[Yamanashi] Preparation is necessary for climbing Mt. Fuji! 8 things you should know before climbing Mt. Fuji
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Mt. Fuji is one of Japan's most famous mountains. Every year, many tourists from both Japan and overseas visit Lake Kawaguchiko to see Mt. Fuji. In this article, we will introduce what you need to know to actually climb Mt. Fuji. Please come and experience the beauty of the scenery from the top of M...
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Table of Contents
- 1. When can you climb Mount Fuji?
- 2. When is the best season to climb Mt. Fuji?
- 3. Fuji climbing trails that are safe even for beginners
- 4. Preparation for climbing Mt. Fuji 1 - What to bring (equipment) and clothing -
- 5. Preparation for climbing Mt. Fuji 2 - Making a climbing plan -
- 6. Preparations for climbing Mt. Fuji 3 - [Must read!] Starting in 2024! If you are using the Yoshida Route, make a reservation
- 7. Preparation for climbing Mt. Fuji 4 -Checking the access method-
- 8.Things that are forbidden when climbing Mt. Fuji
- After climbing Mt. Fuji, soothe your fatigue in a hot spring! Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen
- After climbing Mt. Fuji, enjoy a relaxing stay and sightseeing at the Fuji Five Lakes! Fuji Midori no Kyukamura
1. When can you climb Mount Fuji?
When you think of Mount Fuji, you probably imagine a snow-capped mountain, right?
As you can see from afar in winter (December to March), Mt. Fuji is covered in snow from the summit, so climbing is not possible all year round. Climbing in winter is very dangerous for beginners and advanced climbers alike. Also, while there are many mountain huts and toilets during the Fuji climbing season from July to September, they are closed outside of that period, so you will need to bring your own means of rest and portable toilets. Climbing outside of the season and in winter is very dangerous, so please refrain from doing so.
2. When is the best season to climb Mt. Fuji?
The dates for the mountain opening, when the climbing trails for climbing Mt. Fuji are different on the Yamanashi Prefecture side and the Shizuoka Prefecture side. The opening dates for the four routes of Mt. Fuji are usually July 1st on the Yamanashi Prefecture side (Yoshida Route) and July 10th on the Shizuoka Prefecture side (Fujinomiya Route, Subashiri Route, Gotemba Route), and the closing date is September 10th for all routes.
The best time to climb Mt. Fuji is from late July to late August. If you're going to climb Mt. Fuji, you'll want to enjoy the sunrise and the magnificent view below. In early July, when the mountain has just opened, it is still in the rainy season, so even if you manage to climb, you may not be able to see the magnificent view from the summit due to the rain. However, after the rainy season ends, on weekends and during Obon, the mountain becomes very crowded with many climbers. It is also famous for the fact that the shape of the mountain trail is clearly visible at night due to the climbers' lights. If your schedule allows, we recommend climbing on a weekday and avoiding weekends and Obon.
Also, bullet climbing, which is climbing Mt. Fuji in one go overnight, is dangerous. Many people end up getting sick because they try to reach the peak without getting enough rest. Also, climbing at night when you are tired increases the risk of an accident, so be sure to plan a safe itinerary before attempting to climb Mt. Fuji!
If you are climbing the mountain and not staying overnight at a mountain hut, leave the fifth station early in the morning.
3. Fuji climbing trails that are safe even for beginners
There are four different climbing routes on Mt. Fuji, and the recommended route varies depending on the climber's level and experience. The recommended route for first-time climbers is the "Yoshida Route" on the Yamanashi Prefecture side. The "Yoshida Route" starts from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station and usually takes about six hours to reach the summit. Compared to other climbing routes, there are many mountain huts and it is easy to take a rest, so it is safe. In addition, at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, there are shops and restaurants with a wide selection of Mt. Fuji-related goods, and it is crowded with many tourists.
