Take a First-Class Seat on the Limited Express Train connecting Tokyo and Mt. Fuji
Hello. In this video, I’ll be sharing
my journey on the Fujisen View Express, the limited express train that runs between
Tokyo and Mount Fuji. So, sit back and enjoy the ride all the way to Fuji. I’m having a bite
to eat at an internet cafe here in Shinjuku, Tokyo. From here, I’ll be taking a series of
limited express trains all the way to Lake Kaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, where Mount Fuji is. So,
out of this huge map, where am I heading first? That’s it. First, I’ll be taking a limited
express train to Osuki station. I’ll be using an Ioka card for the train, which is an IC card
that’s more common in places like Osaka and not as familiar to people in the Kanto region. If
you’re taking the train in Tokyo, you should definitely pick up an IC card like Sua or Pasmo.
This is the limited express train I’ll be riding today. The Kaiji number 31. Honestly, as someone
from Kansai, trying to navigate the stations in Tokyo is a right pain. It’s so confusing. But
still, you’ve got to admit that Tokyo is just on another level. The Japanese economy would be
in a right state if Tokyo didn’t pull its weight. Anyway, I found the platform, so let’s head
up. Time to say goodbye to Tokyo. Here we are. This is the Limited Express Kaiji number
31. The train I’m taking to Otsuki station. It’s got quite a smartl looking face, hasn’t
it? There’s also an echaben shop here. Just a little wait until we can get on board. The
final stop for the Kaiji number 31 is Kofu Station, which is the capital of Yamanashi
Prefecture. Right then, let’s get on board. The interior is really clean and
it feels a bit like a shinkansen. Why won’t the door open properly? Come on,
mate. Do your job. A seat in a pair of two seats. It seems not many people are getting
on at Shinjuku station. We will be stopping at taking a stroll down the aisle. It’s all pretty
standard. It’s a perfectly normal limited express train. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary.
So, a green light means the seat is booked and a red light means it’s available for anyone to sit
in. The headrests on the seats are adjustable, which makes for a comfortable ride even on
longer journeys. There’s free Wi-Fi as well, so you don’t have to worry about watching
videos. And we’re off. Right then, bye-bye Tokyo. I’ll be back again soon, but it’s
a temporary farewell for now. I’ll be uploading a video with a great Tokyo sightseeing plan next.
So, do hit that subscribe button and stay tuned. Let the luxurious journey to Mount Fuji begin.
You drop the table down from the seat in front and it’s absolutely massive. It’s brilliant. Oo
is the quintessential Japanese drink, isn’t it? The journey from Shinjuku to Otsuki station
is about an hour and a half. We’ve only been going for 10 minutes and it already feels
like we’ve left Tokyo behind entirely. It’s proper countryside now. The proper way to use a
cold drink in summer is to hold it against your skin like this to cool your body down. Right
then, here’s my Spotify playlist. Is there anyone out there who likes the same music as
me? If you do, let me know in the comments. We’ve arrived at Tatikawa station. It seems there
have been a few stops, but still no one has sat next to me. You might be surprised by this, but
we’re still in Tokyo. Once you get outside the 23 central wards of the city, it’s pretty much just
endless residential areas. When I’m on a train, I prefer not to be on my phone and just
enjoy the scenery outside. Looks like we’re about to enter the mountains of Yamanashi
Prefecture. So, let’s have a look outside. Wow, I wasn’t expecting to be in
such mountainous terrain straight away. It’s absolutely beautiful, isn’t it? Yeah, there are still so many places in Japan
I’ve never seen before. Have you ever visited a rural tourist destination in Japan, not
just Tokyo or Osaka? If it gets a bit bright, you can just pull down the blinds
like this to block out the sun. Now that we’re properly in Yamanashi Prefecture,
the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo have completely disappeared and you’re surrounded by beautiful,
lush greenery. I wouldn’t mind spending the rest of my days in a place like this when I’m an
old man. Right then, there’s an announcement that we’re arriving at Otsuki station
soon. So, let’s get ready to get off. Blimey, the door still won’t open
properly. Don’t leave without me. Right, I’m out. Phew. I’ve got a bit of
time, so I might as well head out of the ticket gates. I’ve just stepped outside the
ticket gates at Osuki Station. It’s got a lovely old-fashioned feel to it, hasn’t it?
I like it. So, it seems Otsuki is famous for Motaro, the character from that old Japanese
folktail. Otssuki is just a transfer station, so you still can’t see Mount Fuji from here.
I’d love to go sightseeing around the area, but I’ve only got an hour, so I’m just
going to have a wander around for a bit. Right. Then here’s the tourist map for Otssuki,
but everything’s miles away, so I can’t really go anywhere. Taking a stroll around Otsuki station,
you can really see the old-fashioned shops and streets that have been preserved. I’d love to go
to one of these independent isizakayas one day. And there’s a solitary toyoko in hotel tucked
away. This little set menu has a great vibe to it as well. Right then, my train’s coming soon.
