Before comparing trains and buses, you’ll first need to decide where you actually want to wake up on Day 2. That choice determines how late you can stay around the lakes, how many transfers you need, and whether Day 2 begins near Mt. Fuji or in Kyoto.

It helps to pick one main priority around Fuji. Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Fuji-Q Highland, hiking Mt. Fuji, and shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets are all great attractions, but trying to squeeze everything into one day would mean spending more time on the road than actually enjoying the trip.

Luckily, you can work all of these into different route variations, so think about what you want most from your trip, then choose one of the following overnight plans.

Option 1: Night Around Mt. Fuji or Near Mishima
If you want a proper night’s sleep before continuing to Kyoto, stay around the Fuji area and continue the journey the next morning. Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako are the best choices for an evening near Mt. Fuji, with everything from hotels and ryokan to villas and glamping around the lakes.

If your priority is catching the earliest Shinkansen, however, consider staying in Mishima instead, which is where the Tokaido Shinkansen stops.

Option 2: Night in Kyoto
If you’d rather wake up in Kyoto, head to Mishima after your Fuji sightseeing and take an evening Tokaido Shinkansen west. Leave enough time for the highway bus from the Fuji Five Lakes to Mishima before your train.

This gives you a full night of sleep and lets you start Kyoto sightseeing bright and early. If planning to arrive late, confirm your hotel’s check-in policy before booking. Staying near Kyoto Station can also make things easier when you arrive, especially since local transportation winds down at night.

Option 3: Night on the Road (Night Bus to Kyoto)
If you’d rather save the cost of a hotel and keep the morning free for sightseeing, the Fujiyama Liner is an overnight bus that takes you directly from Kawaguchiko Station to Kyoto Station.

The obvious trade-off is sleep, however, and since you’ll be arriving before most shops and attractions have opened, we’ll also cover options for a quick nap or just a shower and a quick meal.

Once you know where you plan to sleep, the next step is choosing how to travel between Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Kyoto. But one more question is worth answering first: do you want to see Mt. Fuji from the lakes and viewpoints below, or do you want to head partway up Mt. Fuji itself?

You can get from Tokyo to the Lake Kawaguchi area by highway bus, the Fuji Excursion train, the Shinkansen (via Mishima), or a private car. Each works better for a different type of trip.

Option 1: Highway Bus
For budget travelers, the highway bus is usually the cheapest direct option from Shinjuku. Services run to Fuji-Q Highland, Kawaguchiko Station, Mt. Fuji Station, and parts of the Lake Yamanaka area without a train transfer. You can generally reserve seats up to a month before travel.

This is a standard seated highway bus, not an overnight sleeper, so if you leave Tokyo the evening before, note that you will still need accommodation around Fuji. Other direct buses also serve the Fuji area from Tokyo and nearby cities, so check which departure point works best with your hotel.

Option 2: JR Limited Express Fuji Excursion
The Fuji Excursion is the simplest rail option from central Tokyo. It runs directly from Shinjuku onto the Fujikyu Railway Line, stopping at Shimoyoshida, Mt. Fuji Station, Fuji-Q Highland, and Kawaguchiko.

Regular morning departures are great if you want to start sightseeing before lunch. All seats are reserved, so book ahead on weekends, holidays, and other peak periods.

(Traveling with a large suitcase? Check JR East’s Oversized Luggage Guide before departure.)

Option 3: Book a Private Charter
A private charter is the most flexible option for families, groups, or travelers with more luggage. You can arrange pickup from your hotel and travel directly to your first Fuji stop without hauling bags through several stations.
Prices vary widely by vehicle, operator, route, tolls, and travel time, so compare current quotes before booking.

Klook and KKday list private transfer options if you want to compare current vehicle types and prices, so we recommend searching through the links below.

Option 4: Bullet Train
Of course, you can still use the bullet train, especially if you are starting near Tokyo Station or Shinagawa. Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima, exit on the south side of the station, then transfer to the direct highway bus for Kawaguchiko. The bus crosses the southern side of Mt. Fuji before continuing through the Lake Yamanaka area to Fuji-Q Highland and Kawaguchiko, so that you can use the same route for either lake.

Getting from Kawaguchiko to Kyoto takes a little more planning since the Fuji Five Lakes are north of the Tokaido Shinkansen. You can take the overnight Fujiyama Liner or a highway bus to Mishima to catch the Shinkansen.

Option 1: Highway Bus (Overnight Fujiyama Liner)
The Fujiyama Liner is the only option here that takes you straight from the Fuji area to Kyoto. It boards in Kawaguchiko and stops at several other points around Fuji before continuing to Kyoto.

Current fares depend on your seat choice: the two-seater costs 8,200 yen one way, while the single-seater goes for 10,200 yen. Both bus types have a toilet and luggage storage. Note that Kintetsu specifically asks passengers to keep mobile batteries with them on board rather than leaving them in stored luggage.

Option 2: Bullet Train
For a Shinkansen trip, you’ll still need to ride a highway bus to the station. Take the Mishima–Kawaguchiko Liner south to Mishima (80–90 min), where you can transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen bound for Kyoto. Available Shinkansen Lines are Kodama, plus a limited number of Hikari trains.

