The Ultimate Mt. Fuji Climbing Guide: Tips, Weather, Access, Sightseeing, and More!

About Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is an active volcano located on the border between Shizuoka Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture. With a top elevation of 3,776m, it is the tallest mountain in all of Japan and is even seen by many as the symbol of the country. On June 22, 2013, Mt. Fuji was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title "Mt. Fuji: Object of Worship, Wellspring of Art." It brings in many visitors throughout the year, especially during its climbing season in the summer, when it is visited by climbers from all around the world.

Mt. Fuji's Climate

As Mt. Fuji is a stand-alone mountain with an elevation over 3,000m, it has very extreme winds. Also, the temperature varies widely from the base of the mountain, to the 5th Station, and to the peak (generally, the temperature falls 0.6°C (1°F) for every 100m you travel up the mountain). The peak of the mountain experiences winter-like conditions all throughout the year, even during the summer. It can dip below 0°C (32°F) at night, so there is a chance that you may catch hypothermia if you wait too long at the top of the mountain to view the sunrise. Please carefully check the weather conditions of Mt. Fuji before making the climb, and make sure to prepare and dress appropriately.

Climbing Season

The climbing season for Mt. Fuji lasts from the beginning of July through the end of September. Exact opening dates differ for each trail, so be sure to check the official website linked below when making your climbing plans. The busiest period for climbing is in mid-July, with weekends being particularly crowded. When climbing during a particulary busy time, it can become difficult to climb and take breaks at your own pace, and there is increased risk for injury from falling rocks and other factors. Therefore, it is recommended to try to avoid busy periods as much as possible when deciding when to climb Mt. Fuji. 

The climbing trails will often close during times with heavy rain, as it can lead to dangerous climbing conditions. Please check the official website's "Weather Information" section to see if there has been an emergency trail closing when you are about to visit. 

Japanese: http://www.fujisan-climb.jp/season.html
English: https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/

Things to See

Mt. Fuji is full of things to see and displays gorgeous scenery throughout the year. The mountain peak is even known as a "power spot," or a place overflowing with spiritual energy where your wishes just might be granted! Check out the things to do and see below so you don't miss out on a chance to see some beautiful scenery at Mt. Fuji. 

・Mt. Fuji's Famous Sunrise

The view of the rising sun seen from the peak of Mt. Fuji is something you will absolutely not want to miss if you've already done the work of climbing to the top. The scenery of the pitch-black sky slowly filling with light bit by bit is almost too beautiful for words! 

・Diamond Fuji

Diamond Fuji is the name of the phenomenon when the rising or setting sun seems to sit perfectly atop Mt. Fuji's peak and sparkles like a diamond. This is a rare view that can only be seen from the right angle and during the right weather conditions, season, and time of day, so it is considered a special treat to see it even by Japanese people.

・Red Fuji

Red Fuji (Aka-Fuji) refers to the phenomenon when the peak of Mt. Fuji shines a bright red color during the sunrise or sunset, which happens during climbing season in the summer when there is not as much snow at the peak. There is another Red Fuji (called "Beni-Fuji," using a different Japanese word for "red"), pictured above, when Mt. Fuji's snow-crested peak shines a red color during the winter. 

・Shadow Fuji

This is the view of the shadow created when the sun shines down diagonally on the mountain. Keep an eye out for this view during your climb! 

・Flora and Fauna

As the tallest mountain in Japan and as a stand-alone mountain, Mt. Fuji is home to a unique, vertically distributed ecosystem. You can encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna on the mountain depending on how high you climb, including animals such as the Japanese serow (a protected species) and the spotted nutcracker (pictured), as well as plant species like rhododendron fauriei, arabis serrata flowers, and more. There are many plant and animal species to be seen in the forested area of the mountain (after the 5th station) that you cannot see at the mountain's base.

・Ohachimeguri

Ohachimeguri is the recommended place to visit after seeing the sunrise from Mt. Fuji's peak, as it is known as a "power spot" overflowing with spiritual energy. This walking course makes a loop around the volcanic crater of Mt. Fuji, and takes around one hour to complete. Along the way you will come across a wealth of interesting sights, such as Kengamine Peak, Suraga Bay, the Minami Alps, the Yatsugatake Mountains, and more. People with time on their hands should make an effort to stop by the many interesting spots along the trail as well, such as the two springs of "miracle water" Kinmei-sui and Ginmei-sui, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine Okunomiya, Kusushi Shrine, and the Mt. Fuji Post Office.

