Mt. Fuji Region Non-Summit Tours

"The trip was excellent and worth booking. Also, since they handle all the permits and transportation, the logistics of getting to, on, and then from Fuji are an afterthought for the customer. All I had to was show up and they took care of everything."  - Macklin Webb

"Mt. Fuji Guides was the best choice I could have made to make my lifelong dream of climbing Mount Fuji come true."  - Yves Grimard

Mt. Fuji Guides private guided 1-day and 2-day tours which reach the summit of Mount Fuji are on the Shizuoka Prefecture side of the mountain. Our 2-day private tours are exclusively conducted on the Fujinomiya Trail during the hiking season.  For 1-day private tours, during the hiking season we primarily utilize the Fujinomiya Trail, but may also use the Subashiri Trail, offering flexibility to ensure the best experience.

While the Fujinomiya trailhead involves a slightly longer drive from our Gotemba office, it presents a more direct, though steeper, climb. Alternatively, the Subashiri trailhead, a bit closer, balances a longer ascent with a famously swift descent. Should various factors like weather forecasts, current trail conditions, anticipated crowds, or other elements impact your safety and enjoyment, your guide may opt for the Subashiri Trail to guarantee the most optimal and secure experience.

Ascending Mount Fuji is a significant physical undertaking. Success on this journey, which involves both an ascent and descent in a single day (for 1-day tours), requires physical fitness, stamina, and mental resilience. We recommend that participants arrive well-prepared and confident in their physical abilities to fully appreciate and safely navigate the entire climb.

The Fujinomiya Trail Experience: Beginning from its 5th Station (at 2400m / approximately 7900ft), the Fujinomiya Trail is recognized as the shortest of Mount Fuji's primary climbing routes by distance, culminating at the summit (3776m / approximately 12,388ft). Climbs typically range from 5-6 hours for the ascent and 3-4 hours for the descent. It is crucial not to underestimate the demands of this route. Despite its shorter length, the path is consistently steep and characterized by rocky terrain. Expect frequent large steps and uneven surfaces, necessitating careful foot placement; however, no hand-over-hand climbing is required.

Exploring the Subashiri Trail: The Subashiri Trail commences from its 5th Station, located at approximately 2000 meters (around 6,560 feet). This route offers a more extended and varied ascent, initially winding through a pleasant forested area that provides welcome shade before opening up to the volcanic landscape.

The Subashiri Trail also presents distinct advantages. Its north-east orientation on Mt. Fuji frequently offers greater protection from the prevailing south-east winds, potentially providing a more sheltered and safer passage during specific weather patterns. For the descent, the Subashiri boasts less congested, dedicated downhill sections on generally more forgiving terrain, facilitating a quicker and more comfortable return. This culminates in the famous "Suna-bashiri" (sand run) – a lengthy, sweeping stretch of soft volcanic gravel and sand that allows for an exhilarating and rapid slide down a significant portion of the mountain.

Important Private Tour Considerations:

• Summit Time Limit (1-Day Tours Only): The designated cut-off time for reaching the summit on 1-day tours is 2:30 PM, or 6.5 hours from your start. Your private guide reserves the right to turn back at any point if your pace is too slow or if any factor compromises safety.
• Joint Impact: Individuals with pre-existing knee or other joint issues should be aware that Mount Fuji's diverse terrain – including soft, shifting sand, as well as both loose and firm rock surfaces – can place additional strain on joints throughout both the ascent and descent.
• Guide's Discretion: Mt. Fu prioritizes seamless and enjoyable private tours on Mt. Fuji. Safety is paramount, and your dedicated guide will make all final decisions regarding the selected trail and any necessary adjustments based on real-time conditions.

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 supplemental oxygen isn't needed, all climbers will feel the effects of the altitude to some extent. This can range from mild shortness of breath to dizziness or nausea. Serious altitude related complications are outliers.

During the main climbing season, the trails are maintained, but the altitude and steepness can still be challenging, especially for those new to mountain hiking. Reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji is more about endurance than technical skill, but good physical fitness is key to enjoying the experience and staying safe. Be prepared to carry a backpack with essentials like water, snacks and extra layers.

You don't need to be an elite athlete to hike Mt. Fuji, but a moderate level of fitness is highly recommended. Aim for these fitness goals:

• Cardiovascular Endurance: Be able to sustain activity like hiking for several hours. Regularly engage in jogging, cycling, or swimming.
• Leg and Core Strength: Build strength to handle the steep terrain and carry your backpack. Include squats, lunges, and planks in your training.