Route: Kawaguchiko → Mishima → Kyoto

If you want another night around Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanaka offer the widest range of stays, from hotels and ryokan to villas and glamping.

Option 1: Night in/around Fuji:
Staying around Fuji is the most practical choice if you plan to use the buses again the next morning. There are lots of accommodations around the lakes, including glamping and private villa rentals.

For those planning to catch a morning bullet train, however, we recommend staying in nearby Mishima, as it’s right next to the Shinkansen station. We go into more detail on each accommodation below.

Option 2: Night in Kyoto:
For a late Day 1 arrival in Kyoto, take the evening Shinkansen and stay near Kyoto Station to keep the final leg simple. Check your hotel’s final check-in time before booking. Kyoto Station also has coin lockers, staffed luggage storage, and delivery counters listed through Kyoto City’s Hands Free Kyoto service.

Option 3: Night on the Road (Highway Bus):
Technically, you don’t need accommodation at all if the Fujiyama Liner is your bed for the night. The catch is that it arrives at 5:57 AM, so plan somewhere to eat, shower, or rest if you need time before sightseeing. We cover these options in more detail below.

No matter which option you choose above, deal with your luggage first!

Send Your Suitcase to Kyoto Beforehand
To make your trip less cumbersome, we recommend sending your main suitcase to Kyoto and traveling with an overnight bag.

Yamato Transport Hands Free can deliver luggage to participating hotels or temporary storage counters. For Hotel to Hotel Delivery, send it early enough to match your accommodation’s receiving schedule.

Another option is JR Central’s LUGGAGE EXPRESS, with same-day delivery between selected Tokyo and Kyoto properties. Check participating locations before relying on it.

Now that you have an idea of where to stay and how to get between each stop, it’s time to put everything together! Below are two sample routes that leave Tokyo in the morning, spend most of Day 1 around Mt. Fuji, and continue west to Kyoto.

Plan 1: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko / Yamanakako → Overnight Bus → Kyoto
Plan 1 is the more active, budget-friendly route, spending most of Day 1 around Mt. Fuji, using the night for transportation, and arriving in Kyoto before breakfast.

Plan 2: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko / Yamanakako → Gotemba → Kyoto
Plan 2 emphasizes comfort and flexibility, with the option to shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets or add another night around Fuji or Mishima before continuing to Kyoto.

Want as much Fuji time as possible without losing most of the day to transportation? Start with sightseeing around Kawaguchiko or Yamanakako, return to the Kawaguchiko area in the evening, then take the overnight Fujiyama Liner and arrive in Kyoto before breakfast.

One of the easiest ways to reach Mt. Fuji from Tokyo is the direct Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku. All seats are reserved, with tickets available up to one month before your travel date. Book ahead for weekends, holidays, and peak sightseeing periods.

The 7:30 AM service gets you to the stops below:

The trip from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko costs 4,200 yen, and all seats are reserved. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM one month before the travel date, so booking ahead is particularly worthwhile on weekends, holidays, and during busy sightseeing seasons.

Taking the Shinkansen instead?
Alternatively, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima and transfer to the Mishima-Kawaguchiko Liner highway bus. The departure/route below reaches Kawaguchiko at 9:40 AM.

The Shinkansen is also a good chance to grab an Ekiben for breakfast! Ekibenya Matsuri (Gransta Tokyo) opens from 5:30 AM with a large selection from around Japan, while Ekibenya Odori opens at 6 AM near the Central Passage and Shinkansen transfer gates.

This route gets you to Kawaguchiko only slightly later than the direct Fuji Excursion, but it requires an earlier start and one transfer at Mishima. The 30-minute connection gives you time to leave the Shinkansen area and reach the bus stop at the south exit.

It’s also a good chance to grab an Ekiben for breakfast! Ekibenya Matsuri (Gransta Tokyo) opens at 5:30 AM with a large selection from around Japan, while Ekibenya Odori opens at 6 AM near the Central Passage and Shinkansen transfer gates.

If that famous photo of a five-story pagoda with Mt. Fuji behind it is on your wish list, get off at Shimoyoshida. Arakurayama Sengen Park is close to the station, with the route up to Chureito Pagoda taking about 25 minutes. The climb includes the 398-step Sakuya Hime Stairway, so leave enough time for the walk, the stairs, and photos before continuing toward Kawaguchiko.

Optional Mini Side Quest: Breakfast Around Chureito
If you left Tokyo without eating and want to spend more time around Chureito, there are also a bunch of great places nearby for a bite.

If Mt. Fuji is visible when you arrive, photograph it immediately! Morning visibility is often better, while clouds can build later in the day. The general Fuji viewing rule is simple: never assume it will still be there after lunch.

If you skipped the Chureito Pagoda and breakfast detour, you should be in Kawaguchiko by 9:30 AM. The northern shore is a good first target for lake views of Mt. Fuji across the water.

If you want to grab a bite first, enico.cafe&bar Kawaguchiko is just two minutes from Kawaguchiko Station, and also has a great view of Fuji from the windows (opens 7 AM).

