Climbing Mount Fuji in Mount Fuji and Hakone

Part of the Mount Fuji and Hakone travel guide — see every topic in All Mount Fuji and Hakone Guides.

Mount Fuji is 3,776 m high, the tallest mountain in Japan. You can climb it in summer, and many people go up at night to see the sunrise from the top. The climb is not technical, but it is long, steep and cold at the top. New rules now control when you can start and how many people can climb. This guide explains the season, the trails, the rules and what to bring.

The season

The official climbing season is short. In 2026, the Yoshida and Subashiri trails opened on 1 July, and the Fujinomiya and Gotemba trails opened on 10 July. All four closed on 10 September. Dates are set each year, so check the official Mount Fuji climbing website before you plan. Outside the season there is snow and ice, the huts are closed, and there is no rescue support. Climbing then is very dangerous and strongly discouraged. Inside the season, the trails are busiest from mid-July to August, and especially on weekends and during the mid-August holiday. Weekdays in early July or early September are quieter.

The four trails

There are four main trails, and all start at a fifth station that you reach by bus or car. The Yoshida Trail, on the Yamanashi side, is the most popular. It starts at the Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station, at about 2,300 m, and has the most mountain huts. Buses run there from Kawaguchiko Station and from Shinjuku in the season. The Fujinomiya Trail is the shortest. The Subashiri and Gotemba trails are quieter and longer. On the Yoshida Trail, the climb up takes about 5 to 7 hours and the walk down about 3 to 4 hours. Private cars are banned on the access roads for much of the season, so use the shuttle buses.

Fees, registration and gate hours

Since 2024 the rules have become stricter, and since 2025 they apply on all four trails. Every climber must pay a hiking fee and register online before the climb. You cannot start climbing from the fifth station between 2 pm and 3 am the next morning. The only exception is for people with a booking at a mountain hut, who must show proof. On the Yoshida Trail there is also a limit of 4,000 climbers per day. Some spaces are kept for people who register on the day. The Shizuoka trails have no daily limit. Staff may check that you have proper boots, rain gear and warm clothes.

Sunrise and mountain huts

Most climbers start in the afternoon, sleep for a few hours in a mountain hut, then leave very early to reach the top for sunrise. In Japanese the sunrise from Fuji is called goraiko. Huts are basic, with shared sleeping spaces, simple meals and toilets that need a small coin. Book your hut well ahead, especially for weekends. The gate rule means you can no longer start late at night and climb straight to the top without a hut. Walk slowly. Altitude sickness is common above about 3,000 m. Signs include headache and feeling sick. If this happens, rest, and go down if it gets worse.

What to bring

The top of Fuji can be near freezing even in August, and the wind is strong. Bring hiking boots with high ankles, a rain jacket and rain trousers, warm layers, a hat and gloves. A headlamp with spare batteries is essential for the night climb. Carry 1 to 2 litres of water and snacks, and plenty of cash and coins for huts and toilets. There are no bins on the mountain, so bring a bag and carry all your rubbish down. Sun cream and sunglasses help, because the sun is strong above the clouds. The loose volcanic gravel on the way down is hard on knees, so poles help.

Climbing Mount Fuji at a glance

More in Mount Fuji & Hakone

All 6 Mount Fuji & Hakone guides·Japan tourist maps

Featured Videos