Off-season Ascent of Mount Fuji in Japan

[Eligibility to Participate]

Participants must be between 15 and 65 years old and in good general health. Those outside this range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis—please consult your guide or trip coordinator in advance.

This trip is designed for hikers who engage in recent, regular, and frequent hiking or physical activity. All participants will undergo a thorough pre-screening to assess their current ability to complete the 2-day ascent.

-- Day 1 involves approximately 4 hours of hiking with significant elevation gain.

-- Day 2 consists of a 3-hour ascent and 3-hour descent, requiring sustained endurance.

While no technical climbing or mountaineering experience is needed, a strong level of physical fitness and endurance is essential. We evaluate current readiness—not past achievements—based on recent fitness activity and physical condition.

Participants over 65 years old must provide verifiable evidence of their current fitness level (e.g., Strava, Garmin, or other fitness data).

Participants under 15 years old are not eligible for this trip.

In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation may be significantly delayed due to the mountain's remote and seasonal nature.

The guide reserves the right to turn back any participant showing signs of difficulty—such as an inability to maintain pace, gait instability, or signs of altitude-related distress. No refunds will be issued in such cases.

To ensure safety and maximize summit success, we only accept individuals or groups who demonstrate a high likelihood of completing the climb under these conditions.

Start training three months prior to your hike, with practice hikes every two weeks. Choose trails with significant elevation gain and descent to build endurance and prepare for the climb.

No special gear is required. The guide will provide a gear list or recommend a rental gear package if you prefer to rent equipment.

No, porters are not available. However, if you have special requirements, please inform your guide in advance so arrangements can be made accordingly. The guide can check availability and provide cost details if needed.

The guide will book the accommodation once your reservation with us is confirmed. The hut provides two meals: dinner and breakfast. Breakfast will be a bento box, allowing for an early departure.

Please note that summiting at sunrise is generally not included in the itinerary and is optional. The additional cost for this ascent is JPY 60,000, including tax, payable via tap-to-pay credit card or Apple Pay. If you are interested, please discuss the possibility with your guide upon reaching the hut.

Mount Fuji stands alone without surrounding peaks, making its weather highly unpredictable. Reaching the summit is not always possible due to strong winds, lightning, or heavy rain. In such cases, the guide may decide to turn back for safety reasons. If the hike is cut significantly short, the guide may offer an alternative activity based on an on-site discussion with the client.

Only clients who understand and accept the possibility of itinerary changes or an early descent based on the guide’s judgment are eligible to participate in this trip. Cancellation due to severe weather will occur only in the event of a significant typhoon directly impacting the region or if an official weather warning is issued; otherwise, the ascent will proceed as planned. The trip will not be canceled in advance unless a typhoon or an official weather warning poses a direct threat to the area.

No permits are required for this trip. However, a fee of JPY 4000 will be required when entering the trail between July 10 and September 10, as per the new regulations. It is strongly recommended that you have international travel insurance to cover potential medical expenses, including hospital admission, treatment, and repatriation to your home country in case of an emergency. Travel insurance can provide significant financial protection in unforeseen situations. While no specific vaccines are required for this trip, having an updated tetanus shot within the last 5 to 10 years may be beneficial, as there is a risk of injuries involving dirt or rough terrain. In case of minor injuries, we will provide basic first aid during the trip.

Please inquire about the number of participants if your group exceeds 4 people.

Even after the official season concludes on September 10, the trail will be closed. However, with an experienced guide, we can still safely ascend Mount Fuji, following a carefully planned itinerary and ensuring proper navigation. While you won’t be able to collect stamps for your golden stick or purchase souvenirs at the hut, the off-season offers a peaceful experience with significantly fewer crowds. Please note that by the end of October, snowfall is likely.

No, only private tours are available to ensure better group management.

Yes, we can arrange for a photographer, videographer, or porter in addition to the guide for your special elopement-style experience. Please let us know your specific requests, such as the type of coverage you’d like (photo, video, or both) and any special moments you want to capture.

Additional costs will apply, depending on the service provider’s availability and the logistics involved. If you're interested, we recommend making arrangements in advance to ensure availability. Let us know how we can help make your elopement experience unforgettable!

While summiting at sunrise is a popular goal for many climbers, our standard itinerary prioritizes viewing the sunrise from the hut, typically located around the 8th station. Ascending from the 8th station at 1 AM or earlier carries significant risks, including falling rocks, slips, injuries, and an increased likelihood of altitude sickness due to lack of sleep.

If you are interested in the optional "Summit at Sunrise Ascent," please consult your guide upon reaching the hut on Day 1. However, this option may not be available if the weather conditions or forecast indicate severe conditions, the group's overall physical performance is inadequate, or if a participant exhibits serious symptoms of altitude sickness.

The optional ascent requires an additional fee of JPY100,000 excluding tax and transaction fee, payable via tap-to-pay credit card or Apple Pay.

This hike involves approximately 4 hours of physical activity on Day 1 and 7 hours on Day 2. If you are unsure about completing the ascent in a single day, we recommend choosing the 2-day hike with an overnight hut stay. While this option reduces the risks associated with high altitude and is more suitable for those with less hiking experience, we strongly encourage you to train before traveling to Japan. To build endurance, consider a preparatory hike with significant ascent and descent.

The elevation gain from the 5th station to the summit of Mount Fuji is approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). The risk of developing altitude sickness increases with rapid elevation gain. Staying at the hut may help your body acclimate, and the guide will monitor your condition while assisting with acclimatization. A gradual ascent and proper breathing techniques, taught by the guide, can help minimize symptoms caused by low oxygen levels at high elevations.

For important advice on high-altitude travel, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website by searching "Travel to High Altitudes CDC" in your browser.

The hotel will store your luggage until we return from the mountain, even after checkout. A recommended place to stay in Shin-Fuji is "Toyoko Inn Shin-Fuji-eki Minami-guchi," which can be booked through Booking.com or similar platforms. In Mishima, "Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel" or "Dormy Inn Mishima" has been popular among my clients in the past. After you pick up your luggage, you can proceed to your next destination by bullet train, such as Kyoto, Tokyo, or Osaka.

As a hiking guide, my primary responsibility is to ensure your safety, well-being, and enjoyment throughout the journey. I offer expert guidance on navigation, pacing, and techniques for overcoming challenging terrain, while also providing preventive measures to avoid potential risks. I ensure that the group adheres to proper hiking practices, including appropriate clothing, hydration, nutrition, rest breaks, and the selection of essential items for your backpack.

In addition to my guiding role, I serve as an English-Japanese interpreter and a registered nurse, ready to address any health concerns that may arise during the trip. I also share valuable insights into the environment, the volcano, cultural nuances, and the history of the area, enhancing your overall experience. My goal is to ensure you return safely while providing a memorable and enriching adventure.