The Routes
Four Ways to the Summit
All routes begin at a “5th Station” — roughly halfway up the mountain. Pick your trail based on fitness level, access, and how much elevation you want to cover on foot.
⭐ Recommended
Yoshida Trail
Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station · Yamanashi Pref.
Start elevation
2,305 m
To the summit
1,471 m
Ascent ~6 hrs · Descent ~4 hrs
Most mountain huts · easiest for beginners · direct bus from Shinjuku
Subashiri Trail
Subashiri 5th Station · Shizuoka Pref.
Start elevation
1,970 m
To the summit
1,806 m
Ascent ~6 hrs · Descent ~3 hrs
Gotemba Trail
Gotemba New 5th Station · Shizuoka Pref.
Start elevation
1,440 m
To the summit
2,336 m
Ascent ~7 hrs · Descent ~3 hrs
Least crowded · best for experienced hikers
Fujinomiya Trail
Fujinomiya 5th Station · Shizuoka Pref.
Start elevation
2,380 m
To the summit
1,396 m
Ascent ~5 hrs · Descent ~3 hrs
Highest start · shuttle bus required
Opening Season 2026
When Can You Climb?
Yoshida Trail (Yamanashi)
Jul 1 (Wed) → Sep 10 (Thu)
Subashiri Trail (Shizuoka)
Jul 1 (Wed) → Sep 10 (Thu)
Fujinomiya Trail (Shizuoka)
Jul 10 (Fri) → Sep 10 (Thu)
Gotemba Trail (Shizuoka)
Jul 10 (Fri) → Sep 10 (Thu)
※ Dates are planned schedules and subject to change. Confirm via official sources before booking.
Best for First-Timers & Tokyo Visitors
Why We Recommend the Yoshida Trail
Climbing Fuji for the first time? Based in Tokyo? Yoshida is the clear choice.
1
High starting point. At 2,305 m you’re already above the clouds, with just 1,471 m left to the summit.
2
Direct buses from Shinjuku. Multiple highway buses daily from Basta Shinjuku (~2 hrs 40 min, ¥3,800 one-way web fare). No driving, no transfers.
3
Most mountain huts on the trail. More rest stops and shelters than any other route — reassuring when you’re new to high-altitude hiking.
⚠️ Downside: the most popular trail — expect crowds in peak season (late July–August).
Getting There
Access to the Yoshida Trail (5th Station) from Tokyo
Three ways to reach Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. The highway bus is the simplest — no driving, no transfers, no navigation stress.
🚌
Highway Bus Easiest
Basta Shinjuku
↓ Direct (~2 hrs 40 min)
Fuji Subaru 5th Station
↓ Direct (~2 hrs 40 min)
Fuji Subaru 5th Station
¥3,800 / adult · one-way web fare
Book at highwaybus.com
Multiple departures daily · book early in summer
Multiple departures daily · book early in summer
🚃
Train + Local Bus
Shinjuku Station
↓ Ltd. Express (~60 min · ¥2,430)
Otsuki Station
↓ Fujikyu Railway
Fujisan Station
↓ Local bus (¥2,000)
Fuji Subaru 5th Station
↓ Ltd. Express (~60 min · ¥2,430)
Otsuki Station
↓ Fujikyu Railway
Fujisan Station
↓ Local bus (¥2,000)
Fuji Subaru 5th Station
🚗
By Car
Central Expressway
↓ Otsuki JCT → Kawaguchiko IC
Fuji Parking
↓ Shuttle bus (~45 min · ¥3,400 r/t)
Fuji Subaru 5th Station
↓ Otsuki JCT → Kawaguchiko IC
Fuji Parking
↓ Shuttle bus (~45 min · ¥3,400 r/t)
Fuji Subaru 5th Station
⚠️ Private cars are banned on the Subaru Line during climbing season. Shuttle is mandatory.
Before You Go
Essential Tips for Climbers
🌡️
Dress in Layers
Near the summit it can drop to 0°C even in summer. Pack a warm mid-layer, a windproof shell, and gloves.
💧
Stay Hydrated
Water is sold at mountain huts but is expensive. Bring at least 1.5–2 L from the base.
🌄
Start at Night for Sunrise
Many climbers begin around midnight to reach the summit by dawn. Book a mountain hut stay in advance.
🏥
Altitude Sickness
Ascend slowly and rest often. Severe headache or nausea = descend immediately. Never push through AMS.
💴
Conservation Fee
A fee (¥2,000–¥4,000) is collected at the trailhead. Bring cash — card payment is not always available.
📱
Mobile Signal
Signal can drop near the summit. Download offline maps (Maps.me or YAMAP) before leaving the hotel.
Ready to Book?
Highway bus seats sell out weeks in advance in July and August. Reserve early.
Last updated: June 23, 2026 ·
Original (Japanese): 富士山登山ガイド ·
Hidetomo Takahashi, Licensed Travel Manager
Original (Japanese): 富士山登山ガイド ·
Hidetomo Takahashi, Licensed Travel Manager