Oishi Park sits on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, with open views across the water toward Mt. Fuji and seasonal flower beds along the waterfront. Lavender is usually a summer highlight, while kochia turns red later in autumn.

The park is also home to the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, where you can stop for souvenirs, local fruit products, drinks, soft serve, and a café overlooking the lake and Mt. Fuji. (Opens 9 AM from March–October)

Plan around 1.5 to 2 hours for the park, waterfront, photos, and a café stop if you want.

If you plan to use the sightseeing buses several times, the Mt. Fuji North Area 1 Day Pass covers unlimited rides on the Red, Green, and Blue sightseeing bus lines. See below for a summary of the routes.

Two Yamanashi noodle dishes worth trying are hoto and Yoshida udon. Hoto is one of Yamanashi’s signature dishes, made with thick, flat noodles and vegetables simmered together in a miso-based broth. Yoshida udon comes from neighboring Fujiyoshida and is known for its firm, chewy noodles, soy sauce- and miso-based broth, and ingredients like cabbage, meat, and a spicy local condiment called suridane.

Below are a few popular options:
Houtou Lab (If Hanging Around North Shore)
If you’re already exploring northern Lake Kawaguchi, Houtou Lab Kawaguchiko is close by and specializes in seafood versions of the dish. (11 AM–6 PM)

Houtou Fudou (If Heading to Kawaguchiko Station)
For a more traditional option, Houtou Fudou is one of the area’s best-known hoto restaurants. Directly opposite Kawaguchiko Station, its signature Fudou Hoto is served in a large iron pot with vegetables and its house miso broth. (11 AM–7 PM; may close earlier when sold out)

Menkyo Kaiden (If Spending Time in Fujiyoshida)
If you stopped by Chureito Pagoda and wish to spend more time in the area, it’s a great opportunity to try Yoshida udon!

One popular option is Yoshida Udon Menkyo Kaiden (also recommended in LIVE JAPAN’s Dining in Kawaguchiko Guide). Its best-known dish is Yokubari Udon, topped with beef, fried chikuwa, tofu skin, and seaweed. (11 AM–2 PM; closed Sundays)

Trying to cover the entire Fuji Five Lakes area in one afternoon will leave you spending more time on the road than actually enjoying your trip. Pick one main area, and give yourself enough time to fully enjoy it. We recommend choosing between heading to actual Mt. Fuji or hanging out around one of the lakes (Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka).

Or, try the secret third option: foregoing the sightseeing for a day of thrills and roller coasters at Fuji-Q Highland!

If you want to actually set foot on Mt. Fuji without committing to a full climb, take the regular bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. Sitting at around 2,300 meters, the 5th Station where the Yoshida Trail begins. But don’t worry, we’re not going to make you climb to the summit in this itinerary!

Short walking routes also start around 5th Station, and there’s plenty more to do that isn’t about climbing at all, like shops, restaurants, souvenirs, and Komitake Shrine by the station. Of course, there’s also the excitement of being able to see a different view of Fuji than what you’re used to at ground level.

Sightseeing around 5th Station and outside the trailhead gate is free, and it’s about 55 minutes from Kawaguchiko Station by regular bus. Note that local bus services often change by season, so always confirm the latest official timetables before your visit date.

Both Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka have enough to fill the rest of the afternoon, so choose whichever one sounds more fun from our suggestions below!

Around Lake Kawaguchi, you can ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway up Mt. Tenjo, explore the lakefront on foot or by bicycle, or stop at a café overlooking the water. The northern shore also has museums and galleries, or you can spend more time following the lakefront before heading back toward Kawaguchiko Station.

Below are some of our suggested activities in the area.

Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway makes the three-minute climb from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchi to Mt. Tenjo, where the observation area sits 1,075 meters above sea level with views across Lake Kawaguchi toward Mt. Fuji. On clear days, you can see as far as the Southern Alps.

Mt. Tenjo is also the setting of Osamu Dazai’s Kachikachi-yama, so you’ll spot the story’s rabbit and tanuki characters around the gondolas and observation area.

Cycling Around the Lake
Lake Kawaguchi is also fun to explore by bike, since you can stop for photos wherever the view catches your attention. Rental shops around the area offer standard, cross, and electric assist bikes, while parks, cafés, museums, and viewpoints give you plenty of places to stop along the way.

One stretch worth including is the Kawaguchi Art Waterside Promenade, a relatively flat lakeside path near Kawaguchiko Museum of Art. Parts of the promenade look across the water toward Mt. Fuji, with cherry blossoms, summer greenery, and autumn foliage changing the scenery year-round. Fuji Kawaguchiko’s official electric assist cycling route also includes the promenade as one of its stops.

Cafés Overlooking the Lake
For some downtime after sightseeing, you can also stay put for a coffee or snack.

Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center has several food counters facing Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji, including Fuji View Café, which serves drinks with local blueberry juice and Yamanashi peach juice, and Oishi Park Café, which offers seasonal soft serve flavors alongside its regular blueberry and lavender options. Upstairs, Kitchen Fuji View has an even wider panoramic view over the lake.

