While visiting Mount Fuji, hikers must be aware of the limited window of the climbing season if they want to climb to the top.
The Mount Fuji climbing season is generally from early July to early September each year, with a few days of variations depending on the mood of the weather.
Pick the right day and time while booking your Mount Fuji tickets and enjoy the best Mount Fuji has to offer.
So, let’s jump in and discuss everything in detail, from the best time to visit Mount Fuji to how long the Mount Fuji tour takes so that you can plan your itinerary better.
Climbing Mount Fuji Season
There is a particular Mount Fuji climbing season, and travelers can only climb Mount Fuji during this season.
The start and end of Mount Fuji climbing season each year remain more or less the same, but they depend largely on the Mount Fuji weather forecast.
The peak Mount Fuji season is generally from late July to early August when the crowd is at its maximum.
All four trails are crowded, especially during the Obon holidays that fall in the middle of August.
In other seasons, including when it snows, climbing Mount Fuji is prohibited.
Even during the Mount Fuji climbing season, the trails can be closed when there is a risk of landslides and rockfall due to bad weather.
There are announcements on the opening times of the first day of July or a few weeks later.
The opening and closing times of the trails may vary even during the same Mount Fuji climbing season.
Note: Once the trail is closed and the Mount Fuji climbing season has ended, hikers won’t get any help or emergency rescue.
Other amenities, such as toilets and accommodation, also shut down. Know about the Mount Fuji Guidelines in detail for a safe hike.
Read Help and Rescue request to know more about amenities and services and what to do when you are in trouble on your climb.
Climbing Mount Fuji Off-Season
Climbing Mount Fuji during the off-season is prohibited even though the Mount Fuji hike is considered one of the beginner-friendly climbs.
Once the Mount Fuji climbing season is over, all the basic amenities, including the toilets and accommodations between the 5th station and the summit, are all closed.
Apart from this, climbers can’t even rely on rescue and emergency services if things go southwards as all of these are closed.
The easy hike becomes a big challenge for even the most experienced climbers due to adverse weather conditions during the off-season of Mount Fuji.
Best Season to Climb Mount Fuji
In a year, Mount Fuji’s climbing season spans only three months. Visitors should visit this beauty at the best time of these three months.
If you aim to hike to the top of Mount Fuji, you can time your visit smartly to avoid the crowds.
The peak season is around the middle of August, during the Obon holiday, when all four trails of Mount Fuji see a lot of crowds. Read tips for visiting Mount Fuji for more information.
Hiking can be strenuous for a novice to keep up with other hikers during this period. Planning to climb Mount Fuji at the start of the climbing season is more advisable.
Trekking to Mount Fuji solo or with just your friends is only recommended if you have experience climbing.
Doing it with an experienced excursion group is advisable. Get the Mount Fuji trekking tickets to reach the peak led by an expert climber.
Mount Fuji Weather
Even during the Mount Fuji climbing season, which is typically summer in Japan, the temperature at the top of the summit can be as low as five to eight degrees Celsius (41- 46.4 Fahrenheit)
Visitors will notice a drastic temperature change when climbing Mount Fuji from the 5th Station.
Mount Fuji weather can change drastically along the trails as thunderstorms are common in the mid-afternoon.
Observing the real-time Mount Fuji weather forecast can help you avoid unpredictable and uncertain weather.
The temperature fluctuates mainly due to the huge altitude difference between the 5th station and the summit.
During the Mount Fuji climbing season, temperatures drop at approximately -0.6 per 100 m.
Even during the summer, the temperature at the top can feel -1.0 Celsius (30.2 Fahrenheit) due to the harsh wind blowing.
Compared to this, the Mount Fuji 5th Station weather is pleasant during the summer as the difference in temperature between the summit and the 5th Station of Mount Fuji is approximately 20 degrees.
However, during the winter season, even the base of Mount Fuji can be around freezing temperatures.
Thus, wearing the right clothes and knowing essential emergency information is crucial to visiting Mount Fuji. Read Tips for visiting Mount Fuji to ensure you are entirely prepared.
Note: If you are not too keen on taking a Mount Fuji transfer ticket, you must learn how to reach Mount Fuji.
Visitors who want a comfy and convenient ride can opt for a private tour.
Get a guided tour of Mout Fuji to learn its cultural significance and fascinating history.
Travelers can use the various Japan Passes to move around and make things easier.
Mount Fuji 5th Station
There are four Mount Fuji 5th stations. All of the trekking trails start from these points.
