[2026] Climbing Mount Fuji: The Complete Guide to a Safe Experience

• Table of Contents
• When is the best time to climb Mount Fuji?
• A safe route for beginners
• Preparation for climbing Fuji 1 - What to bring (equipment) and what to wear -
• Preparation for climbing Fuji 2 - Making a climbing plan -
• Preparation for climbing Fuji 3 - [Must-read for 2026!] If using the Yoshida Route, make a reservation.
• Preparation for climbing Fuji 4 -Checking access methods-
• Things that are prohibited when climbing Fuji
• After climbing Fuji, soothe your fatigue in a hot spring! Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen
• After climbing Fuji, enjoy a relaxing stay and sightseeing at the Fuji Five Lakes! Fuji Midori no Kyukamura

When is the best time to climb Mount Fuji?

The image of Mount Fuji that most people have in mind is probably Mount Fuji covered in snow, isn't it?

As you can see from afar in winter (December to March), Mount 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.

The dates for the mountain opening, when the climbing trails for climbing Mount Fuji are different on the Yamanashi Prefecture side and the Shizuoka Prefecture side. The opening dates for the four routes of Mount 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 Fuji is from late July to late August. If you're going to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to enjoy the sunrise and the magnificent view below. Early July, when the mountain has just opened, is still 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 climbers end up in poor health because they aim for a high peak without getting enough rest. Climbing at night when fatigued also increases the risk of accidents, so be sure to plan a safe itinerary before attempting to climb Fuji!

More about mountain huts here

A safe route for beginners

Mount Fuji has four different climbing routes, and the best route varies depending on the climber's level and experience. For first-time climbers, the recommended route is the "Yoshida Route" on the Yamanashi-Pre. 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 routes, there are many mountain huts and it's easy to take breaks, making it a safe and enjoyable option. The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station also has shops and restaurants offering a variety of Mount Fuji related goods, making it a popular spot for tourists. Even if you don't climb Mount Fuji, beginner climbers can still enjoy sightseeing at the 5th Station!

Preparation for climbing Fuji 1 - What to bring (equipment) and what to wear -

We often see tourists from overseas climbing Mount Fuji in light clothing, but remember that Mount Fuji is 3,776 meters high. Even in summer, the temperature at the summit is around 0 degrees Celsius, and it can drop below freezing at night and in the early morning before sunrise. Don't be complacent just because "it's low compared to other mountains around the world," and make sure you are fully prepared with appropriate clothing and equipment before attempting the climb.

To keep both hands free, prepare a sturdy hiking backpack, and it's also a good idea to have a waterproof cover (rain cover) to prepare for sudden changes in weather.

For information on the equipment needed for mountain climbing, please click here.

Clothing and essential items

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 thick, cushioned socks will help prevent blisters.

⚠️⚠️⚠️Attention⚠️⚠️⚠️

You cannot pass through the gate at the fifth station unless you have all three items : warm clothing, rain jacket and pants, and appropriate hiking boots . Be sure to prepare them in advance.

■ Underwear : Thin and quick-drying

■ Shirt : Long-sleeved trekking shirt, etc.

■ Shoes and socks : High-cut hiking boots or trekking shoes that cover the ankles, and thick, cushioned socks (to prevent blisters).

⚠️ Hiking in sneakers or sandals is extremely dangerous and not permitted! Please break in any new shoes beforehand.

■ Rain gear : Two-piece rain gear (Joge and bottom)

■ Warm clothing : Choose items that open in the front and are easy to put on and take off. Since temperatures at the summit can drop below 0°C even in summer, be sure to bring a down jacket and gloves.

■ Water : Frequent hydration is important to prevent Takayama.

■ Headlamp : Essential for those hiking at night or aiming to see the sunrise.

■ Other items : Garbage bags, cash (as many mountain huts do not accept cards), snacks, sunscreen, etc.

More details on attire here

If you find it difficult to prepare everything, you can also rent a set for climbing Mount Fuji !

Sora no Shita: https://www.soranoshita.net/fuji-climbing/

La Mont: https://lamont.jp/item/

Mountain equipment rental shop: https://www.yamarent.com/

Preparation for climbing Fuji 2 - Making a climbing plan -

There are three routes to Mount Fuji : the Yoshida Route on the Yamanashi Prefecture side, the Fujinomiya Shizuoka Prefecture , the Gotemba Route, and the Subashiri Route on the Yamanashi Prefecture side. Your plan will change depending on which Yamaguchi 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 first aid stations, so even beginners can climb Fuji with peace of mind. This is a popular route used by 60% of all 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 Mount Fuji, we recommend a two- Tomari, 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. During busy times, you may not be able to stay without a reservation, so it's a good idea to check whether a reservation is required.

