1 Day Historical Yoshida Route Private Tour

Fuji Outdoor's 1-day guided tours on the Historical Yoshida Route operate from the Yamanashi Prefecture side of Mount Fuji. This unique guided hike offers an immersive journey into the sacred past of the mountain, tracing the original pilgrimage route from its lower slopes. It is a fantastic option for those seeking a rewarding day trip with a strong focus on history and culture.

Hiking the historical Yoshida Trail is a user-friendly and highly accessible adventure. While it does involve a relative amount of elevation gain and descent, it is far less strenuous than a full summit climb. The route is designed for those with a moderate fitness level who are seeking a beautiful and culturally rich experience on the mountain without the rigorous demands of reaching the peak.

The trail begins at the Umagaeshi parking lot at approximately 1,440 meters (4,724 feet) and ascends to the Yoshida Trail 5th Station at 2,230 meters (7,316 feet). The journey provides a peaceful, shaded ascent through a lush forest, a stark contrast to the barren volcanic landscape higher up. This hike takes approximately 3-4 hours to ascend the 790 meters (2,592 feet) of elevation gain, and 2 hours to descend, with a total hiking duration of about 5-6 hours.

The trail is filled with unique and tangible connections to the mountain's history. As you walk, you'll encounter a series of historic landmarks, including the iconic Umagaeshi Gate and the Kanadorii Gate. The path itself is a natural, unpaved surface of dirt, rock and gravel, winding through serene woods and dotted with ancient stone monuments, small shrines, and old mountain huts left by pilgrims from centuries past.

This hike is a moderate, steady climb that requires a basic level of fitness. While it is not as physically demanding as a summit climb, you will be hiking uphill on a natural trail for several hours.

The weather on Mt. Fuji is known to change rapidly and drastically. Be ready for a wide range of conditions – from dry and hot to wet and cold, possibly all within the same hiking day. Being equipped with the right hiking gear for all weather is crucial for a safe and successful summit attempt. 

While the hike does not go to the summit, you will be gaining almost 800 meters (2,600 feet) in elevation. Climbers should be prepared for the effects of a steady climb at a lower-alpine altitude, such as shortness of breath.

You do not need to be an elite athlete to enjoy this hike. A general level of fitness, including the ability to sustain activity like hiking for several hours, is highly recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

In Season & Off Season: July 10 - October 20 (¥120,000 / up to 5x persons)

Enjoy a less crowded and quieter experience on the trails of Mt. Fuji during the off season. However, please note that mountain huts are closed during this time, requiring you to carry all necessary supplies (food, water, and equipment) for the entire day hiking Mt. Fuji.  There may be times that mountain huts are open at the bottom and top of the Historical Yoshida Route in the off-season, however their opening hours may be unpredictable so it is best to prepare with your own supplies in advance. 

• No Sunrise Summit: Please be aware that 1-day Mt. Fuji hikes do not allow reaching the summit for sunrise.
• Shorter Daylight Hours: During the off-season, daylight hours are shorter compared to peak season. For 1-day climbs, expect an average ascent time of 5 hours, with a Yoshida 5th Station (Satogoya Mountain Hut) cut-off around 2:00 PM (or 4.5 hours total), and a average descent time of 2 hours. Darkness may begin to fall during the later part of your descent.
• Challenging Trail Conditions: The terrain on Mt. Fuji is steep and rocky, with a mix of slippery and grippy surfaces. Even without consistent snow cover, encountering snow or cold conditions is not uncommon, especially in the higher elevations during the autumn. 
• Guide's Authority: Our experienced guides may turn you around at any point if your pace or any other factor poses a safety risk to yourself or the group. Although we primarily climb the Fujinomiya trail, your may select a different trail.
• Potential for Snow: Be prepared for the possibility of walking on snow at higher elevations.
• Self-Sufficient for Food & Water: There may be no opportunities to purchase food or drinks on the mountain on the Historical Yoshida Route. We will take short snack breaks, but please bring enough high-energy snacks and at least 2 liters of water per person for the anticipated 5-7 hour duration of the Historical Yoshida Route on Mount Fuji.