Even now, remembering my experience climbing mount Fuji is enough to get my soul yearning for more adventure! It is one of the highlights of all of my travels so far, and is a MUST do if given the opportunity!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Items Required
- How to get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo
- Know before you go! *2024 update*
- My Climb
- The Sunrise
- The Summit
- The Descent
Items Required
Climbing Mount Fuji is no easy task, so being prepared with the proper gear is imperative. Use this checklist below to ensure you’re ready to go! I’ll leave some recommendations of what are some affordable options!
- Worn in water resistant hiking boots
- Spare socks
- Weather-proof Jacket
- Multiple layers of synthetic material
- Hat and Gloves
- Waterproof backpack/cover for backpack
- Food
- plenty of water
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Helmet(recommended)
- head lamp
- a go get it attitude!
How to get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo
I took the bus from Shinjuku to the 5th line station on Mount Fuji. The bus seats were surprisingly comfortable and the ride was about 2 and a half hours long. I highly recommend buying tickets in advanced as the buses will fill up!
IF YOU TAKE THE BUS it is important to know that the last bus LEAVES from 5th line at 5pm!
Know Before You Go! *Updated 2024*
*2024 update* There will be a 2000 yen admission fee starting July 1st 2024 for the Yoshida trail ON TOP of the 1000 yen recommended donation. This fee is to help with the conservation of Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji, proudly standing at 12,388 feet, is Japan’s tallest mountain and is only hike-able without a permit during the months of July and August. For those with a sedentary or normal level of fitness, this climb is a hefty challenge. There is uneven ground, loose gravel, and countless steps that seem to be never ending until you reach the summit. Maintaining a manageable hiking pace will be key to not overworking yourself. On top of that, Mount Fuji’s weather sporadically changes by the minute going from harsh winds and rains to no visibility with thick white mist. This is why proper gear is important!
But wait, there’s more! you also have to be weary of elevation sickness! As you can see, Mount Fuji has its challenges and making sure you’re prepared is imperative. Luckily though, throughout the whole Yoshida trail are several station points. Each one has a rest area, bathroom, and food/water you can buy(albeit at higher cost). I would highly suggest spending 10-30 minutes at each one to adjust to elevation to avoid elevation sickness.
If you are an experienced mountain hiker you can definitely climb Mount Fuji in one day, as it takes about 7-8 hours to get to the top and 2-3 hours to get back down, but a more realistic time line would be to reserve a spot in one of the mountain huts located at stations 8 and 9. They’re about 2-3 hours from the summit so you can plan reaching the summit for sunrise accordingly.
My Climb
I arrived at the 5th line station around 2 pm from Shinjuku, Tokyo. The moment my foot touched the ground an eerie sense filled the air and a noticeable silence rang loud. There were no cars, no bustle of the city, just Rolling fogs and cold winds. People were coming down the mountain just finishing their journey while there were others who had just arrived like me. A sea of faces wearing the look of accomplishment, excitement and exhaustion were scattered about. It was the first time I ever felt so at peace, yet so excited at the same time.
I immediately headed toward the lodge where I ate a hearty meal and geared up. With my feet itching to go, I started my climb! I have relatively good fitness level so many parts of the hike weren’t that challenging for me and many people were on the same endeavor so I was forced to climb at a fairly reasonable pace. There were a few moments where we were all standing still like in a check out line! I was more than okay with this though as it meant more time to take in the gorgeous scenery.
After several hours of hiking and scrambling up Fuji I made it to my mountain hut around 7pm. I de-geared and headed to my sleeping area, a small corner in the attic with a mat on the floor and 2 hooks above for your belongings. If you’re a taller person, be prepared to duck a lot! There were about 25 other people up there with me and the smell…was not the best. From the bustle of all the people I only caught an hour our two of sleep before it was time to get up. After a warm breakfast and hot tea, I put on my gear and left around 1:00 am. Getting to see the sky from ABOVE the clouds was an expected highlight of this trip.
Mount Fuji’s Sunrise
I reached the summit at about 3:30 am, one hour before sunrise. Remember on the “Items required” list I put multiple layers are necessary? That’s because it was a good 40 degrees at the the summit(average temperature on city level was about 100 degrees). I was one layer too short and had to walk back and forth briskly to keep my body temperature up! As soon as the small huts on the summit(yup, there are huts up there with food and beverage!) Opened I bought 3 scolding hot green tea containers and shoved them in my jacket. They were LIFE SAVERS.
Because I arrived early I was able to find a nice viewing spot for the sunrise. I hunkered down and reflected on my adventure up as I waited for the rise of the red sun.
Mount Fuji’s Summit
After being blessed with one the most beautiful sunrises of my LIFE, it was time to explore the summit. With the sun shining the temperature spiked up and I was back to sweating!
The Descent
Once you’ve finished on the Summit, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful clouds, glowing sun, and amazing view. The path down is a zigzagging back and forth decline with loose gravel, so be careful with each step. There will be a a fork in the trail and it is important you stay on Yoshida trail! I actually found the hike down more difficult than I thought it was going to be. After 2-3 hours You will have returned to the sea of faces you had departed from as a different person than you were.
If you allow it, the experience of climbing Mount Fuji will show you sides of yourself you may never known you had. A side of courage, fear, leadership, or indomitable spirit. Embrace each side you meet, learn from it, and grow from it to become a better person.
Till next time, Wander Responsibly!