Millions of travelers around the world visit Mount Fuji every year.
Visiting Mount Fuji is a bucket list wish of many. However, as enticing as it sounds, it requires a lot of meticulous planning apart from incredible determination.
Even though Mount Fuji is a beginner-friendly hike, things can become dicey due to sudden weather changes, altitude, lack of preparation, etc.
Besides knowing precisely about the Mount Fuji climbing Seasons, travelers must know about the various Mount Fuji Departure Points, Trails, and routes.
Choosing the correct Mount Fuji trail is as detrimental as picking the right Mount Fuji tickets. It can make your entire hike easy.
So, let’s explore all the details regarding Mount Fuji trail routes and departure points.
Mount Fuji Hiking Trails
Mount Fuji features four distinct and well-defined trail routes starting from four different departure points.
These departure points are also called the 5th stations. There are four 5th Stations, which are the starting points for the four Mount Fuji trails.
All four Mount Fuji trails start at different elevations and have their own features, making them more accessible and complex in other patches.
The Mount Fuji trail lengths are different for all four routes, and thus, the climbing duration varies considerably from one trail to another.
All four trails of Mount Fuji are color-coded with respective colors indicated on signs.
Hikers just have to follow the respective colors of the Mount Fuji trail to reach the summit. Read the Guidelines for more details.
So, let’s jump in and take a detailed look at all of Mount Fuji’s four trails and departure points so that you can make up your mind.
Note: Whether you plan on going to the summit of Mount Fuji or not, you will need to know the best time to visit Mount Fuji for a memorable visit.
Beyond this, learn about how long the Mount Fuji tour takes so that you can plan your itinerary better.
Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail
The Yoshida Trail Mount Fuji Japan is the most popular of all four Mount Fuji Trails. It is color-coded to yellow signs.
Almost 150,000 people out of 200,000 visitors last year picked Yoshida Trail over the other three.
The Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail starts from the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th station, 2300 m (7546 ft) above sea level.
This is the trail to head to the summit from the north side of Mount Fuji on the Yamanashi Prefecture side.
Typically, hikers take almost six hours to ascend or reach the summit of Mount Fuji. One thing to note is the trail for ascent is completely different from the trail for descent.
In the section between the 8th station and the summit, trails for both ascent and descent are the same as those of the Subashiri Trail.
Due to this, hiking back to the 5th Station is relatively quicker (four hours from the top.)
Note: Visitors should be cautious during descent. As many as 1000 people each climbing season go down the Subashiri Trail by mistake at the 8th Station Junction.
After this, one can not return to Yoshida Trail; there are no direct buses from the Subashiri 5th Station to the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station.
Visitors must take a taxi or connecting mountain buses that operate in the Fuji area to return to the Yoshida Trail.
Climbing Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail is easier with a flat zigzag path up to the 7th Station, after which you encounter a slightly rocky route to the top.
It is still manageable, even for beginners and less experienced hikers. This is the reason for the immense popularity of this route – You’ll spend relatively less hike time on this gentle climb.
In addition, travelers will find plenty of mountain huts on the trail for ascent, making it perfect for overnight stays and then reaching the summit to catch the sunrise.
Another advantage of choosing Yoshida Trail is the easy access to the trail.
Hikers can easily get mountain buses from Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations to the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station.
Another reason for choosing Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail is the amenities. Plenty of shops, information offices, and public toilets exist at the 5th and 6th stations.
First aid centers and rescue systems are also available for hikers at the 5th, 7th, and 8th stations. However, no huts on the Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail exist for descent.
Even though the Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail is the most popular, it is still not the fastest of all four trails.
Mount Fuji Fujinomiya Trail
The second most popular Mount Fuji trail is the Fujinomiya Trail, color-coded to blue, starting from the Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station.
The Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station is the highest among the four 5th stations, located at an elevation of 2400 m (7874 ft).
More than 53,000 hikers each Mount Fuji climbing season pick this trail to reach the gorgeous summit of the mountain.
The Fujinomiya Trail of Mount Fuji leads to the summit from the south side of Mt. Fuji on the Shizuoka Prefecture side.
Mount Fuji Fujinomiya Trail is the fastest on the ascent and descent.
The Fujinomiya Trail is one hour faster than the Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail. Typically, hikers take five hours to reach the peak of Mount Fuji.
The descent is equally fast and short compared to all four trails, taking only three hours.
Another remarkable trait of the Fujinomiya Trail is the route for ascent and descent are the same. Thus, the chances of taking the wrong route could be higher.
However, one thing to note is that the trail route is not beginner-friendly. The Fujinomiya Trail is very rocky and steep.
Even the best of hikers find it challenging. This trail is not for solo hikers or first-timers on their own. Hence, you must get a guided Mount Fuji trek ticket.
Beyond the challenge of the route, the Fujinomiya Trail features all the amenities for hikers, making it otherwise inviting.
There are many mountain huts located at every station for night stay.
