Hiking Mt Fuji Guide: Trails, Transportation and Toilets

A Full Hiking Mt Fuji Guide: How To Get To Mount Fuji from Tokyo (city and airports) via train or bus, Mt Fuji trails, where to stay by Mt Fuji and more Mt Fuji Tips! Most Mt. Fuji climbers stay in the Kawaguchiko Station area for easy access to Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko Lake, Fuji-Q Theme park and many more activities.

A special Mt. Fuji Pass is available for getting around Mt. Fuji that includes activities and discounts. The Japan Rail Pass has very limited use for getting around Mount Fuji making it not that useful. There’s a lot of info in this Mt Fuji Hike guide so please use the Table of Contents.

Mount Fuji Climbing Season

Mt Fuji Hike: Climbing Season is typically from the first week of July to the first week of September. You’re still free to climb Mt Fuji at your own risk anytime during the year, but it’s only during Mt Fuji climbing season that you will have plenty of transportation options and access to the station huts.

There are several stations along the way to the summit of Mt Fuji that have food, snacks, drinks restrooms and a place to rest. All of this of course comes at a high price financially and with the crowds.

This all happens at the Mt Fuji 5th station along the Fuji Subaru Line. It’s the easiest path for a Mt Fuji Hike from Tokyo.

2019 Mount Fuji Climbing Season: July 1 to September 10

The 2019 Mt Fuji Climbing Season will last from July 1 to September 10. Please check the Official Site for details on any trail closures or changes to the Mt Fuji Climbing Season dates.

Weather on Mt. Fuji

The Weather on Mt Fuji can be very warm starting at the Mt. Fuji 5th station and get to freezing temperatures by the time you reach the summit. You should absolutely bring gear to keep you warm.

Two light things you should bring are a raincoat and a face mask. Even if it’s not raining, the raincoat will help insulate your body and the face mask will help cover your mouth from breathing in cold air. Please see my Mount Fuji Packing List below for more details.

For the up to date Mt Fuji Weather status, that can be found here.

Getting To Mt Fuji Japan: How To Get To Mt Fuji From Tokyo

Before planning a trip to Mt Fuji, you should first start with what type of trail you would like to hike. There are 4 different trails to summit Mount Fuji with different difficulties, access to huts, places to sleep, toilets and other amenities.

For better details on getting to Mt Fuji, see the trail information section below. There you’ll all the different ways to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji

How To Get To Mount Fuji From Tokyo

From Tokyo to Mt Fuji, the easiest way to get there is to take a highway bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. I’ve outlined details on getting to Mt Fuji by trail. For specific directions, see the trail information below or checkout the the Fujikyu Guide.

From Tokyo To Kawaguchiko Station

The Express Highway Bus Kawaguchiko at Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal will take from Tokyo to Mount Fuji in a little less than 2 hours. This will take to to the Kawaguchiko Bus station and you will still need to take the climbing bus from Kawaguchiko to 5th Station Fuji-Subaru Line.

How To Get To Mt Fuji From Shinkansen

Since climbing Mt Fuji can only be done during the summer season, it makes sense that Japan did not dedicate a Shinkanen (Japan High Speed Rail) stop for the Mt. Fuji Area. The closes Shinkansen station to Mount Fuji is Omiya, which isn’t that close since you have to transfer to a local train for several stops.

Getting from Tokyo to Mt Fuji is faster and cheaper via highway bus (Fuji bus).

To Get to Mt Fuji From Shinkansen you’ll need access Gotemba Station. That’s the closest you can get to Mt Fuji with the JR Pass.

To get to Mt Fuji from Tokyo Station with the JR Pass:

• From Tokyo Station: Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Mishima Station
• Transfer to the local JR Tokaido line towards Numazu Station
• Change Trains at Numazu Station to the Gotemba Line
• Take the Gotemba Line to Gotemba Station
• Transfer to the Gotemba Climbing Bus to Take you up to Gotemba 5th Station where you can access the Subashiri trail.

It takes a little more than 2 hours to use JR trains to Mt Fuji and will cost 4840JPY. You have to make some tight transfers to take the train to Mt Fuji and can be difficult with luggage. So if you factor in cost, travel time and convenience, the Express Highway Bus to Mt Fuji is a significantly better deal.

Should I Get A JR Pass?

The Japan Rail pass is very convenient for travel around Japan. You can even get the Japan Rail Pass in Japan (even though you shouldn’t be able to). If you plan on climbing Mt Fuji and just staying in the Tokyo area, you should not get a JR Pass.

That’s because the Japan Rail Pass is expensive and inconvenient if your goal is to go from Tokyo to Mt Fuji. Taking the JR trains from Tokyo to Mount Fuji will require several transfers on trains where you will likely have to stand and hold on to your luggage. The highway bus is an alternative that is cheaper and more comfortable. Benefits of taking the highway bus to Mount Fuji:

• You get your own comfortable seat
• There’s a table tray
• Your luggage is stored for you under the bus
• There’s very few stops
• You get a 10-minute break at a rest stop to stretch your legs, use the restroom and buy food/drinks.
• Food and drinks are allowed on the bus.