Most Mount Fuji tickets only allow visitors to get to the 5th Station.
Almost all Mount Fuji 5th stations remain open throughout the year except when the weather is partially rough.
Even when the Mount Fuji climbing season has ended, visitors can still visit the mountain’s base for an unrestricted view of its snow-capped peak.
However, not every 5th Station of Mount Fuji is equally developed and accessible.
For instance, the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, known as the Kawaguchiko 5th Station, is the most popular Mount Fuji 5th Station.
Among all of the Mount Fuji 5th Stations, it is the best developed and easiest to access by public transportation from Tokyo. Get Tickets.
The Mount Fuji 5th Station opening hours are generally from 8.30 am to 7 pm from July to September (summer season).
The off-season Mount Fuji 5th Station opening hours are 9 am to 6 pm from December to March (Winter season).
The opening hours of all four Mount Fuji 5th Stations vary slightly from each other.
Look at the top five Mount Fuji tickets visitors can buy to have an amazing time at Mount Fuji regardless of the season!
| Mount Fuji Tickets | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| #Mt Fuji, Hakone Lake Cruise from Bullet Train | – Mount Fuji Tickets (Subaru 5th Station). – Lake Ashinoko Cruise. – Hakone Ropeway tickets. – One-way vehicle ride. – One-way bullet train (Shinkansen) ride to Tokyo Station. -Lunch optional upgrade available. | ¥22,000 (US $158)/Adult |
| #Mt Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise Bus trip from Tokyo | – Mount Fuji Tickets (Subaru 5th Station). – Lake Ashinoko Cruise. Hakone Komagatake Ropeway tickets. – An expert professional English-speaking guide. – Lunch optional upgrade available. | ¥19,500 (US $140)/Adult |
| #Private Mt Fuji Tour from Tokyo with Scenic BBQ and Hidden Gems | – Mount Fuji 5th Station tour. – Access to Arakurayama Sengen park. – Lunch: Scenic Japanese BBQ lunch at the foot of Mount Fuji, with vegan options available. – Memorable photography session at Hidden Gems. – An expert English-speaking local guide/driver. – An air-conditioned vehicle. | ¥35,000 (US $254)/Adult |
| #Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Onsen Day Tour | – A full day from JR Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station to Mount Fuji. – An expert guide who can speak English, Japanese, and Chinese. – Air-conditioned transportation. – Pickup and drop off from designated areas. – Optional upgrade for various activities during sightseeing. | ¥9,300 (US $66)/Adult |
| #Mount Fuji Area Private Guided Tours in English | – Start from Kawaguchiko station or Fujikawaguchiko area hotels. – A private tour of the Mount Fuji area at your own pace. – An expert native English-speaking guide/driver. | ¥46,178 (US $320)/Guest |
What months can you climb Mount Fuji?
Mount Fuji climbing season allows travelers to climb and reach the summit of Mount Fuji.
The Mount Fuji Climbing Season is from early July to Early September. However, the exact dates of the Mount Fuji climbing season are revealed on the first day of July.
We’d recommend visitors to get the Mount Fuji trekking tickets to reach the peak led by an expert climber and avoid all hassles. Read tips for visiting Mount Fuji for more details.
Can a beginner climb Mount Fuji?
Mount Fuji, with an impressive height of 3776 m (12,388 ft), is among the easier climbs.
More than 200,000 visitors (mostly beginners) climb Mount Fuji yearly in a single day.
However, beginners are recommended to do it with a group led by an expert guide for safety and guidance. Get the Mount Fuji trekking tickets for a smooth experience.
Can Mt Fuji be climbed in a day?
Yes, you can climb Mt. Fuji in a single day.
However, it depends largely on the Mount Fuji trail route a climber picks to reach the summit, as not all four routes are equal.
Sudden altitude change and low oxygen levels make the Mount Fuji trek challenging. Hence, inexperienced hikers shouldn’t do it in a day.
Apart from this, not everyone can climb Mount Fuji daily as it requires immense endurance and strength.
Can you climb Mount Fuji off-season?
No. Travelers can’t climb Mount Fuji during the off-season as it is prohibited.
All the basic amenities like toilets on the trail, huts, and accommodations shut down during the off-season of Mount Fuji.
Even a beginner-friendly climb of Mount Fuji becomes dangerous due to adverse weather in the off-season.
However, visitors can visit the 5th Station annually to glimpse the snow-capped peak up close.
Featured Image: Facebook.com(Fujikyu.en)
