Mt. Fuji: The Ultimate Adventure
Mt. Fuji: A Sacred Peak, A Timeless Journey
At 3776m above sea level, not only is Mt Fuji Japan's tallest mountain but it is also the quintessential symbol of Japan. As one of the "Three Holy Mountains of Japan" along with Mt Tate and Mt Haku, climbing Mt Fuji stretches back centuries, starting with religious pilgrimages in the 7th century.
Mt Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a chance to both challenge yourself and connect with Japan's cultural past. Join FUJI OUTDOOR on what is by far Japan's best summer adventure, summiting Mt. Fuji.
Understanding Mt. Fuji Trails
Four Trails To The Summit:
Mount Fuji features four main trails, each offering a unique path to the summit. These trails are generally located on different sides of the mountain:
- Yoshida Trail: Situated on the Yamanashi Prefecture side (North).
- Subashiri Trail: Found on the Shizuoka Prefecture side (East).
- Gotemba Trail: Also on the Shizuoka Prefecture side (Southeast).
- Fujinomiya Trail: Located on the Shizuoka Prefecture side (South).
Each route presents its own distinct challenges and scenic beauty, inviting climbers to experience Japan's iconic peak from various perspectives. The official trailhead to any of the four trails is referred to as the "5th Station." In Japan, mountain summits are considered the “10th station”, making the 5th Station roughly the halfway point for each route, each with its own 5th Station at varying elevations.
Our Guided Mt. Fuji Trails: Fujinomiya & Subashiri
Your Mt. Fuji Adventure:
At Fuji Outdoor, we're dedicated to providing you with the safest and most rewarding Mt. Fuji climbing experience. For the 2025 season, we're excited to offer guided tours on both the Fujinomiya and Subashiri trails.
While both routes lead to the iconic summit, they each offer distinct characteristics and challenges. To ensure the best possible experience for our guests, and for your safety, Fuji Outdoor will suggest a specific trail route for your tour based on factors such as weather forecasts, trail conditions, the group's collective hiking skill level, and other considerations. Our priority is always to get you to the summit safely and enjoyably.
The Fujinomiya Trail
The Fujinomiya Trail is one of our primary routes, located on the South side of the mountain and offering a quintessential Mt. Fuji climbing experience.
The Fujinomiya 5th Station sits at an elevation of 2400 meters (approximately 7,900 feet), making it the highest trailhead for climbing Mt. Fuji. We've chosen the Fujinomiya Trail as one of our primary routes because it offers the most direct path to Mt. Fuji summit (3776m / approx. 12,388ft), efficiently maximizing your time and effort on the mountain. This route is known for its more technical and rugged terrain on both ascent and descent, offering a rewarding challenge for those seeking a true mountaineering feel. While it demands good physical condition, it also provides the most direct access to the summit area's amenities. For our 2-day tour guests, you will arrive directly at the mountain hut where you will sleep, located right on the summit of the Fujinomiya trail. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean.
Upon reaching Mt. Fuji summit via the Fujinomiya Trail, you can visit the Okumiya Shrine and the famous Post Office. This trail also provides the most direct access to Kengamine peak, the absolute highest point of Mt. Fuji at 3776m (approximately 12,388ft). For our 1-day tour guests, reaching Kengamine is an incredible opportunity, typically requiring an additional 30-minute walk along the crater rim. This excursion is subject to weather, time constraints, and your guide's assessment to ensure safety and group well-being.There are 4 trails on Mt. Fuji and our primary route is the Fujinomiya Trail on the South side of the mountain.
A beautiful day on the Fujinomiya near the top of Mt. Fuji with the Pacific Ocean in the background.
The Subashiri Trail
The Subashiri Trail, located on the East side of Mt. Fuji, offers a distinct and enriching climbing experience, perfect for those seeking diverse scenery and a unique descent.
The Subashiri 5th Station begins at an elevation of approximately 1950 meters (approximately 6,560 feet). The initial sections of the Subashiri Trail are particularly scenic, winding through a beautiful forest zone that provides welcome shade and vibrant alpine plants, extending up to the 6th Station. This unique forested ascent and its generally less crowded nature (seeing only about 8% of Mt. Fuji climbers annually) make it a great choice for those seeking a more serene and natural start to their climb, especially during peak hiking season. At the start, you can also visit Komitake Shrine at the 5th Station to pray for a safe climb. While this route involves a longer initial climb, the terrain is generally less technical than the Fujinomiya Trail. Situated on the eastern side, it's also worth noting that this trail, at times, can offer better weather opportunities for summiting, depending on wind and storm patterns.
As you ascend above the tree line, the trail gradually merges with the popular Yoshida Trail near the 8th Station, allowing you to share the final push to the summit with climbers from another major route. Being on the eastern side of the mountain, the Subashiri Trail offers direct views of the spectacular sunrise (goraikō), casting the mountain's shadow against the sky – a truly unforgettable experience. For our 1-day tour guests on the Subashiri route, reaching the summit of the Subashiri rim fulfills the Shinto religious significance of summiting the mountain. For 2-day tour guests intending to stay overnight at the summit, there is an additional 15-20 minute walk along the crater rim to reach the designated mountain hut on the Fujinomiya side where you will sleep.