 

Ohachimeguri Highlight #1: Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine Okunomiya

This shrine is located at the peak of Mt. Fuji. It is permanently occupied by a Shinto priest throughout the entire climbing season and is devoted to praying for the peace and tranquility of Japan as well as for the safety of all shrine visitors and climbers of Mt. Fuji. In addition, it is also said to answer prayers for easy childbirth, good fortune, health, business success, good grades, romantic prospects, fire safety, traffic safety, and more. Gifts and protection charms, pilgrim's staves, goshuin (official shrine stamp), and more are also sold here, so be sure to make a visit when climbing Mt. Fuji. 

 

Ohachimeguri Highlight #2: Kusushi Shrine

Kusushi Shrine, a subordinate shrine of Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine Okunomiya, is located at the top of the Yoshida and Subashiri trails. Here, you can receive goshuin stamps and even buy some of the wish-granting water from Kinmei-sui (500 JPY ceremony fee). 

 

Ohachimeguri Highlight #3: Fujisan-cho Post Office

This post office located on the peak of Mt. Fuji is open from 6 am to 2 pm during the climbing season in the summer. Here, you can send a postcard from the highest point in Japan! In addition to stamping each postcard with an original seal with a Mt. Fuji design, this post office also sells many exclusive goods such as stamps. It is generally open from around July 10th until August 20th, but the specific dates change every year, so please check beforehand. Also, it is important to note that, unlike other post offices in Japan, there is no ATM here.

・Shopping and Eating on the Mountain

There are small shops (called "mountain huts") along the trails and at the mountain peak where you can buy various sundries and foods, such as ramen and udon, curry, pork miso soup, and even alcohol - all of which make perfect pick-me-ups to help you endure the long climb. They also sell a variety of original Mt. Fuji goods, walking sticks, sweets, beverages, and the like. 

・Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station

The Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station marks the starting point of the Yoshida Trail, the most popular route for climbing Mt. Fuji. This area contains shops, restaurants, and lodging facilities, and is beloved by visitors and climbers as the last place to rest before making the trek to the top of the mountain. 

The shops sell treats, miscellaneous goods, and many exclusive goods, and a spacious 2nd floor cafeteria serves up foods modeled after Mt. Fuji itself in addition to local delicacies.

Speaking of places to visit, here are 8 locations in neighboring prefectures with stunning, picturesque views of the mountain - stop by a few of them on your way to the mountain itself?

Getting to Mt. Fuji

There are many starting points from which to climb the immense Mt. Fuji, and it can be a bit complicated or confusing to figure out how to get to the one you want to go to. This guide will introduce the 4 main starting points for climbing Mt. Fuji, as well as explain how to get from the major cities of Tokyo and Osaka to two beginner-level climbing trails. 

There are 4 main trails for climbing Mt. Fuji, and they all start roughy halfway up the mountain. These starting points can be reached by bus, taxi, or car. Note, however, that during climbing season (roughly June 10th - September 10th) all climbing trails except for the Gotemba Trail prohibit traveling to the starting point by personal vehicle. 

・Climbing Trails 

*Please take a Fujikyuko Bus from the stations listed below to the appropriate station to start your climb. 

・Starting point for the Yoshida Trail: Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station
　Closest station(s): Kawaguchiko Station and Mt. Fuji Station on the Fujikyuko Line

・Starting point for the Subashiri Trail: Subashiri 5th Station
　Closest station(s): Gotemba Station on the JR Gotemba Line and Shin-Matsuda Station on the Odakyu Line (buses from Shin-Matsuda Station run during climbing season only)

・Starting point for the Gotemba Trail: Gotemba Trail New 5th Station
　Closest station(s): Gotemba Station on the JR Gotemba Line

・Starting point for the Fujinomiya Trail: Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station 
　Closest station(s): Shin-Fuji Station on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, Fuji Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line, Fujinomiya Station on the JR Minobu Line, and Shizuoka Station on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (buses from Shizuoka Station run during climbing season only)

▼Fujikyuko Highway Bus & Tozan Bus Official Homepage 
・Highway Bus: toward Yamanashi Prefecture (Fuji Kawaguchiko Station, Mt. Fuji Station, Subaru Line 5th Station)
・Highway Bus: toward Shizuoka Prefecture (Gotemba Station, Shin-Fuji Station, Fuji Station, Fujinomiya Station)
・Summer-only Tozan Bus: bus routes to each climbing trail's 5th station 

Japanese: http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/fujisan
　　　　http://bus.fujikyu.co.jp/rosen/fujitozan
English: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/mtpass/bus/

 

・Sample Trips from Tokyo and Osaka

There are many climbing trails to the top of Mt. Fuji, each with its own way to get there, so it can be confusing. Here are some ways to get to two beginner-level climbing trails, the Yoshida Trail and the Fujinomiya Trail, from the major cities of Tokyo and Osaka.

