Guidelines for Off-season
After Mt. Fuji was registered as a World Heritage Site, the Guidelines for Safely Climbing Mt. Fuji (precautions mainly outside of the summer climbing season) were formulated. These guidelines aim to prevent accidents and conserve the natural environment on Mt. Fuji. Before climbing in the off-season, read the safety guidelines carefully.
No unprepared climbers
Off-season climbing requires sufficient skill, experience, knowledge, and a full range of equipment and proper planning. Climbing by inexperienced or not fully prepared climbers (including ski and snowboard running) is not allowed.
Off-season weather conditions are more severe than those of the summer climbing season. The trails are completely closed, first-aid centers and toilets are not available, and it is difficult to get a signal from a cell phone, all of which will make it hard to maintain safety. In addition, it is difficult to secure safety on paths other than trails.
Especially during the snowy season, steep slopes freeze over a wide area. If you fall and slide down, it could lead to a fatal accident.
Mountaineering should be a matter of personal responsibility, but you must protect your own life. For a prompt rescue in case of getting lost or missing, complete and submit a Climbing Plan.
*If you enter the area of 3,000 meters or more (above the 8th Station) from the Yamanashi Prefecture side between December and March of the following year, you must submit the Climbing Plan in accordance with the Ordinance Concerning Safely Climbing Mountains in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Three off-season regulations
1. No one is allowed to ascend the mountain unless they are fully prepared.
People who do not have sufficient knowledge, adequate equipment, and a proper climbing plan are prohibited from climbing Fujisan. Particularly during the off-season, when weather conditions may be severe, when all of the mountain trails are closed along with aid stations and toilet facilities, and when cell phone signal transmission is poor, climbing safety is a challenge.
2. A Climbing Plan must be completed and submitted.
Anyone who climbs Fujisan is personally responsible for own safety. Before beginning the ascent, however, to aid rapid response for rescue in case of distress or disappearance, you must complete and submit* a Climbing Plan that lists route, schedule, equipment, group members, and who to contact in case of emergency. Be aware that, even after submitting a Climbing Plan, you may not receive permission to enter the mountain.
3. Off-season climbers bring their own portable toilets.
Above the 5th station, huts and public lavatories are closed during the off-season. So as to preserve the natural environment, climbers must bring and use portable toilets and, after descent, properly dispose* of their contents.
*There are no disposal facilities in the mountain and trailheads.