There is one shop and information office on the 5th station and a fair number of public toilets on the trail. Apart from this, there is only one first-aid center at the 8th station.
The trail is easily accessible by various mountain buses operating from Mishima, Fuji, Shin-Fuji, and Fujinomiya Station.
Mount Fuji Subashiri Trail
The third most popular Mount Fuji Trail is the Subashiri trail, starting from the Subashiri Trail 5th Station, located at an elevation of 2000 m (6562 ft).
The Subashiri Trail is color-coded to Red and leads to the summit from the east side of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture (Oyama Town).
Compared to the Fujinomiya Trail, the Subashiri Trail is one hour slower. Thus, hikers take around six hours to reach the summit of Mount Fuji.
The hike time is the same as the Yoshida Trail, but a clear advantage is the shorter descent time of just three hours compared to the four hours by Yoshida Trail.
The trail for ascent is different from the trail for descent.
In the section between the 8th Station and the summit, trails for both ascent and descent are the same as those of Yoshida Trail.
The Subashiri Trail is gently sloped compared to the steep slopes on the Fujinomiya Trail.
Another unique feature of the Subashiri Trail is the lush tree cover near the 7th station that provides shade and respite from the direct sun.
Note: The Forest zone extends up to high altitudes, and once you come out of the forest zone, visitors can see the sunrise and the silhouette of Mt.Fuji on clouds from anywhere.
Since the forest covers us thick and hikers can’t see far in the forest zone, take extra care to maintain your way at night or in a dense fog.
Carry a headlamp with you. Read tips for visiting Mount Fuji for more helpful hacks.
A unique feature of the Subashiri Trail is the exciting experience of going straight down the trail of volcanic gravel for descent.
These are called Sunabashiri, which translates to sand run.
Even though there are plenty of mountain huts on the ascending trail, there are no trails on the descending path.
However, visitors can still access the huts on the ascending trail even when descending.
One thing to note is there is no information office on the trail. There are only two shops and multiple public toilets.
Another reason why the Subashiri Trail is less favored by many is the need for a first-aid center.
Having said that, the trail is easily accessible through various mountain buses from Gotemba and Shin Matsuda Station.
Note: The trail for ascent joins the Yoshida Trail at the Old 8th Station and becomes crowded.
Mount Fuji Gotemba Trail
The Gotemba Trail starts from Gotemba Trail New 5th Station at 1450 m (4757 ft) and is color-coded to Green.
The Mount Fuji Gotemba Trail leads to the summit from the southeast of Mount Fuji in the Shizuoka Prefecture.
It takes the longest of all the trails because the trailhead starts from a lower altitude than the others.
Typically, hikers take around seven hours to reach the peak of Mount Fuji through the Gotemba Trail.
However, the Gotemba Trail is still faster on the descent, taking only three hours compared to the Yoshida Trail.
The trail for ascent diverges from the trail for descent midway. There are gentle slopes of volcanic gravel up to near 8th Station.
Due to the low altitude of the starting point and gentle slopes. Thus, climbing Mount Fuji Gotemba trail is suitable for a good walker.
Hikers with good endurance who can cope with large altitude differences and long distances up to the summit pick the Mount Fuji Gotemba Trail.
However, the biggest disadvantage of picking this trail over others is the need for more basic amenities.
Visitors will find the Gotemba Premium Outlet some distance from the 5th station for shopping.
The Mount Fuji Gotemba Trail features far fewer huts than any other trail. There are a few toilets and restrooms.
Note:There are toilets and huts for a long stretch once you reach the 7th station, making the hike challenging for some.
There are instances of many inexperienced climbers unable to walk on their own due to exhaustion on the trail.
But just like the Subashiri Trail, there are no emergency facilities. Having said that, this is a good choice for hikers who want to enjoy climbing quietly.
Guests can enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise and the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji on clouds from anywhere.
The Mount Fuji Gotemba Trail is accessible by various mountain buses from Gotemba Station.
Mount Fuji Trail Map
The Mount Fuji trail map gives information about the landscape and is handy for all trekkers visiting Mount Fuji.
This will be your guiding compass on your Mount Fuji climb.
Make sure to have a downloaded physical copy and not just rely on digital media when it comes to the trail map of Mount Fuji.
Download the detailed Mount Fuji Trail Map PDF, which showcases all four routes in one place according to their designated colors.
This Mount Fuji trail map is well-marked and comprehensive, including all relevant details on a map.
It even includes small details that can be useful, such as the hike time between two stations on a particular trail route.
Beyond this, it also shows where the basic amenities and services are, such as parking, toilets, mountain lodges, bus stops, and useful warnings at tricky junctions.
Best Way to Climb Mount Fuji
Even though Mount Fuji is the most beginner-friendly hike to the summit, things can still get dicey due to sudden weather changes and lack of preparation.
This can even become life-threatening if you make some mistakes on your journey.
