The Complete Guide To Climbing Mount Fuji Using the Yoshida Trail in 2024

Update: Shortly after publishing, a mandatory 2,000 yen (~$13) fee for all climbers was announced. This fee is intended to help control overtourism. There is also a new daily limit of 4,000 people climbing Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest, and easily most famous mountain, standing at over 12,000 feet tall. Located just a couple hours from Tokyo, most visitors make it a point to see Mount Fuji. And each year, tens of thousands of other lucky people make the trek to the summit. But climbing Mount Fuji isn’t as simple as just showing up and going for it, it requires some planning and preparation.

I was fortunate enough to be in Japan right in the middle of Mount Fuji climbing season as part of my year in Southeast Asia. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip, and I’m hoping to help you plan your once-in-a-lifetime trek! Keep reading for everything you need to know about climbing Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail.

Guide to CIimbing Mount Fuji (TL;DR Summary)

Interested in everything you need to know about climbing Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail, but don’t have time to read through all the details? Here’s a TL;DR summary of how to reach the Mount Fuji summit using the Yoshida Trail in 2024.

Click the links in the list below for more details on each piece of advice for climbing Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail.

When To Climb Mount Fuji

Due to the extreme and often unpredictable weather, climbing Mount Fuji is only permitted during the official climbing season. Mount Fuji climbing season starts in early July and ends in mid-September. For 2024, the climbing season starts on July 1 and ends on September 10.

It’s important to note that the climbing season varies by trail as well. There are four different trails to choose from when climbing Mount Fuji: Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya. In 2023, the Yoshida trail, which is by far the most popular trail, opened on July 1. The three other trails opened on July 10. Make sure you check the official climbing season dates by trail before planning your trip! But if you’re here, I’m assuming you’re following my footsteps (literally and figuratively) up the Yoshida Trail.

Climbing Mount Fuji in the Offseason

Attempting the climb outside of climbing season is technically prohibited, but I’ve read numerous anecdotes of people successfully summiting. I would definitely not recommend this option though.

First, the mountain huts and services are closed. So if you’re caught in an emergency like unexpected severe weather, you’re on your own. And you have to climb from the base of the mountain, adding hours of strenuous climbing to the trek. People have died climbing Mount Fuji in the offseason, including a man who live-streamed his accidental death in 2019.

How To Get To Mount Fuji

If you’re planning to take the Yoshida Trail, the easiest way to get to Mount Fuji is via Highway Bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in Tokyo. The bus drops you off at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, the starting point of the Yoshida Trail. During the climbing season, buses depart close to hourly. Roundtrip tickets cost 7,600 yen (~$50) and the journey is roughly two and a half hours each way.

I highly recommend booking your ticket in advance as the buses do sell out. I also recommend booking one of the earlier buses, especially if you’re staying in a hut up in the 8th Station (more on huts later). For my hike, I took the 6:45 AM bus, which got me to the 5th Station just after 9 AM. Getting there early gave me plenty of time to grab breakfast and coffee, and do some last-minute shopping for essentials like a walking stick. I was also one of the first to arrive at my hut, even though I took my time, which landed up an upper corner room!

If you’re coming from other parts of Japan, it may be easier to just take the train to Tokyo first and spend an evening there. Some buses can get you to Kawaguchiko Station, where you can then catch another bus to Subaru 5th Station. This journey is long and requires a few changes though.

Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station Information

If you’re climbing Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail, your hike will begin and end at the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. The 5th Station is where buses from Japan will drop you off and pick you up. The Yoshida Trailhead is located just outside the station.

Before making your way to the trailhead, walk across the street to the set of buildings where you’ll find a few shops, restaurants, restrooms, changing areas, and coin lockers. You can purchase extra layers, rain gear, water, snacks, and the famous souvenir walking sticks at the shops.

One nice thing about the 5th Station is that it’s at ~7,500 ft elevation, which makes it perfect for acclimatizing before your hike. I spent just under an hour at the 5th Station, which gave me plenty of time for a delicious pancake breakfast, a cup of coffee, shopping for a few necessities, and a light stretch while the morning fog cleared up.

