Mount Fuji is probably the most recognized place in Japan and Tokyo being the most visited city, many people will often combine the two when visiting Japan. Up until now, traveling from Tokyo to Mount Fuji requires travelers to transfer train lines not to mention the long travel time, but that’s about to change soon. With the influx of tourists visiting the capital city of Japan, a new limited express train line will connect one of the busiest stations in Tokyo, Shinjuku Station with Kawaguchiko Station.
“Fuji Excursion”
Right now traveling from Tokyo to Mount Fuji takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes with no direct trains to Kawaguchiko Station, the closest station to Mount Fuji and the starting point for various hiking trails leading to the summit of the mountain. From Kawaguchiko Station busses also run to various stations higher up the mountain. JR is said to debut the new train service, dubbed the “Fuji Excursion” in March 2019, with service commencing on the 16th. The new train service will not only allow visitors to travel directly from the capital to the mountain, but will also significantly shorten the travel time to 1 hour and 50 minutes according to the new time table. Prices for a one-way ticket are also fairly priced at 1,600 yen for adults and 900 yen for children. The new train service will also stop at one of Japan’s most popular rollercoaster theme parks, Fuji Q Highland.
Japan Railway Revision Plan 2019
The new Fuji Excursion train line is part of an effort by JR to handle more foreign tourists visiting Japan, as well as revising some of the current train schedules by shortening the travel time also starting on March 16th 2019. The update will have JR upping the maximum speed of the Hayabusa train on the Hokkaido Shinkansen line and shortening the travel time from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to just under 4 hours. Other train lines like the Nozomi bullet trains will also have the maximum speed increased, shortening the travel time by three minutes and allowing travelers to travel from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka in 2 hours and 27 minutes.
Along with the Fuji Excursion line, increasing the speed of train lines, limited express trains like the Super Azusa connecting Tokyo to Yamanashi and Nagano, will see older trains replaced by newer models. The super fast E-7 bullet trains will also be added to the Joetsu Shinkansen Line running from the capital to Niigata prefecture in the north and offered for lower prices compared to other train line running in the same direction.
In a continuous effort by JR to improve the train system, the new Fuji Excursion will surely be a welcome addition for tourists and locals alike. By shortening the travel time from Tokyo to Mount Fuji with a direct train line, more people are able to visit this once in a lifetime destination.
If you’re planning to visit Mount Fuji, check out our must-read guide Climbing Mt Fuji and learn how to reach the top of Japan!
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