１）Tokyo → Yoshida Trail's Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station 

< By train >
- Take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station (around 1 hour - 1 hour 40 minutes)
- Take the Fujikyuko Line to Mt. Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station (around 30 minutes - 1 hour)
- Take the Fujikyuko Tozan Bus to Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station (around 1 hour)

< By express bus >
- Take the Fujikyuko Express Bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station (around 2 hours 30 minutes)

２）Tokyo → Fujinomiya Trail's Fujinomiya 5th Station

< By train >
- Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Fuji Station (around 1 hour 10 minutes)
- Take the Fujikyuko Tozan Bus to Fujinomiya 5th Station (around 2 hours)

< By express bus >
- Take the Fujikyuko Express Bus bound for Yamanakako Asahigaoka from the Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit boarding area and get off at Shin-Fuji Station or Fujinomiya Station (around 2 hours 20 minutes) 
- Take the Fujikyuko Tozan Bus to Fujinomiya 5th Station (around 2 hours)  


３）Osaka → Yoshida Trail's Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station 

< By train >
- Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Yokohama Station (around 2 hours 20 minutes)
- Take the JR Yokohama Line train to Hachioji Station (around 30 minutes)
- Take the Fujikyuko Line train to Otsuki Station (around 50 minutes)
- Take the Fujikyuko Tozan Bus to Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station (around 1 hour)

< By express bus >
- Take the Fujikyuko Express Bus (Fujiyama Liner) from Osaka (Abenobashi), Kintetsu Namba Station West Exit, or Osaka Eki-mae to Mt. Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station (around 11 hours)

４）Osaka→ Fujinomiya Trail's Fujinomiya 5th Station

< By train >
- Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Fuji Station (around 2 hours 40 minutes)
- Take the Fujikyuko Tozan Bus to Fujinomiya 5th Station (around 2 hours)

< By express bus >
- Take the Fujikyuko Express Bus (Kitaro-go) from Kintetsu Namba Station West Exit or Osaka Eki-mae to Shin-Fuji Station (around 8 hours)
- Take the Fujikyuko Tozan Bus to Fujinomiya 5th Station (around 2 hours)

If you'd like to know a bit of trivia about Mt. Fuji, including its impacts of Japanese culture, check out this article!

・Mt. Fuji Pass

Exclusively available to foreign visitors to Japan, the Mt. Fuji Pass is a discount pass offered by Fujikyuko Co. Ltd. that can be used in the Mt. Fuji area.  It allows unlimited rides on route buses and Fujikyuko express buses in the Mt. Fuji area in the Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, so it is a superb deal!

Passes are available for 1, 2, and 3 days, so you can purchase the pass that best fits in with your travel plans. In addition, you can get special perks such as a free soft drink or other discounts at 12 participating retailers in the Mt. Fuji area just for showing your Mt. Fuji Pass! Please check out the website linked below to see more details regarding the cost, benefits, and locations where you can purchase the pass. 

▼Mt. Fuji Pass
English: http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/mtpass/
（Japanese: http://www.fujikyu.co.jp/data/news_pdf/pdf_file2_1496404217.pdf）

Climbing Trails

There are 4 main climbing trails to reach the top of Mt. Fuji. They all have different starting points and difficulty levels, so it is recommended to choose the trail that best matches your individual situation and ability. The signage and routes for all of the climbing trails are standardized, with each trail having its own color. Please remember the color for the trail you are climbing so that you do not get lost or end up taking the wrong trail at the points where they converge. 

▼Mt. Fuji Mountain Trails official website:
Japanese: http://www.fujisan-climb.jp/trails/index.html
English: https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/index.html

 

・Yoshida Trail (Beginner)

Trail Head: Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station 
Route Color: Yellow

The Yoshida Trail, which leads to the summit from the north side of the mountain in Yamanashi Prefecture, starts at the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station and converges with the Yoshida-guchi Trail at the 6th station. It is characterized by the fact that the ascending and descending routes are completely different. While the ascending route has many mountain huts to visit, there are hardly any along the descending route. The famous sunrise view of Mt. Fuji can be seen anywhere from above the 5th station, but it is recommended for beginners to spend the night at the 8th station before doing so.

