Mt. Fuji is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan. The Fuji Excursion services, a limited express between JR and Fuji Kyuko that starts operating in 2019, has made traveling to Mount Fuji a lot easier. Besides going for hot springs and attractions around Kawaguchiko, lots of people come all the way to this place for hiking. So what are the tips to climbing Mt. Fuji? You’ll find everything you need in this article.
Mt. Fuji | The Transport & Trail Guide
No matter which trail you choose to summit, it usually takes at least 3-5 hours each to ascent or descent. Hence, make sure you are well prepared to make the most of your climb.
One more thing to keep in mind: If you are not taking any public transportation or going with any hiking groups but driving instead, remember that driving up Mt. Fuji is prohibited at all trails instead of Gotemba.
The Trail 🥾
Here are four 5th stations on different sides of the mountain, from where most people start their ascent:
Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station – Yoshida Trail
This is the most popular base for the climb to the summit, and the most easily accessible 5th Station from the Fuji Five Lake region and central Tokyo. The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is accessible by buses at several stations. For instance, you can get on the bus either nearby Kawaguchiko Station, Fujisan Station, or Shinjuku Station.
Subashiri 5th Station – Subashiri Trail
Subashiri 5th Station on the eastern side of the mountain is the second easiest to access by public transportation from Tokyo. Buses operate between Gotemba Station and the Subashiri 5th Station daily during the climbing season. Also, there are 3-5 buses per day run from Shin-Matsuda Station to Subashiri Station.
Gotemba 5th Station – Gotemba Trail
The Gotemba Trail is the longest trail among all. Buses operate between Gotemba Station and the Gotemba 5th Station daily during the climbing season.
Fujinomiya 5th Station – Fujinomiya Trail
The Fujinomiya 5th Station is the second most popular and second most developed of the four 5th stations on Mt. Fuji. It is the easiest to access by public transportation from western Japan, and is served by direct buses from Shin-Fuji and Mishima Stations along the JR Tokaido Shinkansen.
🗻Bus Timetables: Mount Fuji (Climbing Season)🗻
Attractions to Visit Near Mount Fuji
Sunrise at Mt. Fuji
At the end of Yoshida Trail, you get a clear view of Mount Fuji’s peak. Moreover, you get to enjoy the sunrise of Mt. Fuji. If you’re too tired to make it to the summit, then you must not miss this attraction! Some tourists even come from far away just for this view!
Immerse yourself with this spectacular view, then you’ll feel relaxed and peaceful in the tranquil beauty of nature.
At the Top of Mt. Fuji
There are couple things to do when you make it to the top of Mt. Fuji.
Watch the Sunrise
Watching the sunrise is the best thing you could do after the exhausted hike. The spectacular view on top of the most iconic mountain in Japan will definitely be one of the most treasured memories you’ll ever have in you life.
Send a Postcard
One of the other special things to do at the top of Mt. Fuji, is to send a postcard from Japan’s highest post office. I would suggest you to prepare your card in advance and just drop it in the mailbox.
Get the one and only Hiking Stick
If you are looking for a special souvenir, getting a Mt. Fuji limited hiking stick might be a great idea! You can find vendor selling hiking sticks along the way and get it stamped at different stations.
Yamanakako Onsen Benifujinoyu
With well organized large onsen both indoor and out, this place allows you to enjoy the sunset view of Mt. Fuji and hot spring at the same time. Definitely a nice place to relax after whole day of climbing!
Mountain Huts
Toyo-Kan Inn
Toyo-Kan Inn, at 3000m above sea level, is a mountain lodge for climbers to stay. It takes approximately three hours to reach the lodge from the trail entrance of Yoshida route at 5th station. It is located exactly halfway between the 5th Station and the peak.
For meals, they offer ”Japanese cuisine” for dinner and ”breakfast box” for breakfast. Their service include lodging (reservation only) and selling commodities such as snack, drink, rain jacket, flashlight, and simple mountain gadgets. Overall, it’s a great place for climbers to take good rest.
Tomoe-Kan
It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Tomoe-Kan. Highly recommended for people who want to conquer Mt. Fuji since the lodge is only an hour away from the summit.
Climbing Equipment
In order to enjoy your safe hike to the summit of Mt. Fuji, it is important to bring the proper equipment.
First of all, rainwear, cold protection, a head lamp and a map is necessary!
Be prepared for the sudden weather change. It can be below zero at the summit even at summer, and strong winds often make it even colder. Thus, make sure bring water proof jackets and trousers, gloves, quick-dry underwear, trekking shoes and water.
Usually basic equipments like raincoats, lights, and water can be purchased at mountain huts. However, some trails don’t have mountain huts, so make sure you prepare sufficient food and water!
Mt. Fuji Hiking Group
Apart from the Mt. Fuji trails we have just mentioned, more and more people join the Mt. Fuji hiking group. By doing so, not only can you save a lot of time doing research, but you can also save yourself the hassle of taking public transportation.
Plus, with a professional guide, there’s no need to be afraid as a beginner. All you have to do is follow the instructions and training. In the end, you get to enjoy the beauty of Mt. Fuji.
🗻Official Website for Mt. Fuji Climbing🗻
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