How to Travel from Gotemba to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station: Transportation Options and Tips
Mt. Fuji, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, is Japan's iconic highest peak. Standing at 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji provides delicious snowmelt water and beautiful natural scenery that continues to captivate not only local residents but also many tourists.
Around Mt. Fuji, there are four climbing routes scattered throughout the area, bustling with many climbers aiming to reach the summit. It's also a popular driving destination, crowded with tourists visiting attractions around Mt. Fuji.
The area around Gotemba Station, which is close to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji, has many spots where you can enjoy various activities and is a popular base for climbers and tourists. In this article, we will introduce how to travel from Gotemba to Mt. Fuji's 5th station and tourist spots in the surrounding area that can be enjoyed before and after climbing.
There Are Numerous Options for Accessing Mt. Fuji's 5th Station
Mt. Fuji is located straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. There are four climbing routes on Mt. Fuji, and it is common to start climbing from the "Mt. Fuji 5th Station," which is the midpoint of the routes.
There are various ways to access Mt. Fuji's 5th station. There are numerous options, including "climbing buses" departing from Fuji Station and Kawaguchiko Station, express buses going directly to the 5th station from various locations such as the Kanto area and Osaka, and private cars.
If you are traveling by car, you need to pay attention to traffic information as there may be restrictions depending on congestion.
What is the 5th Station?
The 5th station of Mt. Fuji is the midpoint of the climbing routes. Among the climbing routes "Yoshida Route, Subashiri Route, Gotemba Route, and Fujinomiya Route," the most famous is the "Fuji Spiral Line 5th Station" on the Yoshida Route.
At the high-altitude 5th station, you can view the magnificent natural landscape spreading below and the dynamic Mt. Fuji towering in front of you. There are also restaurants and observation decks at the 5th station, making it enjoyable not only for climbing but also as a driving spot.
Gotemba is an Excellent Tourist Base with Many Surrounding Attractions and Good Access to Mt. Fuji
The Gotemba area is blessed with diverse tourist spots, including rich nature, outlet malls, hot spring facilities, golf courses, and art museums. From Gotemba Station, the closest Mt. Fuji 5th station is about 30 minutes away by local bus.
From Gotemba Station, it takes about 35 minutes by local bus to "Fuji Safari Park" where you can enjoy animal ecology, and about 25 minutes by local bus to "Gotemba Premium Outlets," one of Japan's largest shopping malls.
If you want to enjoy not only climbing but also shopping and leisure activities, it would be good to base yourself in Gotemba City to fully experience how to travel from Gotemba to Mt. Fuji.
<Information (Gotemba Station)>
Address: Shinbashi, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: Take the Odakyu Odawara Line/Romance Car Fujisan from "Shinjuku Station" and get off at "Gotemba Station" • Take the express bus bound for Gotemba Station from "Busta Shinjuku" and get off at "Gotemba Station"
Official Website: https://www.odakyu.jp/romancecar/charges/shinjuku_gotemba/index.html
https://odakyu-highway.jp/express/hakone/
Benefits of Using Gotemba as a Tourist Base for Mt. Fuji
Access Mt. Fuji's 5th Station in Just 30 Minutes by Bus
From Gotemba Station, you can access the "Mt. Fuji Gotemba New 5th Station" in just about 30 minutes using a regular bus line. Even without a car, you can easily reach the 5th station, allowing you to enjoy Mt. Fuji sightseeing without hassle.
From Gotemba Station, it's a straight road directly to the "Mt. Fuji Gotemba New 5th Station." Whether you're attempting to climb Mt. Fuji for the first time or simply want to enjoy the scenery from the 5th station, you can access it stress-free.
Japan's Largest Outlet Mall is Located Here
Located about 25 minutes by bus from Gotemba Station is "Gotemba Premium Outlets," one of Japan's largest shopping malls. The expansive grounds feature 290 diverse shops including apparel stores and restaurants, providing entertainment throughout the day.
At the outlet mall, products are sold at reasonable prices, discounted from their regular prices. You can enjoy relaxed shopping while viewing Mt. Fuji, making it perfect for those who want leisure activities beyond mountain climbing.
Numerous Hot Springs and Cottages for an Enjoyable Tourist Experience
Around Gotemba, there are hot springs and cottages scattered about that offer views of Mt. Fuji. Staying at a cottage allows you to spend relaxed time without worrying about others. Purchase ingredients and enjoy cooking with friends or family indoors for a pleasant time together.
At Gotemba's hot spring facilities, you can soak in the baths while gazing at the majestic Mt. Fuji. The time spent in an open-air bath while viewing Mt. Fuji is exceptional. Relax in the hot springs to relieve fatigue from hiking or other activities.
Who Would Benefit from Gotemba Access to Mt. Fuji!
The Gotemba area is ideal for those who want to enjoy various activities before and after climbing the mountain, as it's rich in facilities like outlets and hot springs. It's perfect for family trips that don't focus on mountain climbing, or for large group travels.
Additionally, the Gotemba route to Mt. Fuji has fewer climbers compared to other routes, making it recommended for those who want to avoid crowds during their climb.
Regular buses run from Gotemba Station to various tourist spots, allowing you to enjoy your trip even without a car. If you're visiting Mt. Fuji for the first time or wish to travel using only public transportation, why not choose Gotemba as your base?
Disadvantages of Using Gotemba as a Tourist Base for Mt. Fuji
The Gotemba Station area, which is rich in tourist attractions beyond Mt. Fuji, is a popular area not only with foreign tourists but also with Japanese visitors. Gotemba Station gets crowded from morning with climbers heading to Mt. Fuji's 5th station, tourists going to surrounding attractions, and salary workers using it for commuting.