Because it is very accessible and also beginner friendly, over half of all the people who climb Mt. Fuji use the Yoshida Trail. While this means that it can get quite crowded during climbing season, it also means that there is plenty of information, including maps, available in multiple languages. Therefore, this is the most recommended route for first-time climbers of Mt. Fuji. 

Altitude of the Trail Head: 2,305m
Time: Ascent - 6h, Descent - 4h
Length: Ascent - 5.8km, Descent - 6.9km

Route Map (English): https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/trails/yoshida-trail/yoshida-trail.html

・Subashiri Trail (Intermediate)

Trail Head: Subashiri Trail 5th Station
Route Color: Red

The Subashiri Trail starts from the Subashiri Trail 5th Station and the east side of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture (Oyama Town). This trail is characterized by green forests that extend to higher elevations compared to the other trails, which protect climbers from the rays of the sun. This trail also has different routes for ascending and descending the mountain, and the descending route is famous for "sunabashiri," or going down a pathway of volcanic gravel. The route converges with the Yoshida Trail at the Old 8th Station, after which point it becomes more crowded. 

You can view the sunrise and other scenery from anywhere on the trail once you have passed the forest zone. Be sure to exercise caution not to get lost while in the forested area or during times of thick fog. 

Altitude of the Trail Head: 1,970m
Time: Ascent - 6h, Descent - 3h
Length: Ascent - 6.9km, Descent - 6.2km

 

・Gotemba Trail (Expert)

Trail Head: Gotemba Trail New 5th Station 
Route Color: Green

The Gotemba Trail starts at the Gotemba Trail New 5th Station and ascends to the peak along the south-east side of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture (Gotemba City). This trail is known for its low altitude and gentle slope at the starting point. However, this is a very long trail with a large altitude difference between the starting point and the peak, so it is recommended for experienced hikers who are able to carry heavy equipment for a long time and distance. The descent down volcanic gravel is quite dynamic, and you will be able to see a view of the sunrise from anywhere along the higher parts of the trail.

You can enjoy a quiet climb on the Gotemba Trail, as it is the least crowded of all the mountain trails on Mt. Fuji. However, there is comparatively little in the way of landmarks, so make sure not to get lost during the nighttime or in heavy fog. Also, there are fewer mountain huts and rest areas compared to other trails, and there are no first-aid stations, so this route is not recommended to first-time climbers. 

Altitude of the Trail Head: 1,440m
Time: Ascent - 7h, Descent - 3h
Length: Ascent - 10.5km, Descent - 8.4km 

 

・Fujinomiya Trail (Beginner)

Trail Head: Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station
Route Color: Blue

The Fujinomiya Trail starts at the Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station and leads to the summit from the south side of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture (Fujinomiya City). This trail starts from a higher elevation from any other trails, so it has the shortest distance to the mountain peak. Thus, this is the 2nd most popular trail after the Yoshida Trail. Overall, this trail is steep and rocky, and it is recommended for beginners to spend the night near the 8th station and finish the climb in the morning. At some places, the rising sun looks like it's ascending from out of the mountain ridge. Also, during sunny days, you can experience a stunning panoramic view of Suruga Bay. 

The ascending and descending routes are the same, so it is easy to climb without getting lost or confused, however this also means that it can get crowded and you will have to make your way around climbers going the opposite way as you. There is also a chance of altitude sickness due to the steep incline of this trail, so make sure not to ascend too quickly. 

Altitude of the Trail Head: 2,380m
Time: Ascent - 5h, Descent - 3h
Length: Ascent - 4.3km, Descent - 4.3km

Route Map (English): https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/trails/fujinomiya-trail.html

*Note that the ascending and descending times written above are estimates, and the actual time will vary depending on the ability of each climber, as well as the climate, temperature, and other factors on the day of climbing. 

What to Wear and Things to Bring

・Clothing

Jacket	Fleece, down, or sweater. Something light and compact, while being warm, is best.
Shirt	Long-sleeved and water-resistant or quick-drying. Avoid cotton as it is slow-drying. Recommended to wear multiple layers in order to adjust to temperature changes.
Hiking pants	Long pants of a material other than cotton. Stretchable materials are the easiest to walk in and are recommended.
Undergarments	Quick-drying, non-cotton.
Hat, knit cap	Protect against sun and rain. Wear something that won't be blown off by strong winds. Knit caps are recommended for the cold conditions at the peak of the mountain.
Neck-warmer	Wear to prevent heat-loss. Light ones can also be worn to prevent sunburn and/or dust inhalation.
Gloves	Use for protection from the sun and for warmth in cold conditions. Also can protect hands during a fall.
Socks	Thick socks that can absorb sweat are recommended.

