Hiking Mount Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan with an elevation of 3,776m and it is the toughest hike I've ever done. Disclaimer, I don't hike that often.
We were greeted with steep steps but we were also rewarded with this amazing sunrise view at the summit of Mount Fuji. The pain, torture and stress were all worth it,sort of.
So if you haven't figured it out already, for this post, I will be writing about my Mount Fuji hiking experience. I will be sharing with you some of the things you should know to make this hike happen, fundamental plannings required, cost involved and I will even throw in something special towards the end.
Let's start with some of the things you should know. Background knowledge on the hike and what to expect.
Things you should know
When to climb
Official climbing season is early July to mid September (varies depending on which route you'd take). Unless you're a pro-hiker, I'd strongly suggest you do it only during this timings as the terrain is easiest to conquer. Otherwise, you will need to take into consideration of proper equipment to combat the snow, strong wind and subzero temperature at the summit. Also, mountain huts along the way will be open for business during this period so you can get some rest and food (and beer).
Tip #1 if you'd like to avoid the crowd, select your hiking days carefully. Avoid Japan's Obon Week and weekends. Especially the hike up to the summit, the crowd can create such a congestion, you will spend some time slowly queuing/hiking your way up. Wouldn't be surprise if you're unlucky enough and end up missing the sunrise.
Routes
There's a total of 4 routes to the summit. Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba and Fujinomiya route. We took the Yoshida route which is supposingly the most popular route. Not sure if it's because it's the easiest or if it's because of its accessibility. Note that since I did the Yoshida route, information provided in my following write-up will be based on that.
There's a few things you need to be aware of. At the entrance of the trail, make sure you take the right turn which says "Mt. Fuji Summit". Seems obvious enough but you'd be surprise by the amount of people that will get confused at this junction. Us included.
Similarly, on the way down, there's a fork that splits between the Yoshida and Subashiri trail. Make sure you follow the right track you're supposed to be on! Tip #2 it's all color coded, Yoshida in yellow and Subashiri in red. Just keep an eye out for it.
What is the hike like
In terms of how long it will take, according to the guide book, it will take you 6 hours 10 minutes to ascend and 4 hours 5 min to descend. Comparing it to what we've achieved, we clocked in 8 hours to ascend and 4 hours to descend, across 2 days. Not too shabby still? I've provided an illustration as follow if you'd like to get a gauge on the timings.
How to get there
For Yoshida trail, Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is your starting point. We took a Expressway Bus from Shinjuku Station to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. There's a few other methods (link to TokyoCheapo who really did a great job in detailing the other alternatives) but taking the bus is the most direct way I reckon.
Next up, let's talk logistics.
Basic planning
Bookings required
1. Bus tickets: Very important to get the Expressway bus tickets from Shinjuku Station to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station in advance! It can be sold out pretty early because hiking Mount Fuji is a very popular activity. You can buy the tickets here.
2. Mountain huts: If you do plan to stay a "night"at one of the mountain huts, similarly, book in advance. Especially if you can't speak Japanese and would like to book online, you're left with not much choices really. You can find the list of mountain huts here. We stayed at Fujisan Hotel at the 8th station because we wanted to be at the rest stop nearest to the summit just to take some load off the hike at 2.30am. Would recommend to do the same. Please do not expect some sort of luxurious accommodation. You don't even get a bunk bed, it's just quite literally a row of sleeping bags.
They do provide dinner and breakfast for the next day, it's up to you if you'd like to include that as part of your package. Dinner is rice with Japanese curry, hamburg and smoked sausages. Whereas breakfast is a bento that they will be distributing during dinner time so you can have the option to either have them the next morning prior to your hike or at the summit which is what we did! But it was quite a challenge trying to ignore the cold and to use the chopsticks whilst you have your gloves on.
What to bring
*Special Edition*!!!
Imagine dirty. I mean you've not showered for a while now after completing your hike, soaked in your own disgusting sweat and possibly rainwater. What would be perfect right about now?
ONSEN.
You may think that "Wait what? Between July to September is summer in Japan. Why would I want to go for hot spring when it's hot already?" That's what I thought too but boy oh boy, was I wrong. I felt so dirty (smirk) and my calves were in such pain. Onsen was exactly what I needed. So this extra bit of information I'm giving you right now is where and how to make your hiking experience a little bit extra special than it already is.
Fujiyama Onsen, that's where we went. According to my travel companion's very reliable research, he claims it's the best you can find and anything else around the area in comparison is probably a shithole. Well I wouldn't be able to vouch if the latter is true but Fujiyama Onsen was pretty much heaven.
How to get there
You take a bus from Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station to Kawaguchiko Station which is about an hour and hopped on the free shuttle bus to Fujiyama Onsen.
I took photos of the bus schedules shown below but of course it is subject to change. Just note that the free shuttle bus is only once every hour.
