"Fuji Excursion" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East/Fujikyu Railway's direct express train "Fuji Excursion," which connects Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This train offers direct access from central Tokyo to the Mount Fuji area, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip. 
*The timetable and fares are based on information as of March 14, 2026. 
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, sales conditions, and purchase methods may change. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before use. 
The "Fuji Excursion" is a direct limited express train operated by JR East and Fujikyu Railway, connecting Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station via the JR Chuo Line and Fujikyu Railway Line. It is operated with a 3-car E353 series train that debuted in March 2019. Between Shinjuku Station and Otsuki Station, it is coupled with the Limited Express (Azusa) and (Kaiji) trains, and then uncoupled at Otsuki Station to continue on the Fujikyu Railway Line. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required. The train name signifies a "Fuji" (Mount Fuji) "excursion," and this meaning is also embodied in its English name, "FUJI EXCURSION." 
 

What is "Fuji Excursion"?

The "Fuji Excursion" is a direct limited express train operated by JR East and Fujikyu Railway, connecting Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko Station at the foot of Mount Fuji without transfers. It debuted with the timetable revision on March 16, 2019, and uses the same E353 series train as the Limited Express (Azusa) and (Kaiji) trains on the Chuo Line. Between Shinjuku Station and Otsuki Station, it runs coupled with the (Azusa) and (Kaiji) trains, and after being separated at Otsuki Station, it operates as a three-car train on the Fujikyu Railway Line. As an express train that provides access from central Tokyo to the Mount Fuji area, it is very popular with inbound tourists. The train's design inherits the tradition of the Chuo Line limited express trains while creating a refreshing image befitting a journey to the Mount Fuji area.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "Fuji Excursion" is its convenience, allowing direct access from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station, the heart of the Mount Fuji area, without transfers. The scenery outside the window changes from urban landscapes to the lush natural scenery of Yamanashi, and the majestic figure of Mount Fuji gradually comes into view after passing Otsuki. All seats are equipped with power outlets, free Wi-Fi (JR-EAST FREE Wi-Fi) is available, and there is also a large luggage storage area, making it convenient for travelers with suitcases. The high level of convenience, allowing direct access to the popular theme park by disembarking at Fujikyu-Highland Station, is also a major draw.

"Fuji Excursion" Timetable

*The "Fuji Excursion" train operates coupled with the Limited Express (Azusa) and (Kaiji) trains between Shinjuku Station and Otsuki Station.

Southbound (towards Kawaguchiko) Timetable

*Depending on the season, additional temporary trains (e.g., No. 93) may be operated.

Northbound (towards Shinjuku) Timetable

*Additional temporary trains (e.g., No. 94) may be operated depending on the season.

The "Fuji Excursion" operates four round trips a day between Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko Station. Between Shinjuku Station and Otsuki Station, it runs coupled with the Limited Express (Azusa) and (Kaiji) trains. At Otsuki Station, the train is uncoupled and operates as a three-car train on the Fujikyu Railway Line. Additional temporary trains (e.g., No. 93 and No. 94) may be added, mainly during the summer.

Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "Fuji Excursion" regular train operates daily throughout the year. However, depending on operating conditions such as severe weather, there may be cancellations or delays on the Fujikyu Railway Line, so please check the operating status for the day.

Route of the "Fuji Excursion"

Main Sections

• Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (JR Chuo Line, connecting with (Azusa) and (Kaiji) trains)
• Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station (Fujikyu Railway Line)
• Chiba Station to Shinjuku Station (some trains only)

Kawaguchiko Station is a key station for sightseeing around Mount Fuji, providing access to scenic spots overlooking Mount Fuji, sightseeing boats on Lake Kawaguchi, and art museums. Along the way, Fujikyu-Highland Station is the closest station to the popular theme park, and Fujisan Station is the central station of Fujiyoshida City, known for its spectacular views of the five-story pagoda of Arakurayama Sengen Park and Mount Fuji.

Stations Served by the "Fuji Excursion"

Main Stations Served

• Shinjuku Station
• Tachikawa Station
• Hachioji Station
• Otsuki Station
• Tsuru-bunka-daigaku-mae Station
• Shimoyoshida Station
• Fujisan Station
• Fujikyu-Highland Station
• Kawaguchiko Station

*Some trains originate from or terminate at Chiba Station, Funabashi Station, or Kinshicho Station.

Fares for "Fuji Excursion"

Fares for Representative Sections

*The limited express surcharge includes both the JR Line section and the Fujikyu Railway Line section.

• Limited Express Fares, Tickets and Timetables - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Surcharge

The fare for "Fuji Excursion" is the sum of the basic fare and limited express surcharge for JR lines and the basic fare and limited express surcharge for Fujikyu Railway Lines. When traveling across both JR and Fujikyu Railway Lines, the fares for both companies are added together. "Fuji Excursion" does not have Green Cars and operates only with reserved seats in Ordinary Cars.

For Use Only Within the Fujikyu Railway Line

If you are only traveling on the Fujikyu Railway Line (between Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station), you cannot reserve a seat; only unreserved tickets will be sold. Also, if you are only traveling between Fujisan Station and Kawaguchiko Station, you can use any available seat with just a basic fare ticket, without a limited express surcharge ticket.

