1-day Mt Fuji off season ascent
4.7
(8)
Follow Tadashi, a certified mountain guide on a 1-day climbing trip to Mount Fuji. A unique ascent of Japan's most iconic peak, through Yoshida route.
1 Day
Apr - Jun, Sep, Oct
Intermediate
Highlights
- Reach the summit of Mount Fuji (3776m), a sacred and legendary mountain.
- Enjoy a quieter and more serene climb with significantly fewer climbers compared to the summer season (July–September), during the off-season from early April to June.
- Take in breathtaking panoramic views throughout both the ascent and descent.
- If you wish to climb during the severe winter months (December, February, or March), please inform us in advance. These climbs are available only to intermediate climbers with experience in full winter mountaineering above 3,000 meters who can prepare and use their own winter mountaineering equipment.
Description
Mount Fuji (3,776 m) is Japan’s highest peak and a powerful symbol of the country—sacred, iconic, and steeped in legend. We offer guided summit ascents during the off-season, from late April to the end of June and from September to late October, primarily as a one-day climb. Please note: from March to late April, the standard plan is a 2–3 day climb with overnight stays at mountain huts.
While summer is the most popular climbing season, the off-season offers a far quieter experience with fewer climbers. However, conditions near the summit in April and May are those of full winter mountaineering: temperatures are low, winds can be strong, and icy terrain is common. Snow often remains on the trail during this period, increasing the technical difficulty. Therefore, prior winter mountaineering experience is required to participate during this time.
In contrast, September and October typically have no snow, making the route easier to walk. With basic summer mountaineering experience and a good level of physical fitness, climbers can safely attempt the ascent during this period.
We provide private guiding on a ratio of one guide per one to two guests. For climbers with sufficient winter mountaineering experience, groups of up to three guests per guide can be accommodated. After meeting in Gotemba, we will travel together to the trailhead.
Guests stay at a hotel in the Gotemba area the night before the climb. On the climbing day, we depart at 5:00 a.m. At 6:00 a.m., we begin from the Fujinomiya route, starting the ascent at approximately 2,500 meters. Above 3,000 meters, ice axes and crampons are used. The summit is typically reached around 11:00 a.m. Descent begins at approximately 12:00 p.m., with completion around 4:00 p.m.
It is a long and demanding day, but the sense of achievement gained from standing atop the mystical and beautiful Mount Fuji is truly extraordinary. If you have ever dreamed of climbing this legendary mountain, please feel free to contact us. I will personally guide you to the summit through a unique off-season experience. For those seeking a truly special ascent of Japan’s highest peak, we warmly invite your inquiry.
Climbing Mount Fuji in the off-season is generally restricted for hikers without sufficient fitness, experience, or equipment. However, this limitation does not apply to those who hire a certified guide and are properly equipped, physically prepared, and experienced in mountaineering.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
- Included:
- round-trip transportation between your accommodation in Gotemba City or Fujiyoshida City and the trailhead.
- Not Included:
- Transportation costs from Tokyo to Gotemba City or Fujiyoshida City
- Meals during the climb
- Equipment rental
- Portable toilets
- Mountaineering insurance
- Personal accident insurance
- Participants are required to arrange their own mountaineering insurance and/or overseas travel insurance prior to the climb.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Details
More info
Groups of up to 3 persons If you are able to walk for 10 hours, this trip is for you!
FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
1200m / per day. 10 hours hike from early morning.
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
Experience in summer mountaineering and mountains above 3000 m is recommended. It is important to maintain fitness, including regular running. Participation is possible from the age of 12 years and over, as long as there is no snow.
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
Guide will pick you up at your hotel. I recommend to stay at Gotemba city.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Guide will get permit fee before the hike.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
June or September.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can join small groups of two persons.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
In the event of adverse weather conditions, which may be a safety hazard, the event will be cancelled. The decision will be based on the latest weather forecast, but safety comes first.
What is the best time to climb off season?
May to June (on the snow)
Sep to late Oct (like summer trail with no snow)
Can I join a group?
