Quick Mt. Fuji Climb from Tokyo

Mt. Fuji is a popular hiking destination in Japan, and its location near the capital Tokyo in particular has already increased the number of visitors to hundreds of thousands per year. So, there is no peace on the slopes of Fuji-san, at least not in the summer season, and in winter, climbing is only for professionals. There are four main climbing routes, of which the northern Yoshida is the most popular, because traveling there from Tokyo is the easiest. I myself was part of a group that climbed along the southern Fujinomiya route. Traveling to the beginning of the hiking route from Tokyo first requires a local train to the Shinkazen bullet train departure station, then a train ride of just over an hour to the town of Fujinomiya, and then a two-hour bus ride from the train station to Mt. Fuji's 5th station, from where the hike itself begins, as long as you have first received Japanese-style safety training and thus certification for climbing. 

Our group ready to go

During the afternoon we climbed from the 5th station at 2400 meters to the new 7th station at 2700 meters to the Goraiko Sanso guesthouse, where we enjoyed an early dinner and then tried to rest for a few hours in cramped sleeping cabins equipped with thin mattresses (additional air mattress would have been nice) amidst the restless hustle and bustle. When we finally set off sometime around 02 in the morning I felt more tired than I have ever been. I think it would have been better to start the hike much later and climb straight to the summit at sunrise. I am not sure if that is possible due to all the restrictions, but it would have suited me better. 

Room for 3?

We climbed the last 1000m to the summit in the dark in about 3.5 hours and the sun was already quite high when we finally reached the top. At the top, a quick at the surroundings, the crater, a few photos and then at our own pace back down, first to the 7th station for lunch and then further to the 5th station, bus, bullet train and back to Tokyo where we arrived on the evening of the second day around 5 pm. In total, you can reserve 1.5 days for conquering Fuji, including the transfers from Tokyo.

To the summit

All equipment is carried from the bottom up yourself and it is also recommended to bring most of the liquid and snacks yourself. Of course, all stations offer refreshments for tired travelers, if needed. The price level is of course different from the city for logistical reasons. At night or very early in the morning, the stations are naturally only open to guests who have booked accommodation. In addition, it is a good idea to bring 100 yen coins for the toilets, 300-400 yen per visit. The route is marked off with ropes due to the large number of visitors and there is so much traffic that going to the toilet au naturel is not desirable here. 

Traffic jam near summit

Mt. Fuji is such a popular climbing destination that I would be inclined to head somewhere else instead of the Fuji crowds. Now it was offered by the tour operator as a cheap extension to the beginning of a longer tour of Japan, so in that sense it was natural and easy to participate. Conquering Fuji is not a special climbing or nature experience. 

Mt. Fuji crater

And although hiking Fuji is possible for almost anyone in reasonable shape, the weather on Fuji can be so harsh even in the summer that climbing is not a good idea for safety reasons. Rain and winds from the sea significantly affect the situation on the mountain. For example, just a few days earlier, all climbers had to turn back when the 5th typhoon of the season brought heavy rain and gale-force winds instead of a beautiful sunrise. So even in midsummer, you should always be prepared for sun, wind, rain and, in typical Finnish fashion, light spring/autumn gear, including gloves, a hat and a couple of layers.

Morning Yoga, Fuji style