One of the most unique and exciting features of the Subashiri Trail is its sandy "Sunabashiri" (sand run) descent. This long, sweeping section of volcanic gravel and sand allows for a thrilling, quick descent. Imagine taking large, sliding steps down the mountain – it's an exhilarating and often faster way to return, and much easier on the knees than rocky trails!
Opting for the Subashiri Trail offers a different perspective on Mt. Fuji's diverse landscapes, and provides an unforgettable ascent and descent experience.
The initial ascent on the Subashiri Trail, showcasing its unique blend of forest and volcanic rock.
Essential Gear for a Safe & Enjoyable Ascent
Gearing up for Mt. Fuji
This iconic Japanese adventure requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to hiking gear. Don't underestimate the mountain's unpredictable weather and challenging trails. Having the right equipment is vital for your safety and enjoyment on your Mt. Fuji ascent.
Navigating Mt. Fuji's Weather
Mt. Fuji's weather is famously unpredictable. Hikers should be prepared for rapid changes, experiencing sun, rain, heat, and cold, often within a short period. Temperatures on Mt. Fuji can range dramatically, exceeding 30°C (86°F) at lower elevations and dropping below 5°C (41°F) at night, even during the summer climbing season. This extreme variability underscores the importance of packing appropriate hiking gear.
Having summited Mt. Fuji nearly 300 times, I've personally encountered every possible weather condition and seen the direct impact of being unprepared. Over years of experience, I've developed a refined packing list to ensure a safe and comfortable climb in any situation on Japan's iconic peak.
Packing the right hiking gear will equip you to handle any weather conditions on Mt. Fuji, allowing you to focus on the incredible summit experience. Remember to use our gear list as a starting point and customize it to your personal needs for your unforgettable Mt. Fuji adventure.
Here are links to the gear list for your specific tour.
Which Trip Should I Choose?
1 or 2 Day Trip?
While a single-day Mt. Fuji climb is achievable, it requires significant physical exertion and a long trek. For those dreaming of witnessing the iconic sunrise from the Mt. Fuji summit, a cherished tradition, an overnight stay on the mountain is essential. Mountain huts are only open during the climbing season (July 10th - September 10th), making our 2-day in-season Mt. Fuji tours the only option for this unforgettable experience.
The 1-Day Mt. Fuji Climb: Be prepared for a return journey on the mountain lasting approximately 10 hours. Including transportation, your 1-day Mt. Fuji hiking trip will typically be around 15 hours long.
The 2-Day Mt. Fuji Climb: Our 2-day Mt. Fuji tours break the journey into a more manageable ascent day and a separate descent day, allowing for rest and crucially, the sunrise summit experience.
The Mountain Huts
Along the hiking trails leading to the Mt. Fuji summit, you'll find mountain huts, known locally as yamagoya. These simple yet vital accommodations offer basic necessities for climbers, including sleeping quarters, sustenance, and fundamental hiking supplies. Many of these established shelters have a rich history, often family-operated for multiple generations, originally serving as crucial emergency refuges.
Overnight stays in these huts are available during annually from July 10th to September 10th. This period aligns with optimal climbing conditions and ensures access to these essential facilities for a safer and more comfortable summit attempt, particularly for those aiming to witness the iconic sunrise.
Inside the huts of Mt. Fuji:
- Shared Dormitory Sleeping: Expect communal sleeping arrangements within the Mt. Fuji mountain huts, typically featuring bunk beds or futon mats/sleeping bags in shared rooms. Be prepared for close quarters, particularly during the popular Mt. Fuji climbing season.
- Basic Meals and Refreshments: The mountain huts primarily offer simple meals such as curry rice and instant noodles. Essential snacks and beverages like water, tea, and sports drinks are available for purchase to fuel your Mt. Fuji hike.
- Important: The huts may have basic restroom facilities but there is no running water and they are all very simple! Don't expect luxuries like showers, dry room or Wi-Fi.
Tips for your overnight stay:
- Pack Efficiently: Space within the Mt. Fuji huts are limited. Prioritize essential hiking gear and personal items to minimize your backpack weight.
- Carry Sufficient Japanese Yen: Not all mountain lodges accept credit cards. Be aware that prices for supplies at altitude on Mt. Fuji are elevated (e.g., a 500ml water bottle may cost approximately ¥500).
- Bring a Change of Clothing: Drying facilities are generally unavailable in the Mt. Fuji huts. Carrying a dry set of clothes will significantly enhance your comfort, especially if your hiking gear becomes wet. A plastic bag will be provided for storing excessively wet items overnight.
