Mount Fuji off season climb (mid April /early June)
Reach the summit of the iconic Mount Fuji on this 1-day climbing trip in the off season, together with an IFMGA mountain guide.
Private
1 Day
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Oct
Fit
Intermediate
Highlights
- Discover Mount Fuji off season and stay away from the crowds.
- Reach the summit of a mythical mountain in Japan.
Description
At 3776 m, Mount Fuji is the highest peak in Japan and also a symbol of the country. Come with me for a climbing trip in the offseason!
Climbing Mount Fuji in the off season (during spring, from mid-April to June) is a good idea if you want to avoid crowds, although you should consider the weather is much colder and there’s still snow on the trails, so you should come prepared for a harder climb and have the proper equipment.
The starting point of our adventure will be the Kawaguchi-ko area, a resort town with various tourist attractions, many kinds of accommodation facilities and great views of Mount Fuji. You will get picked up from your hotel at night and will travel to the ascent point of Mount Fuji. If we use the toll road, that opens at 3 am, I suggest the pick-up time at 3 am. Otherwise, if you have your own means of transport, you can meet your guide directly at the car park at the base of the mountain.
As this is a 1-day climbing trip, we will start really early morning, almost in the middle of the night. From there we’ll drive 45 min. to the 5th stage on the slopes of Mt. Fuji to the nearest trailhead.
You’ll reach the summit after 4 to 6 hours of climbing. Then, you’ll take the same route to descend while enjoying the stunning views along the way! This will take 3 hours. You should be back in the car park around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Afterward, I’ll drive you back to your hotel or railway/bus station.
So, are you ready for a thrilling offseason Mount Fuji climb? Then book your place and join me for a unique climb of this iconic peak!
Please remember that you’ll need winter mountaineering equipment to hike up this mountain.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide expenses
Price details
Not included:
- Insurance is not included in the price.
- If Mt.Fuji tall road need to be used (payable at the spot 2240 JPY).
- During weekends and holidays, this programme is 15.000 JPY higher per group.
- Special service: pick up from Tokyo for an additional fee of 24.000 JPY per group.
- Climbing with children age less than 10 years old is not recommended.
Details
More info Skill level required: intermediate to advanced, familiar to use crampons, ice axe. Fitness level required: FIT, able to climb minimum in 8~10h, up and down 1500m (5000 feet). In general the best adventure time to climb Mt. Fuji is OFF season, but there are several things to consider according to the time of the year. Mt. Fuji receives most of the snowfall from February to April, in winter is too cold and strong winds are blowing snow away. Usually the mountain is still covered with SNOW in late spring and then again in fall but less snow than in spring. Sometimes it is still cold and trails are under snow and ice in these periods. This is a minimum intermediate level and serious ascent requiring previous experience and fitness. You’ll need 3 seasons or winter mountaineering boots, warm clothing, crampons, ice axe, helmet and harness, which can be rented from the guide, except for boots, which you’ll need to bring your own. Some tips: Usually ascent is from the North, because you can rich the highest trailhead point by car. Hike up starts from parking at 2300m (7500ft); first, we climb on a sandy trail, following is the rocky ridge, approximately till 3000m, from there we need to put on crampons. Is there any technical component? If the weather is nasty, like strong wind or icy snow, for safety ascent we rope up and wear a harness, use an ice axe, etc. The slope steepness is 30, partly 40 degrees. In case the weather is cloudy or windy, the snow will not soften and will stay hard all day; often this is 400 to 600m around the summit. There are 3 different trails going up and down Mt.Fuji. Please note that some are longer as the starting point is lower like at 1900m. Equipment: for Mt.Fuji climb, equipment depends on snow conditions as it is changing every week. For this ascent, you will need to bring your own proper clothing and own mountaineering boots. If you wish to travel light; we can rent crampons, ice axe, walking poles, helmet and harness at JPY 1000/item, payable in cash direct to the guide after the climb. Please note we don’t rent winter boots. In case you need to rent some equipment (such as Ice Axes), we will prepare it, but if the guide decides on the