How to Buy Tickets for "Fuji Excursion"

Eki-net (Internet Reservation)

JR East's internet reservation service, "Eki-net," allows you to purchase ticketless limited express surcharge tickets using credit card payment. A 100 yen discount is offered on the limited express surcharge (for the portion within JR lines) as part of the "Eki-net Ticketless Discount." Limited express surcharge tickets go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. Please note that the "Eki-net Tokudane" discount is not available for the "Fuji Excursion" train. Membership registration is free, and you can check seat availability and make reservations 24 hours a day from your smartphone.

 

 

Midori-no-madoguchi / Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine

You can purchase limited express surcharge tickets at JR East's major stations' Midori-no-madoguchi and reserved seat ticket vending machines. They can also be purchased at the ticket offices of each station on the Fujikyu Railway Line (Kawaguchiko, Fujisan, Fujikyu-Highland, Shimoyoshida, and Tsuru-bunka-daigaku-mae).

Automatic Ticket Vending Machine

At all stations on the Fujikyu Railway Line except for unmanned stations, you can purchase limited express surcharge tickets and basic fare tickets from automatic ticket vending machines.

How to Purchase for Foreign Tourists

The "Fuji Excursion" is a direct train service operated by JR East and Fujikyu Railway (a private railway company). While the JAPAN RAIL PASS and JR East Pass can be used on the JR Line section between Shinjuku Station and Otsuki Station, the Fujikyu Railway Line section between Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station is not covered by the pass. Fares and limited express surcharges for this section must be purchased separately.

Do I need to get a physical ticket?

If you complete the credit card payment process through "Eki-net," you can board the train using the ticketless service by linking your smartphone screen or transportation IC card. If you purchase your ticket at a Midori-no-madoguchi or reserved seat ticket vending machine, you will need to receive a paper limited express surcharge ticket before boarding.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

The "Fuji Excursion" operates between Shinjuku and Kawaguchiko, and all stations within the Suica area are included, so you can pass through the ticket gates using a transportation IC card for the basic fare portion. However, the limited express surcharge cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card and must be purchased as a separate limited express surcharge ticket in advance.

While transportation IC cards can be used on the Fujikyu Railway Line, contactless payment via credit card is not available at ticket gates on the sections where the "Fuji Excursion" service operates.

Seating Information for "Fuji Excursion"

Seat Types (All Seats Reserved)

The "Fuji Excursion" train operates with all reserved seats in Ordinary Cars; there are no Green Cars or non-reserved seats. However, unreserved tickets are available for use only within the Fujikyu Railway Line. 
 

Distinctive Seating

The "Fuji Excursion" train typically operates with three cars, with the fourth car and beyond being the same cars used for the Limited Express (Kaiji) and (Azusa) trains that run between Shinjuku and Kofu/Matsumoto. If you are heading towards Mount Fuji or Kawaguchiko, you must be in cars 1 through 3. Another distinctive feature is that the direction of travel changes at Fujisan Station. The seats are equipped with tables large enough for laptops and power outlets, making it suitable for both business and leisure travelers.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Large luggage storage areas are provided near each seat, so you can travel with peace of mind even if you have large luggage such as suitcases.

Barrier-Free Facilities

The E353 series trains are equipped with barrier-free facilities. However, the availability of wheelchair-accessible seats varies by car, so if you wish to use them, it is recommended that you consult with JR East's ticket office or telephone reservation center in advance.

 

 

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the "Fuji Excursion" Train

There is no onboard sales service on the "Fuji Excursion" train. It is recommended to purchase food and drinks in advance at Ekiben shops and stalls at stations such as Shinjuku, Tachikawa, and Hachioji. Around Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station, there are plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy Yamanashi's local cuisine, such as hoto (noodles). Around Lake Kawaguchi, some restaurants offer meal plans that include ice fishing or sightseeing boat tours.

*Onboard sales are not available. Availability at station shops and for Ekiben may change.

Points to Note When Riding the "Fuji Excursion"

Since all seats on the "Fuji Excursion" are reserved, it is recommended to book early if you have decided on your travel dates. Especially on weekends and during peak seasons (Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, and New Year's), seats can fill up immediately after reservations open. If you book through Eki-net, you may be able to use "pre-application" from one week before the travel date, so it is a good idea to use this if you want to be sure to secure a seat.

Since there is no onboard service, please prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. When boarding, please make sure you are in the correct car; if you are heading towards Mount Fuji or Kawaguchiko, please board cars 1 through 3.

Summary

The "Fuji Excursion" is a direct express train operated by JR East and Fujikyu Railway, connecting Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko Station without transfers, with four round trips per day. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a limited express surcharge are required. The JAPAN RAIL PASS can be used on JR Lines, but not on Fujikyu Railway Lines. It is very popular with inbound tourists as a way to access the Mount Fuji area from central Tokyo. Since its launch in 2019, it has become an established express train for accessing the World Heritage site of Mount Fuji from the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Enjoy a trip to Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko on the "Fuji Excursion," where you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji from the train window.

 

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), conventional trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the route search service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.