How to get back Tokyo
You don't need to go back Fuji Subaru Line 5th station! From Kawaguchiko station itself, there's Expressway bus to Shibuya Mark City, Shinjuku, Tokyo station and etc. We ended up taking the bus back to Shibuya Mark City.
Cost
I'd say the extra expenditure to include onsen as part of your hiking expedition is approximately 2000 yen. Taking into consideration the difference between bus fare to get back Tokyo from Fuji Subaru 5th station vs Kawaguchiko stiation and entrance fee for Fujiyama Onsen.
Lunch around Kawaguchiko
If you have some time to spare, you can even grab lunch around Kawaguchiko Station. Maybe when you're waiting for the shuttle bus to Fujiyama Onsen.
We settled for Tetsuyaki Teppanyaki.
Address:
3486 Funatsu,
富士河口湖町
Minamitsuru District,
Prefecture 401-0301, Japan
Food's alright, Teriyaki chicken just never fails me.
Summary
If you do opt for this, it's going to be one helluva memory. 2D1N hike up Mount Fuji for one of the best sunrise I've ever seen. Fingers crossed it doesn't get cloudy and rainy during your visit! End it with a bang by visiting Fujiyama Onsen.
And... If I sort of scared you off from doing this, please don't! I see people asold mature as 60 years old and as young as 12 completing the hike, so you can do this too. Anyways, that's all from me now. I wish you all the best on your Mount Fuji hike.
We were greeted with steep steps but we were also rewarded with this amazing sunrise view at the summit of Mount Fuji. The pain, torture and stress were all worth it,
So if you haven't figured it out already, for this post, I will be writing about my Mount Fuji hiking experience. I will be sharing with you some of the things you should know to make this hike happen, fundamental plannings required, cost involved and I will even throw in something special towards the end.
Let's start with some of the things you should know. Background knowledge on the hike and what to expect.
Things you should know
When to climb
Official climbing season is early July to mid September (varies depending on which route you'd take). Unless you're a pro-hiker, I'd strongly suggest you do it only during this timings as the terrain is easiest to conquer. Otherwise, you will need to take into consideration of proper equipment to combat the snow, strong wind and subzero temperature at the summit. Also, mountain huts along the way will be open for business during this period so you can get some rest and food (and beer).
Tip #1 if you'd like to avoid the crowd, select your hiking days carefully. Avoid Japan's Obon Week and weekends. Especially the hike up to the summit, the crowd can create such a congestion, you will spend some time slowly queuing/hiking your way up. Wouldn't be surprise if you're unlucky enough and end up missing the sunrise.
Routes
There's a total of 4 routes to the summit. Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba and Fujinomiya route. We took the Yoshida route which is supposingly the most popular route. Not sure if it's because it's the easiest or if it's because of its accessibility. Note that since I did the Yoshida route, information provided in my following write-up will be based on that.
There's a few things you need to be aware of. At the entrance of the trail, make sure you take the right turn which says "Mt. Fuji Summit". Seems obvious enough but you'd be surprise by the amount of people that will get confused at this junction. Us included.
Similarly, on the way down, there's a fork that splits between the Yoshida and Subashiri trail. Make sure you follow the right track you're supposed to be on! Tip #2 it's all color coded, Yoshida in yellow and Subashiri in red. Just keep an eye out for it.
What is the hike like
In terms of how long it will take, according to the guide book, it will take you 6 hours 10 minutes to ascend and 4 hours 5 min to descend. Comparing it to what we've achieved, we clocked in 8 hours to ascend and 4 hours to descend, across 2 days. Not too shabby still? I've provided an illustration as follow if you'd like to get a gauge on the timings.
Another option is to hike all the way up and catch the sunset. Rest for the night and hike back down the next day. So you won't need to wake up at ungodly hours. Sunrise vs sunset. Entirely up to you. If you're crazy enough, you can always complete the whole hike in a day. Definitely achievable if you're really (extremely) fit.
One mistake we did was to assume we were at the highest point once we got to the end of Yoshida trail. You will need to walk around the crater of Mount Fuji (which takes another hour) and Japan's highest point is located next to the weather station. It's a shame really but what has passed, has passed. So dear readers, tip #3 do not repeat this mistake of ours.
How to get there
For Yoshida trail, Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station is your starting point. We took a Expressway Bus from Shinjuku Station to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. There's a few other methods (link to TokyoCheapo who really did a great job in detailing the other alternatives) but taking the bus is the most direct way I reckon.
Next up, let's talk logistics.
Basic planning
Bookings required
1. Bus tickets: Very important to get the Expressway bus tickets from Shinjuku Station to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station in advance! It can be sold out pretty early because hiking Mount Fuji is a very popular activity. You can buy the tickets here.
2. Mountain huts: If you do plan to stay a "night"at one of the mountain huts, similarly, book in advance. Especially if you can't speak Japanese and would like to book online, you're left with not much choices really. You can find the list of mountain huts here. We stayed at Fujisan Hotel at the 8th station because we wanted to be at the rest stop nearest to the summit just to take some load off the hike at 2.30am. Would recommend to do the same. Please do not expect some sort of luxurious accommodation. You don't even get a bunk bed, it's just quite literally a row of sleeping bags.
