Things you must know before climbing Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is a fascinating mountain that Japan is proud of.
From the trailhead to the summit, the elevation difference easily exceeds 1,000m.
It's not a mountain that everyone can easily climb.
Thorough preparation and planning are necessary.
Opening period for climbing Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is closed during the winter.
Mt. Fuji is currently closed for the winter season. During this period, the harsh conditions, including snow, ice, and strong winds, make climbing unsafe. Climbing is only possible during the summer climbing season, when four trails (Fujinomiya Trail, Gotemba Trail, Subashiri Trail, and Yoshida Trail) are available. Each trail differs in difficulty, distance, and characteristics, so it's best to start preparing for the season by finding the route that suits you. The next climbing season is scheduled for early July to early September. The official dates will be announced before the season starts, so please check for the latest information.
4 trails
Mt. Fuji has four trails: Fujinomiya, Gotemba, Subashiri, and Yoshida. Each trail differs in distance to the summit, elevation gain, scenery, crowd levels, and the number of mountain huts. Choosing the right route for you will lead to a safer and more manageable climb. Each trail has a designated route color, which is also used to color-code the signs and maps. Remembering the colors will help prevent you from getting lost, even if it's your first time. All trailheads start from the 5th station, but the access methods to the trailheads differ depending on the route. When planning your climb, be sure to check the access and characteristics of each route beforehand and choose the course that suits you best.
Common rules for all trails
Mountain entry restriction hours
2 PM to 3 AM the following day
*Excluding those staying at mountain huts,
Entry to the mountain is not permitted during the above time period.
User fee (Hiking Fee)
4,000 yen
*Mount Fuji requires a Hiking Fee.
Payment is required.
Mountain entry registration
Reservations and registrations can be made via the web system.
*This is not a reservation for a mountain hut.
*Please be sure to check the trail information and directions to the trailhead before making a reservation.
Please check your means of transportation.
Safety and Risk Information
Mt. Fuji is a popular mountain visited by many climbers, but it also presents risks such as crowded trails, getting lost, and accidents. To enjoy climbing safely, it is important to understand the trail conditions and precautions beforehand.
Please review the following information and prioritize safe hiking.
Weather forecast for Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is an isolated peak with an elevation of over 3,000m. Due to the complex interplay of winds from Suruga Bay and Sagami Bay, as well as winds from the north, air currents are unstable at high altitudes, and in the past, these harsh weather conditions have led to tragic incidents such as aircraft crashes. Significant differences in weather and temperature occur between the base of the mountain, such as the 5th station, and the summit, and sudden changes are commonplace. Prepare your equipment to cope with sudden weather changes, and always check weather information before starting your climb.
Weather characteristics of Mt. Fuji
Due to the significant difference in altitude between the ground and the mountaintop, there is a large temperature difference (approximately -0.6°C for every 100m of altitude difference), meaning that even in summer, temperatures at the summit can be as cold as mid-winter. Furthermore, even at the same temperature, wind chill lowers the perceived temperature (approximately -1.0°C for every 1m of wind speed). The temperature difference is astonishing.
Even in summer, temperatures at the mountaintop can drop to near 0 degrees Celsius before sunrise. The longer you wait for the sunrise, the higher the risk of hypothermia.
During the snowy season, Mt. Fuji is constantly subjected to fierce winds from the northwest, posing a risk of being blown away or falling.
In summer, Mt. Fuji is prone to atmospheric instability due to updrafts caused by strong sunlight, and sudden weather changes and thunderstorms are not uncommon.
Gear and Clothing
Mt. Fuji is 3,776m high, and the temperature changes and wind effects are very significant, so adequate equipment and preparation are essential. Exhausted or disposable equipment can lead to accidents, injuries, and health problems. Please check everything thoroughly beforehand to ensure a safe climb.
Clothing and equipment required for climbing Mt.Fuji [1 night, 2 days]
We may check your equipment before you enter the mountain area.
Copy and paste the following equipment items into a memo or similar.
Please use this for your pre-departure checks.
Essential Equipment
- Hiking boots (high-cut/stiff sole)
- Rain gear (separate top and bottom type)
- Winter clothing (fleece, down jacket, gloves, neck warmer)
- Headlamp + spare battery
- Backpack (approx. 30L, hands-free)
- 1-2 liters of drinking water + high-calorie snacks
- Garbage bags (for carrying trash back from hiking)
- Plenty of cash and 100-yen coins (for mountain huts and toilets)
- towel or hand towel
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Hiking maps and trekking poles
- First-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, etc.)