Should I Get A JR Tokyo Wide Pass?

If you plan on exploring a lot of the Tokyo area, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass might make more sense for you. Personally, if you’re staying within the city and taking a short trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji it still makes more sense not to buy the JR Tokyo Wide Pass.

The JR Tokyo Wide Pass is only valid in the Tokyo area on JR trains and subways. The JR Tokyo Wide Pass does not apply to JR buses or highway buses which will make going from Tokyo station to Mt Fuji an inconvenience. You’ll notice that Tokyo has several different rail lines within Tokyo that the Japan Rail pass is also not valid.

Mt. Fuji Pass: Full Access To The Fuji Area

A lot of the transportation options in the Mt. Fuji area are not along the JR (Japan Rail) so you’ll have to use the local transportation options. A Mt. Fuji Pass is available to take you around all over the Fuji area in case you wanted to do a Fuji Five Lakes Day Trip or see Mt Fuji from multiple angles.

Official Mt Fuji Pass Price:

The Mt. Fuji Pass price is cheaper on Klook.

Should I Get a Mt. Fuji Pass?

For the price, I honestly don’t think you should get it if you only plan on climbing Mt. Fuji. If you’re planning a Mt Fuji hike, the cost is cheaper just to get to/from Mt Fuji 5th Station to Kawaguchiko Station, Fujinomiya or Gotemba.

If you plan on hanging out in the Mt. Fuji area, it’s absolutely worth it! To benefit from the Mt. Fuji Pass, you’ll need to go to all the Fuji attractions. Here’s a short list of the free benefits:

• Fuji Q-Highland: 1 Free Ride
• Lake Yamanakako Pleasure Cruiser: Free Cruise
• Mt Fuji Panaromic Ropeway: Free Ride (This is best place to view Mt. Fuji)
• Fujiyama Museum: Free Admission
• Lake Kawaguchiko Pleasure Cruiser: Free Cruise
• Fugaku Fuketsu (Wind Cave): Free Admission
• Narusawa Hyoketsu (Ice Cave): Free Admission
• Grinpa Amusement Park: Free Admission
• Lake Motosuko Pleasure Cruiser: Free Cruise
• Then a lot of other discounts. Full details on the Mt. Fuji Pass can be found here.

Transportation is expensive in Japan and to get full value from the Mt. Fuji Pass you’ll have to travel a lot and use all the benefits! A full map of the Mt Fuji Pass routes can be found here.

After your Mt Fuji Hike, you should plan on doing some sightseeing the Fuji area with the Mt. Fuji pass. Definitely worth the trip time investment. If you want to enjoy more time at Fuji Q-Highland Theme park, Klook has discounted full day tickets.

Klook Sign Up Discount

For first time Klook users, you can get a sign up bonus with my referral code.

The 4 Mt Fuji Trails To The Summit

Each of the 4 Mt Fuji Trails can offer different challenges for duration, topography, difficulty and amount of climbers. The official Mount Fuji Trail info has a great chart on the differences and I’ll summarize them here.

For the descending Mt Fuji, you also have to factor in fatigue and congestion traffic. So you can add 1-2 hours to the estimates if you’re not in great shape.

Remember the name or color of the trail you are taking. The pictures will indicate if you are on the descending path or ascending path. It happens to be the same for sections of the Mt Fuji hike trails.

Even though Mount Fuji has a lot of huts for you to rest, it is still not an easy hike. Many hikers get altitude sickness so take it slow even if you are in great condition.

Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail (Yellow Trail)

The Yoshida trail is the most popular Fuji 5th station by far. Since the Yoshida Trail is the easiest to access from: Haneda airport to Mount Fuji/Narita Airport To Mt Fuji (Tokyo airport to Mr Fuji), Shinjuku Station To Mt Fuji all via express highway bus.

• Ascent: 6 Hours
• Descent: 4 Hours
• Path: Unique path up, but descent is down is shared with the Subashiri path. Flat and zig-zag paths then rocky after the 7th station
• Congestion: The most crowded path
• Mountain Huts: Available throughout the ascending path only.
• First Aid: Available at the 5th, 7th and 8th stations
• Access: Bus available from Kawaguchiko Bus Station and Mt Fuji Station
• Yoshida Trail Map

Yoshida Trail From Kawaguchiko Station/Mount Fuji Station: How To Get To Mount Fuji

To get to the Yoshida Trail, you can take the local bus Fuji Climbing Bus from Kawaguchiko Station (or Mount Fuji Station) to the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station. The from Gawaguchiko to 5th station takes approximately 1 hour. Tickets can be purchased at the station or on the bus.
Cost: 1540JPY One-Way / 2300JPY Round Trip

Yoshida Trail From Tokyo: Shinjuku Station to Mt Fuji

To get to Mt Fuji from Shinjuku Station, you can take the Express Highway bus to Kawaguchiko or Mount Fuji Station.
Cost: From 1800JPY+ (see link for specific station costs)