 

・Things to Bring

Hiking shoes (high ankled boots)	Drinking water (at least 1 liter)
Backpack/rucksack (30 liter volume)	Snacks (sugary foods are best for preventing exhaustion)
Backpack cover (protect against rain)	Tissue paper or non-rolled toilet paper
Headlamp (to free up both hands)	Wet tissues
Raincoat (not advised to bring umbrellas or ponchos because of the strong wind)	Vinyl envelope (for trash)
Towel (to wipe sweat and protect against sun and dust)	Map and/or guidebook
First-aid (bandages, antidiarrheal, etc.)	Health insurance card or copy (in the event of an accident)
Pocket change (100 coins will be required to use some toilets)

 

・Useful Items

Walking stick (to reduce the burden on your legs)	Disposable hand warmers
Spats and gaiters (foot and ankle covers)	Survival sheet (to keep warm)
Knee brace (to reduce the burden on your feet)	Earplugs (when spending the night in a mountain hut)
Sunglasses (to block sun rays and dust)	Teeth-cleaning chewing gum (when spending the night at a mountain hut)
Sunscreen (recommended as UV rays are especially strong at the mountain peak)	Strong tape (to repair bags or shoes, etc.)
Portable oxygen canister

Lodging

Mountain huts are located along each route from the 5th station above, and are open throughout the climbing season. They are simple lodging facilities intended for climbers to use just to get a bit of rest along their journey, so they are stocked only with the bare minimum of necessities. They generally cost around 8,500 JPY for one night and two meals, or 6,000 JPY for one night without meals, and some places charge an extra 500 - 2,000 JPY per night on weekends. 

The huts tend to fill up during the busy season, so it is recommended to make your reservations ahead of time. If you aren't comfortable making a reservation on your own, there are many tours in various languages that include lodging reservations. Also, be aware that most of the lodging is mixed gender and you will have to sleep in a cramped space surrounded by other people.

 

In addition to lodging, the mountain huts also offer rest areas and sell various sundries, such as bento boxes, rice bowls, snacks, sweets, and beverages. It is also possible to enter just to use the bathroom. Note, however, that the water on Mt. Fuji is limited, so there is no running water for hand-washing or bathing. You can buy bottles of drinking water. 

Payment is by cash only, so you will not be able to use your credit card. Also, there are no public-use trash disposal areas, and you are expected to take all your trash home with you and dispose of it there. 

Mountain Hut Guide: https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/itineraries/mountain-huts.html

If you're okay with staying a bit further from the mountain, here is a list of recommended ryokan (traditional inns) with excellent views of Mt. Fuji!

Cuisine (Mt. Fuji and the Surrounding Area)

You can enjoy the local cuisine of the Mt. Fuji area at the trail heads and mountain huts. Because it is very difficult to transport food supplies to the top of Mt. Fuji, the meals that are on offer at the mountain huts in the higher altitudes tend to be simple fare just meant to warm the body. However, note that the prices will be comparatively high.

Mt. Fuji specialty foods like the ones listed below will be available at places other than the highest parts of the mountain, so be sure to enjoy them before or after your climb! 

・Yoshida Udon

Yoshida Udon is a specialty of the area around Yoshida, Yamanashi, on the north side of Mt. Fuji. It is usually flavored with miso and soy sauce and topped with sweet and salty stewed horse meat, fried tofu, and cabbage. It is also characterized by its thick, sturdy noodles.

・Hoto

Hoto is a beloved specialty from Yamanashi Prefecture that consists of thick noodles (even thicker than udon) cooked in a pot with a miso-based broth and plenty of vegetables.
 

・Fujinomiya Yakisoba

Fujinomiya Soba is a specialty of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, located on the southern side of Mt. Fuji. It is said to have been one of the foods to usher in the B-class gourmet craze in Japan! It consists of chewy noodles topped with shaved meat and sardine powder. 

Souvenirs

There are lots of original goods to be purchased from the shops located at the trail heads and at the peak, as well as the mountain huts that line each hiking trail, such as beautiful Mt. Fuji postcards and Fuji Cider, a carbonated drink made with water collected from Mt. Fuji itself. In addition, you can purchase pilgrim's staves that can double as walking sticks, protection charms, and other goodies from the shrines located at the mountain peak. 

