Otsuki Station
Located on the Chuo Main line running from Tokyo into Central Japan, Otsuki Station is a small but convenient station through which visitors can explore Central Japan. Notably, this includes visitors headed to Mount Fuji which can be accessed via services running through Otsuki. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Lines / Services to Otsuki
— Rail Passes Covering Travel to Otsuki
— Purchasing & Activating a JR Pass
— 30 Things to Do Around Fuji & Where to Stay
— Private Charters & Tours in Central Japan
For most international visitors, Otsuki Station will only be a transfer point between train services as they head to popular destinations in Central Japan including Mount Fuji and Mastumoto, or back toward Tokyo and Shinjuku Station. The station itself is small and easy to navigate with basic services available including small restaurants and convenience stores in and around the station.
For those who are headed to Mount Fuji, see ’30 Things to Do Around Fuji & Where to Stay’ below for suggestions regarding all that’s on offer the best areas to stay around the mountain. We hope the following information is helpful in planning your visit to Japan’s most iconic destination and the other many great attractions in Central Japan.
TRAIN LINES / SERVICES TO OTSUKI
Multiple services operate to and from the station, however for international visitors, the following three services will be of most interest:
1 / LIMITED EXPRESS KAIJI: running from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki and onto Kofu Station, the Kaiji service connects the station to Tokyo
2 / LIMITED EXPRESS AZUSA: also runs from Shinjuku to Otsuki and onto Matsumoto Station. As such, the Azusa travels much further into Central Japan than the Kaiji service however it should be noted that Otsuki Station is not a regular stop on this service. If your intention is to travel to Otsuki from Shinjuku, the Limited Express Kaiji is likely to be your best option.
3 / FUJIKYU RAILWAY LINE: runs from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station via Mt Fuji (Fujisan) Station and Fuji-Q Highland Station. In doing so, visitors can head to Mount Fuji and its many nearby attractions from Otsuki Station.
Let’s look at each service in turn:
LIMITED EXPRESS KAIJI
Most Limited Express Kaiji services run to and from Shinjuku Station and Kofu Station however it should be noted that a couple of services each day start from Tokyo Station and continue onto Ryuo Station. All Kaiji services stop at the following stations: Shinjuku / Tachikawa / Hachioji / Otsuki / Kofu*
*Please note, all listed stations – marked in red on the map – are stops on all services.
LIMITED EXPRESS AZUSA
Most Limited Express Azusa services run to/from Shinjuku Station and Matsumoto Station, with some services extended to stops prior to Shinjuku Station including Chiba – Funabashi – Kinshicho – Tokyo; and after Matsumoto Station including Toyoshina – Hotaka – Shinano-Omachi – Hakuba – Minami-Otari. The following are regular stops:
Shinjuku / Tachikawa / Hachioji / Otsuki** / Kofu / Kobuchizawa / Fujimi / Chino / Kami-Suwa / Shimo-Suwa / Okaya / Shiojiri / Matsumoto*
*Please note, stations marked in bold / red on the map are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day.
**While some Azusa services stop at Otsuki Station allowing passengers to transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line headed to Mount Fuji, most services do not. When traveling to Otsuki Station from Shinjuku Station, we recommend using the Limited Express Kaiji. All Kaiji services stop at Otsuki Station whereas only some Limited Express Azusa services do so.
FUJIKYU RAILWAY LINE
The Fujikyu Railway Line operates along the Otsuki and Kawaguchiko lines and in doing so, connects Otsuki Station to the most convenient stations in the region around Mount Fuji. The line also includes stops at the following:
Otsuki / Kamiotsuki / Tanokura / Kasei / Akasaka / Tsurushi / Yamuramachi / Tsurubunkadaigaku-mae / Tokaichiba / Higashikatsura / Mitsutoge / Kotobuki / Yoshiikeonsen-mae / Shimoyoshida / Gekkoji / Mt. Fuji (Fujisan) / Fujikyu-Highland / Kawaguchiko*
*Please note, stations marked in bold / red on the map are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day.
RAIL PASSES COVERING TRAVEL TO OTSUKI
There is no escaping the fact that travel using rapid services, including the shinkansen network, is expensive. Given the speed and distances covered by these trains, travelers should think of them much like taking a flight, with tickets accordingly priced. International visitors to Japan have the option of purchasing one of several passes which allow for unlimited use on most major rail lines:
JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS
Covering all 9 shinkansen lines in Japan and many other train services, the Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a great option for visitors planning to use the shinkansen more than a handful of times and/or travel large distances. Travelers have the option of 7, 14 and 21-day passes covering either Ordinary or Ordinary and Green Cars. This pass also covers the Kaiji and Azusa services however does not cover the Fujikyu Railway Line.
PURCHASING & ACTIVATING A JR PASS
Passes can be purchased via the official website or via a JR-affiliated sales office. Once you completed payment, you will receive an exchange order. This is a proof of payment and looks almost like a flight ticket with your personal details, type of Pass, and validity (three months from the date of issue). It is important to note that the exchange order is not your actual pass and will need to be exchanged for your pass once in Japan. Whatever you do, do not lose the exchange order and prioritise exchanging it for your pass when you arrive.
Once you arrive in Japan and prior to using your pass, you must actually get your hands on it by exchanging the order/proof of purchase you received online. While passes cannot be exchanged/activated at Fukui Station, numerous JR Pass Exchange Offices can be found at major train stations and airports including: Narita Airport / Haneda Airport / Chubu Centrair International Airport / Kansai International Airport. Passes cannot be activated at Otsuki Station but can be activated at on the following stations with services running to Otsuki: Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station along with many others.
To exchange/activate your pass you will need your exchange order and passport. Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform.
30 THINGS TO DO AROUND FUJI & WHERE TO STAY
Whether you plan to climb the mountain or just want to see it in all its grandeur, there are plenty of reasons to visit Mount Fuji throughout the year. Our ’30 Things To Do Around Fuji & Where To Stay’ page has lots of great tips and suggestions of what’s on offer on and near the mountain including other great destinations in Central Japan.
HOW TO GET TO MOUNT FUJI
Visitors heading to Fuji can make the journey using public transport, their own car or arrange a tour or charter. For information on how to reach the famous mountain, see our ‘How To Get To Mount Fuji’ page.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
Otsuki Station is just one part of Japan’s fantastic rail network. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train is easy and comfortable opening-up all regions of Japan for exploration. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
PRIVATE CHARTERS & TOURS IN CENTRAL JAPAN
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Operating all year round, we can provide charters to any destination including in Central Japan with customised itineraries to suit your travel needs and interests. We have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your time in the region, including transport to and from any regional destination.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
