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MT. FUJI
Mt. Fuji, Japan's symbolic landmark rises in splendor in Shizuoka Prefecture
Astride Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, looming majestic,
Mt. Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain, has always attracted countless visitors, Japanese and foreign. Plan a memorable excursion up the slopes of Mt. Fuji for incomparable views and lasting emotions.
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| About Mt. Fuji |
A year-round playground for all
 An omnipresent, powerful and yet benign ruler, at 3,776 meters Mt. Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain reigns, over Shizuoka Prefecture. The conical shaped volcano last showed a fit of grumpiness in 1708, the last recorded eruption. Not surprisingly, the nearly perfectly
contoured volcano is extremely popular amongst common
folks who worshipped it as a sacred mountain
and a much
loved source of varied artistic works.
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| Climbing Mt. Fuji |
See landscapes of breath- taking beauty from the mountain top
 A well-planned excursion that includes appropriate clothing (the summit can be very cold), snacks and fluids, spacing oneself on the trails without undue exertion, relatively fit people of all ages can make it to the top. As many as a third of the hikers are foreign tourist desirous to witness for themselves the grand spectacle and to enjoy the camaraderie
on the trail with other likeminded
folks, be they Japanese or from far away lands. The exhilaration of climbing and the sight of 'Goraiko'
(sun rise) provide assurances of a lifetime of warm memories.
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| Goraiko |
The 'Rising Sun' - a spectacular show!
 'Go-rai-ko' specifically refers to witnessing
from the top of Mt. Fuji the sun rising from beyond the horizon. The magical moment is an awe-inspiring and spiritual event, so dramatic it is likely to moisten the eyes of the most jaded of onlookers. In fact, many climbers unabashedly shed tears so moved are they by the unfolding scene; a moment of joy and peace, a show of sensitivity in the presence of a moment of perfection. For this very special delight, viewing the sun majestically
rising over the Land of the Rising Sun from the highest possible vantage point, many hikers start trudging up a day ahead. Depending on fitness it can take from five to seven hours to reach the summit and two or three hours to descend, all in all a rather arduous day. The effort is rewarded with spectacular scenery and the view at dawn surely a soul-satisfying event never to be forgotten.
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| When to climb? |
The best season for climbing
July and August are considered the most auspicious climbing season when the mountain is usually free of snow, the weather relatively mild, and access by public transportation conveniently easy. Public buses run from nearby train stations to the 5th stage of each trail until the end of August. From October to May, climbing to the summit is considered perilous due to extreme wind and weather conditions including a high risk of
avalanches. The peak season is late July to the end of August with the busiest time during 'Obon' (traditional week when ancestors are honored) in mid August, when climbers literally stand and wait in long queues at some bottleneck passages.
Most climbers start their ascent of Mt.
Fuji from the 'Gogo-me', 5th stage (or
'Shin-Gogo-me', a newly created 5th
stage). The climb is divided into
several stages with the first stage at
the foot of the mountain and the tenth
stage being the summit. From
Shizuoka staging area, 'Subashiriguchi'
and 'Fujinomiya-guchi' trails are
most recommended whereas
'Gotemba-guchi' trail requires a longer approach to the summit.
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Suggested routes from Shizuoka Prefecture
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| * Mountain lodges are ONLY open during summer |
FUJINOMIYA-GUCHI
From Shizuoka, the most popular and shortest route to the summit goes via the Sengen Shrine gate |
Mountain lodges : 9, Required time : 4 hrs. 30min.
'Fujinomiya-guchi'
is the most popular
route from
Shizuoka offering
the shortest
walking path to the summit as the
new 5th stage is now located all the
way to the 2400 meters elevation
level. Climbers will find a guidance
center providing local information,
restaurants and stores at this most
recent 5th Stage including a splendid
view of Suruga Bay. A first aid center
and the gate to Sengen Taisha shrine are found at the 8th Stage; above this
point, it is believed to be sacred
grounds where gods reside. From
there one more hour takes the weary
but proud climber to the highest point
at 3776 meters where a stone monument
marks the spot by the old
weather station to the left of Sengen Taisha Shrine. It's an excellent location
to take souvenir pictures for future
viewing. Slippery rocks and small,
loose stones on the return journey
requires the weary climber's caution to
avoid a nasty ankle twist.
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SUBASHIRI-GUCHI
Hikers are rewarded by a multitude of flora and fauna alongside the most recommended route culminating with a magnificent sunup |
Mountain lodges : 10, Required time : 6 hrs. 20min.
Anyone of any age or fitness can enjoy,
'Subashiri-guchi' the new 5th stage
located at 2000 meters; from there
hikers can observe flora and fauna special to the mountain up to around
2700m. 'Goraiko' (the rising sun) at
the pinnacle of this route offers the
most beautiful sunrise sighting of the
three possible routes. Descending,
hikers can have fun running in the
sand between the 7th and 5th stage. A
word of caution: at the passage fork at
the 8th stage, choose the 'Subashiriguchi'
trail as otherwise time and money will be wasted as it requires a
cab drive to return to home base.
