Ultimate Guide to Mt. Fuji's Climbing Routes: Choosing the Best Trail for Your Skill Level
Mount Fuji (Fujisan) stands as Japan's iconic symbol, inspiring countless artworks with its commanding presence. The area surrounding Mt. Fuji attracts both domestic and international tourists year-round, offering stunning views across all four seasons - spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Standing at 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji is Japan's highest peak, drawing visitors not only for its scenic beauty but also for climbing experiences. While scaling Mt. Fuji might seem daunting at first, did you know that there are four distinct climbing routes available? With proper preparation, even beginners can take on this challenge!
In this article, we'll introduce the climbing routes of Mt. Fuji, arranged by difficulty level.
Multiple Routes Available Based on Your Skill Level
Mt. Fuji offers several climbing routes tailored to different skill levels:
- Yoshida Route (Beginner-friendly): Features shorter distances, gentle slopes, and numerous mountain huts
- Fujinomiya Route (Beginner to Intermediate): Short distance but includes some steep sections
- Subashiri Route (Intermediate): Slightly longer but includes forested areas for a nature-rich experience
- Gotemba Route (Advanced): Features gentle slopes but longer distances with fewer mountain huts
With routes divided by difficulty levels, even first-time climbers can challenge Mt. Fuji by choosing an appropriate course. As a climbing novice myself, I successfully reached the summit via the Yoshida Route.
Essential Pre-climb Check! Introducing 4 Skill-based Climbing Routes
The difficulty of climbing Mt. Fuji varies depending on which side you approach from, so choosing a route that matches your climbing ability is crucial.
Let's examine these four climbing routes in detail, covering their overview, characteristics, and target climbers.
Yoshida Route (Beginner-Friendly)
Source: Official website
The Yoshida Route is designed for beginners. Its 5th station starts at 2,305m elevation, making it closer to the summit compared to the Subashiri Route's 5th station (1,970m) and Gotemba Route's 5th station (1,440m). The trail features gentle slopes and well-maintained paths, making it easier to climb.
A key advantage of the Yoshida Route is its extensive support system, including 17 mountain huts, the Mt. Fuji Safety Guidance Center at the 6th station, and first-aid stations at the 7th and 8th stations during peak season. The route offers plenty of opportunities for rest stops with toilets and places for energy replenishment, providing reassurance for beginners. From personal experience, I could rest at mountain huts whenever fatigue set in, enabling me to reach the summit without issues.
The route's accessibility is another reason for its popularity. Direct express buses run from Shinjuku and Yokohama, while climbing buses operate from Mt. Fuji Station, and shuttle buses run from Mt. Fuji Parking Area.
Course Time: Approximately 10 hours
Distance: 15km
Cumulative elevation gain (ascending): 1,720m
Cumulative elevation change (descending): 1,720m
Fujinomiya Route (For Beginners to Intermediate Climbers)
Source: Official website
The Fujinomiya Route is a climbing route suitable for beginners to intermediate climbers. The 5th station starts at an altitude of 2,400m, and among the four routes, it features the shortest distance to the summit. A highlight of this route is the ability to climb while enjoying spectacular views of the verdant Suruga Bay and Izu Peninsula.
Compared to the gentler slopes of the Yoshida Route, this path has more rocky areas and steep inclines, making pace management crucial, hence it's considered more suitable for intermediate climbers. However, since the trail is well-maintained with mountain huts at each station and a first-aid station at the 8th station, physically fit beginners can take on this challenge.
The ascending and descending paths are the same, so there's no risk of getting lost, but it can get crowded during peak season. Beginners or those wanting to enjoy a relaxed climb should consider climbing on weekdays or departing early in the morning.
Course time: About 9 hours
Total distance: 12.2km
Elevation gain: 1,386m
Subashiri Route (For Intermediate Climbers)
Source: Official website
The Subashiri Route is an intermediate-level climbing route that starts from the Subashiri entrance and approaches the summit from Mt. Fuji's eastern side in Shizuoka Prefecture (Oyama Town). Since there are fewer mountain huts, careful planning is essential.