Is Climbing Mount Fuji Difficult?

There are varying degrees of difficulty depending on which trail you take. The Yoshida Trail, which I hiked in 2023, is considered the easiest. While I can’t comment firsthand on the other trails, none of them are known for being technically challenging. Climbing Mount Fuji doesn’t require any special equipment.

But let me tell ya, climbing Mount Fuji is still pretty strenuous and physically demanding. My two biggest issues were the strain on my knees during the descent and the altitude on the ascent. Don’t be discouraged though! I completed the trek just six weeks after bilateral inguinal hernia surgery. Thanks to weeks of recovery and not being able to exercise, I was not in the best shape, but I still finished without issue!

On the way down, I relied heavily on my walking stick and frequently switched from walking forward to backward to relieve the strain on my knees. I would have really struggled without a walking stick. Bring trekking poles if you don’t plan to purchase a walking stick at the 5th Station.

Is a Guide Needed to Climb Mount Fuji?

You do not need to hire a guide to climb Mount Fuji. The trails are well-marked and maintained. Depending on the trail you choose and the time of day, you will likely see many others ahead of and alongside you. As long as you use common sense, are well-prepared, and don’t climb during the offseason, it’s a relatively safe experience to do alone.

But if you’re not fully comfortable taking on the challenge, you can join an organized tour. Both Viator and GetYourGuide have options you can pre-book.

Don’t Let Altitude Sickness Ruin Your Climb

You’ll spend a good portion of the trek above 10,000 feet in elevation. If you’ve ever spent any time at this elevation, you’re probably familiar with altitude sickness. Altitude sickness occurs when your body doesn’t have enough time to properly adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Some symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, and if can be life-threatening. Even the most physically fit climbers can succumb to altitude sickness if they’re not used to being at this elevation or don’t properly acclimatize.

There are a few important steps to prevent altitude sickness when climbing Mount Fuji. The first is to complete the climb over two days instead of “bullet climbing” in one day. While many still opt to bullet climb, most strongly discourage it. The second is to spend some time adjusting to the altitude at the 5th Station before you begin your ascent. And finally, take your time climbing, stay well-hydrated, and make frequent stops along the way. It doesn’t hurt to ask your doctor or travel clinic for a prescription for altitude sickness medication to bring along with you as a last resort.

Towards the end of the ascent to my mountain hut, I found myself moving much slower and stopping to catch my breath much more frequently. I brought altitude sickness medication with me, but I didn’t need it since I took my time with frequent rest stops along the way to properly acclimatize. I also spent close to an hour at the 5th Station, grabbing a delicious breakfast and coffee before I started the hike.

What Is the Yoshida Trail Like?

Most of the climb up the Yoshida Trail wasn’t all that special. The trail is mostly exposed to the elements, and you’ll be above the tree line for much of the climb. The views aren’t that great until you reach the 7th Station. Depending on the weather, the views may not be great until you get to the 8th Station and are well above the clouds. But once you are high enough and have clearings in the weather, the views are truly spectacular.

From the trailhead at the 5th Station to the 6th Station, the trail is mostly straight with fairly little altitude change. The trail changes to switchbacks with gradual slopes between the 6th and 7th Stations. After the 7th Station, the trail gets much rockier and steeper. Once you leave the 8th station towards the summit, the trail gets much more crowded.

Click here for a map of the Yoshida Trail. The map includes locations of the various huts with elevations and some estimated times. The map also includes locations of various services, like first aid and restrooms.

How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Fuji?

How long it takes to climb Mount Fuji depends on many factors, including the trail you choose, the weather, and your physical condition. The trails have varying degrees of length and difficulty, but in general, you can expect to spend 6-8 hours on the ascent and about 3-4 hours on the way down. These times do not factor in breaks or your overnight stay in the hut.

The Yoshida Trial might be the easiest of the trails, but it’s not the shortest. It took me about 6.5 hours of total climbing time on the way up and just over 3 hours on the way down. This does not include the time I spent on longer breaks.

