Shinjuku Bus Terminal, known as Busta Shinjuku, is a major transportation hub located directly above Shinjuku Station’s South Exit. It connects Tokyo to popular destinations such as Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, and other regions across Japan. Here’s everything you need to know about using Busta Shinjuku for your travels.

Location and Access

Exit Shinjuku Station via the South Exit, then follow signs to Busta Shinjuku. It’s located directly above the station.

Buying Tickets

At the Terminal

• Ticket Counters: Located on the 4th floor of Busta Shinjuku.

  • Operating Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

  • Friendly staff are available to assist in English.

• Vending Machines: For quick purchases, use the ticket vending machines near the counters. These machines support multiple languages and allow for cashless payments.

Online Reservations

• It’s highly recommended to book tickets online, especially during weekends, holidays, or peak travel seasons.

  • Official Websites for Reservations:

    • Japan Bus Online (English-friendly and covers many routes).

    • Highway Bus Dot Com (English site for Willer Express and other major operators).

Popular Destinations

• Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko: Direct buses available. Duration: ~2 hours.

• Hakone: Scenic bus rides with stops at major attractions. Duration: ~2.5 hours.

• Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka: Overnight and express buses. Duration: 5–8 hours depending on the route.

• Local Areas Around Tokyo: Day-trip buses to places like Nikko, Chichibu, and Izu Peninsula.

Amenities and Facilities

• Waiting Areas: Spacious seating with charging stations for devices.

• Luggage Services: Dedicated counters for storing or checking large luggage.

• Shops and Cafes: Grab snacks, coffee, or a quick meal before departure at the terminal’s eateries.

• Restrooms: Clean and easily accessible facilities are available on the same floor as the boarding areas.

Boarding the Bus

1. Check Your Gate Number: Your ticket will indicate the gate number for boarding. Gates are well-marked and located on the 4th floor.

2. Arrive Early: It’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

3. Boarding Process: Show your reservation confirmation (printed or on your phone) to the bus staff.

Tips for First-Time Travelers

• Reserve Ahead: Popular routes sell out quickly, so secure your seat online as early as possible.

• Travel Light: Storage space under the bus is limited. Avoid bringing oversized luggage unless necessary.

• Bring Snacks and Water: Some buses have vending machines onboard, but it’s best to bring your own refreshments for longer trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I cancel or change my reservation?

• Yes, most online booking platforms allow cancellations or modifications, but terms vary by operator. Check the cancellation policy when booking.

Q: Are there toilets on the bus?

• For longer routes (over 2 hours), most buses are equipped with onboard restrooms.

This is the iconic pagoda with cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji in the background, a view that has become almost too popular due to overtourism. To make the most of your visit, I recommend coming very early in the morning as you head out for a hike to Arakurayama or timing your return in the evening when the crowds thin out.

About:

The Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine hike rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from the famous pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park. The spot is especially beautiful during mid-April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and in November when the autumn leaves create a vibrant scene. To reach this spot, get off at Shimoyoshida Station on the Fuji Kyuko Line and take a short walk to the shrine. Be sure to bring your camera for that perfect shot, but also take a moment to enjoy the view beyond the lens.

While the mountain is known for the iconic Chureito Pagoda—a popular photo spot with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji—few venture beyond the pagoda to reach the summit, making this trail a peaceful escape.

Starting Point: The hike begins at Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you’ll find the trailhead.

Trail Details:

• Distance: Approximately 3 km (round trip)

• Elevation Gain: 400 meters

• Time Required: 2 hour

Highlights:

• Chureito Pagoda: The first major landmark, often bustling with photographers and tourists. Take your time to enjoy the view, but if you’re seeking a more serene experience, keep moving up the trail.

• Beyond the Pagoda: Once you pass the pagoda, the number of hikers drops dramatically. The path winds through peaceful woods, and the sense of solitude sets in, making it feel as though you have the mountain to yourself.

• Summit Platform: The platform at the summit offers an incredible view with very few people making the effort to hike this far, the atmosphere is calm and tranquil—a perfect place to rest and soak in the scenery with Mt. Fuji in the background.

This is one of my favorite trails around the lakes of Fuji. It's a scenic hike startig from Arakurayama Sengen Park and leads to Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama). Along the route, hikers pass through Shimoyama, which offers one of the best viewpoints for a less-crowded, serene experience of the surrounding landscape.

Trail Details

• Starting Point: Arakurayama Sengen Park

• Ending Point: Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama)

• Distance: 7 km

• Duration: 4 hours

Trail Route and Highlights

1. Arakurayama Sengen Park:

   • Start at the park, which is renowned for the Chureito Pagoda and its stunning views of Mt. Fuji. This area is quite touristy and you will see lots of people taking photos.

2. Ascent to Shimoyama:

   • Follow the marked path leading up from the park. Almost immediately, you will notice a drastic change in the number of people around you.

