Climbing Mt Fuji is on many travelers’ bucket lists. The iconic peak, which has inspired Japanese art and literature for centuries, is both Japan’s highest and most famous mountain.
The height of Mount Fuji is 12.390 feet (3776 meters) and there are different ways to climb it. There are 4 main routes which differ in difficulty and the time needed to make the journey. The views from the top combined with the sense of achievement make the trip incredibly rewarding.
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Mt Fuji Climbing Season
The official Mt Fuji climbing season runs from early July to mid-September. For summer 2026, the Yoshida Trail and Subashiri Trail are scheduled to open on July 1. The Fujinomiya Trail, Gotemba Trail, and summit crater rim walk are scheduled to open on July 10.
Opening dates may change depending on weather, remaining snow, and trail conditions. This is when public transportation is most accessible, and mountain huts are open, but advance planning is more important than ever because entry rules now apply across the main routes.
For the 2026 season, climbers should expect a ¥4,000 entry or hiking fee, trail access controls, and pre-registration or entry procedures depending on the route. Entry between 2 pm and 3 am is restricted unless you have a mountain hut booking.
Though some people make the climb outside the official climbing season, it is more dangerous and much less accessible. Anyone with limited climbing experience should not consider climbing Mt Fuji outside the season.
Mt Fuji Trails: 4 ways to go up
Mount Fuji is divided into 10 stations, with the first at the bottom and the tenth at the summit. There are 4 main 5th stations, which are roughly halfway up the mountain and mark where the 4 main trails start.
The 4 trails are the Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba trails. Depending on the trail, the ascent can take between 5 and 10 hours with additional time needed for the descent.
For summer 2026, the Yoshida Trail and Subashiri Trail are scheduled to open on July 1. The Fujinomiya Trail, Gotemba Trail, and summit crater rim walk are scheduled to open on July 10. Opening dates may change depending on remaining snow and trail conditions.
Yoshida Trail
This is the most popular climbing route and the most accessible from Tokyo. It has the most mountain huts along the way, and separate trails for the ascent and descent.
- Altitude: 2,300 meters approx.
- Ascent: Up to 6 hours
- Descent: Up to 3.5 hours
Fujinomiya Trail
The Fujinomiya 5th Station is the base for the southern approach via the Fujinomiya Trail. This is the shortest route to the summit, but the climb is steep and the ascent and descent use the same trail.
- Altitude: 2,400 meters approx
- Ascent: Up to 5 hours
- Descent: Up to 2 hours and 45 minutes
Subashiri Trail
The Subashiri 5th Station is only 2,000 meters above sea level, although the trail does not usually take much longer than the Yoshida and Fujinomiya trails. The Subashiri Trail meets the Yoshida Trail near the 8th station.
- Altitude: 2,000 meters approx.
- Ascent: Up to 5.5 hours
- Descent: Up to 3 hours
Gotemba Trail
This route starts from the lowest 5th station, so the ascent to the summit is much longer than on the other trails. It is generally less crowded, but there are fewer mountain huts and facilities.
- Altitude: 1,400 meters approx.
- Ascent: Up to 7.5 hours
- Descent: Up to 3 hours
How to climb Mt Fuji
Many visitors choose to climb Mt Fuji over 2 days so they can enjoy it at a calmer pace, take more breaks, and reduce the risk of exhaustion.
For summer 2026, a 2-day climb is also the most practical option if you want to see the sunrise from near the summit. Entry between 2 pm and 3 am is restricted unless you have a mountain-hut booking, so reserve accommodation before planning a late-afternoon or overnight climb.
Climbing at a calm, steady pace is recommended and helps climbers avoid problems such as exhaustion and altitude sickness.
Difficulty
How hard is it? The ascent to the top of Mt Fuji is non-technical during the official climbing season, but it is still physically demanding. You should be in good shape and prepared for a long climb at high altitude.
There are a few challenging parts that are steep and rocky, though they are infrequent. The main challenge is the altitude, which can cause problems, especially for climbers with little mountain experience.
Timing
The sunrise from Mt Fuji is spectacular, and most people try to time their climb to witness it. Visibility is normally better in the early morning too.
The recommended way of doing this is to climb Mt Fuji over 2 days, resting in a mountain hut. Getting close to the top on the first day makes it easier to reach the summit on the second day.
Mountain huts
The Yoshida Trail has more mountain huts than the other trails, especially between the 7th and 8th stations. The other trails have fewer options, so reservations are especially important if you are using the Fujinomiya, Subashiri, or Gotemba routes.
Mountain hut prices, meal options, payment methods, and booking rules vary by hut. Check the hut on your chosen route before you climb, and make reservations in advance during the summer season.
A mountain-hut reservation is separate from the Mt Fuji hiking fee and trail entry procedures. For 2026, climbers should confirm both their hut booking and the entry rules for their chosen route before traveling to the trailhead.
Etiquette
Mt. Fuji and its foothills are recognized as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Historic Site. Activities like removing plants, animals, lava, or rocks, setting up tents, and making fires are prohibited. Please be respectful.
