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Frequently Asked Questions about Climbing Mt. Fuji. |
How tough is it? It is often underestimated and many people have to give up before reaching the summit. However, people of all ages complete the climb and there are plenty of places to rest along the way. From the 5th Station to the summit, it is only about 6km (3.7miles) but the elevation gain is almost 1500m (4900ft). The climb is not technical, but it is very steep. During the steepest sections, climbers must use hand holds to assist with their footing. It is also loose in other places, making it hard to gain secure footing and almost necessary to wear proper climbing/hiking boots. Most complete the ascent from the 5th Station in 5-7 hours. Descending to the 5th Station usually takes about 3-4 hours. Unfortunately for people wanting to climb at a faster pace, the amount of people creates unavoidable and frustrating log-jams, especially on a weekend or holiday night where as many as 10,000 people are on the trail. A typical mistake people make is underestimating the difficulty of the descending trail. There are no mountain huts or services on the descending trail, so it's important to keep enough water. Drinks and food can be purchased at several places on the summit. Hot summer temperatures could also become a factor, causing many people dehydration. Do I need to stay in a mountain hut when I climb Mt. Fuji? No. For many, it's enjoyable to stay in a mountain hut during their climb and gives them the much needed ability to break the climb into two phases. A good plan from the 5th Station is to start hiking in the early afternoon and arrive at the 7th or 8th station in the evening to eat dinner and rest for several hours until sunrise. For more example climbing plans, click here. However, a majority of people skip the hut option and catch a later bus to the 5th Station. For those not staying, the huts could be used as rest areas to purchase food and drinks, get their climbing stick branded, and use the restroom facilities (for a fee). Do People Climb During the Day? Yes. Seeing the sunrise from Mt. Fuji's summit is special. However, given the difficulties of climbing through the dark cold night, need for more clothing and equipment, enormous crowds, inability to secure lodging, and the after-effects of such a long arduous night...many sensible climbers prefer a day climb. Climbing during the day presents incredible views, far fewer crowds and log jams, and much safer weather conditions. It also gives many the added liklihood of being able to hike around the crater (plan about 1.5 hours). Furthermore, it doesn't throw off sleeping patterns and it greatly reduces the risks associated with sleep deprivation and exhasustion. How do I make a reservation for a mountain hut? Please look at the [mountain hut list] on this website, and call the number of your preferred mountain hut. Mountain huts usually employ English speaking staff from June through August. Facilities and prices are basically the same between huts: Mountain Huts cost about 5500yen per person per weekday night (plus 1500yen for Friday and Saturday nights). All have communal sleeping areas, and options for meals (dinner and breakfast) cost an extra 1000yen each. Meals are highly recommended. A common dinner is Japanese curry rice (usually available in vegetarian) and the "breakfast" is packed to be eaten during the rest of the climb. The biggest difference in huts is their location. When making your reservation you will be asked for the group leader's name (spell it out) and whether you want meals or not. You must call ahead to secure accommodation. Huts are typically fully booked on weekends, school breaks, national holidays, and the first two weeks of August. We ask that you call the huts directly to reserve your place as we cannot take any professional responsibility for this kind of service (we are far from being a travel agency). Additionally, the amount of cancellations and no-shows that occur on our bookings reflects very badly, which has jeaopardized our ability to book at certain huts. However, if your plans are set in stone and you simply need a resource to finalize the booking process. We are happy to help. If you need assistance and would like us to call a hut on your behalf, please contact Mr. Robin Lawrentz at iadfuji@fujiyoshida.lg.jp. **If your plans change, you must notify the hut and cancel your reservation** Is there a price list available for each of the huts? Yes, but the latest list that we have available is from 2009. As far as we know, the prices have not changed. Of course, the price you will be charged may differ from the 2009 published prices. Please click here to access the hut price list. How do I get to the 5th Station? By the Fuji Subaru Line (toll way), which starts in Kawaguchiko. Buses run daily from the base area (Mt. Fuji Station, Kawaguchiko Station, the Hokuroku Parking Lot). If you are coming from Shinjuku (Tokyo) there are daily buses going directly to the 5th Station. See bus schedules here. If you are driving, the toll for the Fuji Subaru Line is 2000yen (includes overnight parking). The road closes to private vehicles from August 4th through 15th, but extra buses are available at Mt Fuji Station and from Fuji Hokuroku Park in Fujiyoshida. Taxi service is also available from the base. Fares range, but expect to pay about 12000yen one-way, which