More about mountain huts here

Preparation for climbing Fuji 3 - [Must-read for 2026!] If using the Yoshida Route, make a reservation.

In 2026, climbing restrictions will be implemented on the Yoshida Route on the Yamanashi Prefecture side (from July 1st to September 10th) to prevent impromptu climbs and overcrowding.

As a result, the entrance gate to the hiking trail at the fifth station will be closed between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. the following morning, and hiking will not be possible.

Also, if the number of climbers on a single day reaches 4,000, access will be restricted and climbing will not be possible. Access can be reserved with advance payment, so it is safer to make a reservation in advance (toll fee 4,000 yen).

■ Toll: 4,000 yen/person (1 time)

⚠️To safely reach the summit, a plan that includes staying overnight at a mountain hut is strongly recommended . If you choose not to stay overnight, you can opt for a "day hike," departing from the fifth station early in the morning and descending during the day. However, this will mean you will have to forgo seeing the sunrise from the summit, and requires considerable physical strength, so caution is advised. Beginners should choose a plan that includes staying overnight at a mountain hut!

Reservations for mountain huts are separate from reservations for the road pass. If you make a reservation for the road pass, be sure to also make a reservation for a mountain hut!

Click here for information on booking passage on the Yoshida Route.

Click here to make a reservation for a mountain hut.

Preparation for climbing Fuji 4 -Checking access methods-

[For those arriving by private car or rental car]

During the Fuji climbing season, private vehicles are restricted on the Yoshida, Fujinomiya, and Subashiri routes. Therefore, with the exception of certain vehicles, private cars and rental cars cannot reach the 5th station of Mount Fuji. During this period, please transfer to a shuttle bus (for a fee) to the 5th station of Mount Fuji at a parking lot at the base of the mountain. For those using the Yoshida route during this period, the transfer parking lot is "Fujisan Parking".

■Parking fee: 1,000 yen per vehicle per visit (※Shuttle bus fare to the 5th station of Mount Fuji is not included)

■Private vehicle restriction period: From 18:00 on Friday, July 3, 2026 to 18:00 on Thursday, September 10, 2026

Round-trip shuttle bus fare (Fujisan Parking ⇔ Mount Fuji 5th Station): Adults 2,500 yen, Children (elementary school age and younger) half price. *2026 price TBD.

While electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are exempt from the regulations, you must obtain an "Electric Vehicle Confirmation Certificate" at the Fujisan Parking beforehand. A vehicle registration certificate is required for issuance.

Click here for details on Fujisan Parking

Click here for details on Fuji climbing buses

[For those using public transportation]

If you are coming by bus or train instead of private car or rental car, please take the bus bound for Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station from Mount Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Sta. .

Regular round-trip fare: Adults 3,000 yen, Children 1,500 yen (One-way: Adults 1,950 yen, Children 980 yen) *Round-trip fare for fiscal year 2026 is yet to be determined.

Fuji Subaru Line Gogaome Line Timetable

Fuji North Foot Parking Lot "Fujisan Parking "

During the private car restriction period, you will need to transfer to a mountain bus bound for Mount Fuji 5th Station from "Mt. 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 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 the 5th Station of Mount Fuji, 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 Mount Fuji, as well as hot springs and accommodations you might want to stop by after descending the mountain.

Fujisan Parking

Fujisan Parking

5597-84 Aza-Kenmarubi, Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefec...

Fujisan Parking is a large parking lot designed to enhance the convenience of tourists visiting Mt. Fuji and contribute to the promotion of tourism in the Fuji North Foot region. It is also used as a transfer parking lot for those visiting the fifth station of Mt. Fuji during the car restrictions on the Fuji Subaru Line during the summer.

Fujisan Parking

Things that are prohibited when climbing Fuji

The Fuji Hakone Izu Kunitachi Park area, where Mount 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 Mount 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 matters]

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. Don't throw away trash, take it home with you

Rules and manners for climbing Fuji

Websites related to climbing Fuji

Fuji Subaru Line

Fuji Climbing Official Website

After climbing 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 offering 16 different types of baths, including two open-air baths with spectacular views of Mount Fuji, as well as carbonated springs and cave baths. Special coupons are available for those using the Fujisan Parking. After enjoying a climb up Fuji, relax in the baths while gazing at the Mount Fuji you just climbed.

Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen Free Shuttle Bus Reservation

After climbing 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!

For information on sightseeing around Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko, click here