Mount Fuji Climbing Guide is a guide for climbers of Mt. Fuji.

Climbing Season of Mount Fuji

Mt. Fuji is officially open from July 1st to August 31st.
Under some circumstances, however, you may not be able to climb to the summit even during this official season. For example, a restriction may be placed due to lingering snow.
The mountain huts are open during this season. They allow you to enjoy a safe climbing as you can ask for help or take a rest at a lodge in case you feel sick or are injured.
Climbing Mt. Fuji in any other season is dangerous because no refuge will be available.
Plan and prepare your climbing trip well in advance and keep your schedule flexible so that you can take a good rest.

Trails of Mount Fuji

There are four routes for climbing Mt. Fuji.

» Fujinomiya Trail / Shizuoka Prefecture

The 5th Station of Mt. Fuji Fujinomiya Trail

- Altitude of the starting point : about 2,400m
- Ascent : about 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Descent : about 2 hours and 30 minutes

Fujinomiya Trail has been famous for the starting point (the front entrance) of Mount Fuji climbing since ancient times. This is the shortest route to the top, and the trail head itself is at a high altitude. Mountain huts with a high capacity are located at almost equal distance, and some rest places are also available. It is the route that allows you to enjoy comfortable mountain climbing. In the middle of the trail, you can see the crater of the last eruption in the Hoei era (1707), located at the east side of Mt. Fuji.
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» Gotemba Trail / Shizuoka Prefecture

The 5th Station of Mt. Fuji Gotemba Trail

- Altitude of the starting point : about 1,440m
- Ascent : about 6 hours and 20 minutes
- Descent : about 3 hours and 10 minutes

The 5th Station of Mt. Fuji Gotemba Trail is at an altitude of 1,440 meters above sea level. It is the lowest starting points among all Mt. Fuji trails. This route is best characterized by quiet, calm environment. It's usually less crowded than other trails, allowing you to enjoy the climbing itself. A unique landscape called Osunabashiri (sand slope) can be found on this trail. You can run down this slope invigoratingly. Hoei Crater, which was formed by the last eruption of Mt. Fuji in 1707, is also located along the trail. There are few mountain huts on this trail. Please be sure to take a rest along the way for your safe trip.
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» Subashiri Trail / Shizuoka Prefecture

The 5th Station of Mt. Fuji Subashiri Trail

- Altitude of the starting point : about 2,000m
- Ascent : about 5 hours and 10 minutes
- Descent : about 2 hours and 40 minutes

Subashiri Trail allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of many alpine plants. The trail merges with Kawaguchiko (Fujiyoshida) Trail at the 8th station. The forest limit around Subashiri Trail is 2,700 m (8,858 ft), which is the highest of all Mount Fuji trails. Thanks to this high limit, the trail is surrounded by greenery while the other trails are all bleak. The trail is also gently sloped, providing the most comfortable climbing. The forest protects you from Mount Fuji's strong sunshine and wind. As you walk through the trees in the cool air, you can see the beautiful scenery of alpine plants and listen to the lovely singing of birds.
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» Kawaguchiko (Fujiyoshida) Trail / Yamanashi Prefecture

- Altitude of the starting point : about 2,305m
- Ascent : about 5 hours
- Descent : about 3 hours and 20 minutes

Kawaguchiko (Fujiyoshida) Trail is the most developed Mt. Fuji trail for tourism.
Its modernized facilities attract many climbers from inside and outside of the country.
The trail merges with Fujiyoshida Trail at the 6th station, and Subashiri Trail at the 8th station.
(Fujiyoshida Trail had been used often before Fuji Subaru Line, the toll road leading to Kawaguchiko Trail, opened.)
Thanks to a lot of lodges and some first-aid centers, you can enjoy comfortable mountain climbing on this trail.
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» Ohachimeguri

Ohachimeguri is to walk around the crater on the top of Mount Fuji.
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Signposts for Climbers of Mount Fuji

To prevent climbers from taking the wrong return path, the trail names on the signposts are colored in different colors.

• Fujinomiya Trail : Blue
• Gotemba Trail : Green
• Subashiri Trail : Red
• Kawaguchiko (Fujiyoshida) Trail : Yellow

Mount Fuji Private Car Regulation

To conserve the nature and decrease traffic jam of Mt. Fuji area, a traffic regulation is placed every year. The regulation prohibits private automobiles to enter the road leading to the 5th Station.
Please park at the designated parking lot, and board a shuttle bus or shuttle taxi.
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Clothing and Items for Climbing Mount Fuji

The difference in temperature between the ground and the summit is 20 degrees celsius (68 degrees fahrenheit). This means you will experience both winter and summer in one day.
Prepare for cold weather, and choose clothes that allow you to adjust your body temperature.
Bring your own water since it's valuable on the mountain.

Rules of Climbing Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is a national symbol.
Your good manners will keep it a special place for everybody.
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Notes for Climbing Mount Fuji

Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. Please climb with enough care.
Do not include a climb as part of a busy travel schedule.
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References:
*Shizuoka Prefecture Department of Community Affairs Environmental Protection Division: For Climbers of Mt. Fuji
*Fujinomiya City: Mt. Fuji Climbing Guide Fujinomiya Route
*Oyama Town: Mt.FUJI SUBASHIRI ROOT GUIDE
*Shizuoka Prefecture Tourist Association: Mt. Fuji & Flower in Shizuoka