Yoshida Trail From Tokyo: Haneda Airport To Mt Fuji

There are 6 daily buses from Haneda Airport To Mt Fuji Station departing at 06:55, 08:50, 10:05, 12:25, 14:40 and 17:30. The ride from Haneda Airport to Mount Fuji takes approximately 3 hours and costs 2270JPY. The Fujikyuko Express Highway bus will only take you to Kawaguchiko Station and Mount Fuji Staton. To get to the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station, you’ll need to take the Fuji Climbing Bus for an additional 1540JPY (Round Trip 2300JPY).
Cost: 3810JPY+

Yoshida Trail From Tokyo: Narita Airport To Mt Fuji

There are two buses that will take you from Narita Airport to Mount Fuji Station departing at 10:30 and 12:30 daily. The ride from Narita Airport to Mt Fuji takes approximately 3.5 hours and costs 4800JPY. And additional cost of 1540JPY (Round Trip 2300JPY) will be needed to take you from Mount Fuji Station to the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station.
Cost: 6340JPY

Mount Fuji Subashiri Trail (Red Trail)

The Mt Fuji Subashiri trail is located on the Eastern side of Mount Fuji. It can be accessed via Gotemba Station on the JR Gotemba Line. If you want to use a JR Pass to get to Mt Fuji, the Subashiri trail will be the most convenient.

• Ascent: 6 Hours
• Descent: 3 Hours
• Path: Unique path up, but descent is down is shared with the Yoshida path. Gentle slope with lots of trees.
• Congestion: Not crowded on the ascent, but very crowded on the descent
• Mountain Huts: Available throughout the ascending path only.
• First Aid: None. Be careful!
• Access: Bus available from Gotemba Station and Shinmatsuda Station

Subashiri Trail From Gotemba Station: How To Get To Mount Fuji

To get to Mt Fuji’s Subashiri 5th Station, you’ll need to start at Gotemba Station. The Fujikyu Bus operates an hourly bus from 07:35 – 17:35 daily from Gotemba Station to Subashiri 5th Station. From Subashiri Mt Fuji 5th Station back to Gotemba Station, an hourly bus 8:45 – 18:45 is available. The ride to/from Mt Fuji takes about an hour. Be sure that you’re on bus for the Subashiri Trail. The bus for the Gotemba trail also leaves from Gotemba station. Tickets can be purchased at the station or on the bus.
Cost: 1540JPY One-Way / 2060JPY Round Trip

Subashiri Trail From Tokyo: Tokyo To Mount Fuji

You’ll have to get to the JR Gotemba Station. From Tokyo, you have plenty of options but unfortunately none of them are direct. They each require several transfers. You can find approximate directions with Google Maps.

Once you arrive at Gotemba Station, you’ll need to continue on the Fujikyu to take you the rest of the way up to the Subashiri Mt Fuji 5th Station
Cost: 6380+ JPY

Subashiri Trail From Tokyo: Haneda Airport to Mount Fuji

A direct bus is available from Haneda airport to Mount Fuji for the Subashiri trail via Keikyu Bus (schedule).
The ride will take about 2 hours and drop you off at Gotenbaeki Bus Stop, which is right next to Gotemba Station.
Cost: 1650JPY

If you decide to take the train to use the Japan Rail Pass, getting to Mt Fuji from Haneda airport will require several train transfers and can be extremely difficult if you’re not familiar with the Japanese train system and if you’re carrying luggage.

You’ll then need to pay the additional cost of getting to Mt Fuji from Gotemba Station to the Subashiri 5th Station.
Cost: 1540JPY One-Way / 2300JPY Round Trip

Subashiri Trail From Tokyo: Narita Airport to Mount Fuji

From Narita airport to Mount Fuji, there are no direct options to get Gotemba Station to access the Subashiri trail. To get from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, you’ll first need to get to Tokyo Station.

There are several ways to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station:

1. Narita Express Train (NEX): 4000JPY and takes 60 minutes
2. Narita Airport Limousine: 3200JPY and takes 90 minutes
3. Keisei Narita Sky Access Train and Transfer to the Tozai Train: 1400JPY and takes 80 minutes. Transfers can be difficult if you’re not familiar with the Tokyo Metro System.
4. Keisei Airport Tokyo Shuttle: 1000JPY and takes you directly to Tokyo Station in 90 minutes.

So in case it wasn’t obvious, the Keisei Airport Tokyo Shuttle is the best option. To get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, you’ll then connect at Tokyo Station on the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus. The ride takes approximately 90 minutes and costs 1650JPY.

Mount Fuji Gotemba Trail (Green Trail)

The Mount Fuji Gotemba Trail is located on the South-East side of Mt Fuji. It can be accessed via Gotemba Station on the JR Gotemba Line. If you want to use a JR Pass to get to Mt Fuji, the Gotemba trail will be the most convenient.

• Ascent: 7 Hours
• Descent: 3 Hours
• Path: Unique path up and down. Gentle slope but lots of volcanic gravel above the 8th station
• Congestion: The least crowded trail
• Mountain Huts: Few
• First Aid: None. Be Careful!

