Mt. Fuji Off-Season

• If you are a casual hiker, DO NOT CLIMB above the 5th station outside official climbing season, from September 11th to June 30th. This includes Autumn and Spring when there may be little or no snow on the mountain.
• These rules strictly apply during the entire off-season from September 11th to June 30th, 
  • The Road Act Restriction: Under Article 46 of Japan's Road Act, the official hiking paths from the 5th station to the summit are legally designated as "prohibited from use" during the off-season. Violating this can carry a penalty of up to six months in prison or a ¥300,000 fine. 

• The traditional Yoshida-Guchi climbing trail from the base (Sengen Shrine / Nakano-Chaya / Umagaeshi) is open up to the original 5th station (Sato-Goya Mountain Hut) year round. See more info below.

• If you are an advanced mountaineer with crampons and ice axes looking to do a legitimate winter training ascent, you must submit a climbing plan to the Official Mt. Fuji Climbing Portal＜外部リンク＞ , carry your own waste off the mountain, and be fully prepared (meaning you have severe winter gear, avalanche training, portable toilets, etc.)

"if you are looking for a scenic, pleasant autumn or spring hike, Mt. Fuji in the off-season is fundamentally the wrong mountain"

Hike the traditional trail to the 5th Station

The lower traditional half of the Yoshida Guchi Trail is open year-round up to the 5th station, and offers incredible views of the surrounding Five Lakes Area and a wonderful trek through the Mt. Fuji lower forest ecosystem.

• Fujikyu runs 5th Station Buses year-round＜外部リンク＞, depending on weather. *Snowfall may force closure of the Fuji-Subaru Line. Fuji-Subaru Line Current Status.＜外部リンク＞
• FSL 5th Station shops and services are generally closed in the winter from January to March.
• Fujikyu runs the Umagaeshi Bus Service＜外部リンク＞ from Fujisan Station to Sengen Jinja/Nakanochaya/Umagaeshi on weekends and holidays during the autumn off-season.

Hike nearby mountain trails for extraordinary views in the off-season

• Mt. Mitsutoge
• Mt. Shyakushiyama
• Mt. Kurodake
• Mt. Arakurayama
• Sanko-Dai Panorama View Point
• Ochudo 5th Station Nature Trail＜外部リンク＞ (May be closed in winter due to snowfall)