- Utilize a Portable Power Bank: Power outlets are not available in most mountain huts on Mt. Fuji. Ensure you have a fully charged portable charger for your electronic devices.
- Consider Personal Comfort Items: To maximize your comfort in the shared sleeping environment of the mountain lodges, consider bringing an eye mask, a mask (due to Mt. Fuji's volcanic geology), and earplugs for better rest.
The accommodations available on Mt. Fuji, while simple, offer a truly distinctive and memorable experience for climbers. Fuji Outdoor partners with a network of reputable mountain huts, all providing similar basic lodging.
As these Mt. Fuji huts serve as essential mountain shelters, expect shared dormitory-style sleeping arrangements featuring bunk beds equipped with blankets and sleeping bags. Be prepared for close quarters, particularly during peak climbing seasons, including weekends and holidays. While the fundamental sleeping arrangements are consistent across most Mt. Fuji lodges, amenities and services can vary considerably due to the independent operation of each hut. Expect potential differences in menus, pricing, and language support, with English not always readily available.
These family-run mountain huts, often spanning several generations, possess a rich history and offer an authentic overnight stay unique to the Mt. Fuji climbing experience.
Okumiya Shrine
The Fujinomiya Trail, our primary route for climbing Mt. Fuji, ultimately leads hikers to the revered Okumiya Shrine at the summit.
Mt. Fuji holds profound spiritual significance in Japan, deeply ingrained in the nation's cultural and religious heritage for centuries. As one of Japan's Three Holy Mountains, Mount Fuji has inspired countless artistic expressions and drawn pilgrims seeking blessings from its deities.
The mountain's spiritual importance is intrinsically linked to Shinto, Japan's native religion. Shinto centers around the worship of kami . Spirits or deities believed to reside in all aspects of nature, including mountains, rivers, and trees. Mt. Fuji, with its imposing presence and volcanic origins, is considered Japan's most sacred mountain.
The Okumiya Shrine at the summit is typically open during the official climbing season in the early morning hours.
*Please note that the Okumiya Shrine may not be open when we reach the summit on our 1-day Mt. Fuji climbing tours due to the timing of the ascent.
Fujisancho Post Office
Mostly open during the climbing season
Perched at the crater rim of Japan's tallest mountain, amidst the clouds and volcanic landscape, sits the unassuming yet remarkable Mt. Fuji summit post office.
The story of this unique postal outpost began in 1906, established to serve the increasing number of pilgrims and Mt. Fuji climbers. It offered a tangible way for adventurers to share their experiences with loved ones far below. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and human spirit, a testament to our ability to thrive even in extreme environments on Mt. Fuji.
The Mt. Fuji summit post office has become a special destination for couples seeking a unique expression of their love. Many leave heartfelt messages in a dedicated mailbox, hoping the mountain's powerful presence will bless their relationships.
Hikers also utilize the summit post office to send postcards to themselves, commemorating their incredible achievement of reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji. These postcards often become cherished mementos, tangible reminders of the challenges overcome and the breathtaking panoramic views witnessed from Japan's iconic peak.
A climber standing in front of the Mt Fuji Post office
Kongōzue: Mt. Fuji's Wooden Staff and Symbol of Pilgrimage
What is a Kongōzue?
The kongōzue, often referred to as a "Mt. Fuji walking stick," transcends its function as a mere hiking aid. It embodies the historical and spiritual journey of pilgrims and climbers ascending Japan's tallest mountain.
Design and Customization: Traditionally crafted from wood, the kongōzue comes in various lengths. Many hikers personalize their staffs with carvings, inscriptions, or even small, jingling bells, adding a personal touch to their Mt. Fuji climb.
The Branding Ritual: Marking Your Ascent, a unique tradition on the Mt. Fuji trails involves getting your kongōzue branded with distinctive stamps at the various mountain huts along the routes. Each brand, typically costing around ¥300, serves as a tangible record of your progress towards the summit and a cherished souvenir of your Mt. Fuji adventure.
Why Mt. Fuji Climbers Use the Kongōzue:
- Physical Support and Balance: The sturdy staff provides essential balance and support, particularly on the steep and challenging sections of the Mt. Fuji hike.
- Spiritual Connection to the Mountain: For many, the kongōzue acts as a physical link to Mt. Fuji's rich spiritual history, serving as a tangible reminder of their personal journey and a source of motivation during the climb.
- Time-Honored Tradition and Lasting Souvenir: Collecting brands on the kongōzue is a cherished Mt. Fuji tradition, creating a unique and lasting souvenir of your summit achievement, sparking conversations for years to come.
Where to Acquire Your Kongōzue:
kongōzue are readily available for purchase at the base of Mt. Fuji, in nearby towns catering to climbers, and even at some of the mountain huts along the trails. However, many hikers prefer to select their staff in advance, allowing for personal customization with engravings or decorations before their Mt. Fuji adventure begins.
A kongozue being branded at a mountain hut on the Fujinomiya Trail.