Climbing Mount Fuji off season 2-day trip
5.0
(3)
Join Tadashi, a JMGA-certified mountain guide, to take you to the summit of the mythical Mount Fuji, on the cold weather of spring. Join me on this challenging off season 2-day ascent.
2 Days
Apr - Jun, Sep, Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Reach the summit of Mount Fuji (3776m), a sacred and legendary mountain.
- Enjoy a quieter climb with fewer crowds compared to the summer season (mid-April to June).
- Enjoy breathtaking views throughout the climb and descent.
Description
Mount Fuji (3776m) is a symbol of Japan, a sacred and legendary mountain, and also the highest peak in the country. I invite you to join me for a 2-day climbing trip in the off-season, which spans from mid-April to June and from September to October.
The most popular time for the ascent is during summer, but you will get a chance to climb a few people and quiet condition compared to summer. However, you should bear in mind that the weather around the top of the mountain in April and May is colder, windy and icy on the surface.
The climb itself is somewhat difficult, there is still snow on the trails during this time of the year, so you need previous winter mountaineering experience to join this climb.
I can provide private guiding services for either one guest or two guests per guide. However, if you have prior winter mountaineering experience, I can accommodate up to three people. We will meet in Gotemba and then journey together to the starting point for the ascent. On the first day, we will stay at the Sato Hut. We meet there and check your gear and your fitness, prep for climbing.
Very early in the morning at 4:00 am, we will begin our hike from 2000-meter altitude. We'll use an ice axe and crampons above 2500m, and then, reach the Mount Fuji summit at about 11 a.m. At noon, we will start the descent, until 5 pm. This will be a long day, but with a rewarding sense of achievement after climbing the mythical and beautiful Mount Fuji.
The same route will take us back, enjoying breathtaking views along the descent. About 4 or 5 in the afternoon we will be back in the car park and drive back to our accommodation.
Don’t hesitate to send me a request if you want to climb this mythical mountain in Japan. Join me on this off season climb and I will guide you to the top of Mount Fuji.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
- Mountain guide expenses
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Hiking-Sato Hut (2300m)
On the first day, at 1 pm, starting from 1400-meter of altitude, we will start a 3-hour walk through a traditional and beautiful forest trail, with no snow. We will spend the night at the Sato Hut [2300m].
We will talk about your skills and acclimatization at high altitude.
Day 2: Mount Fuji summit
Today we will start our climb at 5 am, with ice axe and crampons. We will reach the Mount Fuji sumitt at 11 am, and the round crater at 12 am. At 3 pm we will start the descent, and go down. About 5 pm we will be back. This will be a long day, but with a rewarding sense of achievement after climbing the mythical and beautiful Mount Fuji.
*Depending on the weather conditions, we may need to climb to the summit on the third day.
Details
More info
If participants have previous mountaineering experience, I can guide up to 3 participants.
Climb Pricing & Details
🌨️ Early April to Late April — $1,500 per person
- Conditions: Winter-like, high risk (deep snow, strong winds)
- Experience required: Snow climbing, ice axe, crampon use, appropriate clothing
- Itinerary: 2 days with an overnight at Sato-goya hut
❄️ Early May to Early June — $1,300 per person
- Conditions: Snow remains, but Fujinomiya Skyline opens (1-day climbs possible)
- Experience required: Snow mountain experience recommended
🍂 Mid-June, September, October — $800 per person
- Conditions: Snow-free, summer trails open, easier ascent
Why climb off-season? Fewer crowds, unique landscapes — but tougher conditions require the right skills and gear.
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
You need to be in good physical condition as we will be climbing Mount Fuji during the off-season, which presents additional challenges such as snow and colder weather. While prior mountain climbing experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
I recommend starting your training at least two months in advance. Focus on cardio training, such as running or cycling, to build stamina, and include strength training for your legs and core.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
Yes, you will need to bring your own winter hiking boots, crampons, and warm clothing suitable for snow conditions. Some equipment, such as crampons, can be rented if you don't have your own.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
We will stay in mountain huts during the climb. The huts provide basic meals, but it is a good idea to bring your own snacks and extra food. Carrying some cash is recommended as well.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Safety is our top priority. If the weather is too severe to climb, we will either postpone the climb or adjust our plans as necessary.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
You will need to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking. No special permits or vaccines are required for this trip.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
The guide-to-client ratio for this trip is 1:4, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you can join a scheduled group climb. If you prefer, you can also arrange a private climb with friends or family.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Tadashi
5.0
(16)
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
What people are saying about this trip
Yuen
Overall it was a really enjoyable hike. Guide Tadashi was knowledgeable and guided us in being equipped with the appropriate gear as it was our first time hiking in snow. It was especially tranquil during the off season period, and the views were magnificent.
Stephen
Tadashi Terada is an excellent guide. I asked him to take me up Mount Fuji by the Subashiri Trail in early May 2024, when there was still 1000 meters of snow and ice on the mountain and the trail ropes were buried. Tadashi was patient, professional, careful, loyal, funny, and excellent at route-finding (we descended through the snowfield and bush zone after dark because of my slow pace). The travel, food and lodging arrangements which Tadashi made after picking me up in Tokyo were also first rate. I very highly recommend him as a guide and person.
Krzysztof
It was great. Really appreciate for your support in this. Kenji is a great guy, and excelent mountain giude. All was perfect prepared. Even waether was great. We had perfect windon for climbing. I can 100% recomend everyone off seasson climbing with Kenji.
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