If you end up on the southern shore, Doll Café inside Kawaguchiko Muse Museum looks across the lake through large glass windows and also has outdoor terrace seating. You don’t need a museum ticket to visit the café, so it’s a great break spot if you’re short on time.

Fall Option: Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor
If the weather’s nice, you can skip another major attraction entirely and continue exploring the northern shore.

Autumn adds one more stop to the route. The Kawaguchiko Maple Corridor follows the Nashigawa River near the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, with nearly 150 maple trees arching over the waterway. The leaves usually turn from late October into November, and you can visit the corridor at any time without an admission fee.

Around Asahigaoka, the Swan Lake sightseeing boat and Yamanakako no KABA both depart from the same area, with Yamanakako Literature Forest nearby. Nagaike Water Park sits along the northern shore, while Hana no Miyako Park is farther inland near the base of Mt. Fuji.

There’s also the Fujikko Sightseeing Bus running between Kawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida, Oshino, and Lake Yamanaka 11 times a day.

Swan Lake Sightseeing Boat
The swan shaped Lake Yamanaka Swan Lake Sightseeing Boat leaves from Asahigaoka Pier for a short loop around Lake Yamanaka. It takes only around 20 to 25 minutes, and runs every 30 minutes, with extra services added during busy periods.

Yamanakako KABA Amphibious Bus
For something a little different, the Yamanakako no KABA is an amphibious sightseeing bus that travels on land before splashing straight into Lake Yamanaka and continuing as a boat.

Cycling Around Lake Yamanaka
Lake Yamanaka is great for cycling, with a dedicated route covering almost the entire 14 km shoreline. Rental shops around the lake carry regular bikes, mountain bikes, electric assist bikes, children’s bikes, and even tandems, so you can choose the best one depending on how long you want to ride, and how many people you’re traveling with.

A complete circuit takes around 90 minutes before sightseeing stops, so we recommend using the bike to explore one section of the shoreline, and leaving time for another attraction.

Nagaike Water Park
Nagaike Water Park is home to one of the most famous Fuji views, with Mt. Fuji looming directly across the lake from here. Around mid November and early February, photographers gather here for “Double Diamond Fuji,” when the setting sun aligns with the mountain and its reflection appears on the lake.

Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park
Yamanakako Hana no Miyako Park spans roughly 300,000 square meters at the foot of Mt. Fuji, with large outdoor flower fields changing throughout the seasons. The paid Seiryu no Sato area includes Myojin Falls, Japanese gardens, and the indoor Floral Dome Furara, an all-weather greenhouse with tropical plants and orchids throughout the year.

Head up to Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama-dai
For a higher view, Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama-dai sits on the road toward Mikuni Pass, looking down over Lake Yamanaka below with Mt. Fuji rising behind it and the Southern Alps visible on clear days. In autumn, the surrounding slopes turn into vast fields of golden susuki grass, with viewpoints along the Takazasu/Myojin and Mikuni/Panorama hiking routes.

Note: This stop is a bit further, so it’s best for those using a car or taxi, or planning a longer bike ride or hike.

If roller coasters are higher on your list than lakeside sightseeing, spend the afternoon at Fuji-Q Highland! The park has several of Japan’s best known thrill rides, including FUJIYAMA, Eejanaika, Takabisha, and ZOKKON, along with indoor attractions, Thomas Land, and a Naruto x Boruto attraction.

Park admission itself is free, just pay for the attractions you want to ride, or buy the Afternoon Pass for unlimited rides on some ride (starts 1 PM). The Fujiyama Liner also stops at Fuji-Q Highland Bus Terminal, letting you board for Kyoto directly from the park.

Note: Fuji-Q also has around 700 coin lockers around the park, including extra large lockers for bigger bags.

Making Fuji-Q Your Main Fuji Stop?
If Fuji-Q is your main priority, make the trip even simpler by getting off the morning Fuji Excursion Bus at Fuji-Q Highland Station instead of continuing to Kawaguchiko. That gives you practically all of Day 1 inside the park before hopping on the overnight bus.

If you spent the afternoon around the lakes, aim to be back near Kawaguchiko Station well before the night bus. This gives you time for dinner, picking up anything you left in storage, using the restroom, and buying drinks or snacks for the overnight journey.

The Fujiyama Liner departs Kawaguchiko at 8:32 PM, so don’t be late! This bus doesn’t wait around for late comers.

Fuji-Q visitors can skip the trip back to Kawaguchiko, and board the Fujiyama Liner at Fuji-Q Highland Bus Terminal instead.

Optional Side Quest: Dinner Before the Bus
If you’re back in Kawaguchiko Station early enough for a meal, there are plenty of dinner options nearby, from hoto and tempura to sushi, ramen, Italian food, and yakiniku. Just leave enough time to collect your luggage and be at the bus terminal before departure.

Now it’s time to let the night take over and let the bus do the rest of the work for you.

The Fujiyama Liner runs directly from the Fuji area to Kyoto and Osaka, reaching Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit early the next morning. Reservations are accepted up to two months before travel, with the Kyoto bound stops listed below.

