Climbing Mount Fuji
So, climbing Mount Fuji is one of those epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. When we first hit Japan, tackling this beast was at the top of our bucket list. We scoured every guide, devoured YouTube videos, and absorbed all the tips we could find. But let’s be real—nothing truly prepared us for what lay ahead.
Our aim with this guide is to offer you the reassurance we craved before we set out to conquer Fuji-san. We’re here to share the best tips so you’re prepped and ready, and to help you dodge the blunders we made along the way. So, buckle up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
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Climbing Season
The official climbing season runs from July 1st to September 10th for the Yoshida route (the most popular one and the one we took), and from July 10 to September 10 for the other three routes: Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya.
We kicked off our climb from the 5th station and made our way up to the summit. This way, the climb wasn’t as grueling as starting from scratch, but if you’re not an experienced climber, starting from the 5th station is probably your best bet.
First things first, we booked our Mount Fuji adventure through Explore-Share. This ensured we had a guide and included a one-night stay at the hut on the 8th station.
Reservations are a must, and while you can book specific huts on the 7th and 8th stations separately, we highly recommend the guided tour we used. It included all the comforts you’ll appreciate, such as:
Accommodation
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Personal insurance
Mountain guide expenses
All this for around 320 euros per person. Trust us, it’s worth it for the added peace of mind and comfort!
Do I need to prepare physically?
Even though these climbs are labeled as beginner-friendly, we still recommend ramping up your physical prep. We hit the gym 4 to 5 days a week, but we added some treadmill walking with high elevation to our routine, and it made a difference.
The key here is to listen to your body and pace yourself. Mount Fuji is a volcanic mountain, so expect lots of shifting rocks and uneven terrain. For shorter folks like Sara, some of those big rocks felt like obstacles to leap over! Just stay hydrated and be ready for a bit of rock-hopping.
We made it to the 8th Station in about 7 hours, including a few breaks. The final push to the summit took another 2 hours. Coming down is quicker, but it can be trickier. The moving rocks mean you have to be extra careful with each step, and you'll end up using your legs more than you might expect. So, brace yourself for a bit of a leg workout on the descent!
Gear and what to bring
Alright, let's talk gear—the make-or-break factor for your climb! We were determined to be fully prepared, but the sheer volume of gear needed was giving us serious anxiety. After endless research, we discovered Yamarent , and it was a total game changer.
Yamarent lets you rent gear in sets ranging from 2 pieces to a full 12-piece ensemble. We opted for the 7-piece set (aka the Beginners Set), which included a headlamp, hiking boots (a lifesaver, seriously), a warm coat, trousers, trekking poles, and rain gear.
The best part? Yamarent can send your gear three days before your climb so you can try it out beforehand. If you’re in Tokyo, you can swing by their shop at Shinjuku Station to pick up and test your gear or swap sizes if needed. Returning the gear was a breeze with their counter at Shin-Fuji Station. We had some extra clothes with us to change into so we could continue our trip with no issues after.
For your luggage, we used Yamato Transport , and they were a lifesaver too. We had our hotel send our bags to the next hotel each time we were out exploring, so we didn’t have to lug everything around. Small bags can go in coin lockers, but the 5th Station’s lockers are limited, so keep that in mind.
When it comes to snacks, load up on energy-boosting goodies like bananas and other fruits with sugar. And don't forget to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Before the climb, grab a Kirin Salty Lychee Drink from Lawson or 7-Eleven to keep your sodium levels in check.
Sunscreen is a must! The higher you go, the stronger the UV rays, and it’s cold up there, so you might not realize how much you're getting burned. A hat for the sun and a beanie for chilly nights are also essential. Pack at least three pairs of socks, one being extra warm, and throw in some band-aids for blisters or any minor injuries.
Get all this sorted, and you’ll be ready to tackle Mount Fuji like a pro!
Walking Stick Souvenir
Alright, let’s talk about that iconic Mount Fuji souvenir—the walking stick! You've probably seen these everywhere online: a trusty walking stick adorned with stamps from each station you conquer. It’s a fantastic keepsake from your climb.