They do provide dinner and breakfast for the next day, it's up to you if you'd like to include that as part of your package. Dinner is rice with Japanese curry, hamburg and smoked sausages. Whereas breakfast is a bento that they will be distributing during dinner time so you can have the option to either have them the next morning prior to your hike or at the summit which is what we did! But it was quite a challenge trying to ignore the cold and to use the chopsticks whilst you have your gloves on.
What to bring
- Proper footwear. I'd recommend high cut shoes to prevent sprained ankles. May the lord be with you if that happens to you.
- Change of clothes to combat the cold. You can start with shorts and singlets but as you go higher, you will definitely need to layer up. Shirts, jacket and pants. Best be waterproof if not at least water resistant/quick dry. When it rains at the top (which it did when we were there), it will be extremely uncomfortable if you are not in the right gear.
- Similarly to combat the cold, consider scarf and gloves.
- And to combat the rain, bag cover (and even poncho if what you're wearing is not at all waterproof).
- If you're going to onsen after your hike (we did!), bring another set of change of clothes.
- Hat for the sun.
- Beanie for the cold.
- Sunglasses may come in handy.
- Sunscreen! I got sunburnt.
- Extra pair of socks and underwear because why not.
- Wetwipes will be your best friend because water is limited.
- Water is limited (yes I'm repeating this) so bring ample amount of water. Waterbag will come in handy. Aim for at least 2litres of water per person.
- Headlamp. You don't want to be hiking in the dark, especially if you're hiking at 2.30am.
- Energy bars.
- Hiking sticks. You can either bring or buy one of those wooden stick sold at Fuji Subaru 5th Station which you can collect stamps along the way you ascend. They are really cool souvenirs but I do question their practicality. Also, each stamp will cost you 300 yen, on top of the cost to purchase the stick.
- Ear plugs. Comes in handy when the person next to you snores.
- A lot of 100 yen coins. Thing is, because water is limited (yes, I'm repeating this for the 3rd time), for every toilet break you take, there's a "fee" of 200 yen.
- Optional. If you have a history of getting altitude sickness, maybe you will need to consider getting altitude sickness medication. You will need prescription for this (at least in Malaysia and Australia, not sure about other countries) and it's a course you will need to start 3 days before the hike. Some side effects to take into consideration is that you will be peeing a lot.
- Highly encouraged but we did not (rebels). Helmets to protect yourself from falling rocks. The hike is mainly gravels, rocks and sand. So it can be the case where some lost particles (see what I did there?) make it's way down the edge to your head.
*Special Edition*!!!
Imagine dirty. I mean you've not showered for a while now after completing your hike, soaked in your own disgusting sweat and possibly rainwater. What would be perfect right about now?
ONSEN.
You may think that "Wait what? Between July to September is summer in Japan. Why would I want to go for hot spring when it's hot already?" That's what I thought too but boy oh boy, was I wrong. I felt so dirty (smirk) and my calves were in such pain. Onsen was exactly what I needed. So this extra bit of information I'm giving you right now is where and how to make your hiking experience a little bit extra special than it already is.
Fujiyama Onsen, that's where we went. According to my travel companion's very reliable research, he claims it's the best you can find and anything else around the area in comparison is probably a shithole. Well I wouldn't be able to vouch if the latter is true but Fujiyama Onsen was pretty much heaven.
How to get there
You take a bus from Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station to Kawaguchiko Station which is about an hour and hopped on the free shuttle bus to Fujiyama Onsen.
I took photos of the bus schedules shown below but of course it is subject to change. Just note that the free shuttle bus is only once every hour.
 |
| From Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station to Kawaguchiko Station |
 |
| From Kawaguchiko Station to Fujiyama Onsen |
How to get back Tokyo
You don't need to go back Fuji Subaru Line 5th station! From Kawaguchiko station itself, there's Expressway bus to Shibuya Mark City, Shinjuku, Tokyo station and etc. We ended up taking the bus back to Shibuya Mark City.
Cost
Lunch around Kawaguchiko
If you have some time to spare, you can even grab lunch around Kawaguchiko Station. Maybe when you're waiting for the shuttle bus to Fujiyama Onsen.
We settled for Tetsuyaki Teppanyaki.
Address:
3486 Funatsu,
富士河口湖町
Minamitsuru District,
Prefecture 401-0301, Japan
Food's alright, Teriyaki chicken just never fails me.
Summary
If you do opt for this, it's going to be one helluva memory. 2D1N hike up Mount Fuji for one of the best sunrise I've ever seen. Fingers crossed it doesn't get cloudy and rainy during your visit! End it with a bang by visiting Fujiyama Onsen.
And... If I sort of scared you off from doing this, please don't! I see people as