Gotemba Trail From Gotemba Station: How To Get To Mount Fuji

To get to Mt Fuji’s Gotemba Trail New 5th Station, you’ll need to start at Gotemba Station. The Fujikyu Bus operates 6 buses daily from Gotemba Station to Gotemba New 5th Station. From Gotemba New Mt Fuji 5th Station back to Gotemba Station, an hourly bus 8:45 – 18:45 is available. The ride to/from Mt Fuji takes about an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the station or on the bus.
Cost: 1540JPY One-Way / 2060JPY Round Trip

Gotemba Trail From Tokyo: Tokyo To Mount Fuji

You’ll have to get to the JR Gotemba Station. From Tokyo, you have plenty of options but unfortunately none of them are direct. They each require several transfers. You can find approximate directions with Google Maps.

Once you arrive at Gotemba Station, you’ll need to continue on the Fujikyu to take you the rest of the way up to the Gotemba New 5th Station
Cost: 6380+ JPY

Gotemba Trail From Tokyo: Haneda Airport to Mount Fuji

A direct bus is available from Haneda airport to Mount Fuji for the Gotemba trail via Keikyu Bus (schedule).
The ride will take about 2 hours and drop you off at Gotenbaeki Bus Stop, which is right next to Gotemba Station.
Cost: 1650JPY

If you decide to take the train to use the JR Pass, getting to Mt Fuji from Haneda airport will require several train transfers and can be extremely difficult if you’re not familiar with the Japanese train system and if you’re carrying luggage.

You’ll then need to pay the additional cost of getting to Mt Fuji from Gotemba Station to the Gotemba 5th Station.
Cost: 1540JPY One-Way / 2300JPY Round Trip

Gotemba Trail From Tokyo: Narita Airport to Mount Fuji

From Narita airport to Mount Fuji, there are no direct options to get Gotemba Station to access the Gotemba trail. To get from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, you’ll first need to get to Tokyo Station.

There are several ways to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station:

1. Narita Express Train (NEX): 4000JPY and takes 60 minutes
2. Narita Airport Limousine: 3200JPY and takes 90 minutes
3. Keisei Narita Sky Access Train and Transfer to the Tozai Train: 1400JPY and takes 80 minutes. Transfers can be difficult if you’re not familiar with the Tokyo Metro System.
4. Keisei Airport Tokyo Shuttle: 1000JPY and takes you directly to Tokyo Station in 90 minutes.

So in case it wasn’t obvious, the Keisei Airport Tokyo Shuttle is the best option. To get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, you’ll then connect at Tokyo Station on the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus. The ride takes approximately 90 minutes and costs 1650JPY.

Mount Fuji Fujinomiya Trail (Blue Trail)

The trail up and down the Fujinomiya trail is exactly the same. Between all 4 Mt Fuji Hiking trails, this is the fasted with an average completion time of 8 hours. It’s also the steepest so you’ll have to be extra careful on your way down.

• Ascent: 5 Hours
• Descent: 3 Hours
• Path: Same Up and Down. Very steep and rocky.
• Congestion: Crowded
• Mountain Huts: Available every Station
• First Aid: Available at 8th Station
• Fujinomiya Trail Map

Fujinomiya Trail From Fujinomiya Station: How To Get To Mount Fuji

To get to the Fujinomiya 5th Station from Fujinomiya Station, it takes approximately 90 minutes and will Cost 2030JPY one-way / 3100JPY round trip. Tickets can be purchased at the station or on the bus.

Fujinomiya Trail From Tokyo: Tokyo To Mount Fuji by Fuji Bus

To get from Tokyo to Fujinomiya by bus is the easiest options! You start at Tokyo Station and take the Fujikyu Yakisoba Express from Tokyo to Fujinomiya. The standard ticket price for buying the same day is 2700JPY, but if you buy your bus ticket to Fujinomiya in advance (for a weekday) it can be as low as 2250JPY.

You can buy your tickets on the same day at the Tokyo Bus Station, Fujinomiya Station, Fuji Station or Shin-Fuji Station. But if you want to buy your tickets in advance, you may do so at convenience stores in Japan like FamilyMart, 7-Elevel, Lawson, Mini Stop and Circle K.

You may also buy your bus tickets from Fujinomiya to Tokyo from these Travel Agencies: JTB, Nippon Travel Agency, Kinki Nippon Tourist, Top Tours, Nokyo Tourist Corporation, Fujikyu Travel.

Online reservations can be made at Japan Bus Online or from Kousoku Bus.

Fujinomiya Trail From Tokyo: Haneda To Fujinomiya

To get to Mt Fuji from Haneda airport, it’s best to have the JR Pass otherwise the travel costs can be very expensive. Fujinomiya can be accessed from a JR Station making the JR Pass worth it. Otherwise the travel costs from Haneda Airport to Fujinomiya can cost 5250JPY one-way.

You’ll need to get from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa Station, transfer to the Shinkansen and take that to Mishima Station, transfer to the local Shimada Train on the Tokaido line and take that to Fuji Station and transfer again to the Minobu Line for Fujinomiya Station. The whole journey is 2.5 hours if you don’t miss any of your connections (Google Maps Directions).