Getting a Mount Fuji trekking ticket to reach the peak is recommended. Reach the Mount Fuji summit in a group led by an expert to help and guide you through tricky parts.
Enjoy your hike and the incredible views on the trail rather than worrying about navigating correctly.
Many Mount Fuji tickets are available, making climbing Mount Fuji hassle-free and memorable. Check out one of our top recommendations.
Mount Fuji Trekking One-Day Tour up to Summit
Reach the top of Mount Fuji in a single day, hiking the most popular Mount Fuji trail, Yoshida Trail.
Follow the gentle route with other hikers in a group led by an experienced guide who will help you through the entire hike.
Avoid all the hassles of reaching Mount Fuji with the included private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. To keep your energy up, this tour also includes snacks and water bottles so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Simply enjoy the picturesque views as you climb to the Mount Fuji Summit. This Mount Fuji Tour is perfect for first-time climbers!
Price- ¥1,75,000 (US $1266) / per group (up to 9 people)
Beyond this, a range of Mount Fuji tickets offer an incredible experience for visitors who want to get to the 5th Station and glimpse the entire mountain.
These Mount Fuji tickets include a comprehensive overview of the Fuji area with plenty of activities and attractions near Mount Fuji.
So, get your perfect Mount Fuji tickets and start exploring with these top five recommended tickets.
| 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 to 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 |
Beyond these, visitors can opt for a dedicated guided tour revealing Mount Fuji’s fascinating history and significance.
Visitors should pick the private Mount Fuji tours to travel in style, comfort, and luxury.
Travelers who want to explore more for less should pick one of the incredible value-for-money Mount Fuji Combo tours, offering multiple activities and attractions with one ticket.
FAQs
1. How many trails are on Mount Fuji?
Hikers can use four Mount Fuji Trails to reach the mountain’s summit. All of the trails are color-coded. The Yoshida Trail is yellow and approaches the summit from the north side of the Yamanashi Prefecture. The Fujinomiya Trail is blue and leads to the summit from the south side of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. The is red and leads to the summit from the east side of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture Thel is green in color and leads to the summit from the southeast side of Mt. Fuji in the Shizuoka Prefecture.
2. Which Mount Fuji Trails is best?
The Yoshida Trail is the most popular among the four Mount Fuji Trails. More than 150,000 hikers each year use this climbing season to reach the top. However, the fastest route to the top is via the Fujinomiya Trail, which is the second most popular route. That said, the route with the most gentle slopes and less challenging topography is Gotemba, the longest trail. We recommend getting Mount Fuji trekking tour tickets to avoid all the hassle of picking the trail to reach the top.
3. Is Mt Fuji an easy hike?
Mount Fuji is one of the most beginner-friendly hikes. More than 200,000 hikers each year, including many novices, climb to the top. The sudden weather change, altitude difference, and other factors such as your fitness and endurance make the hike challenging. We recommend not doing a solo hike, especially for first-time hikers. Getting a Mount Fuji trekking tour to hike with a group led by an expert is recommended.
4. How do you get to Mount Fuji 5th Station?
There are four 5th stations, which act as a starting point of the trailhead for the four Mount Fuji Trails. Each is located at various altitudes on different sides of Mount Fuji. The most popular is the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station. Hikers can access this and all other 5th stations using various mountain buses. We recommend getting a transfer ticket to avoid all hassle and smooth your journey.
5. How long is Yoshida Trail Mount Fuji?
The Yoshida Trail is 9 miles (14 kilometers), starting from Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station at an altitude of 2300 m (7546 ft). Thus, there is a gain of 1489 (4881 ft) elevation from the 5th station to the Mount Fuji summit. Even though it is not the fastest trail to reach the top, it is preferred by most due to a balance of relatively gentle slopes and manageable hike time.
6. How do I get to Yoshida Trail Mt. Fuji?
The Mount Fuji Yoshida Trail starts from the Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station at 2300 m (7546 ft). Visitors can quickly get here using any mountain buses from Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. However, the best option is to get a Mount Fuji trekking tour with a convenient transfer facility from Tokyo.
7. Is Fujinomiya Trail difficult?
Fujinomiya is the second most popular Mount Fuji trail. More than 50,000 hikers each year pick this trail to reach the top. It is one of the most challenging of the four trails, with a very rocky route and steep slopes, making it difficult for even experienced hikers. Get a Mount Fuji Trekking Tour ticket to hike in a group led by an expert to help you through the tricky aspects of the route for a safe and memorable climb.
8. What is the most beautiful trail on Mount Fuji?
Even though the Yoshida Trail is the most popular, the Gotemba Trail offers some of the most exquisite views throughout its route. The gentle slope of volcanic gravel and views of the mountain silhouette throughout the route makes for an idyllic setting. The Subashiri Trail, featuring tree cover up to the 7th station, is also gorgeous. It also features Sunabashiri, which translates to sand runs, a trail highlight.
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