I found the facilities on the trek to be very comfortable compared to treks in other parts of the world. It was amazing to have clean water and restrooms and hot food at such a high altitude. However, please note that you cannot seek shelter at the mountain huts if you have not made a reservation – the hut owners are quite strict about hitchhikers.
Mt Fuji starting point
You can hike to the top of the mountain via 4 main routes. In general, the hiking season is from July 10 to September 10 (the Yoshida Trail opens early on July 1).
1) Yoshida Trail (Yoshida Lutsu)
The Yoshida Trail is the easiest and most popular route chosen by 70% of Mt. Fuji hikers, so you can see many facilities including huts and stores along the entire trail. This is perfect for a break in between.
Starting point: Subaru Line 5-Chome. You can get there by bus from Kawaguchiko Station.
Starting altitude: 2300m
Time required: 5-7 hours of ascent, 3-5 hours of descent
2）Fujinomiya Trail (Fujinomiya Lutsu)
The second most popular route, Fujinomiya Trail, also has many facilities along the way. However, the trail can be very crowded because the ascent and descent routes are the same. Sunrise can only be seen from the top of the mountain, not on the way up.
Starting point: Fujinomiya Gokyo. Shinkansen (bullet train) available
Departure altitude: 2400m
Time required: 4-7 hours for ascent, 2-4 hours for descent
3) Subashiri Trail – Challenging route (must take the Luton)
Subashiri Trail is a tough route. It only becomes crowded when you meet the Yoshida Trail at Old Yagyu. There are few facilities along the trail.
Starting point: Subashiri Goheme Starting point
Elevation: 2000m
Time required: 5-8 hours for the ascent, 3-5 hours for the descent
4) Gotemba Trail – Hardest Route (Gotemba Lutsu)
Gotemba Trail is the most difficult route with few huts at only 3000m (station 7/8). The loose, slippery gravel terrain on the descent has earned it the affectionate name Great Sand Run, and you can run a third of the hike here.
Start point: Gotemba Goheme
Start elevation: 1400m Time required: 7-10 hours uphill, 3-6 hours downhill
For those who have a Mt. Fuji wooden staff, visit Mt. Fuji Hongu Asama Taisha – the sacred shrine at the top of Mt. Fuji – where you can get a climbing staff with the summit seal. To record this milestone, you can even register your certificate online to confirm your achievement.
Climbing Mt. Fuji is doable and enjoyable, whether you hike it often or not. Especially when you have plenty of breaks in between to rest and enjoy the entire scenery without being rushed. Staying in a mountain hut was also a unique experience for us.
Watching the clouds roll in before the early sunrise at the top of the mountain made the whole climb worth it. On the trail, when you see the large number of people – locals and travelers – all coming to the top, you can’t help but feel a sense of solidarity to be a part of this adventure together.
