Mt. Fuji Climbing Complete Guide 2026: Routes, Fees, Gear List & New Regulations
Mt. Fuji (3,776m) is open for climbing from July to September. This guide covers 2026 regulations (including new fees introduced in 2024), route comparisons, gear checklist, altitude sickness prevention, and a realistic timeline for first-timers.
📝 NTJ Editorial Guide · Official Sources Verified
New Mt. Fuji Regulations for 2024–2026
From 2025, new rules apply to all four Mt. Fuji trails (much stricter than 2024):
- Climbing fee: ¥4,000 per person on every trail (Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Gotemba, Subashiri). In 2024 only Yoshida charged ¥2,000 and the three Shizuoka trails were free.
- Advance registration: the three Shizuoka trails (Fujinomiya, Gotemba, Subashiri) now require mandatory online registration via the “FUJI NAVI” app (safety briefing + quiz + payment + a QR climbing permit). On the Yamanashi Yoshida trail it is recommended but not mandatory, though a 4,000-per-day cap can turn people away once full.
- Gate control: the 5th-Station gate is closed 14:00–03:00 daily (to stop overnight “bullet climbing”); anyone entering in that window must hold a mountain-hut reservation.
- 2026 season: Yoshida & Subashiri Jul 1–Sep 10; Fujinomiya & Gotemba Jul 10–Sep 10. You may not summit before the official opening.
📅 Last verified: 2026-08-07 (official Mt. Fuji climbing site + Keio / Fuji Express). Opening dates, the entry fee and bus schedules are announced yearly — reconfirm on the official site before you go.
Official Climbing Season (2026 Reference)
| Trail | Opens (2026) | Closes (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Yoshida Trail (Yamanashi) | July 1 | September 10 |
| Subashiri Trail (Shizuoka) | July 1 | September 10 |
| Fujinomiya Trail (Shizuoka) | July 10 | September 10 |
| Gotemba Trail (Shizuoka) | July 10 | September 10 |
Exact opening and closing dates vary slightly year to year — always confirm on Mt. Fuji's official website before you go.
Comparing the Four Climbing Trails
| Trail | Difficulty | 5th Station Elevation | Distance to Summit | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoshida Trail (most popular) | Moderate | 2,305m | ~6.5km | The most mountain huts, easiest to find a bed |
| Fujinomiya Trail | Harder | 2,400m | ~3.4km | Shortest distance, but steep grade |
| Subashiri Trail | Moderate | 1,970m | ~9.0km | Sandy descent path (sunabashiri) that's easier on the knees |
| Gotemba Trail | Difficult | 1,440m | ~11km | Longest and toughest, almost no shelter or shade |
Best for first-time climbers: The Yoshida Trail — the most mountain huts, the most supply points, and the safest overall option.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Climbing fee (all four trails) | ¥4,000/person |
| Transport (Shinjuku → 5th Station bus) | ¥4,800 one-way (no round-trip discount; ~¥9,600 round trip) |
| Mountain hut (1 night, 2 meals) | ¥10,000–18,000 (varies by hut / weekend / Obon) |
| Emergency descent (altitude sickness) | Varies; public helicopter rescue is generally free, private rescue can run to several hundred thousand yen — no single fixed price |
| Minimum (day climb, no hut) | ~¥13,600+ (¥4,000 fee + ¥9,600 round-trip bus; food/water extra) |
| Typical (one hut night) | ~¥23,600–31,600 |
Gear Checklist
Essentials
- Hiking boots (high-cut, non-slip soles — the single most important item!)
- Warm clothing (summit temperatures run 3–7°C; bring a hat and gloves)
- Rain gear (a lightweight rain jacket — winds on the mountain can be strong)
- Headlamp (essential for the pre-dawn summit push)
- Portable battery pack (cold temperatures drain batteries fast)
- Water (1.5–2L; water sold on the mountain is expensive)
- Food (energy bars, chocolate, and other quick calories)
Recommended
- Trekking poles (protect your knees on the descent)
- Altitude sickness medication (e.g. Diamox/acetazolamide): requires a doctor's prescription
- Knee supports/braces (extra protection for the descent)
- Sun protection (UV exposure is much stronger at high altitude)
Suggested Itinerary (Two Days, One Night)
Day 1
- 10:00 — Depart Tokyo (by bus)
- 12:00 — Arrive at the 5th Station; rest to acclimatize (at least 1 hour)
- 13:30 — Begin climbing (Yoshida Trail)
- 18:00 — Arrive at the 8th Station (approx. 3,270m); check into a mountain hut
- Dinner and sleep
- ⚠️ The direct Shinjuku → 5th Station bus runs only during the climbing season (Jul 1–Sep 10); from Sep 1–10 it routes via Fuji-Q Highland and Kawaguchiko Station (a transfer, not a straight express, so it takes longer). Late-season climbers should allow extra travel time and check the current timetable in advance.
Day 2
- 00:30 — Wake up, check the weather
- 01:00 — Set off for the summit (earlier than you might expect, to leave a buffer for peak-season congestion)
- ⚠️ In peak season (mid-July–August), the stretch above the 8th Station regularly jams before dawn and adds 1–2 hours; summer sunrise is around 04:40–05:00, so starting too late risks missing it — set off early and ask the hut staff about congestion.
- 04:30–05:00 — Reach the summit (goraikō — the sunrise!); arriving early lets you wait out of the wind at the top
- 06:00 — Begin the descent
- 10:00 — Return to the 5th Station
- 13:00 — Back in Tokyo
Preventing Altitude Sickness
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath (typically starting above 2,500m)
- Prevention: rest well beforehand, ascend slowly, and drink plenty of water (not sports drinks)
- What to do: descend immediately if symptoms appear — don't push through it, as altitude sickness can worsen very quickly