Mt. Fuji - getting there

Hi everyone,

I plan to hike Mt Fuji and therefore want to go by bus from Shinjuku to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. Do I have to reserve a place or is the bus always booked out? I want to go at a certain day, so I can not try it the next day as it would trough it would mix up my schedule.

thanks a lot :)

Do I have to reserve a place or is the bus always booked out?

Advance seat reservations are required on the buses that operate directly between Tokyo and the 5th Station. They are also required on the buses that operate between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko Station. The buses do not always book out. But on busy days they can. When the buses are not booked out, it is possible to buy the tickets just a few minutes before departure at the Shinjuku bus terminal (without making an advance reservation).

On the other hand, trains between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko Station, and the buses between Kawaguchiko Station and the 5th Station do not require seat reservations.

Access is explained here:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6922.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6905.html

I manage to reserve a seat for the trip from Shinjuku to Fuji Subaru 5th station the day before the actual day. Sometimes they refer to Fuji subaru 5th station as Fujisan 5th station. If you're unsure just ask them if this is the station for the Yoshida trail. One way ticket is 2700Yen I think.