Climb Mt Fuji in One Day – Off-Season Private Guided ascent
5.0
(61)
Experience the power of Japan’s iconic peak on a private, one-day off-season ascent of Mt. Fuji. Led by expert local JMGA guide Chikako, this fast-paced climb offers solitude, safety, and spectacular views, without the crowds of peak season.
Private
1 Day
Jun, Sep, Oct
High
Advanced
Highlights
- Reach the summit of Japan’s highest peak in a single day with a certified local guide.
- Avoid the crowds and stay light—no overnight stay or heavy packs needed.
- Flexible off-season scheduling with full safety planning and private guiding.
Description
Mount Fuji (3776m), the highest mountain in Japan, is a sacred mountain and one of the most iconic symbols of this fascinating country. I’d like to invite you to join me for a 1-day off-season climb, to enjoy all the natural beauty and peace Mount Fuji offers at this time of the year.
The ascent of Mount Fuji is a very popular trek during summer, so we would avoid the crowds. Climbing Mount Fuji during the off-season offers a more relaxed and peaceful approach, with fewer people on the trails. Furthermore, this is a privately guided tour, so you will have my undivided attention.
This tour is available from early June till June 27th, and from September 10th till the middle of October. Please note that in June, I can take up to 2 people on this tour, depending on how much snow is left on the trails. In September and October, the guide ratio is up to 4 people.
I will pick you up from your hotel around 5:00 am and we will begin to climb in the early morning, around 6:00 am. Once we reach the summit, we will be rewarded with amazing views. We will be back around 5:00 pm. Keep in mind that you need an advanced fitness level to join this tour.
If you would like to come with me on this 1-day climb to this symbolic mountain in Japan, just send me a request and we will start planning your Mount Fuji ascent. Or, if you prefer to come in the summer, you can also check out my Mount Fuji 2-day climbing tour.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide expenses
Price details
- PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Lunch: we will stop to buy lunch at a convenience store after picking you up early in the morning.
- NOTE: *more additional fees could be added for climbing gear rental if you need them (It might be necessary in late May to early June).
- * ice ax (JPY 1,000 )
- * helmet (JPY 2,000 )
- * trekking poles (JPY 1,000),
- * avalanche gears (JPY 2,000),
- * harness (JPY 1,000)
- !! Please bring enough cash with you
- Authorities are implementing a $30USD (£20) fee for climbers intending to ascend Mount Fuji route (during the summer season), in an effort to limit the number of individuals scaling the renowned volcano and address issues such as injuries and littering.
- The Yamanashi and Shizuoka regional governments have approved these revised regulations, set to take effect in July 2025.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: One-Day Fuji Ascent and Descent
Morning – Start from the 5th Station (~2,300 m)
- Meet your guide 4:30-5:00 AM at the hotel (Kawaguchiko area or Fujiyoshida city)
- Briefing, gear check, paperwork and drive to 5th station.
- 6:30AM We start hiking from 5th station.
- 9:30AM We get to 8th station.
Midday – Ascent to the Summit (3,776 m)
- Continue climbing through volcanic terrain, switchbacks, and alpine landscapes.
- 13:00 PM We reach Summit.
- Expected ascent time: 5–6 hours.
Afternoon – Summit & Descent
- Enjoy views from Japan’s highest point (weather permitting).
- Quick break, photos at the crater.
- Begin descent on same or alternate trail, managing volcanic scree and ash.
- 17:00-18:00PM We go back to the 5th station.
Total duration: 10–12 hours depending on pace and trail conditions. Note: May vary due to weather or group performance.
Details
More info
You might need to have crampons and trekking poles (500 JYP) or Ice axe depending on snow conditions. Transportation to the start of the trip can be arranged, but you need to be in the Mt. Fuji area.
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Sunglasses
FAQs
What experience do I need to have to climb Mt Fuji off-season? How fit do I need to be?
You need to have an advanced fitness level and be able to walk for 10 to 12 hours in one day. There will be around 1300 meters of altitude gain, and then the same to go down. If you inquire about climbing Mt Fuji in May, you'll need to have previous experience walking with crampons.
What is included in the price I need to pay here? What are the extra costs I'll have to cover?
The price you need to pay here to confirm the booking covers my guiding service and my expenses. On top of that price, you'll need to cover the following costs:
- Lunch: we will stop to buy lunch at a convenience store after picking you up early in the morning.
- The technical equipment if you need to rent it: ice ax (JPY 1,000), helmet (JPY 2,000 ), trekking poles (JPY 1,000), avalanche gears (JPY 2,000), and harness (JPY 1,000).
It is important that you bring enough cash with you!
What equipment should I need to take with me? How do I rent it if I don't have it?
- Climbing/hiking shoes that protect your ankles.
- Rain pants and jackets (GORE-TEX ), not a poncho! It is possible to rent some at Yamarent.com.
