The Routes for Climbing Mount Fuji

Opening season

Climbing Mount Fuji is only possible during a limited season in summer, generally from early July to mid-September. Exact dates vary from trail to trail and are communicated in due course by the authorities. Outside this period, trails are closed due to dangerous weather conditions, snow cover and the absence of rescue services.

The four ascent trails

Each trail on Mount Fuji has its own characteristics and difficulties. Your choice of route will depend on your level of experience, physical condition and personal preferences.

• Yoshida Trail: Located on the northern flank of the mountain, this is the most popular trail, accounting for 60% of hikers. Easy access from Tokyothe ascent takes 5-7 hours and the descent 3-5 hours. This route includes numerous facilities along the way, such as rest stations and hotels.
• The Subashiri trail: Located on the eastern flank, this is a slightly less-frequented route, passing through a forest and offering a more natural experience up to the 8th station, where it joins the Yoshida trail. The ascent takes 5-7 hours and the descent 4 hours. This trail is fairly gentle and wooded but has no first-aid center and few shelters.
• The Gotemba trail: This is the route with the least traffic. It also has the lowest starting point, so it takes longer to reach the summit. The ascent takes 7 to 9 hours and the descent 4 to 6 hours. Despite its length, this trail offers the advantage of a smooth descent. It's a vegetation-free trail covered by ancient lava flows, with little infrastructure and no first-aid center.
• The Fujinomiya trail, on the southern flank, is the second most popular and accessible for people coming from western Japan. It is the trail with the highest starting point (2,400 meters), making it the shortest route, with an ascent in 4 to 7 hours and a descent in 2 to 4 hours. On the other hand, the terrain is more rugged, and the same route is used for both ascent and descent, which can create traffic jams in high season. Refuges are available at all resorts.

Good to know: for those who don't want to make the full ascent, the little Ochudo trail offers an interesting alternative. Instead of climbing, it crosses the mountainside horizontally. Once reserved for pilgrims who had already climbed Mount Fuji, this 5-kilometer trail is accessible from the 5th Yoshida station.

Getting to the starting point of each route

To begin your ascent, you must first reach the 5th station of one of the four main trails. Here's how to get there, depending on the trail you choose:

• For the Yoshida trail, a bus runs directly from Tokyo (Shinjuku station) to the 5th Fuji Subaru Line station. The journey takes around 2h30 and costs around 2700 yen one way. During the climbing season, buses run regularly throughout the day, but it's highly recommended to book in advance. You can also take a train to Kawaguchiko or Fujisan stations, then change for a local bus to the 5th station.
• For the Subashiri trail, shuttle buses leave several times a day from Gotemba and Shinmatsuda stations during the climbing season. Allow around an hour's bus ride and 1,500 to 2,000 yen one way.
• For the Gotemba trail, buses leave from Gotemba station. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs around 1,500 yen. Buses run approximately every two hours between 7.30 a.m. and 3.50 p.m. to Mount Fuji.
• For the Fujinomiya trail, direct buses leave from Mishima station (on the shinkansen connecting Tokyo and Kyoto) every two hours, from 7:35 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 1,500 yen one way. Buses also leave from Shin-Fuji, Fuji and Fujinomiya stations.

If you're coming by car, please note that all roads leading to the 5th station are closed during the peak climbing season (July to September). You'll need to park in a designated parking lot and take a shuttle bus. For example, to reach Fujinomiya 5th station by car, you'll need to park in the Mizugazuka parking lot and take a shuttle or cab to reach the 5th station.

For further information on access routes, timetables and fares, visit the Mount Fuji official website.

Preparation and equipment

Good preparation is essential for a successful ascent of Mount Fuji. The right equipment can make all the difference between an enjoyable experience and a harrowing climb. Here's what you'll need:

• For clothing, opt for several light layers rather than one thick one, with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Even in summer, temperatures at the summit can drop to 0°C. Don't forget the essentials: hat, gloves and scarf. Hiking boots are a must, if possible an ankle-protecting model, as the terrain is rocky. Walking poles and knee pads can also be useful.
  Don't forget to bring sun protection: high factor sun cream, sunglasses and a hat. A surgical mask can protect you from volcanic dust on the descent.
• Make sure you take enoughwater and food for the duration of your hike: at least 2 liters of water per person. Energy bars, dried fruit or other easy-to-carry snacks will help you maintain your energy levels. Water and food are available at the various refuges along the way, as well as equipment such as small oxygen cylinders for those suffering from altitude sickness.
• A headlamp (with spare batteries) is essential if you plan to make the ascent at night to see the sunrise from the summit. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you take along a small first-aid kit containing painkillers, bandages and a survival blanket. From
• Don't forget to bring change (100 yen coins) to use the pay toilets along the trails and at the summit.

Refuges and climbing time management

For those wishing to see the sunrise from the summit, here's a classic strategy: start the climb in the early afternoon, spend the night in a hut between the 7th and 8th stations, then finish the climb early the following morning to reach the summit before dawn. Sunrise is around 4.30 a.m. in July and 5.30 a.m. in September. If you prefer to make the ascent in a single day, set off early in the morning to allow sufficient time for the ascent and descent. For those sensitive to altitude sickness, it's advisable to spend some time at the 5th station to acclimatize before starting the ascent.

During the ascent, adopt a slow, steady pace to avoid exhaustion and altitude sickness. Take regular breaks to rest, hydrate and have a snack. You can easily stop at refuges for a hot meal or a drink, even if you don't stay overnight.

New regulations

Since 2024, new measures have been put in place to regulate visitor numbers and preserve Mount Fuji's environment. As a result, access to all trails is now subject to an admission fee of 4,000 yen per person. Reservations can be made online on the official website.

On the Yoshida trail, the number of climbers is now limited to 4,000 per day. This measure is designed to improve the safety and comfort of hikers by avoiding overcrowding on the trails. The same trail is closed between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. to combat the phenomenon of "bullet climbing" (ascent in one go without a night in a refuge) and thus reduce the risks associated with exhaustion. Only climbers who have booked a night in a refuge can access the trail during these hours. Similar restrictions on other trails are expected to be introduced in the near future.

Practical advice

Before you consider climbing, make sure you're in good physical condition. Although climbing doesn't require you to be a professional athlete, it does demand the stamina to endure several hours of mountain walking. What's more, at 3700 meters altitude, oxygen is scarce and your body reacts differently.

As far as the weather is concerned, check the forecast before you set off, and be prepared to postpone your ascent in the event of unfavorable conditions. Apart from any consideration for the beauty of the landscape violent winds and wet terrain make walking much more hazardous. Take the time to check the weather forecast on sites such as Mountain Forecast.

For those wishing to avoid the crowds, consider climbing on weekdays rather than weekends, and avoid the period of Obon (mid-August), which is particularly popular.

If you want to see the sunrise from the summit, plan your timing carefully. Check the sunrise time for the day of your ascent, and plan to arrive at the summit at least 30 minutes beforehand. Don't forget that the trails can get crowded near the summit, especially on the Yoshida Trail, which can slow down your progress.

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