spot not to use it, we’ll not charge you. Food and drinks: You should take 2L of water; 500ml to1l thermos is recommended. Insurance: please make sure you are individually insured appropriately with international travel insurance which specifically covers mountaineering. Other: sometimes, trip itinerary may be altered and/or date change can be discussed, case by case, based on the weather forecast. I will try to modify my schedule and we’ll do our best to make our guests happy. I would advice you to make your schedule flexible as well. The guide may choose a different road approach and climbing route, the time of the early morning start etc. If the weather forecast and conditioners are really bad on scheduled day or day before and after as well, then we’re offering plan B: a very exciting mix climbing to the summit of Yatsugatake range, Mt.Akadake almost 3000m high, 2h drive from Kawaguchi-ko. Trouble while climbing: often people will get light altitude sickness (dizzy, headache etc.). Special service: I can pick you up at your hotel in Tokyo, middle of the night like 1:00am, then takes 1:30 to 2h to Kawaguchi-ko; for an additional cost of 24.000 JPY per group. Please inquire if you wish this optional service but please note, it is one way only, and you’ll need to return to Tokyo by train or bus, because of heavy traffic jams, usually every afternoon. Read more: copy of WARNING article; It might not sound difficult to climb Mt. Fuji in Winter conditions but reading this report doesn't make it clear how dangerous it actually is. All warnings about climbing snow-covered Mt. Fuji which can be found on the Internet are appropriate and in fact it is very dangerous. Each year people die on Mt. Fuji and others get seriously injured. Unless you are an experienced alpinist or with an experienced guide, you should not attempt to climb Mt. Fuji in winter. Being well aware of the dangers I spent much time on preparation and training before my first attempt. Please be aware that unless you have already experienced this kind of conditions, the information that can be found on the Internet will not be sufficient for an attempt to climb Mt. Fuji OFF season. |
Meeting point At Kawaguchi-ko town, which is Fuji five lakes area, easily accessible by trains or direct buses from Tokyo. |
Equipment you will need to bring
Helmet
Ice axe
Harness
Crampons
Other gear: Winter boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm alone, is it possible to join a group that you would have already?
What equipment will I need?
Can you pick me up in Tokyo?
Where is the meeting point?
What is the itinerary? Which route will we be taking?
How dangerous is it to climb Mt Fuji off season?
What is included in the price I’m paying here?
Is it possible to climb Mt Fuji off season with children?
Is it possible to do it in 2 days?
Do I need an insurance?
How hard is it to climb Mt Fuji off season? What experience / level do I need to have?
What happens if the weather is too bad?
About the guide
I’m an international IFMGA mountain guide; also the first non-Japanese mountain guide certified by the JMGA (Japan Mountain Guide Association); born in Slovenia.
My country is small but well known in the world as strong in sports and mountaineering. I use to compete as Olympic team member and on World Cup competitions as a Cross-country skier. After I left Slovenia and traveled all over the world, I ended up in Japan. I married beautiful native lady, and have lived here for 30 years. I love Japanese mountains and feel privileged to be able to enjoy these mountains trough the entire four seasons.
I’m based at the foot of Japan Alps; convenient place in winter for ski touring from Nagano to Hokkaido, winter mountaineering or ice climbing at Yatsugatake, and of course ascending the symbol of Japan Mt.Fuji.
In summer Japan is a great place for hiking, alpine climbing or popular shower-climbing and some fine sport/free climbing year around.
Since 2013, I’m working on NHK (Japanese national TV) programs, introducing Japan culture and outdoor activities, climbing skiing etc. Check it out at the link below the recent one about BC skiing.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/2007412/
It is my absolute pleasure also to take and guide you in my home country Slovenia. In addition to guide in the mountains, I also enjoy having the opportunity to teach mountain climbing skills to every level of climbers, here in Japan. This is because I wish everybody to be SAFE on the mountains.
Please contact me on E&S if you would love to have great experience, as well as a tailor-made plan for other mountains and sport climbing all over SE Asia, EU, South America....in any season!
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