How hard is it to Climb Mt. Fuji?
Many people find climbing Mt. Fuji the most difficult thing they have ever done in their entire life and at the same time the most rewarding. To climb Mt. Fuji, to be literally above the clouds looking down on the landscape and to witness a breathtaking sunrise can be the experience of a lifetime. However, do not underestimate the climb. Do not believe the blogs and others who say, “Climbing Mt. Fuji is easy.” While it is true under ideal conditions that some people have climbed Mt. Fuji in sneakers, jeans, and a sweatshirt, but there are by far many more who have attempted the climb using similar inadequate provisions and were miserably unsuccessful. Mt. Fuji is characterized by severe elevation gains, rapidly changing weather and steep inclines. The climb is unlike any high-altitude quest one will ever attempt. Many people ascending Mt. Fuji for the first time underestimate the climb in three key areas.
First, they miscalculate the total time it takes to climb Mt. Fuji. Typically it takes between six to seven hours to climb up the mountain and another four to five hours to descend. This is if you are leaving from the 5th station and taking the most popular route. There are four different routes to the summit of Mt. Fuji
1. The Yoshida Route: the most popular and at times the most overcrowded route. Note: last year (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: last year (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.
Secondly, the weather is easily misjudged. Extreme changes can occur despite weather forecasts. The weather on Mt. Fuji can never be accurately predicted. Unexpected rainstorms, thunderstorms, and heavy windstorms are common and hikers must be suitably prepared with the proper equipment.
(See list of recommended Hiking Gear)
Thirdly, many underestimated the elevation gain, which is approximately 1,500~1,200 meters from the 5th station to the summit. This rapid ascent tests the limits of your physical and mental fitness.
(See Mt Fuji Fitness Guide) The air thins out as the elevation rises; thus, walking becomes difficult. Many first-time Mt. Fuji climbers make the mistake of starting out too fast and experience headaches or altitude sickness by the time they get to the 7th or 8th stations and have to turn back. (Planing your climb or 2-Days also help you recover and rest by splitting up the hike) (See 2-Day Hiking Itinerary)
Nevertheless, for those who are up to the challenge, regardless of age, with proper gear, preparation and hiking pace reaching the peak of Mt. Fuji is possible and extremely gratifying. As you stare down at the world below, a huge sense of accomplishment can overpower you. And when you realize just how high you have climbed, it is truly a satisfying and memorable experience. It’s hard to put it in to words, but sometimes when you watch the sun rise from the summit on a clear morning – it is almost a spiritual experience. (See Mt. Fuji Summit Certificate)
Secondly, the weather is easily misjudged. Extreme changes can occur despite weather forecasts. The weather on Mt. Fuji can never be accurately predicted. Unexpected rainstorms, thunderstorms, and heavy windstorms are common and hikers must be suitably prepared with the proper equipment.
(See list of recommended Hiking Gear)
Thirdly, many underestimated the elevation gain, which is approximately 1,500~1,200 meters from the 5th station to the summit. This rapid ascent tests the limits of your physical and mental fitness.
(See Mt Fuji Fitness Guide) The air thins out as the elevation rises; thus, walking becomes difficult. Many first-time Mt. Fuji climbers make the mistake of starting out too fast and experience headaches or altitude sickness by the time they get to the 7th or 8th stations and have to turn back. (Planing your climb or 2-Days also help you recover and rest by splitting up the hike) (See 2-Day Hiking Itinerary)
Nevertheless, for those who are up to the challenge, regardless of age, with proper gear, preparation and hiking pace reaching the peak of Mt. Fuji is possible and extremely gratifying. As you stare down at the world below, a huge sense of accomplishment can overpower you. And when you realize just how high you have climbed, it is truly a satisfying and memorable experience. It’s hard to put it in to words, but sometimes when you watch the sun rise from the summit on a clear morning – it is almost a spiritual experience. (See Mt. Fuji Summit Certificate)
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For your reference and safely, we highly recommend reading a copy of Climbing Mt. Fuji "A Complete Guidebook" (Seen to the left) before you climb Mt. Fuji. This guidebook will help you in your climb preparation, plus there is also a chapter on pre-climb training.
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