Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji sits on the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures inside Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Its cone dominates the Fuji Five Lakes region and is visible from central Tokyo on clear days.

Climbing season is strictly summer — typically early July to early September — when trails, huts, and services operate. Off-season visits are great for views but climbing is hazardous due to snow and wind.

Four main routes: Yoshida Trail, Subashiri Trail, Gotemba Trail, Fujinomiya Trail; each differs in length, steepness, and crowding. Most day-hikes start from a 5th station with huts spaced near the ridgeline.

Expect 6–12 hours ascent, 3–5 hours descent depending on route and fitness. Hut reservations are recommended for summit sunrise (goraikō). Pack layers, headlamp, food, and altitude-aware pace; guided climbs available for first-timers.

Top viewpoints include Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko), Chureito Pagoda, the Fuji Five Lakes, and the Hakone shoreline. Sunrise and clear winter mornings offer the most dramatic photos.

From Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line to Kawaguchiko or highway buses from Shinjuku to 5th Stations. From Shizuoka, buses serve Fujinomiya 5th Station. Rent a car for full regional flexibility.

Base yourself in Kawaguchiko or Fujinomiya for hotels, ryokan, and guesthouses. Mountain huts sell basic meals and bunks on the trails; book early during peak weeks.

Camp around the Fuji Five Lakes (e.g., Lake Motosu, Lake Yamanaka) at organized campgrounds; wild camping on the mountain is prohibited. Book sites in high season.

Low-elevation forests host Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), sika deer (Cervus nippon), and Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus). Birdlife includes copper pheasant and various woodland species — respect habitat and keep distance.

Altitude, sudden weather shifts, steep loose gravel (saku-saku), and hypothermia are real risks. Carry waterproof layers, map, headlamp, first-aid, and enough water; start early and descend if conditions worsen.

No national climbing permit is required for casual hikers, but a voluntary climber registration/fee and hut reservations are common; certain parking or bus access points may charge tolls or seasonal fees.

Mount Fuji rewards preparation: choose the right trail, respect the season, book huts, and prioritize safety. Whether photographing the cone from a lake or summiting for goraikō, plan logistics and weather windows carefully.