A few factors slowed me down though. First, I was a bit out of shape. I was only six weeks removed from bilateral inguinal hernia surgery, which meant no exercise for weeks. Second, I hadn’t spent much time at altitude in years, so I was going pretty slow towards the end of the climb to my mountain hut. Third, the extreme weather made the final climb to the summit very slow. See below for a full timetable of my experience.

Mount Fuji Hike Timetable (My Climb Using Yoshida Trail)

Is It Worth Reaching the Summit in Time for Sunrise?

The answer to this comes down to personal preference, but in my opinion, it is definitely worth the effort to watch the sunrise from Mount Fuji summit. There are a few pros and cons to consider when deciding if it’s worth waking up at 2 AM to reach the summit in time for sunrise.

Besides the obvious “con” of waking up at or before 2 AM depending on which hut you stay in, the biggest drawback is how crowded the summit gets for sunrise. Most climbers plan their trek around catching the sunrise at the summit, and a few thousand people climb each day. It will also likely be colder at the summit than later in the day.

But for me, reaching the summit in time to watch the sunrise was more than worth the effort. Watching the sun rise above the clouds completely made the experience for me. I had plenty of space to myself to enjoy the view, though the way was quite congested. I didn’t mind the congestion on the way up though, because the weather was so bad during my final ascent I could hardly see beyond a few feet in front of me. The snaking line of headlamps ahead of me made finding my way in the dark much easier.

It’s Not Always Possible To Reach the Summit for Sunrise

It’s worth noting that there is no guarantee it will be safe to make it to the summit in time for sunrise. I almost missed the sunrise altogether, and had it not been for large groups of others who forged ahead, I likely wouldn’t have made it myself.

After waking at 2 AM, the staff at my hut delivered some bad news. Because of strong winds, heavy rain, and near-freezing temperatures, the staff advised not to continue or wait until later in the day. I was told that all group tours for the morning were canceled and that the station at the summit would be closed, meaning no services or emergency help.

Given all the effort I put in for the once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was pretty devastated. But I saw a bunch of others in the hut disregarding the warnings and preparing for their final ascent. Upon seeing this, I peeked outside and saw a long line of headlamps heading up towards the summit. In retrospect, maybe this was a little stupid not to listen. But I figured it couldn’t be that bad if hundreds of others were going for it.

The Final Stretch Is Uncomfortable, but Worth It

While the weather made it very uncomfortable and extra challenging, I never felt unsafe. Thankfully I had packed a few extra layers, including some water-resistant gear. I was as warm as could be, given the conditions. The visibility for the first hour was extremely poor and I frequently had to stop and turn my back to the wind to catch my breath. But with about a half hour to go, the rain stopped and the wind died down thankfully.

When I reached the summit, the dark sky above me was clear and I could see hints of the sunrise in the distance. There were already a few hundred others waiting for the sunrise, and all services were open. Apparently, someone misinformed the staff at my hut. But I still appreciate they were looking out for my safety.

I had time to kill before sunrise, so I popped inside the hut to warm up and to get my final walking stick stamp. About a half hour later, I was treated to one of the most memorable and surreal sunrises of my life.

What Is the Mount Fuji Weather Like?

If I had to choose one word to describe the Mount Fuji weather, it would be “unpredictable.” The weather often changes frequently and without much warning. And even during the summer climbing season, weather can get pretty extreme with severe thunderstorms common. Thick layers of fog are also common, which can really obstruct visibility.

Besides the unpredictable weather and severe storms, the higher you ascend, the colder it gets. On average, air temperature drops 3.6°F for every 1,000 feet climbed. So, you can expect the temperature at the summit to be at least 18°F colder than at the 5th Station (~5,000 feet elevation difference). In reality, it will probably feel even colder due to the wind and you may even be wet from rain.

Just remember to check the forecast frequently ahead of your climb. Keep in mind that the weather can sometimes make climbing conditions unsafe, particularly at the summit. For more information on climbing conditions, there’s another website that is updated four times a day with climbing condition ratings. It rates the conditions as either an A, B, or C with “A” being the best and clearest conditions and “C” being unsuitable to climb.

How Much Does Climbing Mount Fuji Cost?