   • Shimoyama Viewpoint: Midway through the hike, you’ll reach Shimoyama, a fantastic, quieter viewpoint offering expansive views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding areas. Take a break here to soak in the scenery.

3. Final Stretch to Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama):

   • Continue along the ridge trail to reach Tenjosan. The path becomes more open with increasing views of Lake Kawaguchi and distant peaks.

   • The summit area of Tenjosan is home to the Kachi Kachi Yama Ropeway station, various observation points, and folklore-themed statues of a tanuki and rabbit.

Attractions at Tenjosan

• Kachi Kachi Yama Cafe: Enjoy local treats such as tanuki and usagi-themed dango (mochi).

• Shrine at the Summit: A small shrine near the ropeway station marks the summit and provides a peaceful resting spot.

Descending Options

• Hike Down: There's a 45 minute beginner-friendly trail down to Lake Kawaguchi.

• Ropeway: If you prefer an easier descent, take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway down to Lake Kawaguchi for a scenic ride.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly hike with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, Mount Tenjo is one of my top picks. You can reach the summit by taking the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway or opt for a one-hour hike through a scenic park. I highly suggest hiking if you have the time—it’s a lovely way to experience the beauty of the area.

Access Options:

• Hiking Trail: The trail takes about one hour minutes and is suitable for beginners. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views, perfect for photography and appreciating Mt. Fuji.

• Ropeway: A popular, quicker option that ascends 220 meters to the observation point, offering stunning views of Lake Kawaguchi during the ride.

Must-See Highlights:

• Bell of Tenjo: Known for its romantic legend, where ringing the bell while looking at Mt. Fuji through the heart-shaped frame is said to make wishes come true.

• Kachi Kachi Yama Statues: These playful statues depict characters from the folktale "Kachi Kachi Yama," adding a touch of cultural charm.

• Summit Shrine: A short 10-minute walk from the observation deck leads to a small shrine at the peak (1,104 meters).

Nearby Activities: Explore Kawaguchiko’s local attractions, including museums, hot springs, and the Ide Sake Brewery. Adventurous hikers can extend their journey to Mount Mitsutoge, a challenging six-hour round-trip trail.

Ropeway Information:

• Operates daily from 9 a.m. (9:30 a.m. from December to February) with departures every 5-10 minutes.

The Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, also known as the Kachi Kachi Ropeway, is a scenic cable car that takes visitors from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi up to the summit of Mount Tenjo. This attraction is perfect for visitors looking to enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding landscapes with ease.

1. Getting to the Ropeway

• Access by Public Transportation: From Kawaguchiko Station, you can either walk about 15 minutes to the ropeway base station or take a short bus ride to get there.

2. Ropeway Details

• Operation Hours: The ropeway operates daily from 9 a.m., with a closing time varying seasonally (around 5:10 p.m. in peak season and 4:40 p.m. in winter).

• Ticket Prices:

  • Round-trip: ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children.

  • One-way: ¥450 for adults and ¥230 for children.

• Ride Duration: The ride takes about 3 minutes and ascends 220 meters to the observation deck.

I've visited Kawaguchiko many times, and it never gets old. You have about 50% chance of seeing Mt. Fuji with higher chance during early morning and in winter.
Fuji Visibility Forecast

Below are some of my top recommendations for how to enjoy your time:

1. Take a Boat Ride on the Lake

• You can take a ride on small swan boats or large samurai-themed ships, both offering a unique perspective of Mt. Fuji and the lake.

2. Hike to Arakurayama and/or Tenjosan (Kachi Kachi Yama)

• These are the two popular hikes that offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji.

• Tenjosan has cable car access if you don't want to hike up or down. At the top, you’ll also find spots to grab a snack and soak in the panorama.

3. Go for a Lakeside Walk or Bike Ride

• The path around the lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll or cycling.

• Here's how to rent a bike: https://matcha-jp.com/en/12246

4. Enjoy Local Food and Cafes

• Try Kawaguchiko’s famous houtou noodles—a hearty dish perfect after a day of exploring. There are also cozy lakeside cafes where you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

5. Enjoy Local Food and Cafes

• Try Kawaguchiko’s famous houtou noodles—a hearty dish perfect after a day of exploring. There are also cozy lakeside cafes where you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

Kawaguchiko Station is a charming gateway to the famous Lake Kawaguchi area, nestled at the base of Mt. Fuji. This station serves as the terminus for the Fujikyuko Line and is a starting point for many who wish to explore the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes region.

One of the standout features of Kawaguchiko Station is its status as one of the most scenic stations in Japan. It offers a full, unobstructed view of the majestic Mt. Fuji directly from the platform and surrounding areas, making it a unique spot where travelers can pause and take in this iconic sight.

Around the station, you'll find a variety of great food options including Houtou, one of my favorite dish of Yamanashi.