Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is one of the most famed distinctively cone-shaped volcanoes in the world and the most recognizable symbol of Japan. Many trekkers and tourists are adding a Mt. Fuji climb to their Ultimate Japan Bucket List. In fact, several tourists now visit Japan Just to climb Mt. Fuji, making Mt. Fuji one of the most climbed mountains in the world.

Mt. Fuji became a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 22, 2013,

However, the distinctive cone shape features of Mt. Fuji also delivers a challenge for many climbers who are not prepared mentally or physically for the climb. One of the unique features of climbing a volcanic cone is almost instantly after beginning your Mt. Fuji climb, you start trekking uphill. Mt. Fuji Fitness Guide

Mt. Fuji in June

Mt. Fuji is categorized by strict altitude gains, swiftly shifting weather and sharp inclines. There is a 15~20 degrees change in temperature from the base of Mt. Fuji to the summit of Mt. Fuji. Mt. Fuji current Weather Forecast: (The best local resource for Mt. Fuji weather information in Japan is the Japan Meteorological Agency) The climb is unlike any high-altitude quest most novice climbers will ever encounter. So, do not misjudge the climb. How Hard is it to Climb Mt. Fuji?

Mt. Fuji 7th Station Mountain Hut

This climb varies slightly depending on which route you select; (There are four different hiking Trails to the Summit of Mt. Fuji). Nonetheless, no matter which trail you take, you will be hiking uphill for almost all of your journey. Questions about the Mt. Fuji Climbing Routes: for example: Which Mt. Fuji climbing route is the easiest? Which Mt. Fuji climbing route has the best views? Which route is the most challenging? Safest? etc. see the following link or Mt. Fuji routes explained: Which Mt. Fuji Climbing Route is the Easiest?

Mt. Fuji Shrine Gate near Summit

Many trekkers also ask: When Can I climb Mt. Fuji? The Official Mt. Fuji Climbing season is from July 1st to Sept 10th, depending on the route you select this varies slightly.

Trail Note: There was a delay in the opening of the 2019 Yoshida Route and Subashiri climbing Routes (Both routes merge from the 8th station upwards) due to a rocks slide near the summit of Mt. Fuji Delay in opening of 2019 Climbing Season due to rock slide.

Rock Pile Near Summit of Yoshida Route

Can Mt. Fuji be climbed in the Off-season?

Contrary to general belief, climbing Mt. Fuji outside the official climbing season is permissible. Upon reaching a Fuji trailhead in the off-season however, one will face signposts that say that the trail is closed. These signs are an indirect way of saying, “climb Mt. Fuji at your own risk”. It is best to note that the risk of climbing Fuji in the off-season increases substantially as compared to climbing during the official season and we only recommend you climb in the off-season with a professional guide. However, climbing just before or just after the climbing season I.e. (June, September and October) is actually preferred by some hikers who like to avoid the large crowds. (See Mt. Fuji Off-Season Climbing Dates) and Off-Season Climbing Itinerary.

Summit of Mt. Fuji (In May) Off-Season Climb

Can Mt. Fuji be Climbed in 1-Day?

A one-Day hike to the summit of Mt. Fuji is possible with an early start However, we recommend only fit experience hikers attempt this endeavor as it requires high lever of strength and endurance. Nevertheless, a 1-Day Mt. fuji hike does evade the sunrise urgency and staying the night at a Mountain hut completely, plus reaching the summit around midday allows you to fully enjoy the surrounding views while appreciating the warmest stage of the day.

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Mt. Fuji 1-Day Climb (Views during the Day)

What is the best way to Access Mt. Fuji?

There are numerous ways to access Mt. Fuji from Tokyo and the surrounding area. Depending on where you are coming from Mt. Fuji can be access by Bus, Train and Bullet Train. (See May Below) Taking the bullet train is unquestionably the quickest and safest way to get to Mt. Fuji. The Bullet Train also eliminates all the daily traffic jam headaches and highway delays and extremely convenient if you have a Japan Rail Pass.

Mt. Fuji Access (By Bus, Train and Bullet Train)

Note: it normally takes about 2hrs for a one-way transfer from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji depending on your start and end point. However normal is uncommon, as there is almost continuously congestion on the highways caused by general daily overcrowding. Especially on the holidays, breaks or any time during the summer the traffic from Tokyo to/from Mt. Fuji can be awfully slow adding hours to the drive time and delaying your climb/tour schedule, sometimes taking as long as 3-4 hours in peak jam situations.

Summer Traffic Conditions (From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji)

Starting and ending your climb at Shin-Fuji Station is the fastest logical choice. From Shin-Fuji Station you can easily access Bullet Trains South to Kyoto or Osaka, or North to Tokyo or even to Hakone.

What hiking gear should I bring for a Mt. Fuji Climb?

Having the appropriate hiking gear significantly enhances the characteristic of your experience. The better equipped and the better quality your gear is, the greater chance your excursion will be safe and comfortable. Quality gear is the best protection from the elements and provides a superior overall experience on your quest of Mt. Fuji.

Mt. Fuji Recommend Hiking Gear

Generally, most climbers attempt a Mt. Fuji climb during the summer climbing season taking 2-days and staying a night at one of the many mountain huts on Mt. Fuji before reaching the summit to enjoy the sunrise. Mt. Fuji 2-Day Summit Climb Itinerary

Reaching the Peak of Mt. Fuji Peak During the Summer

Regardless of age, with proper gear and preparation, reaching the peak of Mt. Fuji is possible and tremendously rewarding. As you watch the world below, the sense of achievement can be overpowering when you realize just how high you have climbed; it is truly a fulfilling and memorable experience. It’s hard to put it in to words, but sometimes when you watch the sunrise from the summit on a clear morning – it is almost a religious experience. (2-Day Mt. Fuji Climb Schedule)

Mt. Fuji Sunrise from Summit

What to do after a Mt. Fuji Climb?

After climbing Mt. Fuji there is no better prize than soothing in a natural hot spring. The volcanic area around Mt. Fuji is home to of the best natural hot springs or “Onsens” as they are referred to in Japanese. Grasping a Japanese onsen is in itself a traditional experience. This is even more so after climbing Mt. Fuji when you need it the most. Comforting your sore muscles in the therapeutic volcanic mineral water leaves you refreshed and invigorated.

Mt. Fuji Hot Spring

Is there a Summit Certificate for reaching the peak of Mt. Fuji?

Mt. Fuji is the highest volcano in Japan at 3776 meters tall and 12,388 feet. Depending on the climbing company you choose, some Mt. Fuji climbing companies provide Summit Certificates when you reach the summit of Mt. Fuji. When you complete a Mt. Fuji Summit climb with My Tokyo Guide you will be presented with an official “Mt. Fuji Summit Certificate” with your name and date, so that you can proudly display the hard work you have done to all your friends, family and work colleagues.

Mt. Fuji Summit Certificates

Top 5 hikes in Japan that offer great views of Mt. Fuji

If you can not wait until the official Mt. Fuji Climbing Season to climb Mt. Fuji there are many mountains around Mt. Fuji that offer great views of Mt. Fuji. Can’t Wait until the Mt. Fuji climbing Season?

The Ultimate Mt. Fuji Guide and Preparation Book

For your information and safely, we highly recommend getting a copy of Climbing Mt. Fuji “A Complete Guidebook” before climbing Mt. Fuji, this guidebook will help you prepare and make good decisions regarding your Mt. Fuji climb, also there is a chapter on climb training, Group Tours vs Self Tours and more. Available on Amazon.com