Fujisan View Express Special Car Seat Ride Review / Maglev Exhibition Center

Hello, this is Koromi, sharing travel tips for visitors to Japan!

Today, I’ll introduce the Fujisan View Express, a train with stunning traditional Japanese design.

The train’s interior, designed by the renowned Eiji Mitooka, is a must-see!

I’ll also share my impressions of the Linear Observation Center at Otsuki Station.

What is the Fujisan View Express? Route Overview

The Fujisan View Express is a sightseeing train operated by Fujikyu Railway.

It runs from Otsuki Station to Kawaguchiko Station, taking about 45 minutes. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from the train window.

If you’re traveling from central Tokyo to Kawaguchiko, the Fuji Excursion offers a convenient direct route from Shinjuku. However, it’s often quite crowded with international tourists.

If you have extra time, another great option is to take the Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujisan View Express. This way, you can relax in its luxurious interior and enjoy a more comfortable journey.

Transfer to the Fujikyu Railway at Otsuki Station

We’ve arrived at Otsuki Station, where the Fujisan View Express departs!

As we pass through the ticket gate, we spot the Thomas Land Train on the left.

The Fujikyu Railway is known for its playful and unique trains, including the Fujisan View Express, the Fujisan Limited Express, and the Thomas Land Train—each with its own charm.

And there it is—the Fujisan View Express, with its striking red body!

The train proudly displays “The Railway Closest to Mt. FUJI” on its exterior ⛰️.

It’s a compact, three-car train, and we’re heading to the first car, where the special reserved seats are located.

Since this train was converted from an older model, its exterior has a somewhat worn, rugged look—giving it a bit of vintage character! 😆

Boarding the Special Reserved Car in the First Car!

The special reserved car in the first car comes with an onboard attendant who guides you to your seat—adding an extra touch of exclusivity! ✨

So, what does the interior look like?

The atmosphere is chic and artistic, creating a stunning ambiance!

As we step inside…

We’re greeted by an elegant interior featuring abundant use of wood—absolutely breathtaking! ✨😍

For this ride, we reserved the round table seat at the very front.

What an incredible space! 🤩

The special reserved seats come with complimentary drink service, adding a luxurious touch to the journey.

Interior Designed by Renowned Industrial Designer Eiichi Mitooka

The interior design of the Fuji-san View Express was created by Eiichi Mitooka, a well-known industrial designer recognized for his work on Japan’s iconic tourist trains, such as the Seven Stars in Kyushu.

His designs are characterized by warm, inviting aesthetics, with an abundance of wood and Japanese fabric patterns. These elements create a truly unique atmosphere that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance.

In the train, you’ll also find merchandise featuring Mitooka’s designs available for purchase—definitely worth checking out!

How to Reserve

Seats in the special reserved car in the first car and designated seats in the second car require advance reservations, which can be made online starting one month prior to your journey.

Even for the special reserved seats, the cost, including the regular fare, express train fee, and special seat fee, is around ¥2,500—a very reasonable price considering the luxurious train experience!

While the atmosphere inside may feel like a luxury train, the price point is more casual, making it the perfect opportunity to indulge in a bit of luxury during your travels.

On weekends, there’s also a dessert plan available in the special car, where you’ll be served specialty sweets and drinks crafted by the hotel patissier! 🍎🍰🧁

Reservations for this plan start on the first day of the previous month, so be sure to book early!

Exploring the Train Interior

The interior of the Fuji-san View Express is a feast for the eyes, with traditional Japanese design elements everywhere you look. From the wooden latticework around the driver’s cabin to the walls and ceilings, the train exudes a timeless, serene aesthetic.

In the back of the first car, there’s a counter, but drinks and sweets can be ordered from your seat through the attendant—another touch that adds to the special experience.

The items displayed here are for show only, and aren’t for sale. They appear to be related to the local culture along the train’s route, adding an extra layer of interest.

I also took the opportunity to stamp my commemorative stamp on the back of the coaster! 🖋️

A fascinating detail: although each seat has a unique pattern, the overall design remains harmonious without feeling cluttered—quite impressive!

I took a quick look at the designated seating in the second car 👀.

Though the seating arrangement is different, the colors and interior vibe are still very much in line with the first car’s aesthetic.

Whether or not you’ll get to see Mount Fuji depends on the weather, though.

Sadly, the view of Mount Fuji wasn’t visible on the day of my ride due to clouds. ☁️

Such a disappointment… 😭 But the 45-minute ride passed by so quickly!

Before I knew it, we had arrived at Kawaguchiko Station—a beautiful, scenic spot at the foot of Mount Fuji.

Recommended Tourist Spot for Train Lovers: The Maglev Exhibition Center

Just a 15-minute bus ride from Otsuki Station is the Maglev Exhibition Center, where you can observe test runs of the linear motor car 🚅.

On the day I visited, unfortunately, no test runs were scheduled, but you can check the official website for the schedule to ensure you don’t miss it! Even on days without a test run, the full-size models of the trains are on display, giving visitors a chance to learn about the inner workings of the linear motor car.

There’s also a range of interactive exhibits that explain the technology behind the magnetic levitation system used in the linear train. The simulators and hands-on experiences make this a fun and educational experience for both adults and children.

The kids’ space makes it an ideal spot for families to enjoy without worry.

So, if you’re taking the Fuji-san View Express, be sure to stop by the Maglev Exhibition Center in Otsuki Station!

Final Thoughts

The Fuji-san View Express is a beautifully designed tourist train that captures the essence of traditional Japanese beauty. The interior, designed by Eiichi Mitooka, offers a warm, wooden atmosphere, and the special carriages provide added perks like drink services and special dessert plans.

While the chance to see Mount Fuji is weather-dependent, the train experience itself is special enough to make the journey worthwhile. If you’re planning to ride, I recommend reserving a special carriage for a truly luxurious experience.

If you’re traveling with train-loving children, pairing the Fuji-san View Express ride with a visit to the Maglev Exhibition Center is an ideal combination!

koromi

YouTuber / Mother of two

YouTube

A native Japanese in his 40s who likes to travel domestically.
Mother of two.
Office worker for 17 years → Blogger, You Tuber.