Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Climb Mount Fuji in one day and witness Japan’s breathtaking views from its iconic summit.
When you think of Japan, Mount Fuji is probably the first thing that pops into your head. It's such an amazing, perfectly shaped mountain that you can even see it from the airplane.
So, why not take on this adventure and make your trip to Japan even more memorable?
Know the Height Before Climbing Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is a tall mountain standing at nearly 3,800 meters high.
It took shape after a major volcanic eruption about 5,000 years ago, becoming the stunning mountain we admire today. In June 2013, it became a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Climb Mount Fuji in One Day
At almost 3,800 meters high, you might wonder if beginners can climb Mount Fuji. The answer is yes! You can totally reach the summit in just one day.
How Long Does it Take to Climb Mount Fuji?
Every trail has its own vibe.
It usually takes about 6 to 7 hours to hike up and around 3 to 4 hours to head back down.
Mount Fuji Climbing Season (5th Station to the Summit)
Many people mistakenly believe they can climb Mount Fuji any day of the year.
However, Japan has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. During winter, Mount Fuji can experience heavy snowfall and strong winds. There is an ideal season for climbing Mount Fuji for everyone's safety.
Mount Fuji's climbing season runs from early July to early September. Four main trails lead to the summit: the Yoshida Trail (on the Yamanashi Prefecture side), the Subashiri Trail (on the Shizuoka Prefecture side), the Gotemba Trail (also on the Shizuoka Prefecture side), and the Fujinomiya Trail (on the Shizuoka Prefecture side).
Each trail has its own specific opening period, so it's important to check the details before planning your climb.
- Yoshida Trail: July 1 - September 10
- Subashiri Trail: July 10 - September 10
- Gotemba Trail: July 10 - September 10
- Fujinomiya Trail: July 10 - September 10
However, the opening and closing dates may change each year due to snow conditions and weather at Fuji San.
Best Time to Climb Mount Fuji
The best time to climb is likely to start in late July.
The rainy season is wrapping up in early to mid-July, which can lead to some pretty thick fog. This fog can make it hard to see where you're going, so be cautious.
Also, temperatures at the top can get really cold. It's not unusual for them to drop below freezing in the mornings and at night, so ensure you're ready for the cold weather.
Avoid the Crowds
You might have heard about the crowds at Mount Fuji. The busiest days are usually when both tourists and locals are around, like weekends, holidays, and during the Obon holidays in mid-August.
On super-crowded days, things can get pretty hectic, and you might not be able to stick to your plans. It could also take a lot longer to reach the summit. If you want to enjoy a more relaxed visit, try to plan your trip for a weekday when it’s not so packed.
That way, you can take your time and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
- Yoshida Trail (Most crowded)
- Fujinomiya Trail (Crowded)
- Subashiri Trail (Partially crowded)
- Gotemba Trail (Not crowded)
Typhoon May Comes During Climbing Season
We had to do a one-day hike instead of our original plan to climb Mount Fuji because a typhoon showed up on our scheduled day. So, we decided to wait and go for it the day after the storm passed.
Summer sounds all nice with clear skies and hot weather, but in Japan, it can be a bit different. The summer weather includes these big, fluffy cumulonimbus clouds that pop up when warm air rises. Even if the morning is great, you might suddenly find yourself in a thunderstorm by the afternoon.
As we have dealt with typhoons, they can bring on storms, so it’s really important to keep an eye on weather updates. Be ready to cancel your climb if you need to for your safety.
Hiking Fee
Before 2024, it was just a voluntary 1,000 yen donation per person.
But starting in 2024, the Yamanashi Prefectural government has new rules for the Yoshida Trail, and now visitors need to pay a hiking fee of 2,000 yen each time they go.
UPDATE: Starting in 2025, the Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectural governments plan to double the hiking fee to 4,000 yen each time.
Entrance Restriction
Due to the issue of too many visitors, the Yamanashi Prefectural government has set new rules for entering the area.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading up to the fifth station (unless you’ve got a reservation at a mountain hut):
- The trail will be closed from 4 PM to 3 AM the next day.
- Once the number of hikers hits 4,000 for the day, they’ll close the trail.
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