One disadvantage is that you might have difficulty boarding buses or taxis due to the many people using public transportation. While there are many places to kill time in this area, making it possible to move around with breaks in between, keep in mind that following an ideal schedule might be difficult depending on the level of crowding.
If you want to efficiently tour Mt. Fuji, consider a tour with a private chartered vehicle.
Enjoy efficient sightseeing around Mt. Fuji while avoiding crowds with a tour including transportation from Tokyo
This one-day tour provides a private chartered vehicle that picks you up at your hotel, accompanied by an English-fluent guide to visit popular spots near Mt. Fuji. The tour includes experiences such as harvesting wasabi at a century-old wasabi farm and visiting shrines with sacred trees over 1,000 years old, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural environment created by Mt. Fuji.
The greatest advantage is the stress-free travel with a private vehicle. You can relax and enjoy sightseeing while avoiding crowded public transportation. Experience tourist attractions according to the perfect schedule created by your guide and driver.
Participants have praised the tour, commenting: "Every moment was fulfilling. Highly recommended for those seeking experiences beyond just taking photos."
<information>
Meeting point: Pickup at Shinjuku or your accommodation hotel
Tour area: Mt. Fuji area
Start time: 8:00
5 Recommended Tourist Attractions near Gotemba for Those Using It as a Base for How to Travel from Gotemba to Mt. Fuji
Here are five recommended tourist spots for those using Gotemba as a base for exploration. The Gotemba area offers various attractions besides Mt. Fuji. Enjoy the scenery, food, and experiences to create memorable moments.
Gotemba Premium Outlets
source：Google Map
"Gotemba Premium Outlets" is one of Japan's largest outlet malls. Its vast grounds feature 290 diverse shops including restaurants, apparel stores, and sports shops, selling products at significantly discounted prices from regular retail. The ability to purchase quality items at reasonable prices is a delightful aspect.
At the outlet, you can enjoy views of Mt. Fuji from various locations. My recommendation is the "Dream Bridge" connecting the "EAST area" and "WEST area." Spending time shopping while viewing Mt. Fuji will be a very relaxing experience.
<information>
Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Business hours: 10:00-20:00
Closed: None
Phone number: 050-1721-1028 (Reception hours: 10:00-18:00)
Official website: https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/
Tokino-Sumika
source：Google Map
Tokino-Sumika is a large resort facility featuring hot springs, hotels, restaurants, and event venues. The extensive grounds include observation restaurants, cottages available for private rental, sports gyms, strawberry farms, and many other attractions enjoyable for all ages from children to adults.
My recommendation is the "Underwater Paradise Aquarium" which displays 4,500 goldfish. Watching the goldfish illuminated by beautiful lights will give you a pleasant feeling.
For those who want to minimize car or bus travel and experience various activities in one place, Tokino-Sumika is definitely worth a visit.
<information>
Address: 719 Kamiyama, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Business hours: Varies by facility
Closed: Varies by facility
Phone number: 0550-87-3700 (Hotel Tokino-Sumika phone number)
Official website: https://www.tokinosumika.com/
Note: For each facility's business hours, closing days, and phone numbers, please check the "Contact List"
Hakone Area
The Gotemba area and Hakone area are adjacent, making them easily accessible for visitors. The famous tourist spot "Sengokuhara Susuki Prairie" in Hakone is located about 25 minutes by car from Gotemba Station.
Additionally, the "Hakone Glass Forest Museum" is only about 20 minutes away. It's a delightful advantage that extending your trip a bit allows you to experience a wider range of tourist attractions.
The Hakone area is also famous for its hot springs, historical shrines, and natural landscapes such as Owakudani and Lake Ashi. If you're interested in enjoying both mountain climbing and hot spring tours, or if you want to appreciate art museums and beautiful nature, it's definitely worth a visit. Since you can access Tokyo from Hakone-Yumoto Station, it's also recommended to stop by on your way back.
Information (Hakone Town General Tourist Information Center)
Address: 706-35 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-17:45
Closed: Open year-round
Phone Number: 0460-85-5700
Official Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/
Hakone Skyline
Hakone Skyline is a 5km toll road connecting Gotemba and Hakone. From Hakone Skyline, you can view the endless sky, lush green trees, and the majestic Mount Fuji standing tall. Especially on clear days, the scenery is so spectacular that you'll want to stop in your tracks.
My recommendation is "Fujimigaoka Park," located along the Hakone Skyline. When you gaze at Mt. Fuji and the cityscape from an altitude of about 1,010m, you'll likely feel refreshed and uplifted. If you're planning to travel from Gotemba to Mt. Fuji and then on to Hakone, definitely consider taking the Hakone Skyline route.
Information
Address: 1920 Kamiyama, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: None
Phone Number: 0550-87-0226
Official Website: https://siz-road.or.jp/
Fuji Speedway
Fuji Speedway is one of Japan's premier racing courses used in international competitions. The grounds feature a full-scale 4.5km circuit with Mt. Fuji in the background, offering an immersive atmosphere.
Enjoying Fuji Speedway isn't limited to watching races. With advance registration, you can participate in a driving experience on the circuit. During this experience, you follow a lead car and drive around the open racing course for three laps. Car rental services are also available, so even those without their own vehicles can enjoy the experience worry-free. Experience the exhilarating feeling through this extraordinary adventure.
Information
Address: 694 Nakahinata, Oyama-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
Business Hours: 6:00-16:00 (Hours vary by day. For details, please see the business information at https://www.fsw.tv/sales/2025/04.html)
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 0550-78-1234
Official Website: https://www.fsw.tv/