Mt. Fuji — Japan's Highest Peak and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Trail Overview

Mt. Fuji (富士山, Fuji-san, 3,776m) is Japan’s highest mountain and one of the world’s most recognizable peaks. Stradding the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013 under “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.”

As Hyakumeizan #72, Mt. Fuji draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer — around 220,000 hikers reached the summit in 2023 alone. Four official trails lead to the summit from different compass points:

Trail	Side	5th Station Elevation	Character
Yoshida Trail (吉田ルート)	Yamanashi (N)	2,305m	Most popular, most huts
Subashiri Trail (須走ルート)	Shizuoka (NE)	2,000m	Forested lower section
Gotemba Trail (御殿場ルート)	Shizuoka (SE)	1,440m	Longest, least crowded
Fujinomiya Trail (富士宮ルート)	Shizuoka (S)	2,400m	Shortest route to summit

2024 Regulations — Important for All Visitors

• Yoshida Trail entry fee: ¥2,000 (introduced 2024, paid at the 5th Station gate)
• Nighttime closure: Gate on the Yoshida Trail closes 16:00–05:00 (5th to 8th Station)
• Daily hiker cap: 4,000 people/day on the Yoshida Trail (entry stops if exceeded)
• Bullet climbing (dangan tozan): Strongly discouraged by both prefectural governments
• Check official sources for the latest rules: Yamanashi Mt. Fuji Portal / Shizuoka Mt. Fuji Portal

Recommended Route: Yoshida Trail (5th Station to Summit)

The Yoshida Trail (吉田ルート) is the most popular route, with the greatest number of mountain huts, well-marked trails, and bus access from Tokyo.

Course Time (Yoshida Trail)

Section	Ascent	Descent
5th Station (Fuji Subaru Line)	Start	Finish
6th Station (Safety Information Center)	About 1 hr	About 40 min
7th Station (various huts)	About 1.5 hrs	About 1 hr
8th Station (Taishikan–Hakuun-so)	About 1.5 hrs	About 1 hr
Original 8th Station (Fujizan Hotel)	About 1 hr	About 40 min
9th Station (Mannenyuki Sanso)	About 40 min	About 30 min
Summit (Kusushi Shrine)	About 40 min	About 30 min
Total	About 6.5 hrs	About 3.5 hrs

Tip: The Yoshida descent route merges with the Subashiri Trail at the 8th Station and follows the sunabashiri (砂走り) — a wide sandy scree slope where you can stride down quickly. Gaiters, a dust mask, and sunglasses are very helpful here.

Altitude Sickness Warning: The 5th Station sits at 2,305m. After arriving, rest for at least 2–3 hours before starting your climb. If you develop a headache, nausea, or dizziness, descend immediately — do not push through altitude sickness symptoms. Climb slowly and breathe deeply.

Access Information

Yoshida Trail (Yamanashi side — recommended for visitors from Tokyo)

• Nearest Station: Fujisan Station (富士山駅), Fujikyu Railway
• From Shinjuku (Tokyo): Direct highway bus “Fujisan-go” to the 5th Station — about 2 hrs 30 min (advance booking essential in summer). Or take JR Chuo Line to Otsuki, then Fujikyu Railway to Fujisan Station
• Shuttle bus: From Fujisan Station / Fujiyoshida city to the 5th Station. Private cars are prohibited from driving to the 5th Station during the official season

Fujinomiya Trail (Shizuoka side — shortest route)

• Nearest Station: JR Tokaido Main Line, Fuji Station, or JR Minobu Line, Fujinomiya Station
• From Tokyo: Shinkansen “Kodama” to Shin-Fuji Station, or highway bus to Fujinomiya Station
• Bus: Shuttle bus from Fujinomiya Station to New 5th Station

Gotemba Trail

• Nearest Station: JR Gotemba Line, Gotemba Station (御殿場駅)
• Bus: Climbing bus from Gotemba Station to Gotemba New 5th Station

For overseas visitors: Advance booking of mountain hut accommodation is strongly recommended during the peak season (late July–August). English is spoken at most huts along the Yoshida Trail. The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR lines but not the Fujikyu Railway.

Convenience Stores, Shops & Restrooms

Convenience Stores (below the 5th Station)

• FamilyMart at Fujisan Station: Inside the station building — last chance for a full stock-up
• 7-Eleven and Lawson in Fujiyoshida city: Several branches along the road to the 5th Station
• There are no convenience stores above the 5th Station

Shops & Mountain Huts

• 5th Station: Large lodge “Fujisan 5th Station” and several shops sell meals, drinks, gear, and souvenirs. Vending machines available (prices increase with altitude)
• 6th–9th Stations: Each hut sells drinks, light meals, cup noodles, and stamping services (山小屋スタンプ) — note that prices double compared to the base
• Summit: Kusushi Shrine and the seasonal Mt. Fuji Summit Post Office (夏季のみ)

Restrooms (fee-based, eco-biolet)

• Each station and hut entrance: Approx. ¥200–300 per use
• Use the restroom at the 5th Station before departing

Highlights

Goraikō (御来光) — Sunrise from the Summit

• Watching dawn break over Japan from 3,776m is the defining experience of a Fuji climb
• For a safe sunrise experience, sleep at a mountain hut (8th–9th Station) and leave for the summit at around 03:00–04:00
• The sky transitions from deep purple to orange to gold as thousands of hikers huddle at the crater rim — an unforgettable shared moment

お鉢巡り — Crater Rim Walk

• A 1.5-hour circuit of the summit crater (approx. 780m diameter)
• The highest point, Kengamine (剣ヶ峰, 3,776m), has a survey marker and commemorative stone — the literal highest spot in Japan
• Allow extra time and energy for the crater walk after the ascent

Night Sky & City Lights

• From the 8th Station upward, the Kanto and Tokai region spreads below in a carpet of city lights
• The thin, clear air above 3,000m offers exceptional stargazing on calm summer nights

Packing Checklist

• ✅ Hiking boots (stiff sole, high-cut — mandatory)
• ✅ Rain jacket and pants (wind and rain at the summit are common even in summer)
• ✅ Warm insulating layer (summit temperatures can drop to 0–5°C in August)
• ✅ Gloves and warm hat
• ✅ Gaiters (keep sand and scree out on the descent)
• ✅ Sunglasses and dust mask (volcanic dust and UV intensity are high)
• ✅ Sunscreen (UV exposure at altitude is extreme)
• ✅ Trail snacks and water (at least 2L; hut water is available but expensive)
• ✅ ¥2,000 cash (Yoshida Trail entry fee)
• ✅ Headlamp with fresh batteries (essential for pre-dawn summit push)
• ✅ Altitude sickness medication — consult your doctor before departure
• ⬜ Trekking poles (protect your knees on the long descent)