Basic Information and Tips You Should Know Before Climbing Mount Fuji

The climbing season for Mount Fuji typically runs from early July to early September. The exact opening dates are announced on the official website around July each year, after confirming the status of remaining snow and the safety of the trails.
Since the opening dates vary depending on the trail, especially if you plan to climb in early July, be sure to check the latest information.
Generally, the number of climbers increases from mid-July onwards, and the trails become particularly crowded on weekends and during the Obon holiday period (August 13 to August 16).
To enjoy a more comfortable and safe experience, it is recommended to plan your climb for a weekday or early September.

The annual average temperature at the summit of Mount Fuji is -5.9°C (21.4 ºF), and even in the peak of summer in August, it only reaches around 6.4°C (43.5 ºF), resembling midwinter conditions. It’s said that for every 100 meters you ascend, the temperature drops by about 0.6°C, and for every meter per second increase in wind speed, the perceived temperature drops by 1°C.
Thunderstorms and rain are also common, and weather conditions can change daily. So be sure to check the weather forecast before your climb.

Additionally, the temperature around the 5th Station and the summit can differ by about 10°C, and it’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop below 0°C (32 ºF) before sunrise. So it is important to be prepared for significant temperature differences.
Below is a table summarizing the monthly average temperatures at the summit of Mount Fuji. Use this information to ensure you have adequate cold-weather gear and preparations.

Mount Fuji may have relatively well-maintained mountain huts and trails, but you should not underestimate the journey to Japan’s highest peak at 3,776 meters.
Proper preparation is essential to ensure your safety and enjoyment during the climb. Here are two categories of necessary clothing and essential items to gather before your departure.

First and foremost, bullet climbing (called dangan tozan in Japanese) is extremely dangerous, and we strongly urge you to avoid it for the sake of your own safety.
Bullet climbing refers to a style of ascent where climbers aim to reach the summit in a short, continuous push during the night to catch the sunrise, without taking breaks or sleeping.
In the context of Mount Fuji, one starts from the 5th Station in the evening, attempts to summit overnight, and descends immediately thereafter (typically a 0-night 2-day schedule).
This approach skips adequate rest and acclimatization, leading to a higher incidence of climbers falling ill, and it has become a concern in recent years.
Nighttime climbing reduces visibility and diminishes judgment and concentration due to fatigue, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

Especially in high mountains like Mount Fuji, there are various significant risks involved. To safely enjoy climbing, avoid bullet climbing, prepare appropriate gear, and ensure sufficient sleep, rest, and cold weather protection. Plan your climb according to your experience and physical fitness, and allocate ample time and schedule flexibility. We will explain the main risks of bullet climbing and their countermeasures. Please make use of them and prioritize safety.

Mount Fuji is known for primarily four climbing trails starting from the Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefecture sides. These trails are far apart from each other, offering varying times to reach the summit, different views, and difficulty levels.
Below, we have listed the round-trip durations (excluding rest times, etc.) and difficulty levels in the table for your reference. Depending on your travel plans, physical fitness, and experience, choose the trail that best suits you.
Please keep in mind that the required time can vary significantly based on your physical condition, weather, and congestion.

To preserve the sacred and beautiful Mount Fuji and to ensure safe and comfortable climbing experiences, a trial entry management using the Shizuoka Prefecture Mount Fuji Climbing Pre-registration System (Web Registration System) will be implemented in 2024.
All climbers starting from the Shizuoka side must complete pre-registration through the Shizuoka Prefecture Mount Fuji Climbing Pre-registration System. This includes studying Mount Fuji climbing rules and etiquette beforehand, as well as registering climbing details such as date and time, trail, whether staying in mountain huts, and the names of the huts.
You can rest assured that the pre-registration page supports multiple languages including English, traditional and simplified Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai.

Furthermore, to prevent night-time bullet climbing and violations of Mount Fuji climbing rules and etiquette, climbers must complete e-learning (video viewing) to learn the Mount Fuji climbing rules and etiquette before registration.
After registering in this system, climbers will receive a QR code. They will scan it at checkpoints along each trail using a designated terminal and receive a wristband.
Additionally, participants who register via the web system will receive Mount Fuji digital wallpapers.
Spaces for verifying web registration will be set up at three trails on the Shizuoka Prefecture side, shuttle bus transfer points, and car access control entrances.

At these spaces, a climber’s pre-registration will be verified, and those who have not registered will be requested to complete registration and learn the climbing rules and etiquette before climbing.
After 4 pm, on-site checks will be conducted to confirm hut accommodation reservations, and those without reservations will be encouraged to refrain from climbing.

Registering in advance through the system not only ensures a smooth entry on the day of your climb but also contributes to preserving the sacred and beautiful Mount Fuji, and helps achieve a safe and comfortable climbing experience.
If you are starting your climb from the Shizuoka side, be sure to use the Shizuoka Prefecture Mount Fuji Climbing Pre-registration System.
Additionally, if you are climbing Mount Fuji for the purpose of seeing the sunrise, make hut reservations and take sufficient breaks to enjoy a safe and manageable climb.

On the Yamanashi Prefecture side (Yoshida Trail), new regulations will be implemented from 2024 to ensure the safe and comfortable ascent of Mount Fuji.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations when planning your climb, as passage may be restricted without knowing them.
There are two main points to note when departing from the Yamanashi Prefecture side, which we will explain here.

The Mount Fuji Conservation Donation is a system established to preserve the sacred and beautiful natural environment of Mount Fuji and ensure the safety of climbers. Its primary purpose is for all visitors to Mount Fuji to understand its value and cooperate in its conservation efforts.
We encourage awareness and support for the Mount Fuji Conservation Donation to ensure the landscape and values of Mount Fuji are passed down to future generations, and to enable comfortable and safe climbing experiences on Mount Fuji.

To protect the sacredness and beauty of Mount Fuji, preserve Japan’s proud traditions for future generations, and ensure your own safety, please adhere to climbing rules and etiquette. Here we will introduce Mount Fuji climbing rules and etiquette, acts prohibited by law, and the Mount Fuji Country Code.
For the safety and enjoyment of all climbers, it’s essential for each person to be mindful. Before climbing, thoroughly review these guidelines and refrain from behaving in ways that deviate from common sense or cause inconvenience to the mountain or others.

We have shared with you some essential information to know before climbing Mount Fuji, the rules and etiquette, necessary items, the risks of bullet climbing, and the new entry management measures introduced from 2024.
Mount Fuji offers a unique experience with its sacredness, beautiful and majestic scenery, distinctive terrain and natural environment. To ensure safe climbing and pass on its irreplaceable value to future generations, we would like everyone to understand not only the rules but also the importance of cooperating with regulations and conservation efforts.