Climbing Fuji FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about climbing Mt. Fuji (Yamanashi Side, Yoshida-Guchi Trail)

1. Official Climbing Season
2. Daily Climber Limits
3. Mountain Huts
4. Climb Difficulty
5. Cost to climb / Money
6. Do I need to stay at a mountain hut? (no)
7. Can I climb from the base of the mountain? (yes)
8. Can I climb during the day? (yes)
9. How to get to the 5th Station?
10. Where can I store extra luggage?
11. What should I bring with me?
12. What facilities and services are available on the mountain?
13. Where can I find more information?
14. Can I camp on Mt. Fuji? (no)
15. What time is sunrise?
16. What other tips?
17. Further questions?

1. When can I climb Mt. Fuji?

• The official climbing season in July 1st to September 10th. This means that the mountain huts are open, and all services are available at the Subaru Line 5th Station.
• Climbing during the off-season (Sept. 11 - June 30) above the 5th station is stricly prohibited.
• the Fuji-Subaru Line closes to personal vehicles from early-July through Septmber 10th. Visitors to the FSL 5th station must take a bus from Mt. Fuji Station, Kawaguchiko Station, or the Mount Fuji Parking Lot.

2. Are there limits to the number of climbers allowed on Mt. Fuji?

• Yes. There is a 4000 climber per day limit for climbing from the 5th station to the top. There is a gate at the Fuji-Subaru Line (FSL) 5th station, which will be closed once the limit is reached. Additionally, the gate is closed every day from 2pm until 3am. Only if you have a reservation at a mountain hut (and have purchased the mountain entrance fee -- 4000 yen), you'll be able to pass the gate after closure.
• During the 2026 season the 4000 climber daily limit was not reached on any day.

3. How do I make a mountain hut reservation?

• Mountain Hut Reservations are not required to climb Mt. Fuji, however climbers without a mountain hut reservation will be unable to pass the 5th station gate from 2pm to 3am every day. Regardless of mountain hut reservation, all climbers must reserve and pay the climbing entrance fee.＜外部リンク＞
• Please refer to the mountain hut list below to find the contact information for the hut you would like to stay..

4. How difficult is the climb?

• The difficulty of the climb varies according to individual ability. Mount Fuji is the most ascended peak in the world and is climbed by people of all ages and abilities from around the world. However, the terrain is very loose small rocks and volcanic debris, making it difficult to secure footing and can cause additional strain on knees and ankles. Additionally, even though the climb is not technical, it is steep, particularly toward the top. Parts of the trail necessitate climbing/scrambling on rocky surfaces using hand holds to assist with footing. Needless to say, appropriate footwear is absolutely crucial.
• It is an approximate 6 km (3.7mi) hike from the 5th Station to the summit, however there is a 1500 m (4900 ft) elevation gain. Most complete the ascent from the 5th Station in approximately 5-7 hours. Descending to the 5th Station typically takes approximately 3-4 hours. Unfortunately for speedier climbers, congestion on the trail can sometimes make it difficult to climb at a desired pace.
• Many people are surprised by the difficulty of the descending trail. This is in partially due to climbers growing weary after a taxing ascent and being faced with similarly difficult terrain on the way down. Please be aware that it is an equally steep descent and due to the nature of the terrain there is often a lot of dust that gets kicked up. Climbers are encouraged to bring along a mask or some type of fabric to avoid inhaling dust on hot sunny days. Similarly it is suggested to carry sunglasses for eye protection.
• Weather on Mt. Fuji is constantly changing. Be prepared for mid-summer heat and humidity, winter cold and freezing temperatures, rain, thunder storms, and very windy conditions. Proper rain-wear, warm layers, wind shell, and head coverings are essential.

5. Does it cost money to climb Mt. Fuji?

• Yes, there is a 4000yen fee to enter from the 5th station to climb Mt. Fuji. Reservation and payment here.＜外部リンク＞
• Mountain huts typically cost around 15,000 - 20,000yen per person (2026 season).
• Toilet donation fees are 200-300yen per use. (cash - coins)
• Bottled water is 500-600yen each.
• Snacks and instant noodles, etc may be purchased at mountain huts.
• Shuttle buses to the 5th station are about 3000-4000yen round-trip.

6. Do I need to stay at a mountain hut when I climb Mt. Fuji?

• No, it is not mandatory for climbers to stay overnight at a mountain hut.
• However, with the new gate closure regulations (2pm - 3am at the FSL 5th station), it is impossible to start climbing after 2pm without a mountain hut reservation.
• Many climbers find that staying overnight is a welcome chance to rest and acclimate to the altitude.
• Most mountain huts enforce a check-in time at around 5pm, so many climbers rest for a few hours and restart the climb either early morning around 1-2am, or at check-out time, which is usually 4-5am. 
• For those who do not utilize the huts as accommodation, the huts may still serve as rest areas where climbers can purchase food and drinks, get their climbing stick branded, and use restroom facilities (for a fee).
• Please be aware that mountain huts fill up weeks in advance and rarely accept "walk-in" guests the day of. 

7. Can I climb from the base of the mountain?

• Absolutely! By doing so you can enjoy the unique history, culture, and ecology that climbers from the 5th station miss.
• Although the Yoshida-Guchi climbing trail officially starts at Kita-Guchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, you can take a bus or taxi up to Umagaeshi and by-pass walking on the lower roads. See the access map here.
• The traditional Yoshida-Guchi trail from the base to the 5th station is open and free to climb year-round.
• During official climbing season, if you are climbing from the base, there is a mountain entrance check-point at the 6th station, where you will be asked to show proof of entrance ticket, or can purchase.

