How hard is it to Climb Mt. Fuji?
Mt. Fuji Sunset - Fujinomiya Route
Climbing Mt. Fuji is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences many people undertake in their lifetime. However, it's important to not underestimate the climb, despite what some blogs may say. Under ideal conditions, some have climbed in sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt, but many more have attempted the climb with inadequate gear and failed. Mt. Fuji is known for its severe elevation gains, rapidly changing weather, and steep inclines, making the climb unique compared to other high-altitude quests. First-time climbers should be aware of the potential challenges in three key areas: severe elevation gains, rapidly changing weather, and steep inclines.
"One common mistake first-time climbers make when ascending Mt. Fuji is underestimating the total time it takes. On average, it takes around 6-7 hours to climb up the mountain and 4-5 hours to descend. This is when starting from the 5th station and taking the most popular route, the Yoshida Trail. Keep in mind, there are a total of four different routes to the summit of Mt. Fuji, each with varying levels of difficulty and time required. Plan accordingly and don't underestimate the time it takes to reach the summit. Start preparing for your Mt. Fuji climb today."
1. The Yoshida Route: the most popular and at times the most overcrowded route. Note: (in 2019) there was a delay in the opening of this trail due to rock slide near the summit.
2. The Fujinomiya Route: This is the second most popular route, and easiest to access by Bullet Train (Convenient if you are using the Japan Rail Pass). This route is the closest route to the Kengamine Summit - The highest point on Mt. Fuji and Japan. Also this route passes by the Hoei Crater the largest crater on Mt. Fuji showing the scares of the last Mt. Fuji eruption in 1707.
Note: Taking the bullet train to Shin-Fuji Station is absolutely the fastest and safest way to get to Mt. Fuji. (See Mt. Fuji access by Bullet Train)
3. The Gotemba Route: Is by far the longest trail on Mt. Fuji, and as there are only a few Mountain Huts on this trail, it is also the least used of all the trails on Mt. Fuji. However as it is located on the opposite side of the Hoei Crater from the Fujinomiya route, It can be accessed from the Fujinomiya route 5th station, by crossing the Hoei Crater (or forest route). This special route is call the Prince Route due to the fact, the crown prince (Now Emperor of Japan) took this route when he first climbed Mt. Fuji. It starts at the Fujinomiya 5th station and cuts through the Hoei crater to the Gotemba Trail.
1. The Yoshida Route: the most popular and at times the most overcrowded route. Note: (in 2019) there was a delay in the opening of this trail due to rock slide near the summit.
2. The Fujinomiya Route: This is the second most popular route, and easiest to access by Bullet Train (Convenient if you are using the Japan Rail Pass). This route is the closest route to the Kengamine Summit - The highest point on Mt. Fuji and Japan. Also this route passes by the Hoei Crater the largest crater on Mt. Fuji showing the scares of the last Mt. Fuji eruption in 1707.
Note: Taking the bullet train to Shin-Fuji Station is absolutely the fastest and safest way to get to Mt. Fuji. (See Mt. Fuji access by Bullet Train)
3. The Gotemba Route: Is by far the longest trail on Mt. Fuji, and as there are only a few Mountain Huts on this trail, it is also the least used of all the trails on Mt. Fuji. However as it is located on the opposite side of the Hoei Crater from the Fujinomiya route, It can be accessed from the Fujinomiya route 5th station, by crossing the Hoei Crater (or forest route). This special route is call the Prince Route due to the fact, the crown prince (Now Emperor of Japan) took this route when he first climbed Mt. Fuji. It starts at the Fujinomiya 5th station and cuts through the Hoei crater to the Gotemba Trail.
Mt. Fuji's Hoei Crater (between Fujinomiya Route and Gotemba Route)
4. Subashiri Route: This route starts in a forest for the first one-two-three hours until the 7th station tree-line is reached. This route then intersects the Yoshida Trail from the 8th station onwards so can be overcrowded in July and August and as previously stated due to a rock slide the opening of this trail was delayed in 2019.
