Transportation Websites
 

What is the current suggestion to check transportation options online? Hyperdia does not have the time schedules. Navitime seems pretty extensive and is what I reference the most. The Jorudan site seemed to not offer a complete picture. I have also checked Rome2Rio and Google Maps.
The link that I am struggling the most with is getting from Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji area) to Himeji. I don't really want to go east back to Tokyo to catch a fast train to back west.
Looks like the best option is to take a bus to Shin-Fuji with a quick transfer to Shizuoka, then the Hikari to Himeji. Does that seem logical? It also might give us some views of Mt Fuji as we pass.
Thanks for some perspective.

Navitime may be the better option, but if using a Rail Pass be sure you select this in the initial search part (in the "Tourist Pass" dropdown) to get only those options. Rail Pass holders can not use the Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen.
Also, most buses are not covered by the Rail Pass, and the Fuji Kyuko train line (for Kawaguchiko station) is also not covered by the Rail Pass, so you would need to pay separate.
If you want to go more "direct" (as the crow flies at least) instead of via Tokyo (aside from the bus options you mentioned) you could go via Gotemba, which is about an hour south Kawaguchiko, but you'd still need to take the bus to there. But do realize that looking through different search engines will not somehow construct a more convenient train line for a small town that is totally surrounded by mountains.;)

We discussed this on your other thread.

What seems logical might not work well time-wise. How long is the bus trip to Shin-Fuji and does the arrival time line up with a Hikari train? Or a Kodama to Nagoya and then what? probably another change of trains at Shin-Osaka (probably a quick change).

My guess is that this would be closer to a 6-hour trip than a 5-hour trip. Five hours is my travel time limit for a day and I would be looking to change plans to avoid it. Maybe instead of putting K-ko after Tokyo, split the Tokyo time to go to Kawaguchiko and return to Tokyo before moving on. Or go thru Fuji-Hakone National Park and do the loop or something and then stay in Hakone or Odawara for the night.