8. Do people climb during the day?

• Yes, but you will basically only be allowed to start the climb from early morning until early afternoon (3am - 2pm), unless you have a mountain hut reservation.
• The 5th and 6th station check-points close from 2pm to 3am to everyone without a mountain hut reservation.

9. How do I get to the Fuji-Subaru Line (FSL) 5th Station?

• By Shuttle Bus from Fujisan Station or Kawaguchiko Station＜外部リンク＞. 
• By Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo＜外部リンク＞. 
• By Shuttle Bus from Fujisan Parking＜外部リンク＞. Private vehicles are restricted from using the Fuji-Subaru Line during climbing season.

10. Where can I store my luggage? Are there coin lockers available?

• Yes, there are coin lockers available at Fujisan Station, Kawaguchiko Station, and the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. If you need further assistance, arrangements may be made at either the Fujisan Station or Kawaguchiko Station Tourist Information Centers.
• If you are coming directly from Tokyo to the FSL 5th Station, you can store extra luggage in coin lockers at various hotels and shops at the 5th Station.
• If you are concerned about locker availability, consider using a "Takkyubin" delivery service, such as "Kuro-Neko"＜外部リンク＞ or "Sagawa Takkyubin"＜外部リンク＞ to send extra luggage directly to your post-climb hotel, instead of bringing it to the mountain.

11. What should I bring with me when I climb Mt. Fuji?

• Warm layered clothing*
• Hiking boots*
• Rain gear*
• Gloves
• Hat
• Mask
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight or headlamp (for night climbing)
• Sunscreen
• Water (at least 4 liters per person)*
• Sports drink
• Carbohydrates (rice balls, biscuits, etc.)*
• Plenty of ¥100 coins (for restroom fees and the like)
• Cash (absolutely essential if you are staying at a mountain hut; mountain huts only accept cash.)

*climbing Mt. Fuji is a highly rigorous athletic task that requires upwards of two days worth of additional calories per person (3000-4000 calories beyond your normal everyday calorie intake), so be sure take plenty of food and snacks. Local Japanese convenience stores now stock dried fruit, jerkey, protein bars, rice balls, yokan blocks, bananas, chocolate, etc.

*Most people require about 4 liters of water for the complete summit hike, however it is not advisable to carry so much from the start. Instead, be prepared to buy at least 2000yen worth of water bottles per person at the mountain huts (500-600yen each), and have plenty of cash and 100 yen coins on hand to use the donation based toilet facilities on the route.

*Be aware that officials at the 5th and 6th station may stop climbers who seem unprepared for the hike (those who are wearing normal clothes, without proper shoes, rain-gear, backpack, etc).

12. What facilities and services are available on Mt. Fuji?

• At the 5th Station:
  • souvenir shops, restaurants, restrooms, a viewing platform, a guidance center where local firefighters stay, police that are stationed, and a small post office.
• Along the Trail:
  • Mountain Huts along the Yoshida trail offer food and beverages for purchase & restroom facilities for a fee.
• At the summit:
  • There are small food vendors that sell hot noodles and coffee.

13. Where can I find more information about climbing Mt. Fuji?

1. Mt. Fuji Climbing Official Site＜外部リンク＞
2. Fujisan World Heritage Center＜外部リンク＞
3. In person at the Fujisan Station and Kawaguchiko Station Tourist Information Desks.

14. Can I camp on Mt. Fuji?

• No. Camping on Mount Fuji is strictly prohibited.

15. What time is the sunrise?

• Early July - 4:20
  Late July - 4:30
• Early Aug - 4:40
  Late Aug - 4:50

16. What are some tips that others have found helpful?

• Carry plenty of 100 yen coins for the toilet facilities.
• Headlamps are far more practical than flashlights.
• Hiking gaiters are useful during the descent as they prevent loose rock and sand from getting in your shoes.
• Hiking poles & traditional climbing sticks (Kongouzue) may be useful during descent but they are in fact rather cumbersome during the ascent.
• Some huts will sell hot water inexpensively. Bringing your own cup noodles, instant coffee, and so forth. This is cost effective.
• Bring not only ample water but something to replenish electrolytes (salt) i.e., sports drinks, gels, salt candies.
• Towels come in very handy for sweat or to be draped around the neck to prevent sunburn.
• Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather (carry a backpack with a poncho, extra layers, etc.)
• The hike around the crater offers tremendous views and takes about an hour and a half.
• If you're a fast hiker, climbing during the day may be a more suitable climbing option (there is considerable foot traffic during the night).
• Climbing at night (even in the summer) can be very cold and windy. It is good to bring a warm beannie hat, extra layers, and warm gloves.
• Do not underestimate the amount of food and water you need.
• The descending path is about 3-4 hours of zig-zagging gravel trails. There are no toilet facilities between the upper 8th station and 7th station descending trail toilet facility, so be sure to use the mountain hut toilets where the descending trail crosses the 8th station, before continuing down.
• Large tour groups generally clump up from the 7th and 8th stations typically from 12pm - 5pm when the bulk of climbers are making their way to the mountain huts for check-in. This area moves slowly because it is rock scrammble and the trail becomes narrow. There may be places where tour groups are lining up, but forming two lines or passing them may be safe if you are in a small group. Please be safe and respectful of other climbers.

17. Further Questions

• If you have any further questions please contact the Fujiyoshida City Hall, Fujisan Section by email:
• Email: fujisan@city.fujiyoshida.lg.jp