- Mountain climbing plan
- Checking the operation of shoe soles and headlamps.
Recommended Equipment
- Helmets (considering the risk of falling rocks and volcanic eruptions)
- Dust mask and goggles (for sandy slopes (Sunabashiri) and gravel roads)
- Spare string, tape, and rope for simple repairs (for emergencies)
- Thermal underwear, spare socks, windbreaker
- Earplugs and eye mask (for sleeping in mountain huts)
- Mobile battery powered
Packing Tips
Backpack
Use a hiking backpack of about 30L that leaves both hands free.
Rain gear / winter clothing
Pack rain gear and cold-weather clothing at the top of your pack for easy access, so you can put them on quickly during breaks or in case of sudden weather changes.
When descending the mountain
Pack trekking poles, spare socks, and other items in an easily accessible location to reduce strain on your feet during the descent.
Drinking water/active food
When you're tired, even taking off your backpack can be a struggle. For water and snacks, use the chest pocket or side pockets, which are easily accessible even while walking.
To lighten your load, avoid carrying excessive amounts of drinking water; instead, buy more at mountain huts.
Garbage bag
Garbage bags should be placed in an easily accessible location that prevents odors from accumulating, such as by attaching them to the outside of a backpack strap or using a mesh pocket.
To avoid problems later
Always perform a final check of your equipment before departure. This includes checking the condition of your shoe soles and other equipment, the functionality of your headlamp, and the contents of your first-aid kit.
packing
The key to packing is to pack heavier items closer to your back and lighter items in the top/side pockets.
Rules and manners for climbing Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is a World Heritage Site that Japan is proud of, and many climbers visit it every year. To climb safely and to avoid damaging nature, please strictly observe the rules and manners of climbing Mt. Fuji. Mt. Fuji and most of its foothills are designated as "Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (11)", "World Cultural Heritage Site (25)", "Special Place of Scenic Beauty (27)", and "Historic Site (23)". There are also natural monuments such as lava tubes and lava tree molds, as well as many historical sites. It is important to cherish these precious natural and historical resources in order to preserve them for future generations. In particular, the area above Mt. Fuji 5th Station is designated as a "National Park Special Protection Area", and strict regulations are in place to protect nature. Those who cannot follow the rules and manners will be asked to refrain from climbing Mt. Fuji.
Within the special protection areas of national parks and designated special scenic spots, the following activities are prohibited for hikers. (Natural Parks Act, Article 21, Paragraph 3; Cultural Properties Protection Act) Violations may result in penalties such as imprisonment or fines.
The capture, collection, and damage of plants and animals are prohibited.
◎Do not damage the trees or pick the flowers or fruits.
◎Do not collect insects.
◎Do not stray from the designated trails, as this could impact the precious ecosystem.
Removal and movement of lava and rocks is prohibited.
◎Do not take any stones (including pebbles) from Mt. Fuji. Moving the stones is also prohibited.
No graffiti allowed.
◎Graffiti on buildings, rocks, and stones is an act that damages the natural landscape. Let's stop this shameful behavior.
Tent pitching and bonfires are prohibited.
◎Tent pitching is not permitted on Mt. Fuji. Please stay in a mountain hut.
◎Campfires are not permitted.
◎When using burners or stoves, avoid areas around mountain huts and crowded places, and be mindful of your surroundings.
Pets are not allowed to roam freely.
◎ Allowing animals to roam freely is prohibited within the special protection area.
◎Please refrain from bringing pets into mountain huts or taking them hiking with you.
In order to pass on the beautiful Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan, to future generations, and to protect the natural environment and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all climbers, we ask that you observe the following rules and manners when climbing Mt. Fuji.
Mountain Manners and Rules
Never throw away trash.
"I will definitely" take everything home.
Minimize waste during the preparation stage, and be sure to take all trash back with you during the climb.
Do not bring in trash.
There are no trash cans on trails or in mountain huts. To reduce the amount of waste generated during your hike, try to pack carefully and avoid bringing more items than you need that could become trash.
Do not stray from the trail.
The current trails on Mt. Fuji are established for the purpose of protecting vegetation and preventing rockfalls. Walking off the trails can cause damage to the vegetation and lead to serious accidents.