could typically be split by up to four passengers. The most traveled route is to make your way to the base via bus or train. From Mt. Fuji Station, there are several daily 5th Station Buses available. They do not require a reservation and tickets could be purchased at the station. A one-way ticket costs 1500yen and the round-trip ticket costs 2000yen. The main bus stations are Mt. Fuji Station, Kawaguchiko Station, and the Hokuroku Parking Lot. Click here for bus schedules. Are there coin lockers available? Yes, there are coin lockers available at Mt. Fuji Station, Kawaguchiko Station, and the 5th Station. The starting cost is 200yen. Lockers for large luggage is availabe at Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko Stations, although people have had problems storing large hard-shelled luggage. If you need further assistance, arrangements may be made at either the Mt. Fuji or Kawaguchiko Tourist Information Centers. What kind of gear will I need to climb Mt. Fuji? Warm layered clothing, hiking boots, rain gear, gloves, hat, flashlight or headlamp, and sunscreen are essential. It is also a good idea to bring plenty of cash in case you need to purchase items or secure accommodation during the climb. Huts do not take other forms of payment. Temperatures at the top of the mountain (even during summer) reach freezing and strong winds are common. Rain may occur even if the forecast calls for clear skies. Also, bring plenty of your own water, at least four liters per person, as one liter may cost 500yen on the mountain. Climbing Mt. Fuji does not require climbing equipment. Where can I find a weather forecast for Mt. Fuji? Click her for summit weather conditions and forecast However, be aware that conditions on Mt. Fuji may change suddenly and always be prepared for cold weather, wind, and rain. In general, summit temperatures are about 20C (36F) degrees less than at the base, or 10C (18F) degrees cooler than the 5th Station. What facilities and services are available on Mt. Fuji? The 5th Station, at the end of the Subaru Line Toll-way, is the largest station on Mt. Fuji with the most facilities and services. The 5th Station has souvenirs shops, restaurants, toilets, and a viewing platform. There is also a large guidance center where local firefighters and police are stationed, and a small post office. There is a Safety Guidance Center a short distance from the start of the climbing trail at the 5th Station, where you can get information on the climbing route, post messages, and get help with injuries and other trouble. At the summit, there are small food vendors where you can buy hot noodles and coffee. Mountain huts along the climbing trail also offer water (500yen per bottle), instant noodles, candy, and hot coffee. Climbers have to pay to use the toilets facilites. It usually costs 200yen and only take 100yen coins. Please prepare 100yen coins. Where can I find more information about climbing Mt. Fuji? Find more information about Mt. Fuji at the Mt. Fuji Tourist Information Center in Kawaguchiko close to the start of The Fuji-Subaru Toll-way line. Website at: http://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/english002.html More climbing information is available at the Fujiyoshida Tourist Information Center located at the Mt. Fuji Train/Bus Station and at Fujiysoshida City Hall's International Affairs Desk or Mt. Fuji Section. Can I camp on Mt. Fuji? Absolutely not. This act is strictly forbidden and you'll see why once you're on the trail. It's very crowded, chained off, and every available bit of resting space on the trail will be occupied. In fact, you'll probably end up stepping over a few people that are forced to heel over and rest on the narrow trail. It's a bad idea even if it were allowed. There's no space, the gear would be hard to transport and carry, and illegally crossing the trail boundaries would only put people in loose, steep, and dangerous terrain. What Time is the Sunrise? Early July 4:20 --- Late July 4:30 Early Aug 4:40 --- Late Aug 4:50 Although most make it a goal to see the sunrise from the summit, it could be viewed from just about any point on the Yoshida Climbing Route. If the summit is shrouded in cloud cover, many chose to stay lower on the trail (or at a mountain hut) to see the sunrise. What are some tips that others have found helpful? Aside from the already listed information, many have found these things helpful: ・Bring a lot of 100yen coins for the toilet facilities - just in case. ・Headlamps over hand held lights（flashlights or torches). ・Hiking gaters are great for the descent because of the deep, loose rock and sand. ・Hiking poles or a Mt. Fuji Hiking Stick are great for descending. ・Make sure you don't arrive at the summit too early. It's dangerously cold and windy. ・Some huts will sell hot water inexpensively, so bringing cup noodles, instant coffee, etc. is good. ・Keep water for the long (and often hot) hike down to the 5th Station. ・Towels come in very handy for sweat or draped around the neck to prevent sunburn. ・Try to hike around the crater while you're up there. It takes about 1.5 hours. ・Know that it'll be a slow, crowded slog (during the night). Enjoy the experience and avoid trying to force your way ahead of others to "make better time." If you're that type of hiker, climbing during the day is a much better climbing option.
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