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| Photo: iStock/ BestForLater91 |
If you were looking for an image to represent Japan, chances are the perfect snow-capped cone of Mount Fuji would be high on your list. It’s not just there to admire from a distance, however. Climbing Mount Fuji is at the top of many people’s bucket lists, and there’s no time like the present to take up the challenge.
However, due to overtourism, new regulations are being instated. Starting in 2024, hikers without hut reservations will be restricted from climbing Mount Fuji between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. to prevent overnight climbing. Additionally, hikers must submit an online application.
The official climbing season annually starts in early July and ends in early September. Remember, trails are closed outside the climbing season.
Choose Your Mount Fuji Trail
Photo: iStock Liyao XieThere are four different trails you can take to reach the summit of Mount Fuji: Yoshida (yellow), Subashiri (red), Gotemba (green) and Fujinomiya (blue). Trails are split into 10 stages, and most climbers will start from the fifth station of each trail.
New Regulations For Climbing Mount Fuji
Starting in 2024, new regulations apply to Mount Fuji trails:
- After 4:00 pm, hikers need reservation documents to enter Shizuoka Prefecture trails (Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya).
- Climbers must register their plans online beforehand.
- On Yamanashi Prefecture’s Yoshida Trail, no climbing after dark unless staying in mountain huts.
- Fifth station gates close from 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., except for those with hut reservations or when daily entrants reach 4,000.
- Entry beyond the gate costs 2,000 JPY/person; additional voluntary donations for Mount Fuji’s conservation are encouraged.
More information on the characteristics of each trail can be found on the official website for climbing Mount Fuji.
The Best Time to Climb Mount Fuji
Photo: iStock Rattapon_WannaphatMount Fuji tends to be most crowded from July 20 to the end of August, when the weather is more stable and the schools are on holiday. Aim for a weekday and skip the Obon holiday from August 13 to 15 to avoid the worst crowds.
However, even during the official climbing season, temperatures can vary significantly, and sudden weather changes are common. It’s crucial to check the weather forecast before climbing and be prepared for rain, strong winds and significant temperature drops, especially as you approach the summit.
Seeing The Sunrise
You have two options for reaching the summit at sunrise (goraikou):
- Start in the early afternoon and rest at a mountain hut before heading to the summit after midnight.
- Start in the late evening and power through without a long break. If you need a rest, stay at a mountain hut.
Be aware that the summit’s pre-dawn temperature can drop to around 0℃ (32℉), and you’ll feel much chillier when you’re not moving.
Regular shuttle buses run from nearby train stations to Mount Fuji from around 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Direct bus options are also available from Tokyo, Gotemba and Shizuoka. For the return trip, buses typically leave at 8:30 a.m. and arrive at 8:30 p.m. Each trail requires different access—see details on the official website.
If you decide to stay in a mountain hut, it is highly recommended that you book one in advance. Sometimes, huts are completely booked as soon as they become available.
Mount Fuji Huts
Photo: iStock/ KEN226Costs range from ¥6,000 for a sleeping bag in a shared room to ¥16,000 for a semi-private space with breakfast and dinner included. Some huts offer vegetarian options, so request this in advance when you book.
Huts also have small shops where you can purchase supplies such as food, water, and oxygen canisters, albeit at inflated prices. Some will let you rest inside for short periods for ¥1,000 an hour, and they have toilets available for ¥200 (so carry plenty of change).
Booking a Mountain Hut
Below are compiled lists (in Japanese) of huts that can be booked on Mount Fuji:
- Yoshida Trail: Mt. Fuji Yoshida Trail Huts Association
- Subashiri Trail: Oyama Town Website
- Gotem Huts: Fujisan233.com
- Fujinomiya: Omote-Fujinomiyaguchi Climbing Association
Since these sites are mostly only available in Japanese, you’ll likely need to make a reservation in Japanese. You can find many English-friendly options by searching online.
Here are English-friendly booking sites for Mount Fuji huts:
How to Prepare Before Your Climb
Photo: iStock/ Toshihiro NakajimaBefore even starting your climb, here are some factors to consider.
Clothing and Equipment
The weather on Mount Fuji can be unpredictable. Climbers should bring summer and winter clothes to prepare for varying temperatures, from warm conditions at lower altitudes to freezing temperatures near the summit.
- Essential gear includes:
- Lightweight and breathable summer clothes for lower altitudes.
- Warm layers, fleece or down jackets, gloves, hats, and waterproof outerwear for colder temperatures.
- Appropriate shoes with ankle support.
- Head torch with spare batteries for night climbs.
- Trekking poles are especially useful on the descent.
- Gear rental:
- Many shops, like Yamarent and Sora no Shita, offer gear rentals.
- Reservations can be made online, and gear can be shipped to your home, hotel or collected in person.
Buy Food and Water Beforehand
Climbing Fuji requires plenty of fuel. But food and water at each station are expensive, so stock up beforehand.
- Climbers should have plenty of water and snacks (protein bars, granola, rice balls, etc.).
- Include complex carbohydrates in your diet a day or two before your climb.
Start Your Climb
Photo: iStock sphranerOnce you reach the fifth station, the climb begins. A “Fifth Station” refers to the starting points of the main trails that lead climbers towards the summit. These stations serve as the primary starting points for climbers and offer shops, restaurants, restrooms and accommodations (during the climbing season). Cars can travel up to the Fifth Station, beyond which only foot traffic is allowed.
Subashiri Fifth Station (Subashiri Trail)
Located on the quieter Subashiri Trail, this station is easily accessed by bus from Gotemba Station. It offers a gentle ascent through shaded forest paths up to the seventh station, with a side trail leading to “Little Fuji” (Kofuji), a smaller peak with panoramic views. Facilities are basic but sufficient for climbers preferring a less crowded experience.
Gotemba Fifth Station (Gotemba Trail)
Photo: iStock jlelelrLocated 1,400 meters above sea level, Gotemba Fifth Station is reached by a 40-minute bus ride from Gotemba Station. The trail offers a longer, gradual ascent with sparse facilities until higher stations. It includes the Osunabashiri slope for a quick descent over sandy terrain.
Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station (Yoshida Trail)
This station, accessible by bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station, is the most popular starting point. It’s known for its scenic views, proximity to Komitake Shrine and Lake Yamanaka, and well-maintained Yoshida Trail leading to the summit.
Fujinomiya Fifth Station (Fujinomiya Trail)
Situated on the direct “blue trail,” this station offers a straightforward ascent and descent. Buses from Mishima, Shin-Fuji, Fuji, or Fujinomiya Stations provide access.
Good Luck!
The ascent can take 5-10 hours, depending on your trail, fitness level and number of breaks. But the summit is only the halfway point, and the descent will take about half to two-thirds the time of your ascent.
Even if you don’t see the sunrise from the peak due to timing or weather conditions, making it to the summit is a huge achievement. And if you are lucky enough to witness goraikou, it will likely be one of the most beautiful sights you’ve ever seen.