"Another mistake often made by climbers is underestimating the weather on Mt. Fuji. Despite weather forecasts, extreme changes can occur at any time. The weather on Mt. Fuji is notoriously unpredictable, with unexpected rainstorms, thunderstorms, and windstorms being common. Make sure you are suitably prepared for any weather condition with proper equipment. Never rely solely on weather predictions, be prepared for anything when climbing Mt. Fuji. Get your gear and start preparing for your climb today." (See list of recommended Hiking Gear)
"Many first-time climbers underestimate the elevation gain on Mt. Fuji. The climb from the 5th station to the summit is approximately 1,500~1,200 meters. This rapid ascent is not only a test of physical fitness but also mental endurance. As the elevation rises, the air becomes thinner making it more difficult to walk. A common mistake is starting out too fast, which can lead to headaches or altitude sickness by the time you reach the 7th or 8th station. To avoid this, it's important to properly plan your climb and consider a 2-day itinerary. This will allow you to recover and rest, splitting up the hike, and increasing your chances of reaching the summit. (See our Mt. Fuji Fitness Guide and 2-Day Hiking Itinerary for more information). Start preparing for your Mt. Fuji climb today."
"Experience the ultimate challenge and reward by climbing Mt. Fuji. Whether you're young or old, with proper gear, preparation, and hiking pace, reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji is possible. The sense of accomplishment you'll feel as you gaze upon the world below is indescribable. The memories and feeling of satisfaction you'll have from climbing to such great heights will stay with you forever. Witnessing the sunrise from the summit on a clear morning can be a truly spiritual experience. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity, start preparing for your Mt. Fuji climb today." (See Mt. Fuji Summit Certificate)
"Another mistake often made by climbers is underestimating the weather on Mt. Fuji. Despite weather forecasts, extreme changes can occur at any time. The weather on Mt. Fuji is notoriously unpredictable, with unexpected rainstorms, thunderstorms, and windstorms being common. Make sure you are suitably prepared for any weather condition with proper equipment. Never rely solely on weather predictions, be prepared for anything when climbing Mt. Fuji. Get your gear and start preparing for your climb today." (See list of recommended Hiking Gear)
"Many first-time climbers underestimate the elevation gain on Mt. Fuji. The climb from the 5th station to the summit is approximately 1,500~1,200 meters. This rapid ascent is not only a test of physical fitness but also mental endurance. As the elevation rises, the air becomes thinner making it more difficult to walk. A common mistake is starting out too fast, which can lead to headaches or altitude sickness by the time you reach the 7th or 8th station. To avoid this, it's important to properly plan your climb and consider a 2-day itinerary. This will allow you to recover and rest, splitting up the hike, and increasing your chances of reaching the summit. (See our Mt. Fuji Fitness Guide and 2-Day Hiking Itinerary for more information). Start preparing for your Mt. Fuji climb today."
"Experience the ultimate challenge and reward by climbing Mt. Fuji. Whether you're young or old, with proper gear, preparation, and hiking pace, reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji is possible. The sense of accomplishment you'll feel as you gaze upon the world below is indescribable. The memories and feeling of satisfaction you'll have from climbing to such great heights will stay with you forever. Witnessing the sunrise from the summit on a clear morning can be a truly spiritual experience. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity, start preparing for your Mt. Fuji climb today." (See Mt. Fuji Summit Certificate)
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"Prepare for a safe climb on Mt. Fuji with our recommended guidebook, "Climbing Mt. Fuji: A Complete Guidebook." This comprehensive guidebook will assist in your climb preparation, including a chapter dedicated to pre-climb training. Don't miss out on essential tips and information before embarking on your Mt. Fuji climb. Get your copy now!"
Climbing Mt. Fuji "A Complete Guidebook" (Seen to the left) |
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