4. Preparation for climbing Mt. Fuji 1 - What to bring (equipment) and clothing -
What to bring
We often see tourists from overseas climbing the mountain in light clothing, but Mt. Fuji has an elevation of 3,776 meters. The temperature at the summit is around 0 degrees even in summer, and it can drop below freezing at night and at dawn before the sunrise. Make sure you are well prepared with your clothes and belongings before attempting to climb Mt. Fuji.
First, we will introduce the necessary equipment and belongings for climbing Mt. Fuji. Be sure to bring a sturdy backpack so that you don't have to carry your luggage in both hands. As the weather on Mt. Fuji can change suddenly, it is a good idea to bring something waterproof and a backpack cover.
What to wear when climbing Mt. Fuji.
The basic rule of dressing for climbing Mount Fuji is to wear layers.
As the altitude increases on Mount Fuji, the temperature drops, so dress in layers, starting with a thin, quick-drying undershirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and cold weather clothing such as a fleece that opens at the front and is easy to put on and take off. If you are waiting to see the sunrise at the peak, it is a good idea to bring a thin down jacket and gloves. For shoes, high-cut hiking or trekking shoes that cover the ankles will prevent gravel from getting in and will help prevent injury. If you buy new shoes, wear them several times beforehand to get used to them, and wearing slightly thick, cushioned socks will help prevent blisters.
5. Preparation for climbing Mt. Fuji 2 - Making a climbing plan -
There are three routes to Mt. Fuji: the Yoshida Route on the Yamanashi side, the Fujinomiya Route, the Gotemba Route, and the Subashiri Route on the Shizuoka side. Your plan will change depending on which trailhead you choose to climb from. The Yoshida Route on the Yamanashi side is easily accessible from Tokyo and Kanagawa, and has many mountain huts and aid stations, so even beginners can climb Mt. Fuji with peace of mind. This is a popular route used by 60% of all Mt. Fuji climbers, so the key to climbing is to avoid crowded weekends and consecutive holidays as much as possible. Be sure to check the weather forecast carefully, and postpone if rain or bad weather is expected. To reach the summit of Mt. Fuji, we recommend a two-day, one-night plan using a mountain hut. Mountain huts may not be accessible even if you arrive at night, so be sure to check the opening hours before using them. When they are crowded, you may not be able to stay without a reservation, so it's a good idea to check whether a reservation is required.
6. Preparation for climbing Mt. Fuji 3 - [Must read!] Starting in 2024! If you are using the Yoshida Route, make a reservation
Starting in 2024, climbing restrictions will be implemented on the Yoshida Route on the Yamanashi side (from July 1st to September 10th) to prevent bullet climbing and overcrowding.
As a result, the entrance gate to the hiking trail at the fifth station will be closed between 4:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. the following morning, and hiking will not be possible.
Furthermore, if the number of climbers on a single day reaches 4,000, access will be restricted and climbing will be prohibited. Access can be reserved with advance payment, so it is safer to make a reservation in advance (toll fee: 2,000 yen). Please also help us by donating 1,000 yen to the Mt. Fuji Conservation Fund (used for the establishment and operation of first aid stations, the establishment and management of public toilets, etc.).
■ Toll: 2,000 yen per person (per trip)
■Cooperation fee: 1,000 yen/person (1 time)
Reservations can be made up until 23:59 on the day before your climb, so be sure to make your reservation.
7. Preparation for climbing Mt. Fuji 4 -Checking the access method-
[For those coming by car]
During the Fuji climbing season, restrictions on private cars will be implemented on the Yoshida, Fujinomiya and Subashiri routes, so except for some vehicles, private cars will not be allowed to go all the way to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji. During the restrictions on private cars, transfer to the shuttle bus (paid) to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji at the parking lot at the foot of the mountain. During the restrictions on private cars, the transfer parking lot for those using the Yoshida route is "Fujisan Parking."