Rules and Etiquette for Climbing Mt. Fuji

In addition to being a designated World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area are part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and are also registered as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Furthermore, the area is home to many protected species of plants and animals. The area from the 5th station and up is designated as a special protected national park, and is particularly protected by strictly enforced rules. 

The following acts are legally prohibited in the designated area:

・Removing plants or animals from the area
・Leaving graffiti or writing on any surfaces
・Pitching tents and/or making fires
・Releasing pets 
 

Note the climbing etiquette and rules below, as well: 

・Do not stray from the designated trails
・Ascending hikers have the right of way
・Do not follow too closely behind other hikers
・Take care not to disturb rocks or they may fall down the mountain (If you accidentally cause some rocks to break loose, please alert those around you in a loud voice)
・Be quiet while in common areas such as mountain huts
・Take your trash home with you

Here are more locations to add to your itinerary - with excellent views of the mountain, breathtaking nature, or fun attractions!

Voluntary Admission Fee

A voluntary admission fee of 1,000 JPY was instituted in 2014 in order to preserve the beauty of Mt. Fuji and help ensure the safety of all visitors and climbers. Originally it was asked only of those climbing all the way to the peak, but now it is asked of visitors going above any of the 5th station trail heads. While the fee is voluntary, it is recommended to pay your part in contributing to the beauty and safety of Mt. Fuji. 

How the fee is used: 
・Protecting the environment
・Installing bio-toilets in the mountain huts
・Purchasing helmets and goggles for the event of a volcanic eruption
・Installing emergency stations
・Foreigner support (interpretation, etc.) 
・Signage (for emergencies and manners)

What to Do in an Emergency

・Toilet Information

While there are public-use toilets available at the mountain huts that you can find along the climbing trails, depending on the trail, they may be located quite far from the mountain huts, and some huts may not be accessible during the night. Therefore, it is best to try to plan out your toilet-use ahead of time before starting the hike. You may want to consider taking your own portable toilet with you as you climb, as there are times when the toilets can get quite crowded. Each toilet may have different rules, so please pay attention during use. Also, note that many of the mountain huts charge a recommended toilet use fee of 100 - 300 JPY. Be sure to bring plenty of 100 yen coins with you just in case. 

・Altitude Sickness

Once you reach the peak of Mt. Fuji, the amount of oxygen circulating in your body will be around half of its normal level, and there is the chance that this could lead to deteriorating bodily conditions and altitude sickness if you are not careful. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include fatigue, lethargy, headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. There are also reported cases of complications leading to death via cerebral edema or pulmonary edema, so extreme caution is advised. 

First, it is recommended to stretch your body and take deep breaths as soon as you reach the 5th station, and then to remain there for 1 - 2 hours to acclimate your body before starting your climb to the peak. Also make sure to regularly drink water while hiking and to go at a reasonable pace in order to avoid dehydration, which can negatively affect your blood circulation. Remember to take deep, full breaths throughout the entirety of the hike. 

If you still manage to become afflicted with altitude sickness despite following the suggestions above, first warm your body with a blanket or jacket and take a rest. If the symptoms don't subside, do not panic and head to the nearest first aid station. If the symptoms worsen, then the best course of action is to climb down the mountain to receive proper care. 

Keep in mind that it is not an easy task to climb Mt. Fuji, as it is over 3,000m in height. It is recommended to practice hiking other mountains in order to train your body for the climb up Mt. Fuji. Do not attempt to climb the mountain if you are running on lack of sleep or are otherwise not in your best physical condition.

 

・Using First Aid Stations

There are first aid stations located at the 7th and 8th stations of the Yoshida Trail and the 8th station of the Fujinomiya Trail that are staffed by first aid professionals at all times during the climbing season. If you cannot walk all the way to a first aid station on your own, at least try to make it to the nearest mountain hut. There are markers throughout all the trails that will allow you to easily identify your location if you need to call in emergency help as well. 

・Worsening Weather Conditions

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence on Mt. Fuji during the summer months. It can be incredibly dangerous to be caught in a storm while hiking the mountain, so make your way to a safe location such as a mountain hut as soon as you hear the first clap of thunder. In the event that a weather warning has been put in effect, climbing will be halted and all visitors will be required to make their way to the base of the mountain. Please make sure to confirm the latest weather conditions and forecast before starting your climb. 

Useful Reference Sites

▼Official Website for Mt. Fuji Climbing
Japanese: http://www.fujisan-climb.jp/index.html
English: http://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/index.html

▼The Complete Guide to Mt. Fuji 
Japanese: http://www.fujisan223.com/
English: http://www.fujisan223.com/en/

 

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