Carry all rubbish back down with you, stay on the marked trails, and follow the instructions of route staff and safety officers. These rules help protect Mt Fuji’s environment and keep the climbing routes safe during the busy summer season.
Mt Fuji safety measures and hiking fees for 2026
Due to concerns about overcrowding, safety, and conservation, climbing rules apply on Mt Fuji during the 2026 summer season.
Advance registration or payment is recommended where available, as this can make entry at the trailhead smoother.
On the Yoshida Route, a daily limit of 4,000 climbers applies, excluding mountain-hut guests.
On the Shizuoka-side routes, i.e., Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri, climbers must complete entry procedures before climbing. This includes learning safety and manners through the Shizuoka FUJI NAVI system, obtaining an entry permit, and paying the ¥4,000 entry fee.
For Shizuoka-side routes, anyone entering between 2 pm and 3 am must have mountain-hut accommodation. Hut bookings are checked at the 5th Station entrance.
You’re always advised to study each route in advance to determine which one best suits your level of physical fitness, and to plan stops to rest at appropriate altitudes.
Inexperienced climbers are strongly advised to use the services of a mountaineering guide and to heed their advice.
Useful tips for climbing Mt Fuji
Good preparation is key to avoiding problems when climbing Mt Fuji. Having the right clothing, equipment, and supplies is recommended. Visitors should respect the high altitude, and fast-changing mountain conditions.
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind.
- Complete 2026 entry procedures before you go: check the rules for your chosen route, pay or prepare for the hiking fee, and confirm any mountain-hut booking before traveling to the trailhead.
- To avoid altitude sickness: trek at a slow pace, take regular breaks, and stay hydrated. If you start to feel ill or get a headache, the best thing to do is descend the mountain.
- Wear walking boots: take some good-quality walking boots and wear them in during the weeks leading up to your climb. Don’t make the mistake of buying new boots just before, as they can cause blisters.
- Be ready for cold, wind, rain, sun, and heat: the temperature at the summit can be below zero, while lower sections can be hot and exposed in summer. Take layered clothing, waterproofs, sun protection, and check the forecast beforehand.
- Take a headlamp or flashlight: this is essential if you hike at night or very early in the morning. A headlamp is the best option, as it leaves both your hands free.
- Bring food, water, and cash: mountain huts offer food and drink, but there are fewer facilities on some trails, and prices rise higher up the mountain. Toilets are usually paid for, so carry small change.
- Carry your rubbish down: there are no bins along the trails, so keep all your rubbish with you until the end of your Fuji excursion.
How to get there
Mt Fuji can be approached from all sides by train, bus or car. Public transportation to Mt Fuji is more frequent during the official climbing season, but 2026 timetables and access rules should be checked before traveling.
The most common routes are via Fujiyoshida, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya (all 3 are covered by the JR Pass). Private railways, highway buses, shuttle buses, and buses to the 5th Stations usually require separate tickets.
Read more: Tokyo to Mt Fuji by train
Via Fujiyoshida
Visitors can get to Fujiyoshida from Tokyo by taking the JR Chuo line to Otsuki and changing to the Fujikyu Railway. The line takes you towards Kawaguchiko and Fujisan stations, where seasonal buses connect with the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.
You can also catch the Fuji Excursion train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo towards the Mt Fuji area. JR Pass may vary by section, so check the ticket conditions before traveling.
Via Gotemba
To get to Gotemba from Tokyo, visitors can take the JR Tokaido Main Line to Kozu Station and then change for Gotemba. During the climbing season, buses may operate to Gotemba 5th Station, but timetables should be checked close to your travel date.
The Gotemba Trail starts lower than the other main routes and has fewer huts and facilities, so make sure your transport plan leaves enough time for a longer climb and descent.
Via Fujinomiya
People coming from Western Japan can take the southern approach via Fujinomiya. The Tokaido Shinkansen takes you to Shin-Fuji Station, where seasonal buses usually connect with Fujinomiya 5th Station during the climbing season.
This route is convenient for the Fujinomiya Trail, but bus services are seasonal and can be affected by road conditions or traffic restrictions.
Traveling to Mt Fuji by car
To get to Mt Fuji by car, you can either take the Tomei Expressway and exit near Gotemba or use the Chuo Expressway for access to the Fuji Five Lakes and Yoshida side.
Private vehicle restrictions apply on several Mt Fuji access roads during the summer climbing season. These restrictions are designed to reduce congestion near trailhead parking lots and protect the mountain environment.
For summer 2026, private vehicles are restricted on the Fuji Subaru Line from July 4 to September 10. Restrictions also apply on the Fujinomiya route via the Mt. Fuji Skyline and the Subashiri route via the Fuji-azami Line.
If you are driving on a restricted date, park in the designated transfer parking area at the foothills and take a shuttle bus or taxi to the 5th Station. Check the latest road and shuttle information before setting off, especially during bad weather.