*Note: The Kintetsu Bus has recently stopped lending blankets, so carry a light layer with you; buses can get chilly at night.

You have fallen asleep near Mt. Fuji and woken up in Kyoto!

Before anything else, deal with any luggage you may be carrying. The bus arrives on the Hachijo side of Kyoto Station, where ASTY Kyoto has over 1,000 coin lockers right outside the station exit. They’re available 24 hours in all sizes.

After storing your luggage, either head straight to Fushimi Inari, or try one of our side quests: grab a quick bite around Kyoto Station, or if you barely slept on the bus, have a nap or quick shower at a net cafe.

Optional Side Quest A: Breakfast Around Kyoto Station
For a sit down breakfast, Cafe Restaurant Le Temps inside Hotel Granvia Kyoto opens from 6:30 AM with a Japanese and Western buffet that includes Kyoto style obanzai and yuba dishes.

For something quicker, SIZUYA Kyoto Station is a takeout bakery inside ASTY Road with breads and sandwiches, including the shop’s longtime Carne and beef cutlet sandwiches (opens 7 AM).

Optional Side Quest B: Rest Up at a Net Cafe
If you need a quick nap or just want to freshen up, Tops Cafe is a 24 hours net cafe right near the station, with flat booths, private rooms, showers, and more. Note that first-timers will need to register with a valid ID, so have your passport ready.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the easiest major Kyoto sights to visit so early. The shrine grounds are open around the clock, so you can get a head start on sightseeing before the main attractions even open.

For a short visit, walk through the main shrine area and part of the Senbon Torii. Kyoto City's official tourism site lists the full route around Mt. Inari at about 4 km, which can take a few hours depending on your pacing, so leave more time if you plan to complete the circuit.

Optional Side Quest: Breakfast & Treats After Fushimi Inari
If you skipped breakfast or worked up an appetite on the shrine paths, this is a good time to eat before continuing toward Kiyomizu-dera.

Vermillion Cafe has an outdoor terrace overlooking a tree-lined pond near the shrine. Its brunch menu includes vegetarian and vegan choices, coffee and tea, Uji matcha drinks, and sweets.

KAFE INARI is another breakfast or brunch option near JR Inari Station, with coffee, matcha and hojicha drinks, and open sandwiches.

If you want a treat, then head to Kyozuan Fushimi Inari, grab one of their famous tofu soft serves, and...turn it upside down!? (No, seriously!) This treat is famous for being so thick that you can flip it completely upside down, and it won’t even fall out of the cone! They also have other soy sweets, including soy milk doughnuts. Kyozuan Fushimi Inari opens at 9 AM and is just steps away from JR Inari Station.

From Fushimi Inari, take the Keihan Line north to Kiyomizu-Gojo and continue into Higashiyama. Kiyomizu-dera is about a 25-minute walk uphill from the station through the surrounding neighborhood, so give yourself enough time for the climb.

Kiyomizu-dera is best known for the wooden stage projecting from its Main Hall, supported by giant pillars and looking out over Kyoto. Below is Otowa Waterfall, where visitors use ladles to catch water from its three streams. The temple opens at 6 AM, so you can visit early before continuing downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.

Optional Side Quest 1: Explore Higashiyama in Kimono
If you want to dress for the Kiyomizu-dera / Higashiyama walk, Aiwafuku Kiyomizu Main Store is about a minute from Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Koshindo, with more than 600 kimono choices and professional hair styling. You can also add a 30-minute tea ceremony and matcha-making session separately.

Optional Side Quest 2: Stop for Cloud Shaped Sweets
Kumo no Cha Kiyomizu Sannenzaka sits right along the walk down from Kiyomizu-dera. Its signature Cloud Mousse has matcha and azuki bean mousse inside, and it has indoor seating and a terrace overlooking a small dry landscape garden.

Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
After Kiyomizu-dera, head downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. The old streets are lined with machiya-style buildings, souvenir shops, sweets, cafes, and views of Yasaka Pagoda. But remember, these streets are also part of a residential neighborhood, so keep doorways and roads clear when stopping for photos, and stay out of private property.

Higashiyama to Yasaka Shrine
Next, continue north through Higashiyama to Yasaka Shrine at the eastern end of Shijo Street. After that, you can walk around Gion-Shijo and head toward the Kamo River. In this area, you can choose to stop for lunch in Gion, take a riverside stroll, or do some souvenir shopping.

Prefer trains and a hotel bed to sleeping on a bus? This itinerary still starts with a Fuji Five Lakes stop, then lets you choose between shopping in Gotemba, spending time at your accommodation, or continuing to Mishima and Kyoto.

The basic route is:
Tokyo → Kawaguchiko / Yamanakako → Gotemba → Numazu → Mishima → Kyoto

You can reach Kyoto that evening, spend the night in Mishima and catch an early Shinkansen, or enjoy your time in one of the many Fuji accommodations and continue your journey in the morning.

This version starts the same way as Plan 1. Take the Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku, which operates on the schedule below. Remember, you must reserve all seats in advance, and tickets go on sale up to one month before your travel date.