No. This is primarily a private tour, and group participation is not available.
What level of experience and fitness is required? Is this program suitable for children or older participants?
Previous experience in summer mountaineering and climbing mountains above 3,000 meters is recommended. Maintaining a good level of physical fitness—such as through regular running—is essential.
From April to early May, prior winter mountaineering experience is mandatory, as conditions are those of snow-covered alpine terrain.
Participation is open to those aged 12 and above only during snow-free periods, specifically late June, September, and October.
Older participants are welcome provided they have sufficient fitness and relevant experience. Eligibility will be confirmed through prior communication, though please note that in some cases we may not be able to accept participation.
How do I get to the trailhead / meeting point?
The guide will pick you up directly at your hotel, provided your accommodation is located in Gotemba City or Fujiyoshida City.
If you are staying in Tokyo or other regions, we may be able to accommodate transportation for an additional fee.
We recommend staying in Gotemba City, as it offers convenient access to the trailhead and a wide selection of hotels that are relatively easy to use and well suited for climbers.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Tadashi
5.0
(21)
Mountain Guide
I am a JMGA mountain guide based in the seaside town of Miura in Kanagawa prefecture, offering a mix of outdoors guiding activities in both the mountains and the sea. What I value the most in guiding is to of course guide my clients safely but also for my clients to spend a quality time in the rich nature. Exposing yourself in the rich nature by taking part in outdoor activities, and by removing everything in between you and the nature, I believe that you’ll be able to experience the extraordinary. It could be the overwhelming feel from witnessing the change in landscapes through seasons, or that you learnt to speak to your own body and heart, or that you deepened the understanding of the local area, and of course it could be that precious moment where you can experience this together with other people!
I am also certified in Japan Avalanche Network (JAN) at Level 2.
In the summer, I guide in the mountains, mainly in the North Japan Alps, and sea kayak, and in the winter I take clients backcountry skiing.
Whatever the discipline, my focus is always for my clients to be able to “feel” and to be one with the nature. The integral part of the fun is to interact with the locals, to meet the local culture, and to breathe in the air there as a total package!
So, in the summer I like to take clients deep into the mountains accessed by using both the sea kayak and your climbing / hiking skills, as well as staying in tents at night. I think it is a pity if you only spend time in the mountains or only in the sea!
And in the winter, I’d like to show my clients that backcountry skiing is not all about chasing powder but it is about getting joy from the mountains in totality.
I am looking forward to meeting you and sharing a quality time in the land of varying seasonal beauties!
Languages
Japanese | English
Certificates
JMGA
Reviews with photos
5What people are saying about this trip
Stacia
Overall a great experience! Guide as knowledge and helpful and helped us maximize our trip.
Joel
I had an excellent experience with Tadashi Terada. He is an extremely knowledgeable guide who is clearly passionate about nature and providing a good experience to his clients. He was easy to get into contact with and provided excellent advice for gear to bring, how to prepare, and providing gear I could not bring to rent. I highly recommend him if you want to successfully climb Mt. Fuji.
Egle
Very professional, very nice person, was a pleasure to climb to the top and back! But the track going down off season was sooo difficult :) Mabye because i had a seriuos knee trauma.
Katherine
Emma
We had an incredible hike up Mount Fuji during the off-peak season, and a huge part of that was thanks to Tadashi, our guide. Although there was some risk involved in going off-season, Tadashi’s experience and risk management were second to none. He made us feel completely safe and prepared, so we could enjoy the hike without any concerns. Tadashi gave us great tips for both the ascent and descent, and he set a fantastic pace, ensuring we were comfortable the entire time. One of the best parts was having the joy of hiking Mount Fuji without the usual crowds—an experience we wouldn’t trade. Tadashi even took time to capture beautiful photos along the way, adding to the whole adventure. It was a truly enjoyable experience, and we felt safe every step of the way. Tadashi’s professionalism and friendly demeanor made the entire day a pleasure. Highly recommend this experience, especially with Tadashi as your guide!
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