To get from Fujinomiya to the Fujinomiya Trail, see the Fujinomiya bus information above. It’s an additonal cost 2030JPY one-way / 3100JPY round trip.

Fujinomiya Trail From Tokyo: Narita To Fujinomiya

This Google Map itinerary shows you the 4 different trains you need to take to get from Narita Airport to Fujinomiya. The entire ride will take about 200 minutes if you make all the connections. I highly suggest getting the JR Pass to save money on transportation. Otherwise getting from Narita to Mount Fuji’s Fujinomiya area will cost 7950JPY.

Getting To Mt. Fuji By Taxi

To get to the Fujinomiya Trail from the Fujinomiya area, you can also take a taxi to/from Fujinomiya to the Fujinomiya trail for 10,000JPY. It’s a lot of money, but isn’t that bad if you can split the cost with several people.

Taking the taxi is a great option if you don’t want to wait for the bus. Buses to/from Mt. Fuji are hourly (at the fastest). Plus, if there’s a lot of people waiting for the bus, you might have to wait for several buses to get back (which is also several hours).

Be sure to bring at least 10,000JPY if you are considering the taxi.

Special Ohachi-Meguri Trail At The Summit Of Mt Fuji

You can hike around the crater at the summit of Mt. Fuji. By this point most hikers are tired and want to save their energy for the descent. When you get to the summit of Mt. Fuji, there is a trail

Climbing Mt Fuji Packing List

• Hiking Backpack [Daypack / Camping / Hydration]
• Ibuprofen: To help with sore muscles and headaches/altitude sickness.
• Gaiters: Keeps rocks from going in to your shoes [TALL / LOW]
• Earplugs (for sleeping in the hut)
• Dust Goggles
• Headlamp or flashlight for night hiking
• Collapsible Hiking Stick: You can bring a hiking stick or pay 2000JPY for a wooden stick on the mountain
• Trash bags (please don’t leave your garbage on the mountain)
• Cash (bring cash and coins because credit card will not be an option. Coins are necessary for the pay toilets. If you miss the bus, you might need to have enough money for the taxi (10,000JPY)

Mt. Fuji Walking Sticks

If you don’t bring a walking stick to Mt. Fuji, you can buy one on the mountain for 2000JPY. I ended up purchasing one on the mountain on an unsuccessful climbing Mt Fuji trip in 2017.

If you don’t have gloves, I don’t recommend buying the wooden walking sticks on Mt Fuji. The wooden walking sticks on Mt. Fuji are pretty much just long wooden cylinders. The quality is pretty low but the cost to purchase one is very high.

For those of you that purchase a hiking stick at Mount Fuji, one cool thing is that you can get your stick stamped at each station. The stamp is burned on to your hiking stick to ensure it lasts a long time, but it comes at an additional cost of 200JPY per station.

I know what you’re thinking, the stick will be too big to take home on the plane. Not a problem. For 500JPY, they will cut the stick to your preferred length. Most people cut down the stick to only where they stamps are visible.

As for myself, I didn’t do the stamps cause they seemed like a waste. When I was done with my hiking stick, I just gave it to another person that was starting their hike at Mt Fuji 5th Station.

Mt Fuji Rental Gear

It might actually be cheaper to buy gear than rent Mt. Fuji hiking gear.

• MtFujiRental.com has an online shipping system that will deliver to any hotel in Japan and you can return the gear by shipping a prepaid box at 7-Eleven or your hotel reception.
• Yamarent.com is a hiking shop in Shinjuku that allows you the rent Mt. Fuji hiking gear.
• Soranoshita.net is a store right next to Kawaguchiko station with Mt. Fuji rental gear.
• Mt. Fuji 5th Station also has rentals available if you need them. Prices are very high though were renting some items actually cost more than buying them.

Mt Fuji Horse Rental

You can even rent horses on Mt Fuji! The Fujiyoshida Horse-Riding association has horse rentals available at the Mt. Fuji 5th station. Mt Fuji horse rental rides can be pretty expensive, but if you just want a photo it’s only 300JPY. Mt Fuji horse rental prices:

Mt Fuji Huts

There are several stations on the way up to Mount Fuji. At each station you can typically find a hut that sells food, drinks and has a working toilet. You can even rent a space to sleep in the hut to get some rest.

If you’re going to sleep in a hut, the typical check-in time is from 3pm-9pm. Huts are not open all night for business. You can expect to pay between 6000-8000JPY for a space in a hut, which is pretty much a sleeping bag on the floor. You’ll also be shoulder to shoulder with people. The real benefit is that you get out of the cold weather and have a warm place to relax for a few hours.

Most huts on Mount Fuji during the climbing season are open for business from 4am-9pm. So if you’re climbing outside of those operating hours, you won’t have access to food, drinks or a bed. But the toilets will still be available since those do not require a person to give you access.

Toilets on Mount Fuji typically require about 200JPY to use due to the operating costs of having to remove waste from the mountain. That is very fair.

I don’t think you’ll find many other mountains in the world as convenient as Mount Fuji with their restrooms and rest stops. Also, you can find the Mt Fuji huts selling beer! I didn’t go for it since I needed to stay hydrated to climb Mt Fuji..

