Tips to avoid crowds

Many people visit Mt. Fuji every year.

In particular, on weekends and during the Obon holidays, the trails near the summit become congested as people seek out the sunrise.

Avoid crowded days and times to enjoy a safe and comfortable climb up Mt. Fuji.

Things you should definitely know before climbing Mt. Fuji

Avoid crowded days

Hikers tend to concentrate on weekends, public holidays, and the Obon holidays in August.
On days marked "particularly crowded" on the calendar, you can expect congestion on the trail just below the summit before the sunrise, making it difficult to move as you wish.
By planning your trip for a less crowded weekday, you can walk at your own pace and safely.

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Videos

This video explains the importance of "dispersed hiking to avoid crowds."

[2023 edition] (2 minutes 47 seconds)
(Although this content is from 2023, the importance of staggered mountain climbing remains unchanged.)

(Produced by: Mt. Fuji World Heritage Council)

Avoid peak hours

Because many people aim to see the sunrise from the summit, the area above the 8th station is the most crowded between 3 AM and 5 AM.

However, since the times and places that are crowded are limited, you can avoid the crowds by planning your trip to coincide with the peak hours.

This is what it looks like when it gets crowded.

On crowded days, the following situations are expected for each of the four climbing trails:

■Fujinomiya Trail

• It's not quite as good as Yoshida's, butThe area just below the summit gets crowded around sunrise.This will likely occur.
• At night, from the 8th station to the summit,Approximately 1.5 times the duration of daytimeIt is expected that this will be necessary.

■Gotemba Trail

• Even on crowded days, there are peopleIt is rarely crowded or congested.

■Subashiri Trail

• The Yoshida Trail merges here.It's not usually very crowded up to the Original (Hon) 8th station.It will be.
• After joining the Yoshida Trail, the number of people suddenly increased.

■Yoshida

• Depending on the time of day,From near the 7th station to the summitOverCongestion over long distancesThere is likely to be.
• To witness the sunrise at the summit,I am prepared to climb the mountain while waiting in line at night. is required.
• At night, from the 8th station until reaching the summit,Approximately twice the amount of time during the dayIt is expected that this will be necessary.

Past situation

Recent congestion status (July 15th, 2018)

Near the 9th station where the Yoshida Trail and Subashiri Trail routes merge.

You can see the sunrise beautifully even from the mountaintop!

"Since we're going all the way up Mt. Fuji, I want to see the sunrise from the summit!"
I completely understand how you feel. But even if you're not at the summit of Mt. Fuji, you can still see a beautiful sunrise.

To witness the sunrise from the summit, you must leave the mountain hut in the middle of the night and climb the rocky terrain relying on the light of your headlamp.

However, if you stay in a mountain hut and enjoy the sunrise at your leisure, and then head to the summit after it gets light, you can see your footing well, avoid congestion, and enjoy a comfortable climb.

■Fujinomiya Trail

• You can see the sunrise from above the new 7th station. (Conditions vary depending on the time of year.)

■Gotemba Trail

• You can see the sunrise from anywhere along the route.

■Subashiri Trail

• Once you leave the Forest Zone, you can see the sunrise from anywhere.

■Yoshida

• You can see the sunrise from anywhere above the 5th station.