More than five million people visit Mount Fuji yearly to glimpse Japan’s tallest mountain, as the Mount Fuji climb is known to be one of the most beginner-friendly.
Mount Fuji offers some of the most gorgeous scenery, even from the 5th stations, the starting point of all the Mount Fuji Trails.
All hikers should know about the Mount Fuji Guidelines to choose the right one for them among the four Mount Fuji Trails.
Many rules & regulations should be followed by all hikers attempting to hike Mount Fuji. It will ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
So, let’s explore all the relevant details regarding the Mount Fuji guidelines, rules, and help-and-rescue measures.
Mount Fuji Rules and Regulations for Climbing
Several acts are legally prohibited in Mt. Fuji as it is historically and culturally important, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Let’s check out the Mount Fuji rules and regulations:
- Disturbing animals and plants on any of the four Mount Fuji Trails is not advisable.
- Since Mount Fuji is an active volcano, hikers will see lava at various patches. However, removing or touching lava is not allowed and can be dangerous, too.
- Pitching a tent is not allowed as it can be life-threatening due to sudden weather changes. There are plenty of mountain huts on all the trails to stay overnight.
- Making a fire is also prohibited as there is also a chance of wildfire.
- Even though it is common to see climbers with their dogs, one can’t release pets on the mountain.
- Taking rocks, Laval, plants, and animals is highly prohibited.
- Sowing seeds or seedlings is also not allowed to preserve the original biodiversity of the area and eliminate invasive species.
Beyond these, all Mount Fuji hikers should follow good practices like taking all their garbage after their hike to show respect for nature.
Also, ensure that your Mount Fuji hike is safe and memorable by following the designated routes and not walking on any path that is not well-marked.
You should also not tag rocks. Do not write or modify any stones on the trail to preserve nature.
These are specific pledges known as the “Mount Fuji Country Code” that all hikers should take to ensure they follow the basic Mount Fuji rules and regulations.
Seven Safety Rules for Climbers of Mount Fuji
More than 200,000 hikers climb Mount Fuji each Climbing Season, including plenty of novices.
Even though the Mount Fuji climb is one of the beginner-friendly hikes, sudden weather changes and severe altitude gain can make this hike tricky, dangerous, and life-threatening.
So, knowing the Mount Fuji hiking guidelines will make your hike easy and fun.
A thorough understanding of these Mount Fuji hiking guidelines can even save your life in many instances and make it
Learn the seven Mount Fuji guidelines for safety for a memorable and safe hike:
Ensure You have the Proper Gear
Before starting your Mount Fuji ascent, ensure all your gear is in perfect condition and order.
Ensure that all old pieces of gear are in good condition and are not broken.
Consider that Mount Fuji is over 3000 m (9842 ft), and there is always a risk of unexpected delays.
Along with gear, ensure adequate cash, as food and water cost more on the hike than on the ground.
Hikers have to pay money to use the toilets. Keeping a lot of 100-yen coins will come in handy when paying for the bathroom and buying small snacks and water bottles.
Sun protection is vital as UV rays are more potent at a higher altitude. Make sure to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, too.
Read Tips for visiting to learn more about the clothes to wear and other helpful information.
Know the Trail Route Beforehand
There are four Mount Fuji Trails with separate starting points and trailheads.
They are different in length. Thus, the hike time is not uniform across all trails.
Each Mount Fuji trail has its challenges– All trails are color-coded, and hikers must follow the correct trail.
Make sure to study all of the four trails in detail before your Mount Fuji hike. You will be able to choose the one that is best suited to your physical strength.
We do not recommend beginners do it independently, especially solo. Get a Mount Fuji Trekking tour instead for the safety and guidance of an expert.
These Mount Fuji tickets allow hikers to climb to the Mount Fuji summit in a group led by an expert to help them through the trickier patches.
Note: The Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail is the most popular route to the top. However, the path for ascent and descent is different.
The Subashiri and Yoshida Trails use the same descent path between the summit and the eighth Station.
