Mount Fuji off season climb (spring /autumn)

You need to have an intermediate to advanced mountaineering skill level. You need to be familiar to use crampons and ice axe. In terms of fitness level, you must be fit and be able to climb minimum 8 to 10 hours in a row, up and down 1500m (5000 feet). 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.

It might not sound difficult to climb Mt. Fuji in Winter conditions but reading my program description doesn't make it clear how dangerous it 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 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.

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.

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 advise 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.

The price you are paying here covers my guiding services.

On top of this, you’ll have to cover the tall road 2,240JPY (if needed). Your personal insurance is also not covered here. Please note that prices on weekend are higher (25.000 JPY more per group).

For Mt. Fuji off season 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. Technical equipment (crampons, ice axe, poles, helmet and harness) is not included in the price. 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. You should take 2L of water; 500ml to1l thermos is recommended.

Yes, please make sure you are individually insured appropriately with international travel insurance which specifically covers mountaineering.

For your information, Explore-Share partners with Global Rescue, which offers comprehensive coverage including cancellation, rescue, and medical insurance. This ensures that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind during your climbing adventure on Mt Fuji. To learn more about Global Rescue and to purchase your insurance, please visit: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/

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Climbing with children age less than 10 years old is not recommended.

At Kawaguchi-ko town, which is Fuji five lakes area, easily accessible by trains or direct buses from Tokyo.

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 50.000 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.

Unfortunately not. I only do private guiding.

I don't guide together climbers who don't know each other.

Running private climbs allow we to have a very high success rate. And the experience is much better for everyone.

Yes! We usually climb it in two days when altitude sickness can be an issue or if there is a lot of snow. We would then stay at the mountain hut before the climb. In this case there would be an extra to pay of covering my guiding fee and the expenses.

The ideal place to stay before and after the tour is Kawaguchi-ko town, which is Fuji five lakes area, easily accessible by trains or direct buses from Tokyo. Kawaguchi-ko town is the meeting point for the tour. You can also stay in Tokyo, and we can arrange pick-up at your hotel there (this is NOT included in the price).

Transfer from Tokyo to the meeting point (Kawaguchi-ko town) is NOT included in the price. As a 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 50.000 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.

Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) is the closest airport for Mount Fuji ascent.

Yes. The meeting point is at Kawaguchi-ko town, which is Fuji five lakes area, and it is easily accessible by trains or direct buses from Tokyo.