Climbing Mt. Fuji in 2024: Know Before You Go

The 2024 hiking season introduces a series of changes intended to help preserve Mt. Fuji and its trails. Complications related to overtourism, littering, and other challenges have meant difficult adjustments for visitors and facilitators alike. However, honoring the new policies and tourism environment around the mountain actually promises a better experience for guests who make the trip. 

Ideally, guests will return to Mt. Fuji and the surrounding areas with a renewed appreciation for the sacred mountain. Take some time to learn the new rules, learn more about Mt. Fuji’s exciting climbing trails, and consider embracing other local activities off the mountain.

Trails start from Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka Prefecture and continue to the southeast of Tokyo. Three of the four major trails sanctioned by the federal department overseeing Mt. Fuji are located in Shizuoka, while the most popular trail is actually in Yamanashi. 

The Yoshida route opens on July 1, a week earlier than the others, and closes on September 10. By far the most popular route, it takes about ten hours to summit and return to the fifth station. Ascending and descending trails offer significant differences in route and scenery, and this trail has several rest areas and mountain huts for lodging. The Yoshida route is easily the most appealing option for visitors who want to summit with plenty of resources (and traffic). It’s popular with beginner hikers.

The Subashiri route opens on July 10th and closes on September 10th. Generally, it is a good second option for climbers starting in Shizuoka. The Subashiri route shares some of its trail with the Yoshida route and gets crowded in these places, but otherwise, it has comparatively few visitors. Being a less traveled route, there are also fewer amenities along the way. This trail has a steep descent, which can be thrilling — or scary!

Open from July 10 to September 10, the Gotemba route offers a traditional hiking experience for long-haul climbers confident about clearing the mountain. There are almost no overnight huts on this trail. While there is one stop past the fifth station and another at the seventh, camping is prohibited on this long hike, so it may be best to leave this quiet path to experts. That said, the Gotemba route covers a large swatch of Mt. Fuji’s scenery and offers a near-private hiking experience for travelers looking for peace and quiet. 

Also opening on July 10 and closing on September 10, the Fujinomiya trail is quick and rigorous. This trail is an excellent option for fans of any stamina-heavy sport. The Fujinomiya trail can be cleared in under 8 hours and features plenty of mountain huts and emergency first aid on the way. The Fujinomiya trail uses the same route for both ascent and descent. This route is the second most popular for its stunning views of the Mt. Fuji sunrise from any part of the path. Starting in Shizuoka is a great option for climbers who don’t mind a little challenge.

Hiking, conceptually, in Japan varies substantially from what other parts of the world would call “hiking.” In Japan, “hiking” can mean everything from a proper mountain climb to long walks in the park. Don’t be surprised to see so-called hikers show up in full gear to wander around Shibuya, rucksacks, poles, etc. Yamanobori, or more formally tozan, are terms used for climbs that involve boulders, trees, and sweat. 

Where some countries implement switch-back paths to make summitting easier on the knees, Japanese mountain trails have a bad habit of hammering in steep, shallow steps at best and plowing ahead straight up at worst. It’s not uncommon to have to rely on carabiners and ropes tethered to the sides of a trail. An “intermediate” hiker who easily covers long trails in other areas may struggle with the verticality of hiking mountains in Japan, Mt. Fuji included.

Mt. Fuji is a popular and accessible climbing destination, but as a spate of accidents has shown in recent years, it may not be for everyone. Hikers should be prepared with sturdy shoes and poles and be in good health if they decide to climb the mountain. 

The good news is that Mt. Fuji’s popularity has afforded it a significant amount of resources for would-be climbers, including guided tours, rental shops, on-site hotels, and emergency care, et cetera. In order to continue to maintain the mountain’s facilities and condition, 2024 will be the first year that a few new policies are implemented:

1. Expect to pay at least ¥1,000 as a donation at any trailhead. The Yoshida route requires climbers to pay a mandatory fee of ¥2,000. Climbers should bring enough cash to cover this entrance fee, plus an additional ¥2,000 per person for drinks and other incidentals at rest stations. 
2. From July 2024, the Yoshida route will cap its visitor count at 4,000 climbers per day. The trailhead may close early, especially during busy seasons (summer break, Tanabata, and Obon). Plan accordingly or book your spot in advance. Check the Official Web Site for Mt. Fuji Climbing for reservation links.
3. Make sure to reserve a mountain hut called a koya in advance. Bullet climbing, where hikers try to summit Mt. Fuji in a single rush, is discouraged and dangerous. The Yoshida route has plenty on the way up, but stop-overs are scarce on the descent. There’s no guarantee for hikers who stop unannounced, especially at peak season. This no-frills guide gives a good idea of the current reservation volumes. Mt. Fuji’s official site also offers a list of facilities for each trail.
4. The Yoshida route closes for entry at 4 pm to all travelers except those with proof of reservations at one of the stop-over huts on Mt. Fuji. The Shizuoka routes have not yet implemented a fee, but trail entry still closes at 4 pm, and the management organization requests that climbers complete a digital registration on smartphones. The official site offers more details.

When in doubt, check the Official Web Site for Mt. Fuji Climbing for the latest rules and initiatives to avoid making the trip in vain.

The short answer? Dedicated Mt.Fuji-bound bus services from central Tokyo.

