Climb Mt. Fuji with Ease: Routes, Reservations & Gear—All in One Guide!

The summer climbing season for Mount Fuji is open each year and remains a goal on many people’s “life bucket lists.”

As Japan’s highest peak, a World Cultural Heritage Site, and a sacred sunrise-watching location — are you ready to take on the challenge?

This guide will help you fully understand routes, gear, reservation systems, and sample itineraries — making your dream to climb Mount Fuji achievable and worry-free.

 

I. Overview of Mount Fuji Climbing

·         Climbing Season: Early July to early September (exact dates vary by year — in 2025: July 1 to September 10)

·         Recommended Duration: 2 days, 1 night (overnight at a mountain hut to reduce fatigue)

·         Recommended For: Healthy individuals with a basic fitness level

·         Difficulty: Moderate. Some steep sections; be cautious of altitude sickness.

 

II. Comparison of the 4 Main Climbing Routes

Mount Fuji has four major climbing routes, each with different starting points, scenery, and challenges:

Route	Best For	Key Features & Challenges
Yoshida Route (Yamanashi Pref.)	First-time climbers / Groups / Tourists	- Gentle slope, few rocks, clearly marked trail - Well-equipped with mountain huts, toilets, shops, rescue stations - Most popular route for sunrise viewing
Fujinomiya Route (Shizuoka Pref.)	Climbers with limited time / Above-average fitness	- Shortest route, but steeper and rockier - Huts concentrated mid-route; fairly well-equipped
Subashiri Route (Shizuoka Pref.)	Nature lovers / Avoiding crowds	- Passes through forests with beautiful scenery - Merges with Yoshida Route after 8th station (may get crowded)
Gotemba Route (Shizuoka Pref.)	Experienced / Very fit climbers	- Longest route, highest elevation gain - Few huts and minimal facilities — very challenging

 

Mount Fuji Guide Map by Mt. Fuji Climbing
Download the PDF file

Recommendation: First-time climbers are encouraged to take the Yoshida Route, known for safety, clear signs, and good infrastructure.

 

III. Packing List｜Practical & Lightweight Tips

Essential Items (Must Bring)

▶ Clothing & Wearables

• Hiking Boots: High-ankle, non-slip for ankle protection
• Warm Clothing: Fleece, down vests, windbreakers; wear in layers
• Windproof Jacket: With hood; protects against summit winds
• Hat & Gloves: For warmth and wind protection
• Quick-dry Undergarments / Hiking Socks: For sweat-wicking and cold prevention

▶ Tools & Equipment

• Backpack: 25–30L capacity for 1.5 days of gear
• Trekking Poles: Use two for knee relief and night stability

▶ Lighting & Navigation

• Headlamp or Flashlight: Must-have for night climb; headlamp preferred
• Phone + Power Bank: With offline map app (e.g., official Mount Fuji app)

▶ Food & Hydration

• Water 1.5–2L+: Split into bottles; bring a thermos for warm drinks
• High-energy Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, nuts, etc.

▶ Weather & Sun Protection

• Rain Gear: Two-piece (jacket + pants) recommended
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, dust mask

▶ Payment

• Cash (Yen): Some huts and toilets accept only cash

🧳 Optional Gear (Based on Personal Needs)

• Oxygen Canister: Helpful for altitude sickness (even as a placebo)
• Sleeping Bag: Needed if camping outdoors or not staying in huts
• Earplugs + Eye Mask: Mountain huts can be noisy
• Personal Medication: Motion sickness pills, painkillers, bug spray
• Heat Packs / Warmers: Handy for night climbs or cold weather

💡 Tip:
Go light — prioritize multi-use, compressible, and waterproof gear.
Do a packing test in advance. Your backpack weight should not exceed 20% of your body weight.

IV. Itinerary Sample (Yoshida Route)

Day 1: Arrive at 5th Station → Day Hike → Stay Overnight at Mountain Hut

• 10:00 — Depart mountain base by bus (45 min to 5th Station)
• 10:50 — Acclimate, eat lunch, register for the climb
• 12:20 — Begin ascent; reach 8th Station mountain hut and rest overnight

Day 2: Pre-dawn Summit → Watch Sunrise → Descend

• 00:15 — Wake up and prepare
• 00:45 — Begin night climb
• 04:45 — Reach summit, enjoy sunrise with breakfast
• 06:15 — Reach highest point: Kengamine Peak
• 07:15 — Begin descent
• 09:20 — Rest at 7th Station
• 11:00 — Return to 5th Station
• 11:30 — Bus back to mountain base
• 12:40 — Trip ends

📎 More itineraries here

https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/itineraries/itineraries.html

 

V. Mount Fuji Entry Management & Reservation System

As of 2025, all 4 climbing routes require entry management, with differing rules:

Route	Reservation Required?	Entry Fee	Climber Limit	Night Climb
Yoshida Route (Yamanashi)	✅ Recommended (may be blocked if not reserved) ❌ Hut guests exempt	¥4,000/person	Limited; no entry once full	After 2:00 PM, only reserved climbers or hut guests may pass
Fujinomiya / Gotemba / Subashiri (Shizuoka)	✅ Mandatory registration + online learning	¥4,000/person	No limit	2:00 PM – 3:00 AM: Only hut guests allowed

 

⏱️ Quick Reservation Q&A

Q1. Can I climb without a reservation?
A: Depends on the route. Yoshida allows walk-ins (but not always); Shizuoka routes require online registration + learning.

Q2. Is mountain hut booking the same as route reservation?
A: No — they are completely separate systems.

Q3. When should I reserve?
A: As early as possible! Yoshida fills up fast. Shizuoka routes require time to complete e-learning and quiz.

Q4. Can I cancel and get a refund?

• Yoshida Route: No refund after the day after booking. You can change the date, but not the number of people.
• Shizuoka Routes: Cancel anytime before climbing day for full refund; no cancellation fee.

📱 Reservation & App Resources

Yoshida Route Reservation:
https://www.asoview.com/channel/tickets/64ITUJsiLs/

Shizuoka Route Registration (FUJI NAVI):
https://fujisan223registration.com/2025/jp.html

📱Official Mount Fuji App – FUJI NAVI (Highly Recommended):
Includes offline maps, route navigation, and lost-hiker alerts.
📌 Show the app screen during your hike to receive a wooden commemorative token!

 

VI. Final Notes

·         Gotemba Route is long and physically demanding with sparse facilities — not suitable for beginners.

·         A full loop of the summit crater (“Ohachi Meguri”) takes ~90 minutes — only attempt if you have stamina and time.

·         Descent puts high stress on knees — use trekking poles for joint protection.

·         If starting your climb after 2:00 PM, you must reserve a mountain hut in advance.

Climbing Mount Fuji isn’t just about physical endurance — it’s a moving, spiritual experience. Standing at the summit and watching the sunrise above the sea of clouds replaces every ounce of fatigue with awe.

May this guide help you climb safely, reach the top, and bring home unforgettable memories.

Wishing you a successful Mount Fuji adventure!