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GOTENBA-GUCHI
A rugged, time consuming route that offers little variety in vistas, it's generally not recommended for foreign hikers |
Mountain lodges : Few, Required time : 7 hrs.
The entry to 'Gotenba-guchi' 1000 meters lower than 'Fujinomiya-Guchi'
finds with few hikers as it is generally not recommended requiring much longer with little scenery changes. A plentiful supply of water is also required as few huts are found along the way.
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| Important Reminder |
* Light mountaineering equipment is deemed
insufficient from October through to May.
* Public buses from nearby train stations
provide shuttle service to the 5th stage of
each trail up to the end of August.
* Unless previously planned otherwise,
absolutely start and finish climbing from the
same route.
* Barometric pressure at the top is only two thirds from lower altitude; as a result there is a high risk of altitude sickness causing headache, dizziness and nausea. Avoid altitude sickness, hike at a slow, measured pace with frequent intake of hydration. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
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Access to Mt.Fuji
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| Mt.Fuji Round Trip - Alternative Tours |
| Climbing Mt.Fuji is very popular for foreign visitors, yet, there are other attractive places to visit in Shizuoka. After successfully climbing Mt.Fuji, enjoy further sightseeing around the mountain. We will introduce three model tours specifically tailored to Mt.Fuji hikers, arriving via Shizuoka. Your leisure time to our area will be all the more enjoyable and memorable. |
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FUJIYAMA GEISHA TOUR
Admiring a talented 'geisha' is not
limited to Kyoto. Enjoy traditional
'geisha' dance and culture in
Atami, one of the largest 'onsen'
spa areas in Japan.
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TOKYO
¦ (Shinkansen)
ATAMI
  Atami, one of the most famous 'geisha' quarters in Japan, features over a hundred 'okiya' (Geisha house) and about 250 talented young women as gracious hostesses. Enjoy a weekend 'geisha' performance at Atami Geigi Kenban. Delight in a 'geisha' performance as well as 'onsen' hot spring.
¦ (Shinkansen)
SHIN-FUJI (MISHIMA)
¦ (Bus) 
¦ (Bus)
SHIN-FUJI (MISHIMA)
¦ (Shinkansen)
KYOTO
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MT.FUJI / IAU TOUR
Izu Peninsula Showcasing splendid nature and hot springs, Izu Peninsula attracts countless visitors throughout the year. Enjoy 'onsen' spas as well as great and exciting sightseeing.
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KYOTO/OSAKA
¦ (Shinkansen)
SHIN-FUJI (MISHIMA)
¦ (Bus)
¦ (Bus)
SHIN-FUJI (MISHIMA)
¦ (Shinkansen)
Izu Peninsula(ATAMI - ITO- SHIMODA)
  Izu Peninsula has numerous 'onsen sites' including famed Atami and Ito. Luxuriate in a hot bath after hiking while setting your eyes on a splendid view of the Pacific Ocean. Historic 'Shimoda' where Commodore Perry's made landfall in 1853 is a worthwhile visit.
¦ (Shinkansen)
TOKYO
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GOLDEN ROUTE TOUR
Hakone area is yet another popular destination for hot springs and fine scenery in the shadows of magnificent Mt.Fuji. Conveniently close from downtown Tokyo.
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TOKYO
¦ (Odakyu Line)
HAKONE
 Escaping the daily hurly-burly of Tokyo, Hakone attracts many visitors throughout the year. Popular tourist spots include 'Owakudani', a crater created 3000 years ago as well as Mountain Lake Ashi and soothing hot springs.
¦ (Bus)
GOTENBA
¦ (Bus)
¦ (Bus)
GOTENBA
¦ (JR)
MISHIMA
¦ (Shinkansen)
KYOTO
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| Other attraction in Fuji Area |
| Fuji Speedway | Golf and admire Mt. Fuji |
Fuji Speedway, located in the foothills of majestic Mount Fuji, will welcome sports fans world-wide when it hosts this year's Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, September 28, 29 and 30. Get in on the emotion and excitement of a world-class motor sports entertainment event with racing teams, sponsor enterprises, the media and other thrills. Fuji Speedway circuit replaces the Suzuka Circuit.
For more information:
www.fujispeedway.jp/english/index.html
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There are plenty of golf courses in the Mt.Fuji and Izu area of Shizuoka Prefecture, many of them with magnificent views of the sacred mountain that can be enjoyed while on the links. Many are easily accessible from the train station. Green fee vary from USD $100 to USD $200 depending
on the club. Enjoy outdoor sports with a superb view of Japan's iconic symbol.
For more information:
www.golf-in-japan.com/courses-shizuoka.php
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For More Information
about Atami:
http://www.ataminews.gr.jp
about Izu Peninsula:
http://www.shizuoka-guide.com
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