Mount Fuji: Japan's Sacred Peak

Climb or admire Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, a dormant volcano and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering spiritual and artistic inspiration.

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Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, or Fujisan, is Japan's iconic symbol and highest peak, standing at 3,776 meters. A dormant volcano revered for its symmetrical cone shape, it's a site of pilgrimage, artistic inspiration, and natural beauty attracting millions of visitors annually. Climbing season is from July to early September.

A brief summary to Mount Fuji

Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Kitayama, Shizuoka, JP
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Local tips

The official climbing season is from early July to early September. Check the specific dates for each trail, as they may vary.
Book mountain hut accommodations in advance, especially if climbing during peak season or weekends.
Prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions. Pack layers, including waterproof and windproof gear, even in summer.
Be aware of altitude sickness. Acclimatize by spending a night at a lower elevation before climbing, and stay hydrated.
A mandatory entrance fee of ¥4,000 is now required on all routes to combat overtourism and support sustainability.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Tokyo, the most common and convenient way to reach the Mount Fuji area is by express bus or train to Kawaguchiko Station. **Express Bus:** Highway buses depart from Shinjuku Station (Busta Shinjuku) and Tokyo Station, arriving at Kawaguchiko Station in approximately 2 hours. The one-way fare is around ¥2,000. Booking in advance is recommended. **Train:** Take the Fuji Excursion Limited Express from Shinjuku Station directly to Kawaguchiko Station in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The one-way fare is approximately ¥4,130. Alternatively, take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Fuji Station (about ¥6,000 without a JR Pass) and transfer to a local bus to Kawaguchiko Station (about ¥2,136). From Kawaguchiko Station, local buses (Fujikko Bus or Omni Bus) provide access to various attractions around Mount Fuji, including the Fuji Five Lakes and the Mount Fuji 5th Stations. A bus pass can be a cost-effective option for exploring the area. **Costs (from Kawaguchiko Station):** * Local bus to Fuji Five Lakes area: ¥210-290 * Local bus to Mount Fuji 5th Station: Prices vary depending on the station.
Driving

From Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway to the Kawaguchiko Interchange, or the Tomei Expressway to the Gotemba Interchange. From either interchange, follow local roads to reach various destinations around Mount Fuji, including Lake Kawaguchiko and the Mount Fuji 5th Stations. During peak season and car restriction periods (typically July to September), private cars may be restricted from driving directly to the 5th Stations. In this case, visitors must park at designated parking lots like Fujisan Parking (near the Fujiyoshida IC) and transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi. **Costs:** * **Toll road fees:** Vary depending on the route and distance. * **Fujisan Parking:** ¥1,000 per car per entry during the car restriction period. * **Shuttle bus from Fujisan Parking to 5th Station:** Additional fee, not included in the parking fee. * **Parking at Lake Kawaguchiko:** Generally free, but fees may apply at certain attractions. * **Arakurayama Sengen Park Parking:** ¥1,500 for six hours. * **Honcho Street Parking:** ¥1,000 for up to 12 hours.
Climbing

To climb Mount Fuji, access one of the four 5th Stations (Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, or Fujinomiya) by bus, taxi, or car (when permitted). **Entrance Fee:** A mandatory entrance fee of ¥4,000 is required for all climbers on all routes. This fee can be paid online in advance or at the 5th Station. **Important Considerations:** * The climbing season is from July to early September. * The Yoshida Trail is the most popular and may have a daily limit of 4,000 hikers. * Gates at the trailheads close from 2 PM to 3 AM to prevent "bullet climbing". * Mountain hut accommodations should be booked well in advance. * Prepare for significant temperature changes and potential altitude sickness.

Discover more about Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji (Fujisan) is more than just a mountain; it's the embodiment of Japan's cultural and spiritual identity. This majestic, dormant volcano, soaring to 3,776 meters, has been a sacred site for centuries, inspiring artists, pilgrims, and adventurers alike. Formed approximately 100,000 years ago, Mount Fuji's symmetrical cone shape is a result of repeated volcanic eruptions. The last eruption in 1707, the Hoei eruption, sent ash as far as Tokyo. Since ancient times, the mountain has been an object of worship, with the Ainu people believing that the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime resided within its slopes. During the Edo period (1603-1868), climbing Mount Fuji for religious reasons became increasingly popular. Hasegawa Kakugyo, a religious ascetic, is said to have summited the mountain over 100 times. Today, numerous shrines at the base of the mountain stand as testaments to Mount Fuji's historical and spiritual significance. Mount Fuji's beauty has inspired countless works of art, most notably Katsushika Hokusai's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji". The mountain and surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attract nearly 95 million visitors annually. Climbing to the summit is a popular activity, with around 200,000 to 300,000 people making the ascent during the official climbing season. The mountain offers four main trails to the summit: Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya. In 2013, UNESCO recognized Mount Fuji as a World Heritage Site, solidifying its importance as a natural, cultural, and spiritual treasure.