Just like how long it takes to climb, there are a bunch of factors that impact how much it costs. Not including any clothes, accessories, gear, etc. (besides the souvenir walking stick), you should expect to spend around $150-$175. However, the cost can vary quite a bit depending on which hut you stay in and whether you choose to purchase a walking stick with all the stamps. To simplify, I’ll break the costs into three buckets: transportation, accommodation, and miscellaneous spending during the hike.

Transportation Costs

Assuming you’re coming from Tokyo and taking the bus as suggested, it will cost ~$50 per person roundtrip. If you’re coming from other parts of Japan, factor in the cost to first get to Tokyo or other bus options.

Accommodation Costs

Though all of the mountain huts are very basic, there is still a bit of a range of comfort level. Of course, the less comfortable huts will be less expensive. I read that some of the less comfortable huts around the 7th Station can cost around $35.

I stayed at the Tomoekan 8th Station, which is one of the final mountain huts on the ascent to the summit. It’s also one of the few huts that allows booking of private “rooms.” Being one of the more comfortable options, a stay at Tomoekan ranges from ~$65 to ~85 depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend and whether you add meals. See my detailed description above.

Hiking Fees

Beginning in 2024, everyone climbing Mout Fuji is required to pay a 2,000 yen (~$13) hiking fee. This new fee is intended to help control overcrowding on the trails. It’s also to help better maintain the trails.

Hikers are also requested to make a non-mandatory donation of 1,000 yen (~$7) at the 5th Station. This donation goes towards the Fujisan Conservation Donation Campaign, which covers maintenance and upkeep.

Miscellaneous Costs During the Hike

You’ll need to buy a few items during your hike, namely food, water, and restroom fees. You can expect to spend around $5-$8 per meal, though you can prepay for dinner and breakfast at your mountain hut. Snacks and bottled water are available at most huts as well.

Make sure you bring plenty of cash and change because most huts don’t accept credit card. Change is extra important, because toilets, which are located at most of the huts along the way, cost 200 yen (~$1.50) per use.

Mount Fuji Souvenir Walking Stick Cost

Change is also important if you plan to buy a walking stick and collect stamps along the way. Many walkers, including me, opt to buy a wooden souvenir walking stick. I would have really struggled, especially going down, without the walking stick since I don’t own trekking poles. Each hut offers a unique stamp, which one of the staff burns onto the stick. It makes for a pretty cool and interesting souvenir to commemorate your hike. Word of caution though, the stick is too big to fit into a large suitcase, so you’ll likely have to ship the stick home if you want to keep it.

You can purchase the walking stick at the 5th Station store for just 1,000 yen (~$7). But the cost to get it stamped adds up quickly! Each hut charges 300-500 yen ($2-$3) for stamps and some offer multiple stamps. I started getting a stamp at every hut, but soon realized I was going to spend over $30 just on stamps for a stick that wouldn’t even fit in my luggage. I did hear from others that it’s fairly simple and not too expensive to ship back to the US, but I ended up leaving mine behind in Tokyo.

Mount Fuji Packing List

Figuring out what to pack was surprisingly one of the more challenging aspects of climbing Mount Fuji. Because of the unpredictable weather, you’ll need clothes to stay warm and dry. But you also need clothes to keep cool when lower on the mountain, especially if it’s sunny. Most importantly though, you don’t want to overpack and end up with a much heavier-than-necessary backpack for the long hike.

Speaking of backpacks, a good backpack is your best friend for climbing Mount Fuji. I used a 24L backpack with a water-resistant cover, and it was pretty stuffed. I wouldn’t recommend going smaller than 20L.

Here is a list of items to bring with you for climbing Mount Fuji:

What About the Other Trails (Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya)?

I recommend checking out this article for more information on the other trails. The other trails offer varying levels of length and difficulty and are less crowded than the Yoshida Trail.

Closing Thoughts

Climbing Mount Fuji is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should be on any adventure-seeker’s bucket list! Follow the information in this climbing guide to help you get the most out of your adventure.

I hope you found this guide on climbing Mount Fuji via the Yoshida Trail helpful. Love my advice? Completely disagree with me? Leave a reply below and let me know your thoughts!