Tokyo, the bus is just easier and cheaper. Trains can tend to be very crowded and you may or may not get a seat.

[@brebara1]

Thank you!

[@julieybanez9429]

Hi! Which is the best seat when going to kawaguchiko for mt. Fuji view? On the right side or left side?

[@Failmora]

Can I purchase at the ticket machine for a later date? Or do I need to purchase it on the day that I am going?

[@abgz1206]

Thanks

[@funtimeswithtom4108]

We will be going to Japan in a few weeks, been many times pre pandemic but this will be our first trip back since reopening. My wife wants to go to mt Fuji and I have never been before, Fuji-Q highlands is a bucket list amusement park for me so 2 birds one stone. This video has helped point me in the right direction on how to get there from Tokyo and like you I'm not into tour groups to see mt Fuji but that is all I can find as far as attractions at mt Fuji. Quick question, the Fuji-Q Highlands hotel and theme park are cashless is anything else around there cashless? And any recommendations on a card to get out there to put cash on? I have been buying yen for about a year in preperation who knew most things are going cashless (Tokyo Disney Resort is also cashless...).

[@funtimeswithtom4108]

Just got back from Japan and that whole cashless thing is a myth. Honestly the only place I had to use a card was at Shake Shack at Tokyo Dome City and I saw a couple of food stalls in Shibuya that were card only. I forgot how much I missed Japan after 3 years of lockdown and it was great to get back. Lots of tourists so I was not the only one excited to get back. Getting from Maihama (Disney) to Shinjuku to mt. Fuji couldn't have been easier thanx for all the very helpful information. One thing I noticed it is a lot more expensive in Japan than in 2019 but the vending machines are the same price as I remember and I found a random vending machine at the boat launch in Mt. Fuji that had Dr. Pepper so YAY.

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

Do you have any tips for getting to fugi from locations other than tokyo? We want to hike it but we dont want to spend a week in tokyo or have to backtrack and pay for extra train trips if we can avoid it

[@catherinelim8194]

May I know if it is possible to pre-book the bus ticket on line?

[@kittyjenjennifer3632]

Hi, thanks for the clear information, can I purchase the return ticket as well when purchasing the ticket to mount fuji? Thank you

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Yes, or you can purchase at Kawaguchiko.

[@hungrypumpkins77]

Is it possible to buy tickets from the same machine for the next day ride?

[@kathleenlesslie8999]

Can you make a video on visiting an Onsen?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

That's a tough one since cameras are strictly prohibited. I've wanted to do this however. Most Onsen owners are very private people. IF they would allow it, I'd probably have to coordinate a special time with the onsen owners. Worth a shot tho...

[@salvadorlopez527]

Does it make a difference if you leave from Shinjuku or Shibuya?

[@JayceMars]

Is there also a ride in kawaguchiko station going back to tokyo?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Absolutely!

[@XtinationPG]

Hi, in your last video you mentioned that the Pasmo/Suica card will allow us to travel easily both by bus or train. Will I be able to use Pasmo for this trip as well? Thanks in advance!

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Pasmo/Suica can be used on local busses and trains, not private busses, so the answer is, no. Also traveling by shinkansen will require a separate ticket. These would be separately purchased tickets. Sorry if there was any confusion.

[@XtinationPG]

@@DiscoveringJapan1 Appreciate it, thank you!

[@hana-em3zt]

Where exactly is 1:25? Nice view of Mt Fuji :)

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Tenjin Shrine maps.app.goo.gl/feAc1ALet87GxxKF6

[@markylon]

I have a question, when you went to the ticket machine at the bus terminal you paid cash, I saw on the machine it has the Pasmo and Suica Symbols? Can you use them to travel or pay for the ticket?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Yes. You can also use Pasmo/Suica. I just paid cash for demonstration purposes and probably because my Pasmo balance was low. 😆

[@lyncarey537]

I just bought 7 day Jr pass Can you take bus with Jr pass to kawaguchi?

[@trd7538]

Hi can the ticket buy online?

