About Mount Fuji Trek
Why To Book Mount Fuji Trek?
- Mount Fuji is one of the most important historical landmarks of Japan. It also holds great cultural importance in the country.
- It has been the subject of many photographs and famous art works of Japan. The mountain has been a source of inspiration for many artists all over the world.
- The Mount Fuji Trek will take you to the top of an active volcano and the tallest peak in Japan. The experience when you reach the top will be surreal.
- You can watch the sun rise from the top of the mountain peak. Witness breathtaking views of scenic beauty as you reach the top of the peak.
- On your Mount Fuji Trek, you will get to spend time in the mountain huts. You will get a taste of the Japanese lifestyle and learn more about their rich culture.
- After the trek, you can soothe your body as you will get to relax in the hot springs.
When To Experience Mount Fuji Trek?
The official climbing season of the Mount Fuji is between the months of early July to the middle of September. The trails and the mountain facilities stay open during these months. The mountain stays free of snow around this time of the year. The mild temperature makes the climate favourable for the trek. The public transport to Mount Fuji are easily available around this time. The mountain huts can also be found operating which is helpful for the visitors. The specific dates of the official climbing season depend on the trails and the year of the climb. People who have relatively less hiking experience should visit at this time of the year.
The trek to Mount Fuji is a remarkable experience. It is a prime landmark of Japan. People from all over the world come over to indulge in this experience. More than one third of the hikers come from other countries. The peak season of the Mount Fuji Trek starts from the third week of July to the end of August. During these months, the mountain is very crowded. In the middle of August, during the Obon, hikers often have to stand in queues in some of the passages because of the large crowd. The first half of July remains less crowded on the weekdays before the school vacations start. However, the climb around this time may tend to be a bit unstable as compared to the later months of the climbing season.
The off season begins from the mid or late September. During the off season, the public transport is less frequent or not available at all. The mountain huts also stay closed. The temperature falls far below zero during this time. From October to the middle of June, the climb is very risky due to extre and unfavourable climatic conditions. The chances of encountering an avalanche makes the trek all the more dangerous during these months.
Mount Fuji Trek Trails
At an altitude of about 2300 m, the Yoshida Trail is the most popular path for climbers. It is the most accessible 5th station from central Tokyo. There are severalMountain huts available along the trail. The ascent and descent here have separate trails. The time take to ascent is around 5 to 7 hours and the time taken to descent is around 3 to 4 hours.
Sitting at an altitude of around 2000 m, the Subashiri Trail is the second most accessible trail. The Subashiri trail has an alternate and much shorter hiking trail to a small peak called Kofuji. The ascent to Mount Fuji takes around 5 to 8 hours and the descent takes around 3 to 5 hours through the Subashiri Trail.
The Gotemba Trail lies at an altitude of around 1400 m. It is the lowest situated 5th station and summit from here takes a longer duration than from all the other trails. However, descent from this trail is easier due to a stretch of a wide and straight path covered in loose lava gravel. This section which is known as the Osunabashiri or "great sand run" can be covered in a very less time. The ascent through this trail takes around 7 to 10 hours while the descent takes around 3 to 6 hours.
Lying at an altitude of around 2400 m, the Fujinomiya Trail is easily accessible by public transport from western Japan. It is the only trail that does not have separate ascending and descending trails. It also consists of a shorter hiking trail to Hoeizan which is a nearby secondary peak with a crater. The ascent to Mount Fuji through this trail takes around 4 to 7 hours and the descent takes around 2 to 4 hours.
Know Before You Book Mount Fuji Trek
Mount Fuji is located in Yamanashi and Shizuoka ken of central Honshu in Japan. It is about 60 miles west of the capital city Tokyo. The duration of the trek ranges between 5 to 10 hours. The official climbing season starts from early July and stays up to mid-September.
How To Reach
There are multiple ways to reach Mount Fuji. The most preferred route is to take direct bus from Tokyo to the 5th Station of Yoshida Trail. The duration of the trip will be around two hours and thirty minutes. Buses ply from Tokyo to the other trails as well. You can also take cabs from Tokyo.
- The trek requires proper hiking shoes to help you climb through the rocky paths.
- Warm clothes are an absolute necessity to protect you from the harsh climatic conditions you will encounter on the trek.
- A flashlight will be needed if you trek in the night. Headlamps prove to be beneficial as they will keep your hands free.
- Ensure that you have enough money in cash for necessary and emergency expenses you might incur on the trek
- It is advisable to bring enough food and water on the trek because the price surges as you continue to climb higher on the route.
- You can also keep a hiking stick with yourself in order to help you cross through the difficult stretches.
Mount Fuji Trek FAQs
How long is the Mount Fuji Trek?
The trek to Mount Fuji can take between 5 to 10 hours. It depends on the trail one chooses to ascend the mountain. The majority of climbers start from the Kawaguchi-ko 5th station which takes around 5 to 6 hours to climb to the summit.
Do we need to book in advance for Mount Fuji Trek?
You can book in advance for Mount Fuji Trek. If you wish to stay in the mountain huts, you will have to make a reservation from beforehand. In addition to it, if you book your package in advance, you will have access to English speaking guides who will make your tour easier and hassle free.
What is the best time to experience Mount Fuji Trek?
Early July to mid-September is the official climbing season for Mount Fuji Trek. The climate is favourable around this time of the year. Public transport is easily available and the mountain huts stay open at this time of the year.
What is the altitude of the highest peak of Mount Fuji?
The altitude of the highest peak of Mount Fuji is 12,388 feet.
Can we camp on Mount Fuji?
No, it is not permitted to camp on Mount Fuji. Pitching tents and lighting bonfires is legally prohibited on Mount Fuji.
What is special about Mount Fuji Trek?
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain on Japan and the second highest mountain on an island in Asia. It is an important landmark in Japan and is considered as a holy site. It is an active stratovolcano and many holy temples and shrines in Japan are built in and around Mount Fuji.