About Mount Fuji
Mt. Fuji is the highest and most prominent mountain in Japan.
It is divided into ten stations with the first station at the foot of the mountain and the
tenth station being the summit. Paved roads go as far as the 5th station which is around
1400~2400 meters above sea level.
There is a safety Guidance Center on Mt.Fuji located at the 6th Station on The
Yoshidaguchi trail. First-Aid Station is located at the 7th Station on the Yoshidaguchi
trail.
The Trail
The Yoshidaguchi trail is the most popular trail which begins from Lake Kawaguchi 5th
station to the summit. It is also considered the safest providing lots of simple rustic
lodgings to rest at. Mountain huts line the trail around the 7th and 8th stations. An
overnight stay usually costs around 5,000 Yen per person without meal and around
7,000 Yen per person including two meals. However, expect the huts to be extremely
crowded during the peak season.
The ascending and descending routes are separated. In going down the mountain the
route will part in two ways, please turn left and head to the Fuji Yoshida Kawaguchi-Ko
Subaru Line (see map below). The ascent to the summit takes a
good 5 to 6 hours of physical effort and sometimes steep climbing.
Signs along the trail warn the hikers of the minor problems such as
sudden wind gusts and falling rocks. The main challenge of the
climb is the fact that it is very strenuous and the air gets thinner as
you gain altitude.
Nonetheless reaching the summit is absolutely heartwarming. The sunrise takes place
on this side of the mountain. You can also see Mt. Fuji’s shadow at the foot of the
mountain from this route in the evening. In the morning, clouds gather at the base of
Mt. Fuji, which appears as a fluffy carpet as far as the eye can see. This is said to be an
absolutely spectacular sight.
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Descending route
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Ascending route
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
Please do not stray off the designated hiking trails because you might cause falling
rocks which would injure other hikers
Climbing Season
The best climbing seasons are July and August. We strongly advised people who don’t
have much hiking experience to climb the mountain during these 2 months.
The chances of the mountain being free of clouds are during early morning hours. Most
people time their ascent in order to witness the sunrise from the summit. The sunrise
takes place as early as 4:30AM to 5:00AM in summer.
What to Bring
In order to enjoy a safe hike to the summit, it is crucial to bring proper equipment. Here
is a sample list of items to bring for climbing Mt. Fuji.
① Hiking boots or sturdy shoes (tough leather and/or expendable)
The rocky, steep terrain in some sections and the potential of sudden, strong wind
gusts are reasons to bring proper hiking shoes which protect your ankles.
② Warm jacket or shell (something light enough to pack when it’s too hot to wear it)
Bring proper protection against low temperatures and strong winds. It can be below
zero at the summit and strong winds often make it seem even colder. Bring rain
gear, as weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains.
③ Stocking hat and gloves
These are recommended both against the coldness and for hiking the steep, rocky
passages. However, these may be optional or needed depending on how susceptible
you are to cold.
④ Long pants (or shorts along with some shell pants that you can pull out of your
pack)
⑤ Flashlight and extra batteries
If you hike during nighttime, a flash light is necessary in any season, when the trail
is not illuminated by other hikers. Most people choose head lamps, as they leave
both of your hands free.
⑥ Food and Water
You will need to have at least a couple of liters of water unless you plan
to buy drinks for high prices along the way. Mountain huts offer
various meals and drinks. However, prices increase with the altitude.
Also, be informed that there are no garbage bins on Mt. Fuji which
means that you have to carry home all your garbage.
⑦ Money
Japanese 100Yen coins, as the toilets are pay-per-use and cost either 100 or 200 Yen
and also for items on the way, accommodation, and emergency expenses.
⑧ Daypack or large fanny pack.
It should be comfortable and big enough for the stuff you need to carry
⑨ Camera(s)
Capture the spectacular sunrise and awesome view from the top of Japan.
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Coin lockers are available at the 5th station
Altitude sickness
The human body requires some time to adjust to a sudden increase of altitude,
otherwise there is a risk of headache, dizziness and nausea. You are advised to climb the
mountain at a slow pace and take frequent breaks on the way. An overnight stay at a
hut is recommended as opposed to a straight climb to the summit. Small bottles of
oxygen are available at the 5th station and mountain huts. These can be effective in
preventing and fighting altitude sickness.
SUMMIT 3776M
40min
8TH STATION 3020M
60min
9TH STATION 3600M
Getting closer to Japan’s
A closer view of the summit
Best Scenery
120min
7TH STATION 2700M
6TH STATION 2390M
60min
A superb view of the lakes and
The quest starts from here...
mountains around Mt.Fuji
50min
5TH STATION 2305M
Check your things and begin the climb
THE CRATER
In Japanese, to walk around the
summit is called ‘ohachimeguri’. It
takes about one hour and a half to go
around it.
Since the outer part is a wall and the
inner part is the crater, the tour
around here may be cancelled due to
strong
wind
and
bad
weather.
However there are many things to
see here. One of them is the summit
post office.
※Post office is open only from July 10th to August 20th.