Climbing Mount Fuji: The Complete First-Timer’s Guide

There’s a saying in Japan that everyone should climb Mount Fuji once in their lifetime.

Having done it myself, I can honestly say I’m glad I did, but once was enough. The climb is not for the faint-hearted. It demands preparation, steady determination, and deep respect not only for the mountain’s unpredictable weather but also for its immense cultural and spiritual weight.

From the first steps at the 5th Station to the final, grueling push toward the summit, Fuji challenges both body and mind, offering moments of stillness and awe that few experiences can match. Watching the sunrise from above the clouds surrounded by exhausted but exhilarated climbers, is something you carry long after you’ve descended.

This guide covers all you need to prepare from ideal climbing seasons and trail choices to essential safety advice, mountain hut accommodations, and post-climb attractions. 

When Is the Best Time to Climb Mount Fuji?

Mount Fuji’s official climbing season runs from early July to early September, when all four main routes—Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya—are typically open from around July 10 until about September 10. During this time, the trails are free of snow, mountain huts are in operation, and overall conditions are at their safest and most accessible.

Still, the mountain’s weather can be unpredictable: early July often sees lingering fog and rain as the rainy season fades, while late July through mid-August usually brings the most stable conditions, with warmer temperatures and clear skies under the Pacific high-pressure system. 

Even so, temperatures at the summit can fall below freezing, especially at night or before dawn, so climbers should be prepared for a wide range of conditions from summer heat to biting cold. Sudden storms and lightning can also occur, making proper gear, clothing, and weather monitoring essential for a safe climb.

Mount Fuji Trails: Which Route Should You Choose?

Map by The Japan Times

The following table provides a comparison of the four main routes. 

The Yoshida Trail is the most developed route, featuring the greatest number of mountain huts and emergency facilities. 

The Gotemba Trail is the least congested but also the most physically challenging, starting from a lower elevation and traversing loose volcanic terrain.

The Subashiri Trail provides a tranquil, forested approach with beautiful scenery, particularly enjoyable in the early stages of the climb.

The Fujinomiya Trail is the shortest yet steepest route, offering a more direct ascent with fewer switchbacks.

Note that all times given are approximate and depend on the fitness levels of the climber, the weather, and crowd levels.

What to Pack for Climbing Mount Fuji 

Photo by David Guttenfelder, National Geographic

Climbing Mount Fuji demands equipment that can withstand everything from sweltering heat at the base to freezing winds near the summit, along with sharp elevation changes and rugged volcanic ground. 

Essential Gear Checklist

• Proper layering is key:
  • Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin
  • Add an insulating fleece or lightweight down jacket for warmth
  • Finish with a waterproof, windproof shell to guard against rain and gusts
• Durable hiking boots with solid ankle support and thick soles are essential for gripping loose gravel and uneven rock
• Gloves
• Warm hat
• UV-protective sunglasses; both the cold and the sun can be surprisingly harsh at altitude
• A 30-liter daypack is usually sufficient for carrying essentials such as:
  • 2–3 liters of water
  • Calorie-dense snacks
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Reliable rain cover or jacket

Notes:

Umbrellas and flimsy plastic ponchos are useless in Fuji’s strong winds. 

Avoid cotton garments altogether, as they retain moisture; choose quick-drying synthetic fabrics for shirts, socks, and undergarments. 

Even during midsummer climbs, temperatures near the summit often dip below freezing, especially at night or before sunrise, so pack thermal wear and check your gear thoroughly before setting out.

Mount Fuji Registration, Fees, and New 2025 Rules

Beginning in 2025, all Mount Fuji climbers will be required to pay a compulsory hiking fee of ¥4,000 per person, replacing the previous voluntary contribution system. 

This fee applies to all four official routes and is used to fund essential services such as trail upkeep, rescue operations, and environmental protection.

Climbers must register online in advance through the official Mount Fuji climbing portal, which opens annually on April 1.

During registration, you’ll select your preferred trail and climbing date, pay the fee, and receive a QR code to scan at the entrance gate.

Access to the trails is restricted to between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. unless you have a confirmed reservation at a mountain hut, and to help manage crowding, the Yoshida Trail now has a strict daily limit of 4,000 climbers. 

While on-site payment remains an option, it is strongly discouraged due to long lines and possible delays during the busy season.

Physical Challenges of Climbing Mount Fuji

Photo by David Guttenfelder, National Geographic

Climbing Mount Fuji is a demanding challenge that pushes both body and mind, requiring stamina, adaptability to altitude, and steady mental focus. The ascent from the 5th Station to the summit generally takes between 5 and 10 hours, depending on the chosen trail, and involves steep, uneven slopes composed of loose volcanic rock.

As elevation increases, the air becomes thinner, and altitude sickness—characterized by headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue—is a frequent reason climbers are forced to turn back.

Even in midsummer, temperatures near the summit can plunge below freezing, particularly before sunrise, posing a risk of hypothermia. At the same time, intense sun exposure and dehydration during the day can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke if climbers fail to pace themselves or drink enough water.

Sudden changes in weather are common: afternoon thunderstorms, strong gusts, and swirling fog can appear with little warning, making footing treacherous on the loose gravel. Slips, falls, and disorientation are genuine risks, especially in darkness or poor visibility.

For a safe and fulfilling climb, careful preparation, gradual acclimatization, and a deep respect for the mountain’s unpredictable nature are absolutely essential.

Safety Tips for Climbing Mount Fuji 

Photo by David Guttenfelder, National Geographic

A safe ascent of Mount Fuji depends on careful preparation, situational awareness, and genuine respect for the mountain’s conditions. 

