Mount Fuji
About This Destination
Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain at 3,776 meters and an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been a sacred site of pilgrimage for centuries and is the image most often used to stand for Japan. The official climbing season is from early July to early September, with four main trails leading to the summit. Most climbers start from the 5th station and make an overnight ascent to watch the sunrise (goraiko) from the summit. Outside climbing season, the mountain can be viewed from many locations including the Fuji Five Lakes area, Hakone, and even Tokyo on clear days. Kawaguchiko on the north side is the easiest place to see it from. Fujinomiya on the south has the shortest route to the summit.
Location
Prefecture: Shizuoka
Address: Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, Japan
Nearest Station: Kawaguchiko Station
Best time to visit: Official climbing season is early July to early September; for views of the snow-capped peak, autumn and winter offer the clearest skies
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Food Options: Mountain huts sell curry rice, ramen, and hot drinks. Limited options and high prices at altitude.
Access
Shizuoka, Japan
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
When can I climb Mount Fuji and what fees apply?
Official climbing season is early July to early September (exact dates vary by trail). Since 2024 Yamanashi Prefecture has charged a ¥2,000 fee for the popular Yoshida Trail with a 4,000-climber/day cap and required online reservations via fujisan-climb.jp; the fee was raised to ¥4,000 for the 2025 season. Shizuoka Prefecture introduced a ¥4,000 fee for the other three trails (Fujinomiya, Subashiri, Gotemba) starting 2025. All four trails now require online registration before you climb. Outside the official season the trails are officially closed and dangerous, so don't attempt it.
Where can I see Mount Fuji without climbing it?
Best classic viewpoints: Lake Kawaguchiko (Chureito Pagoda for the pagoda+Fuji+cherry-blossom shot, Oishi Park lakeside), Hakone (Lake Ashi cruise with Hakone-jinja's torii in the foreground), Miho-no-Matsubara pine grove near Shizuoka, and Lake Yamanakako. From the Tokyo side: Tokyo Skytree on clear days, Roppongi Hills observation deck, and the Shinkansen between Shin-Yokohama and Mishima (sit on the right when heading west). Mornings have the best visibility, and clouds often gather around the summit by afternoon.
Do I need climbing experience or special equipment?
No technical climbing skills required. Fuji is a long uphill walk on volcanic scree, not a climb. But it is high (3,776 m), cold (near-freezing at the summit even in August), windy, and altitude sickness is common. Required: sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, warm waterproof layers (mid-30s°F / 0°C at the summit), headlamp for the predawn final push, gloves, plenty of water and snacks, ¥1,000 in coins for mountain hut toilets. Reserve a mountain hut for an overnight stop. Bullet ascents (no overnight rest) are discouraged in 2024-2025 reforms and may be blocked by the registration system.
How do I get to the 5th station from Tokyo?
For the Yoshida Trail (Yamanashi side, most popular): direct highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station takes about 2.5 hours (~¥3,500), or take the Chuo Line + Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko then bus up (3 hours total). For Fujinomiya 5th Station (Shizuoka side, shortest summit hike): Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji or Mishima, then 2-hour bus. Subashiri 5th Station: bus from Gotemba Station. Gotemba 5th Station: bus from Gotemba Station (longest, least crowded trail). The 5th stations themselves are at ~2,300-2,400 m; spend an hour acclimatising before climbing.
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