Hello,
I was given to understand that there is a hourly inter-city bus service from Shinjuku bus station but haven’t found any information. Can you confirm and share schedule/cost. Are there local buses in Fuji 5 Lakes area to get around viewing spots?
After this stay we will travel to Kyoto via JR Pass (activating from here) - what’s the nearest JR Station?
Just wondering if I should rent a car instead to travel to the Lakes area and to visit scenic spots in the area? Does Google Maps work well in this area?
Comments
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/
You can board from Tokyo Stn.
From Shinjuku, there is
http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
Not all buses start from there, but there should be something that you want that stops at Yamanakako (山中湖).
To go to Kyoto from there, it is very time consuming. You can take the bus back to Tokyo, or take a different bus that goes through Hakone and get off at Mishima Stn. Offices to activate your pass are at:
http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html
Please note though that if you are just going from there to Kansai and back to Tokyo, you **will not** make a 7 day JR Pass pay off.
If you are up to driving in the area, renting a car is an ideal way to get around the Fuji 5 Lakes area.
You can see train schedules, times, fares, connections etc at
http://www.hyperdia.com
Under "More Options", be sure to uncheck the Nozomi box if on a full JR Pass since you can't ride that train using the pass.
You can see previews of some of the best places to see in Japan on:
https://www.youtube.com/user/thejapanfaq/videos
There are also loads of other tips on
http://www.thejapanfaq.com/the-best-japan-travel-tips/
Best regards.