Always begin by checking detailed weather forecasts for both the base and the summit 24 to 48 hours before your climb—strong winds, heavy rain, or lightning can quickly make conditions hazardous. 

Plan to move at a measured, steady pace to minimize the risk of altitude sickness, and take at least 30 minutes to rest and acclimate at the 5th Station before beginning your ascent.

Bring 2–3 liters of water, compact high-energy snacks, and a headlamp with extra batteries—especially vital for overnight climbs.

Dress in layered, quick-drying clothing, and wear well-fitted, broken-in hiking boots that provide firm ankle support. Keep some cash handy, including ¥100 coins for toilet use, and make sure to register your climbing plan with family or local authorities before departure.

Never climb alone, and if you experience warning signs such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, turn back immediately.

Above all, remember: Mount Fuji will always be there; no view or summit is worth risking your safety.

Mount Fuji Mountain Huts: Where to Stay Overnight

Photo by David Guttenfelder, National Geographic

Overnight accommodation on Mount Fuji is limited but plays a crucial role for those hoping to catch the sunrise from the summit. Mountain huts, located between the 7th and 8th Stations along all four official trails, offer simple dormitory-style lodging with communal bedding, basic hot meals, and pay-per-use toilets. 

Amenities are minimal: there are no showers, water is scarce, and payments are cash-only, yet these huts provide invaluable protection from the elements and help climbers acclimate to the altitude.

Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during weekends and holidays, and typically open around April or May through each hut’s website (most of which are in Japanese). Some accept online reservations, while others require booking by phone.

Camping is strictly prohibited above the 5th Station, making these huts the only legitimate overnight option on the mountain. To secure a spot, reserve early and confirm your check-in time, many huts will turn away late arrivals.

Spending the night not only increases safety but also gives climbers the best chance to experience the awe-inspiring Goraiko, the sunrise viewed from Japan’s highest point.

Mount Fuji Etiquette

As Japan’s most sacred peak, Fuji calls for humility and respect from everyone who sets foot on its slopes.

• Always remain on the designated trails to prevent erosion and protect delicate alpine ecosystems.
• On narrow paths, yield to ascending climbers and avoid rushing or overtaking recklessly.
• Keep voices low, particularly around mountain huts, where others may be resting after long climbs.
• Carry all waste back down with you; there are no trash bins on the mountain and never leave litter behind.
• Refrain from smoking, drinking, or disturbing wildlife, and do not lean on or pull the guide ropes, which are there for navigation, not support.
• When passing shrines, torii gates, or other sacred markers, take a brief moment to bow or offer a silent prayer, acknowledging the mountain’s spiritual significance.
• If you encounter someone who is injured, lost, or unwell, offer help or notify the nearest hut staff immediately.

To climb Fuji is to participate in a living tradition. Treating the mountain with care and gratitude ensures that its beauty and spirit endure, so that future generations, too, may stand in quiet awe above the clouds.

Mount Fuji Best Views & Recovery Spots

Photo by David Guttenfelder, National Geographic

After summiting Mount Fuji, many climbers stay to experience the ethereal Goraikō—the sunrise that bathes the crater rim and clouds in breathtaking shades of gold, pink, and violet.

To capture this moment, use a wide-angle lens or your smartphone in landscape mode, and steady your shot against a trekking pole or rock ledge. Including silhouettes of fellow climbers adds scale and emotion to your photos, while avoiding flash helps preserve the mountain’s natural glow.

After descending, the Fuji Five Lakes area provides the perfect setting to rest, recover, and take in the mountain’s beauty from below. Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible and picturesque, ideal for leisurely walks, canoeing, or even glamping at Hoshinoya Fuji.

For postcard-worthy vistas, head to Chureito Pagoda or Omuro Sengen Shrine. Many guided day trips from Tokyo combine hot spring bathing, shrine visits, and panoramic lookout points, an ideal way to unwind, reflect on your climb, and appreciate Mount Fuji from a new perspective.

Mount Fuji FAQs: Safety, Trail Stats, Incidents & Regulations

How many people climb Mount Fuji each year?

Approximately 170,000 climbers ascended Mount Fuji during the 2025 season (July–September), with the majority using the Yoshida Trail.

What are the most common causes of accidents on Mount Fuji?

The leading causes include getting lost (30.4%), falls (20%), slips (17.2%), and fatigue or illness. Many incidents involve climbers who are poorly equipped or attempt overnight “bullet climbs” without rest.

How many accidents or rescues occur annually?

In 2024, 83 people were involved in incidents on Mount Fuji, a 62% increase over the five-year average. However, stricter regulations in 2025 helped reduce rescue cases to just 36, with no reported deaths during the official season.

Is climbing Mount Fuji dangerous for older adults?

Yes, nearly 80% of mountain-related incidents in Japan involve climbers aged 40 or older, and over 60% of fatalities are among those aged 60+. Proper preparation and pacing are essential for all age groups.

What safety measures have been introduced recently?

As of 2025, climbers must pay a ¥4,000 fee, register online, and avoid trail entry between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. without a hut reservation. These rules have significantly reduced reckless climbs and rescue cases.

Climbing Mount Fuji: The Ultimate Bucket List Item

Mount Fuji offers a challenge that is humbling, unforgettable, and for many, perfectly complete after one climb. But reaching the summit is only part of the story. Knowing when to go, choosing the right trail, packing smart, and respecting the mountain’s cultural and environmental significance matter just as much.

For first-timers, I hope this guide gives you everything you need to prepare for your climb and enjoy the experience safely and meaningfully.

For those who’ve already done it, what was your experience climbing Mount Fuji? Share your story in the comments.