For more information regarding what mountain huts are available on your Mount Fuji Hike can be found here.

How To Avoid The Crowds At Mt Fuji

To avoid the crowds of people at Mt Fuji, you’ll need to avoid prime time hours. The climbing bus to Mt Fuji runs from around 7am-7pm. Most people attempt to climb Mt. Fuji in a day so they will try to arrive around 7am or start their in the late afternoon.

If you want to avoid the crowds at Mount Fuji, you’ll need to plan on getting to Mt Fuji outside of these prime time hours.

There are some negatives points to climbing Mt Fuji when no one else is hiking. If you start you hike in the middle of the day, it will be hot! Then by the time you reach the summit you might miss the sunset. Sleeping overnight an Mt Fuji can reach freezing temperatures so you’ll need to pack more warm gear or stay in a Mt Fuji Mountain Hut.

If you make it back to starting point, buses won’t be running yet so you will still have to wait or take a taxi. After the sunrise, you’re competing with all the other hikers to take that first bus back to the city.

Taking a metered taxi in Japan from Mount Fuji to one of the nearby cities can cost up to 10,000JPY .

Buying Expressway Bus Ticket To/From Mt Fuji

You can only buy highway expressway bus tickets about 1-2 months prior to your travel dates. I would highly suggest to buy your tickets in advance otherwise they can sell out. I experienced this first hand and had to take the JR trains back to Tokyo from Mt Fuji. Taking the train from Mt Fuji to Tokyo is more expensive and less convenient.

For directions from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, see the links in the Mt Fuji trails section.

Narita Airport To Kawaguchiko Station: Online Booking / Schedule

You can take a direct bus from Narita Airport to Kawaguchiko station which is operated by Fujikyu bus and Keisei bus. Tickets can be purchased at Narita Airport Station, convenience stores or ONLINE.

Cost: 4800JPY

Haneda Airport To Mt Fuji Station: Schedule

You can take the expressway bus from Haneda Airport to Kawaguchiko station and Mt Fuji Station (not Mt Fuji 5th station…yes, it can be confusing). Unfortunately, you can’t make reservations online, but you can call to make an advanced booking or purchase tickets at convenience stores. You can also buy your tickets when you arrive at the Haneda airport:

Please purchase tickets reserved through the Fujikyu call center or 81-555-73-8181 (Operation hours 7:30 to 20:00) Hassha All-right-net at the ticket counters of Mt. Fuji Station, Kawaguchiko Station, Fujikyu Highland Station or your local convenience store (Lawson, Circle K, Sunkus, Family Mart) by 17:00 on the day before departure.

Customers purchasing tickets at the Keihin Express Sales Counter 81-3-3743-0022 (Operation hours 9:00 to 18:30) must first make reservations at Keikyu Express Bus Reservation Services and purchase tickets by 17:00 on the day before departure. If tickets are not purchased by 17:00 on the day before departure, your reservation will be canceled.

Cost: 2470JPY

Haneda Airport To Gotemba Station: Schedule

You can take the expressway bus from Haneda Airport to Gotemba Station. To make a booking, you can call 03 (3428) 4379 or purchase your tickets at the Haneda Airport Office.
Cost: 2060JPY

Shinjuku Station To Mt. Fuji 5th Station: Online Booking / Schedule

Kawaguchiko Station, Mt. Fuji Station and Mt. Fuji 5th stations can be reached by taking the Keio or Fujikyu bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. Tickets can be purchased at Shinjuku station, convenience stores or ONLINE.

Cost: 2600JPY++

Shinjuku Station to Gotemba Station: Schedule

A direct bus is available from Shinjuku station to Gotemba Station. Booking online is not available but you can purchase expressway bus tickets at Shinjuku Station.

Akihabara Station to Kawaguchiko Station/Fuji-Q Highlands: Online Booking / Schedule

There is a direct bus between Akihabara station to Fuji-Q Highlands and Kawaguchiko Station. There aren’t many stops making this an ideal choice for traveling from Mt. Fuji to Tokyo. Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores, the stations or ONLINE.

Cost: 2000JPY

Tokyo Station To Mt. Fuji Station/Kawaguchiko Station: Online Booking / Schedule

Tickets from Tokyo Station to Kawaguchiko Station/Mt. Fuji station can be made at convenience stores or ONLINE.

Cost: 2000JPY

Osaka/Kyoto To Mt Fuji, Fujinomiya, Kawguchiko Station: Schedule

If you’re feeling adventures and want to save a little money to get from Osaka to Mt Fuji via overnight bus. The bus will take you to all the different areas around Mt. Fuji: Kawaguchiko Station, Fujinomiya Station and Fuji Station.

Reservations can be made over the phone, at the station, or with Tickets can be purchased at main travel agencies such as JTB, Nippon travel agency, and Kinki Nippon Tourist (handling charges apply).