Taking the Shinkansen
If taking the bullet train, start at Tokyo Station, ride the Tokaido Shinkansen to Mishima, and transfer to the Mishima–Kawaguchiko Liner highway bus for Kawaguchiko.

Plan 2 gives you the morning for either Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka before you continue south. If Gotemba is part of the afternoon, check the bus time before you start sightseeing so you know when to leave the lakes.

On the Lake Kawaguchi side, Oishi Park gives you the north shore view across the lake toward Mt. Fuji, along with seasonal flower beds and the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center for souvenirs, local fruit products, drinks, and soft serve.

If you have time for another stop, consider adding the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (or any of the other activities introduced in Plan 1), or check out one of the museums and galleries introduced below!

Museums and Galleries
If the weather turns cloudy or you want an indoor stop, the northern shore has several museums. The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum presents textile and kimono works by artist Itchiku Kubota.

The Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum goes in a completely different direction, with historic music boxes and instruments, live performances, gardens, and other special programs. The 2026 schedule also includes concerts and hourly fountain shows.

A Lakeside Walk: Kawaguchi Art Waterside Promenade
Not every museum needs an admission ticket. The Kawaguchi Art Waterside Promenade runs along the lake near the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, accessible 24/7 with a relatively flat path that’s easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Mt. Fuji is visible across the water from parts of the route, while cherry blossoms, summer greenery, and autumn foliage change the scenery throughout the year.

Around Asahigaoka, several Lake Yamanaka attractions sit close together. The Swan Lake sightseeing boat and Yamanakako no KABA both depart from the area. Nagaike Water Park sits along the northern shore with views across the lake toward Mt. Fuji, and cycling is another option if you want to explore more of the shoreline.

All of these were previously introduced in Plan 1, so go back and check them...and add them to your itinerary if they catch your eye!

Yamanakako Literature Forest: Mishima Yukio Literary Museum
There’s also the Yamanakako Literature Forest nearby, home to the Mishima Yukio Literary Museum, which covers Mishima's life and work through original manuscripts and creative notes for Confessions of a Mask, The Sound of Waves, and more. There’s also letters, photographs, clothing, and materials from film and stage adaptations. Altogether, the museum holds around 30,000 items!

The building's exterior and courtyard were modeled on Mishima's Tokyo home. Exhibition rooms are on the first floor, while the second floor has a reading and reference room.

Lake Yamanaka also gives you another route toward Gotemba. Fujikyu's local Gotemba-Kawaguchiko line stops at Yamanakako Asahigaoka, with some southbound services continuing to Gotemba and Gotemba Premium Outlets, meaning travelers sightseeing around the Asahigaoka side can continue south without having to return to Kawaguchiko for the express bus.

If shopping is part of your plan, head toward Gotemba after lunch. From Lake Kawaguchi, the reserved express bus runs directly from Kawaguchiko Station and Fuji-Q Highland to Gotemba Premium Outlets in about an hour.

If you spent the morning around Lake Yamanaka, check the Fujikyu local bus from Yamanakako Asahigaoka. The outlet bound services below continue through Gotemba to Gotemba Premium Outlets, so you may be able to continue south directly from the lake.

Gotemba Premium Outlets has around 290 stores spread across a huge open air complex, with fashion, sportswear, shoes, cosmetics, accessories, restaurants, and cafés. On clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible from parts of the center.

Allow yourself a couple of hours here, even if you already know which shops you want to hit. Time can disappear quickly here, so we recommend checking the store directory before you arrive.

After shopping, take the Gotemba Premium Outlets Free Shuttle to JR Gotemba Station. Services leave regularly from the West Zone Bus Terminal, and the ride takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

If you’re staying in Mishima, continue to Numazu via the JR Gotemba Line, and transfer to the Tokaido Main Line for Mishima. Services on the Gotemba Line are less frequent than city trains, so check the timetables before leaving the outlet. (More on that in the Mishima section below!)

Gotemba is optional, so if you’d rather skip the shopping spree in favor of more time to relax at your accommodation, head straight to your stay after your Kawaguchiko or Yamanakako activity.

Otherwise, shoppers, gather your hauls and head back to your accommodations right to pack! If you have a large haul, we recommend taking a cab to avoid inconveniencing other public transportation passengers.

Those staying around the lakes can choose between Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako. Mount Fuji Panorama Glamping is within walking distance of Kawaguchiko Station, while Rakuten STAY VILLA Fuji Yamanakako has private villas near Lake Yamanaka.

Glamping Near the Station
Mount Fuji Panorama Glamping has five separate accommodations overlooking Mt. Fuji, including a dome and four cabins. BBQ facilities, fire pits, kitchens in the cabins, and the Fuji view will make you want to spend the rest of your evening chilling out here in lieu of more sightseeing.

Breakfast can be added to selected plans, and the property is about an eight minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. Check in runs from 3 PM to 6 PM, so keep that cutoff in mind if you are also planning to visit Gotemba that afternoon.

A Private Villa with a View (and BBQ!)
If staying around Lake Yamanaka, Rakuten STAY VILLA Fuji Yamanakako is a great choice for rest, relaxation, and BBQ!