Many people must catch up on the split at the eighth Station and follow the wrong path. For the Subashiri Trail, turn right at the Shuta Edoya hut. For the Yoshida Trail, keep to the left on the narrow path instead.
Know the Correct Hiking Etiquette
Mount Fuji is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and certain acts are prohibited in the area.
These acts or rules preserve Mount Fuji and ensure the climb is safe for you and other climbers.
Go through the detailed rules and regulations list for climbing Mount Fuji to ensure you do your part.
On many trails, the route for ascent and descent are the same. Thus, congestion is natural.
As a rule, the person going uphill on narrow trails has the right of way. Showing courtesy goes a long way and makes for a memorable experience.
Make sure to walk inside the slope away from the free edge; do not overtake hikers, as it can be dangerous.
Book your Lodging in Advance
Many climb Mount Fuji in two days, staying overnight between the 5th Station and the summit.
They continue their climb to the summit to catch the stunning Sunrise, which is magical.
However, these huts are open only during the climbing season and that, too, books out in advance way too quickly.
Make sure you have booked an overnight stay in advance.
One thing to note is you don’t get private rooms. Hikers will have to sleep side by side with others in a large room with no partitions. However, some huts have bunk beds with curtains.
Mountain huts do not feature a dressing room or bathroom. You must change your clothes in the toilet or in your futon bedding.
Only basic amenities like snacks and drinks are available, along with light meals. Visitors can get mementos and branding-iron stamps for their wooden hiking sticks.
Plan Smartly and Avoid Climber Traffic
Mount Fuji is generally crowded after the rainy season, from late July through August, which is the Mount Fuji Climbing Season.
All four Mount Fuji trails remain packed with crowds, reaching their peak in the middle of August, during the weekends and Obon holiday.
Climbing Mount Fuji during this period is discouraged. Hence, you must find the best time to visit Mount Fuji before booking your tickets.
Try to time your Mount Fuji hike so that you don’t face large crowds on the routes and enjoy climbing Mount Fuji at your own pace.
Beyond this, when it is crowded, climbers are expected to be patient, empathetic, and stir caution not to overtake.
Things like giving way to hikers on the uphill when you are on your Mount Fuji descent in case the trail routes are some crucial etiquette.
Mount Fuji hikers should be ready to cooperate in the spirit of mutual compromise for a safe, fun, and memorable hike to the summit.
Note: If you have an elaborate Tokyo Itinerary, knowing how long Mount Fuji takes will help you plan a smooth visit to explore more things in Tokyo.
Learn about the Moody Weather to Better Prepare
Weather plays a crucial part in your Mount Fuji hike as it can make it smooth sailing or extremely challenging and dangerous.
With severe weather year-round, visitors should be ready for any condition on their Mount Fuji hike.
Even during the summer season, thunderstorms and sudden weather changes are common.
The conditions at the base 5th Station are drastically different from the summit. Hikers face below-freezing temperatures at the Mount Fuji summit even in midsummer.
Apart from this, sudden elevation gains are also attributed to impacting people; nausea is one of the common symptoms. Learn about common sicknesses and injuries on the hike.
Always check the Mount Fuji weather forecast before taking off on a climb. Read Tips for Visiting to help you better prepare yourself.
Learn about the Accessibility to 5th Station
One of the crucial aspects of climbing Mount Fuji is reaching the 5th Station from where the trailheads start.
Even though the accessibility to the Mount Fuji trails is adequate, roads leading to them during the peak season become congested because of overcrowding.
During the climbing season, there are windows when private vehicles are not allowed to enter the parking lots at the trailhead.
The private parking restrictions dates vary for different trails. It is subject to change during an ongoing climbing season due to road closures.
Visitors need to watch the Mount Fuji official website for this information.
This is done to alleviate traffic and curb pollution from the exhaust gas. Besides Gotemba Trail, park at a paid parking lot at the foothills.
From the paid parking at the foothills, take a paid shuttle bus or taxi to the 5th Station to start climbing Mount Fuji.
Buying a Mount Fuji ticket can make it hassle-free as your transfer from Tokyo to the 5th Station is handled.
