[Yamanashi] Preparation is necessary for climbing Mt. Fuji! 7 things you need to know for climbing Mt.Fuji

1.Is it possible to climb Mt.Fuji at any time?

The “Mt.Fuji” that everyone imagines is probably a snow-covered Mt.Fuji, isn’t it?

As you can see from a distance during the winter season (December to March), Mt.Fuji is covered with snow from the top and cannot be climbed all year round. Climbing in winter is very dangerous, not only for beginners but also for advanced climbers. Also, during the Mt.Fuji climbing season from July to September, many mountain huts and toilets are in place, but they are not open outside of the period, so you will need to take a break and bring a portable toilet. Climbing out of season or in winter is extremely dangerous, so please refrain from doing so.

2. When is the Mt.Fuji climbing season? When is the recommended time?

Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture have different schedules for opening the mountain trails when climbing Mt. Fuji. The four routes of Mt. Fuji open on July 1st for the Yamanashi side (Yoshida route) and July 10th for the Shizuoka side (Fujinomiya route, Subashiri route, Gotemba route). is commonly September 10th.

Late July to late August is recommended for climbing Mt. Fuji. If you want to climb Mt. Fuji, you want to enjoy the sunrise and the magnificent view that spreads below. At the beginning of July, when the mountains have just opened, it is still the rainy season in Japan, and even if you climb the mountain, you may not be able to see the magnificent view from the top because of the rain. However, after the end of the rainy season, on Saturdays and Sundays and during the Obon period, it is very crowded with a large number of climbers. It is also famous for the fact that the shape of the mountain trail stands out clearly in the lights of the climbers at night. If your schedule permits, we recommend climbing on weekdays and avoiding weekends and Obon.

Also, bullet climbing, which aims at the top of Mt. Fuji overnight, is dangerous. There is no shortage of people who get sick because they aim for high peaks without taking enough rest. Also, there is a high risk of accidents when climbing at night when you are tired, so be sure to plan a safe climbing route before climbing Mt.Fuji.

If you plan to climb the mountain without staying at a mountain hut, please leave the 5th station early in the morning.

Click here for information on mountain huts ➡ Mt. Fuji Yoshidaguchi Ryokan Association ( https://mtfuji.jpn.org/ )

3. Safe even for beginners. Recommended trails for climbing Mt. Fuji

There are four different climbing routes on Mt.Fuji, and the recommended routes differ depending on the level and experience of climbers. Even if you are trying to climb Mt. Fuji for the first time, the recommended route is the "Yoshida Route" on the Yamanashi Prefecture side. The "Yoshida Route" starts from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th station and usually takes about 6 hours to reach the summit. Compared to other mountain trails, there are more mountain huts and it is easier to take breaks, so it is safe. In addition, at the 5th station of the Fuji Subaru Line, there are many shops and restaurants with a wide variety of goods related to Mt.Fuji.

Click here for information on sightseeing at Mt. Fuji 5th Station → Tour Mt. Fuji 5th Station! Lake Kawaguchiko Recommended Sightseeing Model Course ( https://matcha-jp.com/jp/11991 )

4.Preparation for climbing Mt.Fuji 1 -What to bring (equipment) and clothes-

We often see tourists from overseas climbing lightly dressed, but Mt. Fuji is 3,776 meters above sea level. The temperature at the summit is around 0°C even in summer, and it can drop below freezing at night or in the early morning before the sunrise. Let's challenge climbing Mt.Fuji by preparing well such as clothes and belongings.

First of all, I will introduce the equipment and belongings necessary for climbing Mt. Fuji. Prepare a sturdy mountaineering backpack so you don't have to hold your luggage in your hands. The weather often changes suddenly on Mt. Fuji, so it's a good idea to bring something waterproof or a backpack cover.

[List of necessities]

1. Water

Not only is it hydrating, but it is also useful for cleaning when injured.

1. Rainwear (rainwear)

It is useful for mountaineering that is divided into upper and lower parts and has strong durability.

1. Headlight

Hand-held flashlights are dangerous when climbing gravel or rocks at night.

1. Towel

It is convenient to wear around your neck to block the sun, or as a scarf in cold weather.

1. Replacement socks

It is essential because your body temperature will drop if you keep wet socks on a rainy day.

1. Plastic bag

Not only can it be used as a garbage bag, but it is also convenient for storing wet socks and a change of clothes.

1. Sunscreen

Above the 5th station of Mt. Fuji is called the forest limit, and there is no place to shade from the sun like the shade of trees, so it is convenient to bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

1. Candy/Chocolate

Helpful when recovering from fatigue.

1. Headache medicine

Helpful when symptoms of altitude sickness appear.

Also, there is a fee to use the restrooms at Mt. Fuji, so don't forget to bring plenty of coins (100-yen coins).

[About clothes]

The basic clothing for climbing Mt. Fuji is layered clothing.

As the altitude of Mt. Fuji gets higher, the temperature drops, so it's best to wear thin, quick-drying undershirts, long-sleeved shirts, and warm clothing such as fleece that opens in the front and is easy to put on and take off. If you are waiting for the sunrise at the top of the mountain, it is safe to prepare a light down jacket and gloves. High-cut climbing shoes or trekking shoes that cover your ankles will prevent gravel from getting in and injury. If you buy a new pair of shoes, wear them several times in advance to get used to them, and wear slightly thick socks with cushioning properties to prevent blisters.

