Fujisan View Express

Back in 2016, travellers to Mt Fuji, or “Fujisan” as it’s known in Japanese, were given a luxurious new train to make the journey more memorable. Called the Fujisan View Express, the train was designed by Eiji Mitooka, an industrial designer who also worked on the Kyushu Shinkansen 800 series and Seven Stars in Kyushu, a luxury cruise train.

With large windows and warm wood panelling throughout, the three-car train runs along the Fujikyuko line from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station via Fujisan Station, offering expansive views of Mt Fuji during the 26.6-kilometre (16.5-mile) journey, which takes roughly 45 minutes to complete. Travellers from Tokyo can take the limited express train from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station, arriving in about an hour, and that’s what our reporter Masanuki Sunakoma did during a recent visit to the area.
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