Note: Mount Fuji boasts plenty of things to see besides the gorgeous peak. The Fuji Five Lake is one of the highlights of the area.
Beyond this, there are plenty of activities to do and attractions to explore near Mount Fuji.
Work on Mental Preparedness along with Physical Training
The Mount Fuji hike is as much a physical challenge of endurance, strength, and skill, it is equally about your mental fortitude.
Mount Fuji climbers frequently suffer from altitude sickness due to the sudden elevation gain. Thus, ensuring you are mentally prepared to take on the challenge becomes crucial.
Those who climb all night without resting are the most vulnerable to fatigue and injury.
On top of this, the harsh weather at the top makes it more challenging to stay resolute in your determination.
Even the most cherished memories of catching the stunningly beautiful sunrise can become sour if not planned right.
For your safety and to enjoy the Mount Fuji ascent, hikers should plan for a flexible schedule with an overnight stay in one of the huts.
If you still plan on climbing Mount Fuji in a day, do it with others in a group or especially solo.
We recommend getting the Mount Fuji trekking tour tickets to climb Mount Fuji in a group led by an expert.
The guide will help you throughout your Mount Fuji hike and navigate tricky patches to enjoy the hike and gorgeous views.
Besides this, plenty of amazing Mount Fuji tickets are available for visitors to explore the Fuji area and get a scenic view of Mount Fuji’s peak.
Check out the list of the top five Mount Fuji tickets to plan your itinerary and enjoy a memorable Mount Fuji tour.
| 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 ticket |
| #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 ticket |
| #Scenic Spots of Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi 1 day Bus Tour | – A ten-hour long day trip to the Fuji area in an air-conditioned vehicle. – Visit Chureito Pagoda to catch the iconic view of Mount Fuji in the background. – A visit to Lake Kawaguchiko and Oishi Park. – A visit to Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nemba on the banks of Lake Saiko. | ¥12,300 (US $89)/Adult ticket |
| #Hakone Fuji Day Tour with Cruise, Cable Car, Volcano | – A comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned bus. – An expert bilingual guide in English and Chinese. – Tickets for the sightseeing cruise in Lake Ashi. – Tickets for the Hakone ropeway up to Mount Hakone. – Visit Owakudani Valley. | ¥14,174 (US $98)/Adult ticket |
| #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 |
FAQs
What are the rules for Mount Fuji?
Mount Fuji is a part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of acts that are prohibited to preserve its natural beauty.
Some rules to remember include not tagging the rocks and not taking or removing lava and rocks from their original places.
Disturbing animals or plants is also prohibited.
Hikers are not allowed to pitch a tent and make a fire. Read all the rules & regulations for climbing Mount Fuji in detail.
What are the hazards of Mount Fuji?
Even though Mount Fuji is one of the most beginner-friendly hikes, it is still challenging and can become hazardous.
There are risks from lava flows, volcanic bombs and lapilli fallouts, pyroclastic flows and mudflows from melting snow. Avoiding the marked areas on the Fuji Map is best to stay safe.
Besides this, sudden temperature changes, frequent thunderstorms and rocky routes also make it challenging. Get a detailed Mount Fuji map before your hike.
Can kids go to Mt. Fuji?
More than 200,000 hikers, including less experienced and novices of all ages, climb Mount Fuji each year, given it is one of the most beginner-friendly hikes.
A minimum age of ten is advisable when bringing your kid to the Fuji climb, as it can be daunting for younger kids.
Ensure you pick the easy trail, pace yourself considering your kid, and arrange an overnight stay. Get a Mount Fuji trekking tour ticket to make things smooth and hassle-free.
If things are not going well, kids and parents can stop at one of the mountain huts and pick back on the way down.
Are there guides for Mount Fuji?
Yes. There are guides for Mount Fuji and guided Mount Fuji Tours. We recommend getting a guided Mount Fuji trekking tour.
Even though the Mount Fuji hike is beginner-friendly, the hike can become tricky and challenging.
A Mount Fuji trekking tour allows climbers to hike in a group led by an expert guide to help them navigate the tricky portions and the trails.
Featured Image: Mainichi.jp