The property has five private villas near the lakeshore, each with two bedrooms, a living and dining area, kitchen, and wooden deck. Every villa has its own wooden deck with BBQ equipment, while select units have Mt. Fuji views from the second floor bath.

Check-in is from 3 PM to 10 PM and check-out is by 10 AM. Entry uses a smart lock, with check in and check out completed on the tablet inside the villa. The Yamanakako Hirano bus stop is about a 10 minute walk away.

Note: This accommodation does not offer luggage storage before check-in or after check-out.

If you want more time at Gotemba, or simply want to catch some Z’s early and continue the journey in the morning, stay near Mishima Station and continue the journey in the morning. Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel is right beside the station’s south exit, with a top floor bathing facility and some rooms facing Mt. Fuji.

The first Shinkansen from Mishima to Kyoto leaves at 6:14 AM and reaches Kyoto at 8:41 AM, so you’ll still arrive in Kyoto with plenty of time for a full day of sightseeing.

Note: If you skipped Gotemba and are traveling directly from Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka, take the Mishima–Kawaguchiko Liner from Kawaguchiko Station or Fujisan Yamanakako (Hotel Mt. Fuji Entrance).

If you prefer to wake up in Kyoto, continue from Mishima on a westbound Tokaido Shinkansen and continue the journey and arrive at night.

Mishima is served by the Kodama line and select Hikari trains. At the time of this article, the JR Central Timetable lists the last direct Shinkansen to Kyoto as leaving Mishima at 8:54 PM, and reaching Kyoto at around 11:25 PM.

(If you are taking a late train, make sure your Kyoto hotel accepts late check-ins before booking!)

If you slept in Kyoto, you can get up and start whenever you’re ready! But if you stayed in Mishima, you’ll have to take an early Shinkansen and drop off your luggage first. Choose one main morning stop, then use the afternoon for shopping, food, and an evening around the Kamo River and Gion.

Manga fans can easily lose a few hours at the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Around 50,000 volumes line the public Wall of Manga, alongside permanent displays, rotating exhibitions, a Manga Studio, kamishibai performances, workshops, and a museum shop. There are reading areas throughout the former school building, and a grassy courtyard where visitors can take books outside.

Stop by for a short moment to check it out, or settle in, crack open a manga, and read for a while before heading downtown.

If castles and Japanese history are more your thing, spend the morning at Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu at the beginning of the Edo period, and Ninomaru Palace remains the centerpiece of the visit. Inside, richly decorated rooms, painted screens, carved transoms, and the famous nightingale floors preserve the setting used by the Tokugawa shogunate.

Outside the palace, the grounds include Ninomaru Garden, gates, stone walls, and the Honmaru area. Honmaru Palace requires a separate timed reservation, so book ahead if you want to go inside. For a break during the visit, Waraku-an Tea House beside Seiryu-en Garden serves matcha, sencha, sweets, and light seasonal items.

If you prefer to start the day outdoors in nature, choose between Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, or Kyoto Gyoen and the Imperial Palace.

Shimogamo Shrine & Tadasu no Mori
Shimogamo Shrine’s approach runs through Tadasu no Mori, a forest where small streams cut through the path on the way to the shrine. The walk leads through the trees toward the vermilion gates and shrine buildings, giving you plenty to see before even reaching the main sanctuary.

After visiting, you can continue south through the forest toward Demachiyanagi and the Kamo River before heading back into central Kyoto.

Kyoto Botanical Gardens & the Kamo River
Kyoto Botanical Gardens sits across a large area of Kitayama with seasonal flower beds, themed gardens, wooded paths, lawns, and one of Japan’s largest conservatories. There’s plenty of space to wander about, or you can simply take a break on on a bench, or spend more time in whichever part of the garden is in season during your visit.

Kitayama Station is right next to the garden, with the Kamo River also nearby if you want to continue walking a bit longer.

Kyoto Gyoen & Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto Gyoen is a huge green space in the middle of the city, with wide gravel paths, lawns, wooded areas, historic sites, and rest houses around the former imperial district. Kyoto Imperial Palace sits inside the grounds and can be visited free of charge on regular opening days, no advance reservations required.

Free staff guided tours are also offered in English at 10 AM and 2 PM and take about 50 minutes. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, you can also take a peek inside Shusui-tei, the nearly 200-year-old former Kujo family tea house sitting beside Kujo Pond.

Just south of Kyoto Gyoen, Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto combines a completely vegan tasting course with a dining room created around teamLab’s Reversible Rotation - Black in White. Digital calligraphy moves across the dark walls while the polished black table reflects the artwork, enveloping diners in the artistic installation as they eat. The restaurant received a Michelin Green Star for a second consecutive year in 2026, as well as its fifth consecutive Bib Gourmand.

The UZU Signature Course begins with a choice of hojicha or sake yuzu, followed by vegan cheese with yatsuhashi, and a hand rolled sushi course. For the ramen, choose between Soy Sauce & Fermented Mugwort, or Spicy Miso & Sake Kasu, wrapping up the mean with kinako ice cream for dessert.

