Climbing Mount Fuji: Frequently Asked Questions
You always wanted to climb Mount Fuji but you don’t know where to start? Then you come to the right place! Here are the Frequently Asked Questions on climbing Mount Fuji via Yoshida Trail answered in Filipino perspective.
There are actually four trails going to the summit of Mout Fuji but Yoshida Trail is the most popular as it is the usual route of climbers from Tokyo and nearby areas.
Sea of clouds at Station 6, 2390 meters above sea level.
Q: Is a guide required?
A: No. The trails are well established and marked.
Q: How many day/s do I need?
A: A day trek (bullet climb) is possible but highly discouraged. Two days and one night is the ideal itinerary.
Q: Are there accommodations in the mountain?
A: There are accommodations/huts from Station 6 up to Station 8.5. Rate starts at Y7,100 (~P3,500) per person per night during weekdays and Y8,100 (~P4,000) on weekends. Advanced reservation is advised during peak season or month of August. They accept credit cards.
Accommodation at 6th Station, 8,100JPY per person on weekends, dinner included.
Q: When is the best time to climb?
– Climbing season is from July to September or during summer to early autumn. Beyond these months, it is still possible to climb but a special permit is required.
Q: Do I need a permit?
– No need for permit during climbing season, just pay Y1,000 donation (optional) at the trailhead at Station 5. Special permit is required outside the climbing season.
Q: How long does it take to reach the summit?
– From the trailhead at Station 5 to the summit via Yoshida Trail takes at least five (5) hours.
Summit of Mount Fuji, 3776 meters above sea level.
Q: How long does it take to reach the accommodation area?
– From the trailhead at Station 5, trek for at least 30 minutes to station 6, 90 minutes to Station 7, three hours to Station 8 or four hours to Station 8.5.
Q: How much do I need to prepare?
A: If you are coming from Tokyo, prepare at least Y17,000 or around P8,000.
Q: How do I go to the trailhead?
A: Take a bus from Shibuya or Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (Y1,800 one-way), transfer to another bus to Station 5 (Y2,100 round-trip).
At 8th Station, 3020 meters.
Q: I am not a hardcore mountaineer, will I be able to do it?
A: Mount Fuji is for all ages. For as long as you have reasonable amount of fitness, you can do it. 😀
Q: Does it snow on the summit?
A: Yes but not during summer.
Q: Is there electricity/mobile signal in the mountain?
A: Yes! Even free wifi.
The traffic near the summit before sunrise.
Q: Got sample itinerary for the climb?
A: Here’s our overnight DIY itinerary from Tokyo.
Day 10700H: Assembly in Shinjuku Terminal, breakfast0815H: Travel to Kawaguchiko (option for cheaper direct bus, or train to Otsuki then transfer to another train to Kawaguchiko)1030H: Arrival in Kawaguchiko, last minute shopping for snacks, drinks, trail food and other necessities1130H: Bus to Station 51230H: Arrival in Station 5, pay for environmental fee (optional), start trek1330H: Arrival in Station 6, check in at hut, rest1800H: Dinner, lights out2330H: Call time
2345H: Start assault to summit
Day 20045H: Arrival in Station 70145H: Arrival in Station 80230H: Arrival in Station 8.50415H: Arrival in Station 90500H: Estimated time of arrival in the summit0520H: Start descent0800H: Back in Station 6, quickie breakfast, pack-up, check out0845H: Start descent to Station 50915H: Arrival in Station 5, snacks1010H: Bus from Station 5 to Kawaguchiko1100H: Arrival in Kawaguchiko, rest1130H: Bus from Kawaguchiko to Shibuya
1340H: Arrival in Shibuya
Q: Got breakdown of expenses?
A: Here’s our expenses for the climb.
Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Highway Bus – 1,800Kawaguchiko to 5th Station Roundtrip Bus – 2,100Walking Stick – 1,200Environmental Fee – 1,000Seikanso 6th Station (Accomodation + Dinner) – 8,100Kawaguchiko to Shibuya Highway Bus – 1,800Foods – 1,000Miscellaneous – 1,000————————–
Approximately Y17,000 or P8,000
Got more questions? Hit the comment button below. 🙂
