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Mount Fuji: Japan's Iconic Peak

Ascend Japan's iconic Mount Fuji: a sacred peak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a symbol of the nation's enduring spirit and natural beauty.

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Mount Fuji (Fujisan), Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters, is a dormant volcano revered as a sacred symbol and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its iconic symmetrical cone has been a source of artistic inspiration and spiritual significance for centuries, attracting millions of visitors annually.

A brief summary to Mount Fuji

Local tips

  • Climbing season is from early July to early September; check official dates as they vary slightly each year.
  • Book mountain hut accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Prepare for drastic weather changes; even in summer, the summit can be cold and windy.
  • Acclimatize to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness; consider a two-day climb with an overnight stay in a mountain hut.
  • New rules for 2025 include a mandatory entrance fee of ¥4,000 and restrictions on entry times.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Tokyo, take a train or bus to one of the 5th Stations (trailheads) around Mount Fuji. The most popular is the Kawaguchiko 5th Station, accessible by direct bus from Shinjuku Station. During climbing season, direct buses also run to Gotemba 5th Station. Bus fares from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko 5th Station cost around ¥2,700. From the 5th stations, begin your ascent on foot. Note that a mandatory hiking fee of ¥4,000 is required to climb Mount Fuji.

  • Driving

    Drive to one of the 5th Stations (trailheads) around Mount Fuji. Be aware that during peak season, private vehicle access may be restricted, and you may need to use a paid shuttle service from designated parking areas. Parking fees at or near the 5th stations can range from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per day. Tolls on the way to Mount Fuji area will vary depending on your origin, but expect to pay around ¥2,000 - ¥4,000 on the highways. A mandatory hiking fee of ¥4,000 is required to climb Mount Fuji.

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Discover more about Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as it's known in Japanese, is more than just a mountain; it's an icon, a symbol of Japan, and a testament to the country's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Rising to an elevation of 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), this dormant volcano is the tallest peak in Japan and a sight to behold. Formed over hundreds of thousands of years through repeated volcanic eruptions, Mount Fuji's perfectly symmetrical cone has captivated artists, poets, and pilgrims for centuries. The mountain's spiritual significance dates back to ancient times, with the Ainu people worshipping it as a sacred place. Shintoism further solidified this reverence, considering Mount Fuji a dwelling place of the gods. During the Edo period (1603-1868), climbing Mount Fuji for religious reasons became increasingly popular, solidifying its place as a pilgrimage destination. Today, Mount Fuji continues to draw millions of tourists and climbers each year. The official climbing season, from early July to early September, sees a steady stream of people ascending its slopes. The mountain offers four main trails to the summit: Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, and Gotemba. Each trail presents its own unique challenges and rewards, with mountain huts providing rest stops along the way. Reaching the summit at sunrise is a particularly popular goal, offering breathtaking panoramic views. In 2013, Mount Fuji was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and natural significance. The inscribed property includes 25 sites that reflect the essence of Fujisan's sacred and artistic landscape, including shrines, lodging houses and volcanic features. Despite its popularity, efforts are underway to combat overtourism and preserve the mountain's pristine environment. New regulations have been introduced, including a mandatory entrance fee and a daily limit on the number of climbers.

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