But here’s the deal: the full-sized walking stick is massive. It’s so big it’ll probably need its own seat on your flight. While you can pay extra to ship it home, it’s pretty pricey. Plus, imagine lugging that thing around for the rest of your trip—it’s like having a third wheel.
Instead, go for the smaller version. It’s perfectly compact, and you can still get all the stamps from the 5th station to the summit. Just let the stamp folks know you’ve got the smaller stick, and they’ll make sure to stamp accordingly.
The smaller stick will set you back around 1500 yen, and every time you get a stamp it’s about 200 yen, so make sure you’ve got some cash handy. It’s a great way to remember your epic adventure and won’t take over your luggage—or your life!
Money at Fuji-san
Let’s talk cash—because when you’re climbing Mount Fuji, plastic just won’t cut it. No credit cards are accepted up there, so you’ll need to bring enough yen to cover your essentials: food, drinks, that legendary walking stick, oxygen cans, and even a postcard you can send from the summit.
We recommend stashing away between 7,000 and 10,000 yen to be on the safe side. It might seem like a lot, but it’ll ensure you’re covered for all those little extras and emergencies.
Trash on the Mountain
Here's a must-know for your Fuji adventure: trash! There are no bins on the mountain, except at the stations. So, grab a small plastic bag to carry your waste with you. It might seem like a bit of a chore, but keeping Fuji-san clean is a big part of the journey.
So, pack that bag, and remember: leaving no trace is all part of the climbing experience!
Overnight and what to expect
Alright, let’s get real: don’t expect a five-star experience up there. These mountain huts are for basic overnight stays and are typically packed to the gills. You’ll be bunking in cramped quarters with space for four per level, so if you’re a duo, be ready to make some new friends (or cozy up to your neighbor). The food isn’t gourmet, but it’s surprisingly decent—we had curry rice and mini okonomiyakis that were a nice treat.
As for the toilets, brace yourself. They’re basic, mixed-gender facilities, so you’ll be sharing with everyone else on the mountain. If you’re unlucky enough to feel the effects of altitude, like Vasco did, you might find yourself spending quite a bit of time in there. Expect an intense odor and chilly conditions since the windows are often open. Ladies, the bathrooms will have a hole in the ground, so prepare yourself accordingly.
We weren’t quite ready for this level of rusticity. Here are some tips to help with altitude sickness and muscle pain:
Altitude Sickness: To mitigate altitude sickness, stay well-hydrated and eat light, high-carb meals. Ascend slowly if possible, and consider taking altitude sickness pills before your climb. If you start feeling symptoms, take frequent breaks, avoid overexertion, and use oxygen cans if you’ve got them. If you’re not feeling better, don’t hesitate to descend to a lower elevation.
Muscle Pain: To prep for muscle pain, make sure to do some strength training focused on your legs and core in the weeks leading up to your climb. During the climb, take short breaks to stretch and ease your muscles. Afterward, use a muscle-relief cream or balm, and consider doing a gentle stretch routine or using a foam roller to ease any soreness.
On the plus side, the sunset views from the hut are breathtaking. Just remember to bundle up in warm clothes because it’s icy at that altitude.
Early risers, be prepared: you’ll need to wake up around 3 or 4 AM to keep on track for reaching the summit in time for sunrise. Don’t expect a luxurious beauty sleep.
The days after
Oh boy… the aftermath. As we hinted before, the descent was unexpectedly tougher than the climb itself. The strain on your legs to keep from sliding down can be brutal. Expect a serious dose of muscle pain in the days that follow—Sara was struggling to climb stairs like a normal human for at least five days!
Our pro tip: after your descent, treat yourself to a nice soak in an ice or cold bath. It might be uncomfortable, but it’ll help reduce muscle pain and speed up recovery.
So in the end…
Climbing Mount Fuji is definitely a test of endurance, and there’s always the chance of encountering rain or other surprises along the way. But mentally preparing yourself is key. The climb may be grueling, but reaching the top and taking in the view is truly worth it. Plus, it gives you a moment to reflect on life and gain some perspective. Up there, amidst the vastness, you really do feel small, and that’s a powerful realization.
