Osaka or Hiroshima --> Fuji 5 Lakes

Hi Luke,

It's not really an easy route coming from Osaka/Hiroshima. You have two options.

1.) Is to take the Shinkansen to Shin-Yokohama and then local trains to Otsuki station, from where you can take the Fujikyu line to Kawaguchiko.

2.) Is to take the Shinkansen to Mishima station and an express bus from there. See:
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/29

The fastest route depends on what time you travel and is mostly depending on transfer time. The first is cheaper with the JR Pass but has more transfers. The 2nd has less transfers but the wait time for the bus can be long and the bus is not included in the JR Pass.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Thanks for your help Daniel.

One last question. Would I better to but a JR East and JR West pass or do I need to buy a national rail pass. My itinerary is below.

Kansai Airport --> Osaka
Osaka --> Tadanoumi
Osaka --> Hiroshima
Osaka --> Fuji 5 Lakes
Fuji 5 Lakes --> Tokyo
Tokyo --> Nikko
Nikko --> Tokyo --> Narita airport

Many Thanks,
Luke

Hi Luke,

Get a Japan Rail Pass, neither a JR West or JR East Pass would cover your full itinerary.

The JR Pass would cover all your travel with the exception being the last part to and from Kawaguchiko.

Have a good trip!
Daniel