• Fujikyu Call Center (Yamanashi region) TEL: 81-555-73-8181 (Operation hours 7:30 to 20:00)
• Fujikyu Call Center (Shizuoka region) TEL: 81-545-71-2660 (Operation hours 7:30 to 20:00)
• Kintetsu High-speed bus reservation center TEL: 81-6-6772-1631 (Operation hours 9:00 to 19:00)

Cost: 5100JPY++

Tokyo Station to Fujinomiya Station: BUS 1 / BUS 2 / Schedule

To get from Tokyo Station to Fujinomiya station, there is an express bus. You may buy your bus tickets from Fujinomiya to Tokyo from these Travel Agencies: JTB, Nippon Travel Agency, Kinki Nippon Tourist, Top Tours, Nokyo Tourist Corporation, Fujikyu Travel.

Online reservations can be made at Japan Bus Online or from Kousoku Bus.

Cost: 2250JPY+

Where To Stay By Mt Fuji

If you plan on staying in the Mt Fuji area, be advised that no hotels in the area allowed early check-in or late check-out. I emailed 20+ hotels and they all said no. Check-in and check-out time is very strict in Japan. For my 2019 Fuji trip, I had to book a cheap hotel for 3 nights just so I have a place to sleep when I arrive early and leave late. I’ll only actually need it for 2 nights, but that’s the Japan hotel law. I even offered to pay extra for early check-in and late check-out, still denied.

I’m super cheap when booking hotels, so I try to find the best value. That means finding the most reasonably comfortable hotel at the lowest possible price. See this my Hotel Booking Guide for tips on saving money.

North Of Mt Fuji: Kawaguchiko Area

Staying in the Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko area gives you easy access to the Yoshida Trail and many activities like Fuji Q-Highland Theme Park. The Mt. Fuji Pass is extremely useful due to all the benefits it provides for attractions in the Fuji Area.

Hotels can be pricey but if you don’t mind staying in a capsule hotel it can be very affordable. Here’s a list of Hotels in the Kawaguchiko area.

East of Mt Fuji: Gotemba Station Area

If you stay in the Gotemba Area, you’ll have easy access to the Mt Fuji Gotemba Trail and Subashiri Trail. The closest attractions to the Gotemba Station area are the Gotemba outlets and Grinpa Amusement park.

There aren’t too many hotels in the Gotemba area since it’s not as popular as Kawaguchiko or Fujinomiya, but here’s a short list of Gotemba Hotels.

South Of Mt Fuji: Fujinomiya Area

South of Mount Fuji will take you to the small city of Fujinomiya. It doesn’t have too much going on but can be easily accessed via Tokyo. If you’ve never stayed in a capsule hotel before, Cabinhouse Yado Fujinomiyaten is a great place to stay in Fujinomiya.

Staying in Fujinomiya isn’t as popular as the Kawaguchiko side, but there are plenty of budget friendly hotels in Fujinomiya.

Tokyo

If you don’t want to stay by Mt. Fuji, you can stay in Tokyo. It takes about 3-hours to get from central Tokyo to Mt Fuji 5th Station (any trail). If you take a direct bus you can get a lot of rest before/after your Mt. Fuji Hike.

Mt Fuji Toilets

Are toilets available on Mt Fuji?

Toilets are available at each station on the way up to the Mt Fuji summit and on the way back down. A small fee of 200-300JPY is required to use the toilets on Mount Fuji and most facilities are automated. That means you’ll need exact change so bring a few 100JPY coins.

Can I choose not to use the official Toilet on Mt Fuji?

Mount Fuji has a lot of hikers and the trails are roped off for your safety. Relieving yourself on the mountain is not advised because it will negatively impact all hikers after you

WiFi And Cellular Data On Mount Fuji

This is Japan and Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world! I was surprised when I looked at my phone while hiking Mt Fuji that cell phone reception was available. My phone alerted me that there was Wi-Fi in the area that I could also connect to!

WiFi on Mount Fuji was available at all Mount Fuji Station areas on the Fujinomiya trail.

If you need consistent data during your trip, you can pick up a Tokyo WiFi router for cheap.

6 Mount Fuji Days Trips To Experience

There’s other ways to experience Mount Fuji, without actually hiking Mt. Fuji with these Mount Fuji day trips:

1. Hot Spring And Shopping Day Trip From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji: This Klook package includes a round trip bus tour from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji 5h Station, a walk at Lake Kawaguchi, Hot Spring/Onsen experience, shopping at Gotemba outlets and finally then you return from Mt. Fuji to Tokyo. [More Details]
2. Ninjas, Lakes and Flight Simulator Day Trip From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji: This tour includes a round trip bus tour from Shinjuku to Mt Fuji. The experience starts with the Oshino Hakkai 8 Ponds, a trip to a Ninja Village, Fuji Airways Flight Simulator, a visit to Lake Kawaguchiko then you take the bus back from Mt. Fuji to Tokyo. [More Details]
3. Private Flight Over Mt. Fuji: Do you got money to burn? If so, good for you and I wish I could do that some day. If you want to experience Mt. Fuji in a private plane from the sky, then this is the Mt Fuji Tour for you! [More Details]
4. Thrillseekers Day Trip From Tokyo To Mt. Fuji: You’ll have to get to the Fuji area on your own and get to Mishima Skywalk South Gate. The park includes various thrills like Ziplining, Skywalk, and more (all with Mt. Fuji views). [More Details]
5. Beef and Wine Tour Day Trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji: Round trip transportation from Tokyo to Mt Fuji to Chateau Katsunama. A Japanese winery where you will experience grape picking, wine and matsuzaka beef for lunch. [More Details]
6. Fuji-Q Highland Theme Park: This Mt Fuji day trip package includes bus transportation from Shinjuku Station to Mt. Fuji theme park, Fuji-Q. Admission to Fuji-Q Theme Park and unlimited rides is also included. [More Details]