Do not destroy special terrain.
Mount Fuji boasts many valuable landforms, including "lava tree molds" formed by lava flows. These formations are extremely fragile and, once destroyed, can never be restored to their original state.
On trails, uphill sections have priority.
On the trail, as a general rule, those going uphill have priority. When passing others, please yield the path to ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
Do not attempt reckless overtakes.
Before sunrise, the trail just below the summit can become congested. Trying to rush ahead and overtake others is extremely dangerous as it can cause falls or rockfalls.
Prevent rockfalls
Walking along the edge of the trail can not only make you more prone to losing your balance, but it can also lead to rockfalls and serious accidents. Also, avoid taking breaks in areas prone to rockfalls (areas marked with signs warning of falling rocks).
Do not touch the guide rope.
Guide ropes are installed on the trail to prevent hikers from getting lost. However, they are not strong enough to support your weight, so grabbing them may cause the ropes to loosen or the support poles to fall, which is dangerous. Also, if the ropes come loose, it could lead to entering dangerous areas or getting lost, so please do not touch the guide ropes.
If you see injured people or people in need of help, cooperate in the rescue.
In emergencies, it's important to help each other. Injuries and accidents in the mountains require immediate attention. Let's cooperate by contacting mountain huts and providing first aid.
The tip of the stock has a cap.
Using it without the cap will damage plants and trails. Also, because the trails on Mt. Fuji are crowded, the sharp tip could become a weapon against people nearby.
Please rest quietly in front of the hut.
Many people are sleeping and resting inside mountain huts at night. Even during the day, please be careful not to disturb their rest with noise or voices.
Do not introduce non-native plants.
If plants that grow on other mountains are introduced to Mt. Fuji, it could affect Mt. Fuji's precious ecosystem. Plant seeds may be attached to hiking boots and clothing, so be sure to remove them with a brush or similar tool before entering the mountain and take care not to bring them on.
Do not approach the nests of birds and animals.
Within wildlife sanctuaries, please refrain from approaching nests you find, so as not to affect the habitat and breeding of birds and animals.
Please check carefully before filming or streaming.
When filming or live streaming while hiking, please be careful not to disturb the privacy or passage of other hikers. In particular, please refrain from filming hikers without their permission, occupying trails, or using tripods or selfie sticks in crowded areas, as this can not only cause trouble but also lead to accidents. If you plan to film or shoot for commercial purposes, please contact the relevant administrative agencies (Ministry of the Environment, Yamanashi Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture) in advance.
Drone and paragliding flights prohibited
Above the 8.5th station of Mt. Fuji, the use of drones and paragliders is prohibited by the landowner, Mt. Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine. Due to the complex and intense turbulent air currents above Mt. Fuji, there is a risk of crashes, which could cause serious accidents endangering not only the user but also other climbers. Therefore, please refrain from using drones and paragliders.
When smoking, remember to be considerate of those around you.
There are no official smoking areas on Mt. Fuji. To prevent secondhand smoke exposure, please be considerate of those around you and take responsibility for properly extinguishing your fire and managing your cigarette butts. Careless handling of fire can cause a fire. Extinguishing a fire is extremely difficult on Mt. Fuji, where water is scarce. Always carry an ashtray and take your cigarette butts with you.
Please use the designated toilets. We appreciate your cooperation in using portable toilets.
Please use the toilets provided on the trails and in mountain huts when you need to relieve yourself while hiking. Also, carry a portable toilet as a precaution, and be sure to take it with you and dispose of it properly after use. Please be considerate and keep the toilets clean for the next person who will use them, and avoid damaging or soiling them.
Mt.Fuji Charter
With its grandeur and majesty, Mt. Fuji has long deeply impressed people and has been cherished and loved as a spiritual home. Mt. Fuji has established the "Mt. Fuji Charter" with the aim of preserving the environment not only for the people living today but also for the children of the future.
Learn about and become familiar with the nature of Mt. Fuji.
Let us be grateful for our abundant blessings.
We will carefully protect the beautiful nature of Mt. Fuji.
Let's cultivate a rich culture.
To reduce the burden on the natural environment of Mt. Fuji,
Let's strive for coexistence with others.
For the environmental preservation of Mt. Fuji,
Let's all take proactive action.
The nature, scenery, history, and culture of Mt. Fuji
Let's pass it on to future generations for generations to come.