Mt. Fuji and the surrounding foothills can be accessed in just under 2 hours from Tokyo. A private car from Tokyo can get hikers to the trailhead in about ninety minutes in good traffic. Most visitors choose to take daily buses that shuttle from the capital (many depart from Shinjuku) to the mountain. For those hoping to enjoy a comfortable and scenic view while they commute, both rapid and regular trains can make it to Mt. Fuji in around 3 hours. 

Thousands of hikers at varying levels of physical fitness successfully climb Mt. Fuji every year, but in general, Mt. Fuji is considered an intermediate climb. Climbers should be prepared to carry around 7-10 kilos of extra weight from gear, use their hands to climb, and be in good cardiovascular health.

Make necessary adjustments to pacing and stay well-fueled, hydrated, and rested. Depending on the weather conditions and trail, Mt. Fuji is considered appropriate for intermediate to advanced hikers, but even beginners can summit with the right preparations.

Depending on the trail, ascent, and descent estimates differ:

• Yoshida Trail: 6 hours up, 4 hours down
• Subashiri Trail: 6 hours up, 3 hours down
• Gotemba Trail: 7 hours up, 3 hours down
• Fujinomiya Trail: 5 hours up, 3 hours down

Experienced hikers recommend adding an extra hour to these official estimates and keeping in mind time spent at Koya mountain huts or rest stops.

Hiking trails on Mt. Fuji are officially open from the beginning of July until early September. Facilities at the fifth station and below are open for a longer period, from spring until autumn. See below for a full breakdown:

• Yoshida Trail: July 1–September 10
• Subashiri Trail: July 10–September 10
• Gotemba Trail: July 10–September 10
• Fujinomiya Trail: July 10–September 10

Trail-ready gear for storms, wind, rain, and even backup shelter plans in lightning conditions are necessary. The weather on the mountain changes quickly. Temperatures can differ by as much as 24 degrees Celcius from the foothills to the summit, and the top of the mountain easily reaches zero degrees Celcius even in the summer. At higher elevations, hikers experience a chill from low-pressure and high wind. In other words, a convenience store umbrella isn’t going to do the job. 

Due to the altitude, climbers are at risk of sun damage, even in freezing weather. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a must. Certain trail areas may have bugs, particularly during humid Japanese summers. 

Hikers should wear layered, easy-to-move-in clothes, hiking boots, and rain gear. Hats and face coverings can help protect hikers from insects, the sun, rain, and dust.

Bring a refillable water bottle to hydrate at rest stops and plenty of alternatives in case of emergency. Handy electrolyte gel packs, protein bars, and other fast-fuel options are easy to find at any convenience store.

Make sure to carry proof of ID (passports for foreign visitors) and hard copies of any reservations for mountain huts or tours, as coverage can be spotty. 

The official website has a very specific list for travelers who need it.

Given the immense prep required, unreliable weather, and potential expenses of acquiring gear and an experienced guide, summiting the mountain (technically a volcano, by the way) might not be everyone’s ideal way to spend a trip to Mt. Fuji.

Instead, other experiences await around the fifth base and surrounding foothills. Straddling Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, the five lakes of Mt. Fuji and its foothills offer dining and adventures that are just as exciting as making the trek to the peak — sometimes even more exciting if trying the high-speed rides at Fuji-Q Highlands sounds fun. See our list of recommended things to do around Mt. Fuji.

Many visitors heading to Mt. Fuji miss the chance to explore the prefecture’s rich culture (and, of course, cuisine) in favor of a climb. Discovering the food scene around Mt. Fuji is a great way to enjoy the area during the off-season.

Fujiya offers a chance for guests to get their hands dirty making their own meals to enjoy for lunch, dyeing a wearable souvenir with Japanese indigo, or making a one-of-a-kind spice mix to take home. Views from nearby Lake Kawaguchi are spectacular, especially when paired with steam rising off of a hand-made bowl of vegetarian houtou.

Packing Shizuoka’s best food and picturesque landscapes all into one trip is no easy feat. But a quick ride on the bullet train and an expert guide goes a long way. Take a trip to Fujinomiya, home to locally cultivated green tea leaves, 80-year-old soba shops, and distinctive black oden. Fujinomiya is the closest town to Mt. Fuji and promises stunning views.

Moro introduces guests to the tools and techniques behind Yamanashi’s signature dish, houtou, in an open, log-cabin-inspired venue. Houtou noodles are similar to udon — they’re wide wheat noodles enjoyed in warm soup — but the dish is only local to the chilly mountains of Yamanashi! Here, visitors make their own luxurious seafood houtou while enjoying the scenery. Moro’s houtou class is open to families, and the restaurant is pet-friendly.

Glamping sites in the foothills of Mt. Fuji provide a chance for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the scenery without a hike. After an early morning hike to Shira-ito Waterfall, guests are greeted with fresh-baked bread and a local breakfast. Eco-friendly camping and sustainability are at the heart of on-site activities. There’s plenty of downtime to take in the views or enjoy some local sake, but campers will also play a part by harvesting vegetables.

Whether hikers choose to summit Mt. Fuji or enjoy the surrounding areas, Yamanashi and Shizuoka are both exciting destinations. Enjoyed from a cozy tent or mountain top, it's still true that the world has a few sunrises that are quite as breathtaking as the one over Mt. Fuji.