As for hiking tours of Mt. Fuji, I would suggest you hike Mt. Fuji without a tour company. It’s super easy to get there compare to the high prices that come with a Mt Fuji tour. Save your money and avoid the Mount Fuji Hike tour since you can make it up if you take your time.

Additional Mt. Fuji Tips

How much does is cost to climb Mt Fuji?

There is no cost to climb Mt. Fuji. The only costs you incur are for transportation to Mt. Fuji. You can also sleep on one of the many Mountain Huts on Mt Fuji for an additional cost of 6000-7000JPY.

How hard is it to climb Mt Fuji?

Without any breaks, reaching the summit of Mt Fuji and descending back to the 5th station can take a total time of 8-10 hours depending on the trail you selected. Mt Fuji is not difficult to climb, but it is an endurance hike. On the Yoshida and Fujinomiya trails, you can stop for breaks at mountain huts on Mt Fuji, use the restroom, WiFi, buy food and drinks. Descending Mt. Fuji can be difficult due to the loose gravel. When descending Mt Fuji, you’ll be very fatigued because you JUST climbed mountain Fuji.

How long does it take to climb Mt. Fuji?

Depending on the Mt. Fuji trail you chose and your physical condition, most people can reach the summit of Mt Fuji in 6-7 hours. Descending to the 5th station to reach public transportation typically takes 4-5 hours. These time estimates don’t include the necessary time you need to acclimatize to the elevation and rest.

How dangerous is it to climb Mt Fuji?

It’s probably one of the safest hikes you’ll ever go on if you go during the Mt Fuji climbing season (July and August). Since there’s lots of hikers during the summer Mt Fuji hiking season, there will be someone to get help. First aid is also available on the Fujinomiya and Yoshida trails at several mountain huts.

Can a beginner climb Mount Fuji?

A beginner can climb Mount Fuji, but they just need more time. Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida trail (most popular), has a gradual incline, mountain huts for breaks throughout the trail, toilets, cellular reception and wifi. Many senior citizens are also able to climb Mt. Fuji, they just take it slowly and one step at a time. It’s okay for a beginner to climb Mt Fuji, just take a lot of breaks and move at your own pace.

What to pack to climb Mt Fuji?

Mount Fuji can be very warm at the Fuji 5th Station starting point and reach freezing temperatures by the time you reach the summit. You’ll need to dress in layers and one Mt Fuji travel hack is to bring a raincoat. The raincoat will insulate you from the winds on the summit of Mt. Fuji. Please see the Mt Fuji Packing list section for more details.

Can you climb Mt Fuji at night?

You can climb Mt Fuji at night! I’ve climbed Mt. Fuji at night and plan on doing so again because of the amazing views. On Mt Fuji, you’re already above the clouds. At night, you can see all the stars in the sky. It’s the most amazing view in the world. Many people hike Mt. Fuji at night to also catch the sunrise. It’s a beautiful site to see the sunrise on Mt. Fuji.

As for safety, just bring a headlamp or flashlight. Many people hike at night to avoid the large crowds during the day. The only downside to climbing at night is that most of the mountain huts will be closed if you planned on buying food or drinks.

Can you take a train from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji?

Yes, you can take a train from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. The JR line gives you access to Gotemba Station (Gotemba and Subashiri trail) and Fujinomiya Station (Fujinomiya trail). From each of the stations, you will still need to take the Mt. Fuji Climbing Bus up to the 5th station to access the Mt Fuji trails. For more details on accessing the trails, see the Mt Fuji Trails section. Most rides by train require several transfers and can take over 2 hours.

How long does it take from Tokyo to Mt Fuji by bullet train?

Unfortunately there’s no direct route from Tokyo to Mt Fuji by bullet train. It can take over 2 hours with several transfers to take the train to Mt. Fuji. I would high recommend taking a direct express way bus from Mt. Fuji to Tokyo.

How do you train to climb Mount Fuji?

To train for Mt. Fuji, you need to have enough endurance to hike for about 10 hours. It’s okay if you’re endurance is significantly less than that, because Mount Fuji has many mountain huts where you can take breaks. Slow and steady will get you to the summit of Mt. Fuji. Otherwise, focus on building leg strength with running, hiking and climbing stairs.

Is Mount Fuji still an active volcano?

Mount Fuji has been dormant since its last eruption in 1707. You have a pretty good chance of being safe from the Mt. Fuji volcano.