So, let’s head over to the FujiO line platform. Just so you know, this platform is different
from the regular local train platform. Good news is you can still use my beloved
Aikoka card here, a proper Kai treasure. It’s a bit of a small rural station, but
there are more staff here than I expected. Probably because it’s a tourist spot. It’s
far too hot to wait outside. So, I’ll wait for the train in the air conditioned waiting
room. Here she is. The Fujisan View Express. So, this Fujisan View Express is the one that’s
going to take me all the way to Kawaguchiko. I’m proper excited. Just then, a local train
pulls up on the opposite platform. It’s got illustrations of Thomas the Tank Engine on the
side. 2025 is actually Thomas’s 80th anniversary, so he’s being celebrated all over the place.
I’ll be riding in the first class carriage, which is carriage number one. Buzzing. This
Fujisan View Express is really something, isn’t it? It’s time to get on. And there’s a lady
waiting by the door. Special treatment, perhaps. She’s checking my reservation. and I’m
finally on board. It’s my first time getting this kind of special treatment, so I’m
a bit nervous, but she’s lovely, isn’t she? Wow, the carriage is absolutely stunning. The
chairs and tables have a really luxurious feel to them. I’ve booked a table seat right
at the front, so she’s showing me to my spot. This is a table seat that’s almost too luxurious
for me. Hang on. Am I the only one on the train? What’s going on here? Watching the driver’s
cab from this close is every boy’s dream, isn’t it? Apparently, I’m the only passenger on
board today. Any drinks on the menu are all you can drink. There are also things to buy on board,
like these cute Mount Fuji cookies. And the first thing I ordered was rather adorably an apple
juice. And we’re off. Right. Then for the next hour or so, I’m going to make the most of this
first class trip on the Fujisan View Express all the way to Kawaguchiko. I’m usually a bit
skinned, so I’ve got to enjoy it while I can. They’re selling all sorts of things on
board like craft beer, sparkling wine sake, and both red and white wine. It’s like having
a little bar on the train. It’s brilliant. A lovely train attendant has just come by to
sell things, so I’ve ordered a craft beer. And guess what? I even got a picture
with her. Brilliant. You’ve got to admit, watching the driver’s cab from this
close is pretty impressive, isn’t it? Since I’m the only passenger, I’m getting
some proper top-notch service. I’ve even got this commemorative stamp. And
here’s my craft beer. A beer in a special place like this has
to taste amazing, doesn’t it? Cheers. Bit of a shame I’m in my pajamas. I’ve
sweated through all my other t-shirts, so this was the only option really. This beer tastes even
better because I’m drinking it on this train. This is Jagarico, a proper Japanese
snack. It’s made from potatoes and has this unique crunchy texture
that’s seriously addictive. It’s brilliant with a drink and
loved by pretty much everyone here. Apparently, we should be able to see
Mount Fuji soon. Can you see it? Ah, I suppose that huge mountain you can see
in the distance on the screen must be it. The snow on top is definitely the trademark
of Mount Fuji, isn’t it? It’s a shame there isn’t any right now, but I suppose that’s
because it’s summer, right? Apparently, this is the perfect photo spot where Mount Fuji
fits perfectly in the middle of this stylish window. I’m not a confident photographer, so I’ve
decided to leave it to the attendant. Could you let me know if she’s managed to get a good shot?
I’ve made sure to put her under a bit of pressure. Oh, brilliant. She’s got an absolutely
fantastic shot. She told me that Mount Fuji is looking particularly clear
and beautiful today. Apparently, on unlucky days, it’s often
completely hidden by clouds. Look at that. I found an old-fashioned
steam locomotive at Shimayoshida station. I’ll be back here to do some
proper sightseeing tomorrow. And look, you can see Mount Fuji directly
from the driver’s seat. That’s a stunning view. And it’s an experience
you can only get in first class. That time flew by, didn’t it? It seems we’ve
arrived at Kawagucho station. The attendant kindly let me take some photos of the counter and
the things they sell at the back of the carriage. Thanks ever so much for a
truly special experience today. Ah, I’d ride it again just to see
that lovely attendant. Honestly, the service was so brilliant. It stood out even
more than the views. The train itself looks fantastic every time I see it. Anyway, I’ve booked
a capsule hotel near the station, so I’m off to find that. It’s late afternoon now, and the view
from the station is gorgeous. I’m in a great mood. The one thing that’s really struck me
since I got off at Kawaguchiko is that there’s hardly a single Japanese person around.
Am I really in Japan? It’s the summer holidays, so where has everyone gone? I haven’t
heard a single word of Japanese. Right, that’s all for this video.
Thanks very much for watching.
This video is a record of my trip on the Mt. Fuji View Express, First Class, which runs between Tokyo and Mt. Fuji. I hope you’ll enjoy the atmosphere of a quiet town away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, as well as the unexpected experience of having the First Class car all to myself and the heartwarming interactions I had with the crew.
AloJapan.com