Off Season Mt. Fuji Private Tours

Fuji Outdoor's 1-day guided tours operate from the Shizuoka Prefecture side of Mt. Fuji, the Fuji Subashiri Trail during the off-season hiking season that start's just after the first week of September each year. While the full-day itinerary for both routes remains consistent, the Subashiri trailhead is a shorter drive from our Gotemba office but the trail is a longer route and has a greater elevation gain to the summit, albeit a lesser steeper ascent versus our in-season Fujinomiya Trail ascent. The Subashiri trailhead may feature a longer ascent, yet is compensated by a famously faster descent, and offers relative weather protection from the predominant wind and weather trends that blow from the south during the off-season part of the year. 

Climbing Mount Fuji is a demanding endeavor. It requires strong physical fitness, endurance, and mental preparedness, as you will be ascending and descending the mountain in a single day. We recommend that climbers be well-prepared and confident in their physical capabilities to fully enjoy and safely complete the entire climb.

The Subashiri Trail: The trail begins at the Subashiri 5th Station at approximately 2000 meters (approx. 6,560 feet). This trail offers a longer, more varied ascent, initially winding through a beautiful forest that provides welcome shade before emerging onto the volcanic landscape, and also takes roughly 5-6 hours to ascend and 3-4 hours to descend.

The Subashiri Trail also offers unique advantages. Its north-east position on Mount Fuji often provides a more wind-protected route and safer passage during certain weather fronts. For the descent, Subashiri features less crowded, dedicated descent sections on generally more level ground, leading to a quicker and more comfortable return. This culminates in the renowned "Sunabashiri" (sand run), a long, sweeping section of soft volcanic gravel and sand allowing for a thrilling, controlled sand-run down the mountain.  Off-season trips (Sep. 12 - Oct. 25), all 1-Day Tours will be on the Subashiri Trail.

Important Considerations for Your 1-Day Tour:

• Summit Cut-off Time: The cut-off time to reach the summit is 2:30 PM or 6.5 hours from your start. Your guide(s) may turn you around at any point if your pace is too slow or for any reason that compromises safety.
• Physical Strain on Joints: Hikers with pre-existing knee issues or other joint concerns should be aware that the varied terrain of Mount Fuji, including soft, shifting sand, and both loose and hard rock surfaces, can put additional strain on joints during both ascent and descent.
• Safety & Trail Selection: We prioritize smooth and enjoyable trips on Mt. Fuji. Safety is paramount, and your guide(s) will make the final decision on the chosen trail and any 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.

In Season: July 10- September 9 (¥47,300/ Person)

Off Season: September 12- October 25 (¥42,900/ Person)

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 and these are aspects we can anticipate:

• 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 summit cut-off around 2:30 PM (or 6.5 hours total), and a average descent time of 4 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 at higher elevations. 
• 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 will be no opportunities to purchase food or drinks on the mountain. 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 9-10 hour duration of the Mt. Fuji hike.