How to Make it to the Summit of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the utmost dominant symbol of Japan. Beyond the fact that it is the tallest mountain in Japan at 12,388 feet, it is also symbolized for its perfectly coned shape and its importance to the Shinto and Buddism religion (Japan’s two most dominant religions). It is believed by both religious and non-religious Japanese that one should make it to the summit at least once in their life, so each summer hundreds of thousands make the journey to the top. Not just Japanese people make it their goal to climb Fuji though, people from all over the world go to Fuji during the three months when the climb is open to hike it. Two summers ago, I made Mount Fuji my goal. Japanese culture has always been a part of me given that my paternal grandmother is from Japan. I have had the opportunity to visit family in Japan several times, and I have grown a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. On my last trip, my father and I decided it was our objective to make the once in a lifetime quest to the top of Fuji. It was the most amazing experience of my life, and I hope to climb it again one day. I am so excited to share with you all my journey to the top of Mount Fuji, and I hope it inspires you all to make the quest to the top your goal.

We were fortunate to be in a hiking group along with three guides who we met in Tokyo who brought us to the top of Mount Fuji. You can hike Fuji without a guide, but I would recommend having one as it takes off a lot of the stress and you can learn much more about Fuji from the experts! Now, let’s talk about the hike up:

My dad and I started our journey to the top of Fuji at 4am on the morning of August 1st in Tokyo. We got our backpacks ready, put on our hiking clothes, prepared some snacks, and filled up our water, and then we were off to the train station to meet our group! Once we got there, we met everyone in our group and got an overview of the hike. Then, a van picked us up and we were off! We got to Fuji at around 1pm, and it was hot. We started our climb from the 5th station which is one of the most popular starting points. The fifth station starts at about 7,500 feet of elevation. Before we started our climb though, we got a wooden stick which you can get stamped at various stops along the way to the top. This stick is the best souvenir and a wonderful piece to photograph as you make your way up and down the mountain! Here is what mine looked like:

Then, we started our climb in the blazing heat. One step at a time, we made our way up to the first rest stop which was about 45 minutes to an hour up. Along the trail, there are several rest stations that are each around an hour apart. At these stations you can stop and catch your breath, get some food, and use a restroom. One thing to note is that the restrooms do cost money, so remember to bring some coins as going to the bathroom on the mountain is forbidden! It will cost you anywhere from ¥100-300 each time you use the restroom. After about five hours of hiking, our group made it to our rest station (the seventh station) where we stayed the night. If you are looking to get to Fuji’s summit for sunrise, I would highly recommend starting the hike the day before and then staying at one of the rest stations for a bit of sleep before hiking to the top for sunrise. This will minimize your hiking in the dark, and you will also get the full Fuji experience of sleeping in the bunks, eating curry rice, and enjoying a wonderful sunset. It will also allow your body to get used to the extreme altitude gain. Be warned that you will be sleeping in one room with whoever else booked at the inn for the night, so earplugs and a sleep mask are a must! If you do not book your stay through a tour group, remember to book this far in advance as the rooms do book up fast given the short 3 month hiking season. If you not stay at a rest station, be aware that you will be hiking all night, so bring an extra headlight and make sure to nap before. Below are some photos of the rest station where we stayed:

About two hours before sunrise, we started our final stretch to the top. It was pitch black and freezing, so headlights, flashlights, and layers are a must. As you make this final push, look up and you will see a zigzag line of flashlights lighting up the entire trail. It is quite the sight! Finally, we made it to the top, the views were incredible and the sunrise was amazing and powerful. You can’t find a bad view, but I would definitely look for a Japanese shrine to take as a silhouette with the sunrise. Here are some of my favorite sunrise photos:

After enjoying a beautiful sunset, it is time to start the journey back down. Because the mountain is perfectly coned shaped and topped with volcanic rocks, the way down is like downhill skiing on rocks! On your way down, definitely throw on some mountain climbing gaiters as you do not want to get pieces of this volcanic rock in your shoes. If you hike with a company, gaiters are often available for rent. I made it down the mountain in about 1/3 the time it took to get up. For some though, the hike down is very strenuous and often you will find yourself wiping out a few times! Take the descent easy, and if you bring hiking poles, use them. Fuji is an adventure of a lifetime, and I challenge you to make it your quest to get to the top before you die.

Below is some more information on the hike and a packing list:

Time to Climb:

• UP: 6 to 7 hours depending on which trail
• Down: 2 to 3 hours depending on which trail

What to Pack:

• Water bottle: it is so important to hydrate especially given the quick elevation gain!
• Hiking shoes: make sure you wear shoes that will protect your ankles and keep you sturdy on the steep and rocky terrain (do not wear tennis shoes)
• Layers: although it may be 80 degrees at the bottom, it can get down to the single digits as you near the top. Make sure to bring lots of layers! I would recommend long underwear, a jacket, hiking pants, and a long sleeve top in addition to whatever you start the hike wearing
• Gloves and hat: again, it gets cold so make sure to bundle up. It is also windy so a hat will protect your head from sudden gusts
• Mountain Climbing Gaiters: you will need these on the way down to protect your ankles and legs from volcanic rocks!
• Rain Gear: prepare yourself for all types of weather, there is a good chance it will start raining at some point during your trip
• Coins: each time you use the restroom, it will cost money. If you are planning on getting a wooden stick to stamp on the way up, you will also need money as each one comes at a charge. Do not plan on using your credit card on Fuji!
• Earplugs and mask: if you are staying at a rest station, these items are a must as you will be in a shared room with all the other hikers
• Headlights: If you are hiking for sunrise, you will need a headlight. If you are doing the hike all in one night bring two as your first may run out of battery
• Backpack: you will want something light that will carry all your stuff. Remember you will be carrying everything up and down the mountain so pack light
• Hiking poles: if these help with your balance, bring them. Fuji is a steep hike, so poles are definitely useful

When to Climb Fuji:

Trails on Fuji are open from the start of July to September 10th, exact dates will vary depending on the trail. I would recommend going in July or early September as the peak busy times are in August.

If you have any questions please leave them in the comment section below! Thank you so much for reading, and I look forward to more adventures in the weeks to come.