Mount Fuji Hiking: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Located in Chūbu region of east-central Japan, Mt Fuji towers above the landscape. Serving as a symbol for the country, it is also Japan’s most popular mountain. More than 200,000 people visit the peak each year. An estimated 2,500 people reach the summit each day in the peak summer season.

Climbing Mt Fuji requires no technical know-how, but does require stamina and being in relatively good physical condition as you gain altitude quite quickly.

There are four routes up which to climb. However, the most popular one is the Yoshida Trail, which gives you the best view of the rising sun, if you’re heading up the peak for Goraiko.

The Fujinomiya trail is the second most popular one and is provides great views for daytime hiking, including out over the iconic cherry blossoms to the south of the mountain.

Stunning scenery

Located in the midst of lakes and forests in southwest Japan, Mt Fuji is home to some of the country’s incredible beauty. Hike through the cherry blossoms as they bloom in the autumn and enjoy phenomenal views all the way out to the Pacific Ocean from the top. Taking two days and an early start also gives you the chance to see Goraiko.

Goraiko

Immortalized on the Japanese flag, Goraiko is the experience of seeing the sunrise from the top of Mt Fuji. It is the ultimate reason to make the 2-day ascent of the summit and truly feels like a spiritual moment. Rising over the surrounding hills and clouds, the sublime view of an orangey blue sun on the horizon will surely take you breath away.

Come for the culture

Mt Fuji is considered a holy site to both the Shintos and Buddhists in Japan. Hiring a local guide gives you the chance not only to experience the natural beauty of Mt Fuji, but also the spiritual beauty of the mountain. Take some time to learn about what makes Mt Fuji one of Japan’s three holy mountains.

During the summer, average daily temperatures at the top of Mt Fuji range from just above freezing to 10 °C. Temperature at the base are usually in the 20s. Summer is the rainiest season on Mt Fuji, but still has plenty of clear days to enjoy.

Any trip to Mt Fuji begins with a flight into one of Tokyo’s international airports, Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT). From here, it is easy to take the bullet train to Mt Fuji or make the two hour drive in a rental car.

The four climbing paths to the summit of Mount Fuji are divided into 10 stations (with 10 at the summit).  There are paved roads that lead to each of the four station 5's, where the actual trekking usually begins. These are busy spots where you can buy souvenirs and grab a bite. If you want to be a purist however, you can begin your trekking from the very beginning at station 1.

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June to September is usually considered the best time. The official climbing season usually goes from late June/early July to early September. Off season ascents are also possible, but conditions can vary greatly from early season ascents in April and May, to spring ascents in late September and October.

Mount Fuji is not the only attraction in the Fuji area, you can find all kinds of other adventures to complement your Mt. Fuji trek! From a children's fun park to other natural wonders, there's something for everyone in this beautiful Japanese location. Here you can check some options:

Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine: You can take a 15-minute bus ride from Kawaguchiko to get to this beautiful shrine believed to be a gateway to another world!

Chureito Pagoda: A stunning 5-story pagoda with a great view of Mount Fuji framed with cherry blossoms in the spring and beautiful oranges and reds in autumn.

Shiraito Falls: Well known for their breathtaking beauty, these falls are located on the southwest foothills of Mount Fuji.

Fuji Five Lakes: Choose one of the stunning Fuji Five Lakes and rest your soul in one of the hot springs after trekking to Fuji Peak.

Mount Fuji is  3776m/12,388ft high. It is the highest mountain in Japan. This means you need a good level of physical fitness to meet the challenge. You will need good cardiovascular/aerobic capacity, and also strength to carry your backpack uphill and then back down for many hours on end. We definitely recommend that you start training well in advance. Also, keep in mind you will need to acclimatize to the altitude. The average trekking time is two days, although experienced climbers may do it in one. If you don't have that much experience, then you can do the trek in three days at a slower pace.

Although it is a challenging physical trek, it doesn't require specific technical climbing skills. No scrambling or rock climbing is involved.

You will also want to consider the terrain and moody weather. On the way up you will find some steep inclines. Although the descent is faster, you will encounter some very slippery rocky terrain. Also, you can expect thunderstorms, hail, and snow.

Finally, for those worried about the possibility of volcanic activity, keep in mind Mount Fuji hasn't erupted since 1707-1708.

Yoshida Trail: The most popular trail due to its accessibility, it is also a favorite because it is the best to catch the famous Mount Fuji sunrise. In order to see it, keep in mind you will have to start climbing from the 8th station to the peak at night.  The ascent from the 5th station to the summit takes between 5 to 7 hours, descent usually takes between 3 to 5.

Subashiri Trail: The Subashiri trail is a little longer and usually less crowded than the Yoshida, though they merge at the 8th station. Ascent on this trail takes between 5 to 8 hours and descent takes around 3 to 5.

Gotemba Trail: The Gotemba trail is the longest of the four trails and less people take it. This means that it is less crowded and that it has less huts. The ascent on this route takes between 7 to 10 hours and the descent takes from 3 to 6.

Fujinomiya Trail: The Fujinomiya trail is the shortest to the summit from the 5th station. Ascent takes between 4 to 7 hours and descent takes between 2 to 4. Check out this 2-day Fuji climb if you're interested in this route.

The pick-up location will depending on the tour you booked. It is usually flexible if your booked hotel is located within the Mount Fuji area, including Fujiyoshida, Kawaguchiko, Gotemba, Mishima, or Shin-Fuji. If you are traveling from Tokyo Station via bullet train, the guide will pick you up at Mishima or Shin-Fuji Station in the morning. Exceptions apply if the number of people in the group exceeds 4, due to vehicle restrictions.

Guide fee and transportation are generally included in the price.

For all departures between July 1 and September 10, there is a mandatory entrance fee of 4,000 yen per person, which is usually not included in the trip price. Additionally, the hut fee is usually not included and client is responsible for the accommodation cost.

To calculate the cost of your Mount Fuji mountaineering experience you will need to consider guiding fee, admission, huts, meals, toilets and extras. The guiding fee will vary depending on the season in which you'll go, the duration of the excursion and the number of people in the group. Besides the tour price, during high season you'll have to pay the 4000 yen entry fee. Other costs you need to consider: an estimate for a half-board hut is 8000 yen, 1000 for meals and 100 to use the toilet. Keep in mind that you will need to pay many of these things in cash as there are no ATM's and you won't be able to pay with your credit card in the mountain. 

There are several types of Mount Fuji tours you can choose from, that can vary according to the following:

Trip duration: You can choose from 1-day fast ascents, the best-seller 2-day ascents, or even longer 3-day ascents from sea to summit.

Season: You can choose to go during the official climbing season, from June to September, where you can expect better weather conditions but also more people on the mountain, or you can choose an off season ascents, which can be either before the summer (from April to May), or during fall (September and October).

Trip type: You can choose either a private tour, or to join a group tour with scheduled group dates.