5. Preparing for Mt.Fuji Climbing 2 -Making a Climbing Plan-

In addition to the Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi Prefecture side, there are Fujinomiya Trail, Gotemba Trail, and Subashiri Trail on the Shizuoka Prefecture side. The Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi Prefecture side is easily accessible from Tokyo and Kanagawa, and has many mountain huts and first-aid stations, making it a safe route for beginners to climb Mt. Fuji. As this is a popular route used by 60% of all Mt. Check the weather forecast carefully and postpone if rain or bad weather is expected. In order to aim for the summit of Mt. Fuji, we recommend planning a one-night, two-day trip using a mountain hut. Even if you arrive at night, you may not be able to enter the mountain huts, so be sure to check the operating hours before using them. If you don't have a reservation, you may not be able to stay when it's crowded, so it's a good idea to check whether you need a reservation.

Click here for information on mountain huts ➡ Mt. Fuji Yoshidaguchi Ryokan Association ( https://mtfuji.jpn.org/ )

6.Preparation for climbing Mt.Fuji 3 -Access method-

[For those coming by car]

During the Mt.Fuji climbing period, the Yoshida route, Fujinomiya route, and Subashiri route are subject to private car restrictions, so private cars cannot be driven up to the 5th station of Mt.Fuji except for some vehicles. During the private car restriction period, change to the shuttle bus (paid) bound for Mt.Fuji 5th station at the parking lot at the foot of the mountain. During the private car regulation period, the transfer parking lot for those using the Yoshida route is "Fujisan Parking".

Parking fee: 1,000 yen per car/once

Shuttle bus round-trip fare (Fujisan Parking ⇔ Mt.Fuji 5th Station): Adults 2,500 yen Children (elementary school students and younger) half price *Fee for 2023

Shuttle bus service period: Saturday, July 15, 2023 to Sunday, September 10, 2023

Car regulation period: July 14, 2023 (Friday) 18:00 to September 10 (Sunday)

However, EV vehicles (electric vehicles) and FCV vehicles (fuel cell vehicles) are not eligible, but please be sure to have an "electric vehicle confirmation certificate" issued at Fujisan Parking in advance. Vehicle verification is required for issuance.

[For those using public transportation]

If you are coming by bus or train instead of your own car, please use the Fuji Subaru Line 5th station bus from Fujisan Sta. or Kawaguchiko Sta..

Normal round-trip fare: Adult 2,300 yen Child 1,150 yen (One way: Adult 1,570 yen Child 790 yen)

Fujisan Parking

During the car restriction period, change from "Fujisan Parking(former Fuji Hokuroku Parking Lot)" to a shuttle bus bound for Mt.Fuji 5th Station. The parking lot has a capacity of 1,400 cars, but it may be full during the Obon holidays and consecutive holidays, so if you are planning to climb Mt. Fuji, You can check the live camera footage of Mt. Fuji 5th station in real time, so be sure to check the weather before changing to the shuttle bus.

In addition, there is a tourist information center in the Fujisan Parking, so it is ideal for gathering information on leisure and sightseeing around Mt.Fuji, hot springs and accommodation facilities that you want to stop by after descending the mountain.

Fujisan Parking: https://www.fujisanparking.jp/

7. What is prohibited when climbing Mt.Fuji

The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, home to Mount Fuji, is abundant with natural monuments and historical sites. To protect these valuable natural and historical resources, there are regulations in place. Particularly, areas above the fifth station of Mount Fuji are designated as "Special Protection Zones" and subject to stricter regulations.

If you commit any of the following acts in a special protection zone, you may be subject to penalties such as imprisonment with or without work for up to five years or a fine of up to one million yen.

Prohibited matter

1. Collecting animals and plants

1. Taking out lava and stones (moving stones is also prohibited)

1. Graffiti (graffiti on buildings, rocks and stones is also prohibited)

1. Setting up tents and bonfires

1. Free-ranging pets, etc.

In addition, please observe the "Mt. Fuji Country Code" and manners as usage rules.

Click here for details → http://fujisan-climb.jp/en/todays/index.html

[Mt.Fuji climbing related site]

Fuji Subaru Line: http://subaruline.jp/eigyou/my_car.html

Fuji Climbing Official Website: http://www.fujisan-climb.jp/index.html

In addition, it is dangerous to climb Mt.Fuji at once, so please refrain from doing so.

After climbing Mt. Fuji, relax in a hot spring! Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen

Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen is a day-trip hot spring facility with a total of 16 types of baths, including two types of open-air baths with outstanding views of Mt. Fuji, carbonated springs, and cave baths.

After enjoying climbing Mt.Fuji, please spend a relaxing time in the bath while gazing at Mt.Fuji that you have just climbed.

Free shuttle bus available from Kawaguchiko Sta.(advance reservation required)

Fuji Chobo no yu Yurari Onsen

8532-5 Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 40...

A day trip hot spring facility with a total of 16 types of baths, including two types of open-air baths with outstanding views of Mt. Fuji,...

After climbing Mt.Fuji, stay overnight and enjoy sightseeing in Mt.Fuji Five Lakes! Fuji Midori no Kyuka-mura

Fuji Midori no Kyuka-mura is a large accommodation facility located next to Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen. If you want to enjoy both climbing Mt.Fuji and sightseeing in Mt.Fuji Five Lakes, please stay at Fuji Midori no Kyuka-mura!

Fuji Midori no Kyuka-mura

8532-5 Giragonno, Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture...

Fuji Midori no Kyukamura is a large accommodation facility located in the great outdoors at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Complete with two state-of...

Please click here for information on sightseeing at the foot of Mt.Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes.

https://matcha-jp.com/jp/mcm15477