Parking fee: 1,000 yen per car/per visit
Shuttle bus round trip fare (Fujisan Parking ⇔ Mt. Fuji 5th Station): Adults 2,500 yen, Children (elementary school students and younger) half price *2023 rates
■Shuttle bus operation period: July 15th (Sat) - September 10th (Sun) 2023 *As of May 2024, undecided
■ Private car restriction period: Friday, July 5, 2024, 18:00 - Tuesday, September 10, 2024, 18:00
However, EVs (electric vehicles) and FCVs (fuel cell vehicles) are not eligible, but you must have an "Electric Vehicle Verification Certificate" issued at Fujisan Parking in advance. A vehicle inspection certificate is required to issue the certificate.
[For those using public transportation]
If you are coming by bus or train instead of by car, please take the Fuji Subaru Line bus bound for Fifth Station from Mt. Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Sta..
Regular round trip fare: Adults 2,800 yen, Children 1,400 yen (One way: Adults 1,780 yen, Children 890 yen)
Fujisan Parking
During the private car restriction period, you will need to transfer to a mountain bus bound for Mt. Fuji's 5th Station from "Fujisan Parking(formerly Fuji Hokuroku Parking)". The parking lot can accommodate 1,400 cars, but it may be full during the Obon holidays and long weekends, so if you are planning to climb Mt. Fuji on a busy day, we recommend that you allow yourself plenty of time. You can check the weather in real time from the live camera at Mt. Fuji's 5th Station, so be sure to check the weather before transferring to the shuttle bus.
There is also a tourist information centre within the Fujisan Parking, making it the perfect place to gather information on leisure and tourist activities around Mt. Fuji, as well as hot springs and accommodations you might want to stop by after descending the mountain.
8.Things that are forbidden when climbing Mt. Fuji
The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park area, where Mt. Fuji is located, is home to many natural monuments and historical sites, and restrictions are in place to protect these precious natural and historical resources. In particular, the area above the fifth station of Mt. Fuji has been designated a "specially protected area" and is subject to stricter restrictions.
If you commit any of the acts listed below in a special protection area, you may be subject to penalties of up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 1 million yen.
【Prohibited matter】
1. Collecting plants and animals is prohibited
2. No lava or rocks allowed to be taken out
3. No graffiti
4. Tents and bonfires are prohibited
5. Pets are not allowed to roam freely.
6. Bullet Climbing
7. Take your trash home with you instead of throwing it away
[Mt. Fuji climbing related sites]
After climbing Mt. Fuji, soothe your fatigue in a hot spring! Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen
Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen is a day-trip hot spring facility that offers a total of 16 types of baths, including two open-air baths with outstanding views of Mt. Fuji, as well as carbonated springs and cave baths.
After enjoying the climb, relax in the bath while gazing at the mountain you just climbed.
Free shuttle bus available from Kawaguchiko Sta.(reservation required) Click here to make a reservation
After climbing Mt. Fuji, enjoy a relaxing stay and sightseeing at the Fuji Five Lakes! Fuji Midori no Kyukamura
Fuji Midori no Kyuka Mura is a large accommodation facility adjacent to the Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen. If you want to enjoy both climbing Mt. Fuji and sightseeing around the Fuji Five Lakes, be sure to stay at Fuji Midori no Kyuka Mura!
Written by
Yamanashi
The northern foot of Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture is a stunning area of Japan that has plenty to offer visitors. At the foot of Mt. Fuji, including ”Arakurayama Sengen Park”, which offers a view of Mt. Fuji and the iconic five-story pagoda, "Chureito." The Kawaguchiko Momiji Corridor is also a must-visit during the autumn season when visitors can see the colorful leaves. Our company, based in Lake Kawaguchiko, operates various facilities that utilize the natural resources of Mt. Fuji. These include the theme park "Fuji Subaru Land," which offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, and the Fujiten Snow Resort, where visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can also sample the world-famous "Fujizakura Heights Beer," made using natural water “Fujizakura Meisui” , or relax in the natural hot spring, "Fuji Chobo no yu Yurari," . We will clearly communicate the charm of Mt. Fuji, which changes with the seasons, from the base of Mt. Fuji in Kawaguchiko.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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