The ramen broth is made from Rausu kelp, shiitake mushrooms, and vegetables steeped in water for 12 hours, reusing the ingredients left from the broth in other dishes in the course to reduce food waste.

Reservations receive priority and seating is limited, so if this looks like one side quest worth going out of your way for, be sure to book ahead. The UZU Signature Course is priced at 8,800 yen as of September 2026 onward.

Official Websites:
Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto
teamLab 反転無分別 - Black in White / Reversible Rotation - Black in White

After your morning/early noon stop, head toward central Kyoto for food, shopping, or just a wander. Nishiki Market, Teramachi, Shinkyogoku, and Shijo Kawaramachi are all within walking distance of one another, while Gion-Shijo sits just across the Kamo River.

Start around Nishiki Market, where the narrow covered arcade is packed with food shops, specialty stores, sweets, tea, kitchenware, and Kyoto products. From there, continue through Shinkyogoku and Teramachi toward Shijo Kawaramachi for even more souvenirs, fashion, character goods, cafés, restaurants, and department stores.

Nishiki is best to visit earlier in the afternoon, since individual vendors keep their own hours and may close before evening. Teramachi, Shinkyogoku, and other department stores around Shijo Kawaramachi stay open much later into the evening, and are also good option on wetter days.

Dinner Ideas Around Downtown Kyoto
Downtown Kyoto has everything from tonkatsu and ramen to sushi, gyoza, omurice, and even vegan and vegetarian options! The choices below are all within the Nishiki, Teramachi, Shijo Kawaramachi, and Pontocho area.

Optional Side Quest: Evening Walk to Gion-Shijo
After dinner or shopping, cross Shijo Ohashi and follow the Kamo River toward Gion-Shijo for an evening finish. Between Shijo and Sanjo, the riverbank is a familiar Kyoto hangout, with couples and groups of friends sitting along the water.

From May 1 to October 15, restaurants along the Kamo River also open their seasonal Noryo Yuka terraces. It’s a great place to take a stroll, or simply sit by the water for a moment to catch your breath.

You can also continue east toward Hanamikoji or Tatsumi Bridge, where traditional wooden buildings and the canal offer a magical nighttime view of the district.

Please remember that Gion is also a neighborhood of local residents. Always follow posted photography rules, keep private entrances clear, and never chase down or disturb geiko or maiko for photos!

Both routes use Mt. Fuji as a stopover on the way from Tokyo to Kyoto, so the main choice to make is how much time, effort, money, and comfort you’re willing to spend over the course of two days.

Plan 1 is the more active, budget friendly version of the trip, where you’ll spend most of Day 1 around Mt. Fuji, sleep on the night bus, and arrive in Kyoto before breakfast. While it does indeed save the cost of a hotel night, whether you can actually sleep well on an overnight bus is another question!

Plan 2 costs more when you add extra accommodation and transportation, but you’ll get a proper night of sleep and much more control over where and how to end Day 1.

In short, Plan 1 is best for active travelers who don’t mind a busier schedule and sleeping on the road to save money, while Plan 2 is best for those who prefer a relaxed, leisurely pace and don’t mind splurging a bit for a hotel, comfy sleep, and flexible, convenient travel.

Q. Can I travel from Kawaguchiko to Mishima instead?
A. Yes. The Mishima-Kawaguchiko Liner takes about 80–90 min and costs 2,700 yen for adults (2,500 yen with the current web discount). All seats are reserved, and road traffic can cause delays, so leave extra time before your Shinkansen connection.

Q. Can I visit Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanaka, and Gotemba in one day?
A. Technically, yes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. You’d need to plan around the bus schedule, as well as how long you expect to spend in each area. For this two day route, we recommend choosing either Kawaguchiko or Lake Yamanaka as your main spot, then add Gotemba if the timing works.

Q. When is Mt. Fuji easiest to see?
Clear views are never guaranteed. JNTO recommends early morning or late afternoon for close views, while crisp winter days generally give the clearest conditions from farther away. The rainy season from early June to mid July is often cloudier, too. It’s best to check the weather or a live camera before setting out if the view is a priority.

Q. Is the Japan Rail Pass worth getting on this route?
A. It can cover eligible JR portions, including Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen, but not if your main journey is Tokyo → Mt. Fuji → Kyoto. The Fujikyu Railway section of the Fuji Excursion and the Fuji area buses require separate fares, so we recommend comparing current pass prices with individual tickets first, and selecting based on how much transportation you expect to use on each line.

Q. What should I do with large luggage?
A. If possible, send your main suitcase ahead to Kyoto and carry a smaller overnight bag around Fuji. If taking luggage with you, check the luggage rules for each train or bus before departure, especially for the overnight Fujiyama Liner, and familiarize yourself with locker and storage locations at around each attraction ahead of time.

However you divide the two days, it’s always best to leave a little breathing room while exploring around Mt. Fuji. A sudden patch of cloud, an unexpectedly clear view, or a stop you end up liking more than expected can easily change the plan.

But that flexibility is exactly what’s so fun about turning the trip from Tokyo to Kyoto into a journey of its own. So enjoy Fuji while you have it in front of you, then keep heading west for the next part of your trip!