What You’ll Learn in This Article
- How to get to the Mount Fuji area by train via Kaiji and Fujisan Express
- The unique interior and headcovers of the Fujisan Express
- All about Yoshida Udon — Fujiyoshida’s beloved local specialty
- Information on the Fuji View Express — next on our must-ride list!
Shin-Yokohama → Yokohama Line → Hachioji — Already Feeling the Yamanashi Vibe!
Our journey began at Shin-Yokohama Station, transferring to the Yokohama Line bound for Hachioji Station.
Despite still being within Tokyo, the Kiosk at Hachioji Station was already stocked with Shingen Mochi — the famous sweet from Yamanashi. And this time, a very special find caught our eye: a limited-edition Shingen Mochi in a commemorative drawstring pouch celebrating the 500th anniversary of Shingen’s birth! We made a firm mental note to pick one up on the way home, then boarded Kaiji No. 39.
Limited Express Kaiji is operated by JR East between Shinjuku and Kofu / Matsumoto. It also stops at Hachioji, reaching Otsuki in approximately 30 minutes. On weekday evenings, seats are plentiful and every seat comes with a power outlet — making it perfect for working on the go.
Kaiji on a Weekday Evening — The Perfect Mobile Office
On a weekday evening, the Kaiji was noticeably uncrowded, with power outlets at every seat. Laptop open, work in progress — the 30-minute ride to Otsuki passed in no time.
Tips for Riding the Kaiji
- Power outlets at every seat — ideal for working on the go
- Quieter than expected on weekday evenings
- Only about 30 minutes from Hachioji to Otsuki
- Both reserved and unreserved seating available
Transfer at Otsuki Station to the Fujisan Express — Welcome to the Fujikyu Railway World!
Just 30 minutes from Hachioji, we arrived at Otsuki Station and transferred to Fujisan Express No. 5.
Stepping onto the Fujikyu Railway platform, we were immediately greeted by a parade of brightly wrapped trains arriving and departing. The colorful lineup of vehicles made it instantly clear — we had arrived in Mount Fuji country.
The Fujisan Express Interior Is Pure Joy! Don’t Miss the Headcovers
The Fujisan Express is covered in Mount Fuji illustrations — inside and out. The moment you step aboard, your excitement levels shoot straight up.
The real highlight? The headcovers on the seats, each featuring a completely different illustration of Mount Fuji. You’ll find yourself checking every single one.
A Selection of Unique Headcover Designs
- “Whale Fuji” — a whale swimming alongside Mount Fuji
- “Yellow Fuji” — a vivid, sunshine-yellow Mount Fuji
- “Fuji Three Brothers” — a playful trio of Fuji peaks (a nod to the famous “Dango Three Brothers”!)
Hunting for your favorite headcover design is one of the great joys of riding this train!
Fujisan Express is operated by Fujikyu Railway between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. Filled with playful Mount Fuji-themed design throughout, it is enormously popular with tourists and railway fans alike.
Trying Yoshida Udon — Fujiyoshida’s Legendary Local Noodle
No visit to the Mount Fuji area is complete without Yoshida Udon — the proud local specialty of Fujiyoshida City.
We ordered a bowl with miso broth and chikuwa tempura topping. The firm, chewy noodles paired beautifully with the miso-based soup, creating a simple but deeply satisfying flavor. Taking our seats at a restaurant called “Genji,” we looked up to find a stunning view of Mount Fuji framing the backdrop — a view that stopped us in our tracks all over again. Only in Fujiyoshida can you enjoy great food and a great view at the same time.
Yoshida Udon is a regional specialty of Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Known for its exceptionally firm and chewy texture and its distinctive blend of miso and soy sauce broth, it offers a completely different experience from typical Japanese udon. A must-try when visiting the Mount Fuji area!
The Return Journey on Fuji Kaiyu — and a Stunning Surprise on the Platform
For the return leg, we took the Fuji Kaiyu — a direct and convenient option back toward Tokyo.
While waiting on the platform, a very special train glided in: the Fuji View Express, designed by renowned automotive designer Mitsuoka Akio. That striking crimson red body was absolutely breathtaking. This is officially next on our must-ride list!
Fuji View Express is a sightseeing limited express operated by Fujikyu Railway. Designed by automotive designer Mitsuoka Akio, its bold crimson exterior is instantly recognizable. All seats are reserved, so advance booking is recommended if you’d like to ride.
Don’t Forget the Souvenir — Special Shingen Mochi at Hachioji!
On the way home at Hachioji Station, we successfully picked up the special 500th anniversary commemorative pouch Shingen Mochi we had spotted in the morning. A limited-edition souvenir that made the perfect memento of the trip.
Shingen Mochi is also available online!
Access Summary | Getting to the Mount Fuji Area by Train
| Section | Train | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shin-Yokohama → Hachioji | Yokohama Line | Approx. 40 min |
| Hachioji → Otsuki | Limited Express Kaiji | Approx. 30 min |
| Otsuki → Kawaguchiko | Fujisan Express | Approx. 50 min |
| Return | Fuji Kaiyu | Direct & convenient |
Summary | The Mount Fuji Area Offers So Much More Than Just the Mountain!
| Spot / Train | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Limited Express Kaiji | Power outlets at every seat — work while you travel |
| Fujisan Express | Unique headcovers & Mount Fuji-themed interior throughout |
| Yoshida Udon | Miso broth, chikuwa tempura & a stunning Fuji backdrop |
| Fuji View Express | Mitsuoka’s crimson masterpiece — next on the must-ride list! |
The Mount Fuji area offers a completely different experience with each train you ride. We highly recommend combining multiple trains for a truly memorable journey!