[@ExNihiloComesNothing]

Do you recommend the bus over the train to Kawaguchico? We want to maximize our time and the trains seem much faster over the 2 hour bus ride

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Depends on what your starting point is. For Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, bus was faster and easier for me because I didn't have to change trains. In the end, everyone travels differently, so do your research and make a decision that works best for your specific situation. Relax and enjoy Japan as you go.

[@Hanakumah]

Hi, question about the tickets and genders you mentioned. If me and my boyfriend were to book tickets, we’d both select the same gender? Is this checked by the staff (for example can you get in trouble if the gender on the ticket doesn’t match) or is it not really a problem and just to do it to ensure seats together?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Hi, I hope this posts... I'm having some weird internet issues here in Japan today. Anyway, selecting the same gender won't be an issue. This is actually what the ticketing staff recommended for us. Just some of the weird things about Japan.. haha

[@IceCream-hp7mm]

Does Japan have bag storage for travel luggage or maybe hotels offer storage for one or two days? Those lockers look small 😅

[@Daisyhatingugolyee]

the large coin lockers can handle big luggage. Small 35cm x 34cm x 57cm Medium 57cm x 34cm x 57cm Large 117cm x 34cm x 57cm but yes, you can leave your luggage in a hotel, if you are staying in a hotel.

[@maplemoviesofficial]

When do you think the next part of this will come out?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Thanks for the nudge. The holidays were incredibly busy and I've got a ton of footage that needs to be edited and produced. Hope to have something out soon.

[@diamonddoom1538]

the toilet reveal LOL

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

😄🤣😂

[@giuliaalfa17]

Hi, is there a toilet in the bus?

[@enriqueagaton9515]

Hello there! Dó you mind sharing the name of the hostel where you stayed?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

All the links are in the description

[@85AngelRogue]

Do you stay there while visiting Fuji the whole time ? How far is it from the mountains ?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Yes, I usually stay in Fujiyoshida. Its very convenient to many things. Fuji san is isolated from the mountains. Nearest would be a couple hours by car or train.

[@maistyle5675]

Hi, Do you know if it’s possible to buy the bus ticket days in advance?

[@maistyle5675]

Also… thank you for your informative video ☺️

[@Daisyhatingugolyee]

yes, on the fujikyuko bus website

[@Failmora]

In your video, you only purchase a one-way ticket to Kawaguchiko. Can I buy return tickets to Kawaguchiko from Shibuya Mark City?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Yes. You can buy it at Kawaguchiko

[@bentran3108]

I saw the time schedule from Tokyo to Kawaguchi station are every 10 mins per bus, does Kawaguchi to Tokyo have the same time schedule too? Thank you

[@internet.cookies8531]

Hi, please help me, can i buy round trip ticket from that machine? I have plan from sibuya to kawaguchi go just 1 day, and will be back to shibuya again at evening or early night, is it available if i buy round trip ticket shibuya-kawaguchi go , then kawaguchi go-shibuya ??

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Should be no problem. The staff at the counter will assist you.

[@internet.cookies8531]

​@@DiscoveringJapan1 Thank you, your're the best

[@annatassell]

I just have a question, Sir. 4,000 yen is it only 13 U.S.? I checked the converter. It is more...

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Today, the exchange rate is ¥134 yen to $1 USD so ¥4000 would be almost $30.

[@vasilileung2204]

Would anyone suggest for a day trip rent a car instead?

[@montgomeryfortenberry]

I cant speak from experience but I have heard that traveling by car is usually expensive due to toll roads and if you are a foreigner you will have to deal with japanese signage and renting a car and drivers license issues and pay parking also local roads usually have low speed limits so its not the quickest way but i think if youre confident and want the most freedom it could be a lot of fun

[@catbeefs7703]

if u close your eyes he has the same voice as rick sanchez

[@catbeefs7703]

only in the intro

[@rougeslushie2956]

Why are there tickets for male and female? Will it be awkward if someone selects the same gender ticket just so they won’t be separated from their group?

[@DiscoveringJapan1]

Did you just like your own comment? It's a cultural thing. Welcome to Japan. Adapt and enjoy...

[@d7s7s72]

мне тоже забирить я очен не часлив челавек