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“If climbing Fuji was really easy,” associates, followers and haters alike will ask me, “Then why haven’t you executed it once more?” To reply them, I quote an historic Japanese proverb.
A smart man climbs Mt. Fuji as soon as—
Solely a idiot climbs it twice.
My expertise of climbing Mount Fuji, to make certain, was not superb in some methods (which I’ll describe later within the put up). However its issue (or lack thereof) was undoubtedly not amongst them. And until you’re disabled or in extraordinarily dangerous form, I don’t suspect it will likely be for you, both.
Climbing Fuji Isn’t Actually “Climbing”
When my non-public shoppers inform me that they need to climb Mount Fuji, they’re typically disillusioned by the truths I inform them, first amongst them that the journey isn’t sometimes a “climb.” To make sure, when you can technically go on foot all the way in which from floor degree (particularly, within the city of Fujiyoshida), the overwhelming majority of vacationers start on the so-called fifth Station, greater than midway up the mountain, previous which level the journey is kind of a hike.
Moreover, you’ll be able to solely climb Mt. Fuji throughout the warmest a part of summer time—in most years, from round July 15-September 1—which is the one a part of the yr when Fujisan isn’t carrying its snowcap. And even throughout these brief weeks, frozen or semi-frozen precipitation usually falls. On the plus aspect, you nearly definitely gained’t want loopy climbing gear, not to mention the moveable oxygen cans that so many Japanese authorities advocate for the “climb.”
Easy methods to Climb Mt. Fuji
Ebook a “hut”
When you intend to summit Mt. Fuji for dawn, you will have to spend the evening on the eighth Station close to the highest of the mountain. Sadly, you gained’t be sleeping in a resort, however relatively in a medieval “mountain hut.” You may e-book these on-line up as early as April 1 of a given yr on this web site; I like to recommend doing in order early as you’ll be able to. There’s nearly no likelihood you’ll be capable to flip up and get a coffin-like cubby right here.
Set out within the morning
Though climbing Fuji doesn’t take all day, the bigger journey will take up most of your day, particularly for those who spend the evening in Tokyo. When you did, you’ll have to go by practice both to Gotemba or to Kawaguchiko. From right here, you’ll have to switch to a bus, which can require you to attend a short time, relying upon how exactly you propose your journey out.
Get your self to the fifth Station
Until you’re doing the completely epic journey from Fujisan Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida Metropolis, you’ll begin your “climb” on the so-called fifth Station, which is greater than midway up the mountain. Observe that there are a number of fifth Stations, relying upon which path you need to hike, be it the mainstream Yoshida Path or lesser-used ones (however not by a lot, to make certain) just like the Subashiri Path.
Sleep as early as you’ll be able to
The perfect strategy to climb Mt Fuji is to reach on the fifth Station at or simply after lunch time, and get to the eighth Station in time for sundown. You may then eat one thing else at your mountain hut; for those who can, I like to recommend sleeping quickly after this. I say “for those who can” as a result of the cramped situations (and sometimes, the impolite manners of fellow Fujisan hikers) could make falling asleep troublesome and even unimaginable.
(And get up early the subsequent morning, too)
In summer time, the dawn is eastern-central Japan takes place throughout the 4 AM hour. Because of this, assuming a mountaineering time of round 90-120 minutes from the eighth Station (and perhaps longer, for those who get caught in a human site visitors jam), you will have to get up at 2 AM, or 2:30 on the newest. This reinforces why, if in any respect attainable, it’s best to sleep quickly after the solar units on the day you begin your hike/climb.
Mount Fuji and “Overtourism”: Reality vs Fiction
Lately, as has been the case for Japan extra broadly, Mt. Fuji’s protection within the media has broadly centered on the difficulty of overtourism. Or the canard, because it have been: I typically discover “overtourism” to be a racist, classist trope that the media makes use of with a purpose to put a sure type of traveler of their place, underneath the guise of environmentalism or social consciousness. However I digress.
Certainly, no matter my opinion on the subject, Japanese authorities have nonetheless put in place sure obstacles for vacationers who need to climb Fuji. In some instances, these are literal obstacles: You’ll want to buy an entry ticket (priced, as of 2025, at ¥4,000) with a purpose to enter these gates and entry the path. Moreover, with a purpose to discourage so-called “bullet climbing” (i.e. going all the way in which to the summit within the afternoon or night, with out sleeping) solely vacationers with a confirmed mountain hut reservation can go these gates after 4 PM.
Different FAQ About Climbing Mount Fuji
Can a newbie climb Mount Fuji?
A newbie who’s in moderately fine condition can completely climb Mt. Fuji. I’ve hiked to Everest Base Camp, scaled Machu Picchu and executed all types of different mountaineering and climbing routes all over the world. And I can safely say that out of all of the “main” ones, Fujisan was undoubtedly the best.
Is Mount Fuji exhausting to climb?
If you’re wholesome, match and never extraordinarily aged, Mount Fuji isn’t exhausting to climb in any respect—it’s actually extra of a hike, so far as I’m involved. Nonetheless if in case you have any mobility difficulties or underlying well being points, it is likely to be price contemplating a guided journey to the summit, if solely as a precaution.
How lengthy does it take to climb up Mount Fuji?
For me—I used to be 34 once I climbed Mt. Fuji, and ran round 7 km per day, every single day—it took lower than 4 hours to achieve the eighth station of Mt. Fuji (the place I spent the evening) from the fifth station, through the Subashiri Path. The subsequent morning, I wanted a further 90 minutes to achieve the summit. Your instances would possibly barely exceed this, however the overwhelming majority of different vacationers I encountered seemed to be transferring at an identical tempo to me.
The Backside Line
The excellent news? Climbing Mount Fuji is actually extra of a hike—you nearly definitely gained’t have to take the loopy precautions that Japanese authorities advocate. Alternatively, the mountain can throw loads of curveballs, together with frigid precipitation (even in the midst of the summer time, which is the one time you’ll be able to climb it), and 100% cloud cowl, typically inside hours and even minutes of a transparent view. Now, I could by no means climb Fuji once more, on account of a proverb I heard after I did it the primary time, and the way partial I’m to superstition. However it’s best to—and it’s best to rent me to plan your Japan itinerary to be sure to do it proper.
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