How do I get back to Shinjuku from the Mt. Fuji 5th Station after 17:00 pm?

by Jordan
(Melbourne, Australia)

G'day Gary, thanks for all the information on here. Super helpful! I'm hoping to climb Fuji on 6th of July 2023.

I have found plenty of information about how to get there from Shinjuku (planning on taking the express Highway Bus from Shinjuku station to 5th station at 6:45am, arriving at 9:20am).

The last Highway Bus from 5th station to Shinjuku is at 17:00pm. Given that I will probably start my hike around 10:00am, this gives me only 7 hours to get up and down.

My worry is that if I am not down in time (ideally I wouldn't want to rush it so I can take in the view), I will be stranded at 5th station until the next morning. I would really like to avoid staying in a hut/staying overnight.

Are there any other ways to get back to Shinjuku in the evening from the 5th station?

Thank you!

Jordan