Mount Fuji, Japan

Fuji-san stands 3,776 metres and on a clear day is visible from Tokyo, 100 kilometres away. On a clear day. The mountain generates its own weather and sits under cloud cover more often than its postcard reputation suggests. The views from the Five Lakes district at dawn with the reflection in Lake Kawaguchiko are the photos you’ve seen; they require luck and an early start.

Climbing in 2026 – New Rules and Fees

The Yoshida and Subashiri trails open July 1, 2026; Fujinomiya and Gotemba open July 10; all trails close September 10. Reservations opened April 27, 2026 and close at 11:59pm the night before your climb (or earlier when the daily quota is reached).

The hiking fee is 4,000 yen per person on all routes. The Yoshida Route (the most popular) limits climbers to 4,000 per day: 3,000 spots via advance reservation, 1,000 same-day. Climbers without a mountain hut reservation are denied entry to the 5th Station after 2pm – this is specifically to discourage overnight “bullet climbing.” Approximately 121,000 people climbed the Yoshida Trail in 2025; the new reservation system is a direct response to that crowding.

Climbing the Mountain

Most climbers start at the Yoshida Trail 5th Station (Kawaguchiko side, 2,300 metres), which knocks 1,400 metres of ascent off the total. The climb from 5th Station to the summit takes 5-7 hours; descent 3-4 hours.

Two main strategies: start late afternoon, climb through the night with headlamps, reach the summit for sunrise (popular, cold, crowded) – or go early morning and complete the climb and descent in daylight (less dramatic but safer for those without serious mountain experience).

The trail is not technical but it is long and the altitude affects many people. Altitude sickness starts above 2,500 metres for some visitors. Pace yourself, drink water, and do not push through symptoms. Summit temperatures hover near freezing even in season; rapid weather changes are common. Layers are essential; renting a walking stick at the base is worth the few hundred yen.

Viewing Fuji Without Climbing

Kawaguchiko is the most accessible of the Five Lakes for day-trippers from Tokyo (90 minutes by Fuji Express train from Shinjuku, or direct highway bus). The north shore promenade gives excellent direct views of the mountain when conditions allow. Fujikawaguchiko is best in early morning before the day cloud builds.

The region of view-spots around Kawaguchiko – Chureito Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park is the most photogenic, particularly during cherry blossom season (late March to early April), when the pagoda and Fuji line up perfectly.

Eating Near Fuji

Houtou is the regional speciality: thick flat noodles in miso-based soup with pumpkin, mushrooms, and root vegetables. Fujiyoshida town at the mountain’s northern base has several good houtou restaurants; around 1,200-1,500 yen per bowl. Oshiruko (sweet red bean soup with mochi) is sold at mountain hut stands during the climb.

Staying

Base at Kawaguchiko for climbing or views. Day trips from Tokyo are possible but leave no margin if weather is uncooperative. Staying one or two nights is worth it. The Fujikyu Highland amusement park at the base has some of the most extreme roller coasters in Japan, for those for whom that is relevant.