The Ascent of Mount Fuji
Key Points to Remember
The ascent of Mount Fuji (3,776 m) is only possible from early July to mid-September, over 2 days with one night in a mountain hut. Expect 5 to 7 hours of climbing depending on your fitness and choose the Yoshida route for your first time: the best maintained.
Mount Fuji is located in Japan, a few hundred kilometers from Tokyo, Mount Fuji is an icon of Japan! The ascent of Mount Fuji is a rite of passage in a Japanese person’s life.
During my trip to Japan in the summer of 2012, I climbed Mount Fuji (between 6 and 9 hours) and I will tell you my story and give you some advice if you want to do it yourself.
First Mistake for the Ascent of Mount Fuji
My brother and I had chosen to leave Kyoto at 3 p.m. by Shinkansen to Fuji Station.
Ps: The Shinkansen is the Japanese high-speed train, as fast as the TGV.
Did you know?
Mount Fuji is an active volcano, classified as “low risk” but constantly monitored. Its last eruption was in 1707. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for cultural reasons (not natural) due to its influence on Japanese art.
Ps: we chose to start the ascent in the evening to arrive at sunrise in the morning.
Upon our arrival at Fuji Station, the information desk told us we had missed the last bus by 15 minutes to get to the start of the hike at the fifth station. Indeed, we left on August 30, and bus schedules change from August 29, with one bus canceled.
You really need to check the schedules of the last buses and trains to get there on your own. It is also possible, if you are in Tokyo, to take a bus that will take you to the fifth station; the round trip costs 5500 yen.
Following this problem, we went to Tokyo and tried the experience again a few days later.
Mount Fuji is accessible from 4 sides, each side is different, you can find information to help you on Mount Fuji on this English site of Mount Fuji.
My Experience
I slept in a mountain hut at the 8th station, at 3,400 m. 12 people in 4 m², you sleep on a 50 cm wide futon. Wake-up at 2 a.m. to finish the ascent and see the sunrise at the summit. The wind at 4 a.m. is -5°C even in August.
| Route | Climbing Duration | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Yoshida | 5-7h | Beginner (most popular) |
| Subashiri | 6-8h | Intermediate |
| Gotemba | 8-10h | Advanced (longest) |
| Fujinomiya | 4-6h | Intermediate (shortest) |
The ascent of Mount Fuji
A few days later, I left alone by train and my brother on his side by direct bus to Mount Fuji. To get to Mount Fuji, I had to take two trains and a bus, and it cost me 4500 Yen because I had the Rail pass. If you want to do the same, check the site above. However, the route to get there is a bit longer by my way.
So I arrived at the foot of Mount Fuji at 9 p.m. and started climbing at 9:30 p.m., my brother on the other hand arrived at 8 p.m. and made the ascent with a group of 6 young Russians. I, on my side, did it at the same time as Asian-American people.
Advantages
- Unforgettable sunrise at the summit
- Yoshida route well marked and secure
- View of Tokyo in clear weather
- Feeling of accomplishment
- Accessible to regular walkers
Weak points
- Refuge reservations difficult
- Intense fatigue (sleep deprivation)
- Crowds in high season
- Unpredictable weather (wind, rain, fog)
- No ascent outside the season
I started the ascent of Mount Fuji dressed very lightly while most had their sports and hiking suits.
To be honest, as the ascent progressed, I put on layers of warm clothing but at a certain point, I was not warm enough because I was not well equipped. My brother on his side had bought a beanie, a coat to keep warm, and gloves. I did not feel the cold until the penultimate station where the wind was quite strong and the temperature close to zero!
With my three layers of clothing (t-shirt, shirt, and a sweater), and my light blanket, it was not enough.
Tips for the ascent of Mount Fuji:
The classic trap to avoid
Never attempt Fuji outside the official season (July to mid-September). The refuges are closed, snow may still be present, and you will be rescued at your own expense. Deaths occur every year outside the season.
- Wear warm clothes or sportswear suitable for mountain hiking with several layers underneath. It is always better to be well equipped when climbing a mountain; this challenge can be even more difficult if you are cold! In my case, I think I was cold for a good part of the end of the ascent.
- Take enough water for the ascent, at least 2 or 3 liters; it is possible to buy drinks at some rest points but they are a bit expensive.
- Don’t forget to prepare several sandwiches; it is also possible to buy food but it is a bit expensive.
- It is possible to rest in heated huts but in this case, you have to pay to have access. The higher you rest, the more expensive it is.
- There are also toilets but they are paid, so don’t forget to bring 100 yen coins.
- It is useful to have a torch to see where you are walking; it is always easier.
- Hiking poles can be useful for the ascent or descent; it is possible to stamp your pole all along the ascent!
Used to hiking, I was able to reach the eighth station in two and a half hours while my brother took four hours, but he was with girls, so it’s understandable that they go slower and rest!
So I met my brother at this eighth station, we rested a little and I got to know the group.
From this point, the ascent is more difficult because there are really a lot of people and it is hard to overtake; it takes about three hours to reach the summit!
If you are preparing your departure, take a look at our guide on public transport which complements the topic well. The feedback about Japan what also provides useful benchmarks to avoid unpleasant surprises. And to go further for inspiration, the article on traveling cheaper is worth a detour.
The ascent was really difficult because I made it more difficult by not being well equipped, so follow the advice above to succeed in your ascent!
We stayed to watch the sunrise and stayed a little more than an hour at the summit, we ate noodles to reward ourselves :D. Yummy!
When can you climb Mount Fuji?
Officially from early July to mid-September only. Off-season, huts are closed and snow is possible.
Do you need to be athletic to climb Mount Fuji?
Regular walkers are enough. It is long and tiring but without technical difficulty. Altitude sickness is the real risk.
How much does the ascent cost?
Expect 100 to 150€ all included: bus from Tokyo, hut, meals and a 2,000 ¥ tax per person (since 2024).