- Based on the conditions (especially in May/June and late October), you might need an ice axe, a helmet, trekking poles, avalanche gears, and a harness. It is possible to rent them at Yamarent.com
The equipment you rent at Yamarent.com will be delivered to your hotel. After the climb, I will take care of sending it back to them.
Where should I stay the day before? In which area?
You need to stay in the Fujikawaguchiko / Fujiyoshida city area. I'll pick you up from your hotel, and drive you back there or to one of these 3 train stations: Fujisan Eki, Kawaguchiko, Gotemba, after the climb.
At what time do we start? When will we be back? What's the program of the day?
Here is the program of this one-day ascent of Mt Fuji. The mentioned hours are approximate.
- 4:30- 5:00 am. I'll pick you up at your hotel (You should stay in the Kawaguchiko area or in Fujiyoshida).
We'll check together your gear, sign the paperwork and drive to the 5th station.
- 6.30am. We'll start hiking, from the 5th station.
- 9.30am. We should be at the 8th station.
- 1pm. Summit
- 5-6pm. We'll be back at the 5th station. From there, I can drive you back to your hotel or to one of these 3 train stations: Fujisan Eki, Kawaguchiko or Gotemba.
I'm alone, can I join a group?
No, I only accept private requests with people alone or groups of people already formed. I don't mix people together that don't know each other.
Can you really Climb Mt Fuji in one day?
Yes! With good fitness and a professional guide, it’s absolutely doable—especially with early start and solid pacing. Keep in mind we will walk for 10 to 12 hours in one day, with 1300 meters of altitude gain.
Is it safe to climb off-season?
Yes, but only with expert guidance. I will monitor weather and trail conditions and only operate when safe.
Which trail do we use?
Usually the Yoshida or Fujinomiya trail. We will choose the best route depending on conditions.
What happens if the weather is bad?
I will assess the situation and may adjust the plan, postpone, or cancel for safety reasons.
What is the Difficulty Level? Is This Climb for Me?
This climb is ideal for active hikers with solid endurance. You should be comfortable hiking 8–10 hours with elevation gain of 1,400+ m in a single day.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Chikako
5.0
(90)
Mountain Guide
I am a Mt Fuji guide and a backcountry ski guide, certified by the JMGA. I was born in Tokyo but currently live in Fuji-Yoshida city, located at the foot of Mt Fuji. Teaching was something that interested me since my school years, and thus chose to join a specialized college for coaching, instructorship, and sports biology, where I also started climbing and skiing in the mountains. After my graduation, I worked as a ski patrol for 10 years, 5 of which I worked through the year - Hakuba in the winter (of northern hemisphere) and in Methven, New Zealand in the summer (of northern hemisphere), and a backcountry ski guide for 10 years.
My main and favourite field of guiding is on and around Mt Fuji, but backcountry skiing is my favourite mountain sports! I guide backcountry skiing mainly around Hakuba areas but also have been a guide in Hokkaido for 2 years, and know Furano and Niseko areas very well. I also currently teach Japan Avalanche Network level 1 courses on avalanche risks and safety. I also enjoy rock climbing in my free time and love to share with you the beauty of the Japanese mountains through my favourite guiding routes, let it to be in trekking the mountains, snowshoeing with an onsen stay or backcountry skiing in Hakuba areas!
For me, mountains are a part of my life. It teaches me upsides and downsides of life, and I want guests to join me in this environment to realize the conveniences that surround us in our ordinary life and to be grateful of everything that lets us live.
I guide visitors from abroad quite frequently. Contact me if you’re also up for fun mountain adventures!!
Languages
Japanese | English
Certificates
JMGA
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5What people are saying about this trip
Anda
My guide, Chikako M., was amazing, nice, talkative, knowledgeable, strong and very well prepared. We hiked Mt Fuji two days after the first snow, so the path was well covered. Half way through the hike, the poles were almost completely covered in snow. Chikako set an amazing pace for climbing to the top, not too fast, not too slow, but a pace you could keep constantly without losing breath. After reaching the top, sun came out. Our descent was towards the sunshine with amazing views. What a great time we had!
Jerome
The weather started out sunny but quickly became very windy and rainy. My guide was absolutely excellent, coaching me, taking breaks, filming me, and helping me when I had a leg cramp. She was very personable, Friendly, informative and simply delightful. Highly recommended!!
Derek
We had an amazing excursion thanks to our guide!!!
Amy
Chika was phenomenal! I really enjoyed the hike, it was beautiful made all the better by Chika. Highly recommend and will be sending all my friends to her!
Melvin
I had an incredible experience climbing Mount Fuji on a 1-day off-season trip with Chika as my guide. She was absolutely fantastic, kind, patient, and extremely knowledgeable about the mountain and its conditions. From the very start, Chika made sure I felt comfortable and safe, and she kept the energy positive throughout the entire climb. Her guidance and encouragement were invaluable, especially in the more challenging sections. I truly appreciated her attention to detail and her genuine care for my well-being. Thanks to Chika, I was able to reach the summit confidently and enjoy every moment of the journey. Highly recommended!
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