Though the distance to the summit is considerable, a attractive point is enjoying the climb while observing the vegetation in the forest zone. While the forest provides shade from bright sunlight during the day, visibility becomes poor in the evening, so caution is needed. After emerging from the lush forest zone, you can view the sunrise (Goraiko) and Shadow Fuji (Kage Fuji; a phenomenon where Mt. Fuji's ridge line is reflected on the sea of clouds or foot of the mountain) from anywhere.
The route merges with the Yoshida Route at the 8th station. Be sure to check the signs when descending to avoid accidentally taking the Yoshida Route down. A unique feature is the "Sunabashiri" (sand run) with volcanic gravel from the 7th to 5th stations on the descent. This places less strain on the knees and makes for an easier descent, allowing for a quick final sprint.
Course time: About 10 hours
Total distance: 14km
Elevation gain: 1,700m
Gotemba Route (For Advanced Climbers)
Source: Official website
The Gotemba Route is an advanced-level climbing route that starts from the Gotemba entrance and approaches the summit from Mt. Fuji's southeastern side in Shizuoka Prefecture (Gotemba City). While the slope is gentle, it's characterized by its long distance to the summit.
Like the Subashiri Route, there are few mountain huts, making it challenging for those without confidence in their leg strength and stamina. Also, since there's no tree shade, protection from direct sunlight is necessary during hot summer months. However, being an advanced route with fewer climbers, one advantage is the ability to climb at your own relaxed pace.
Similar to the Subashiri Route, the descent features the "Osunabashiri" (great sand run) from the 7th station, covered in volcanic ash. While your feet sink to ankle depth, this reduces fatigue, making the approximately 7km journey less strenuous. Controlling your speed is important as momentum can build quickly. On the return journey, enjoy brisk progress while taking in panoramic views of Gotemba Market, the Hakone mountain range, and Suruga Bay.
Course time: About 12 hours
Total distance: 19.5km
Elevation gain: 2,250m
3 Essential Preparations After Choosing Your Mt. Fuji Climbing Route! Let's Find Accommodations and Tourist Spots!
Once you've decided on your Mt. Fuji climbing route, there are three preparations you need to make:
1. Choose accommodation
2. Select tourist spots
3. Pick restaurants
The area around Mt. Fuji is a premier tourist destination with numerous accommodations, tourist spots, and restaurants scattered throughout, which can take time to choose from. It's recommended to first select your accommodation and then choose nearby tourist spots and restaurants to plan your schedule smoothly. If there are must-visit tourist spots, you may want to decide on these first before selecting accommodation and restaurants.
1. Choosing Accommodation
Let's start with selecting your accommodation. This area offers a wide variety of options, from traditional Japanese ryokans to luxury hotels and hotels with beautiful Mt. Fuji views.
Consider how you want to spend time at the facility and factor in access to tourist spots and restaurants when making your choice. You're sure to find the perfect accommodation that suits your needs!
Highland Resort Hotel & Spa (Fujiyoshida Area)
Source: FujiQ Highland
Highland Resort Hotel & Spa, established in 1986, is a well-established hotel directly connected to Fuji-Q Highland amusement park. Aiming to be a "world-class resort worthy of Mt. Fuji," the hotel offers excellent views of both Mt. Fuji and the nightscape of Fuji-Q Highland from its rooms. With high-quality towels and carefully curated restaurants, it promises a premium experience.
The hotel takes pride in its specially designed rooms, featuring themes from popular comic NARUTO, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Lisa and Gaspard. These character-themed rooms are highly praised for their immersive storytelling atmosphere.
Additionally, hotel guests receive special benefits including free admission to the Fujiyama Museum and Fujiyama Onsen, plus priority entrance to Fuji-Q Highland 15 minutes before opening. Since popular attractions at Fuji-Q Highland often have long queues, it's advisable to make good use of these accommodation perks.
Address: Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-22-1000
Official Website: https://www.highlandresort.co.jp/
Kameya Ryokan (Fujinomiya Area)
Source: Official website
Kameya Ryokan, located in the Fujinomiya area, is a traditional Japanese inn just a 5-minute walk from JR Fujinomiya Station, featuring a top-floor observation bath with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. This location serves as an excellent base for accessing the Fujinomiya climbing route of Mt. Fuji.
I have personally stayed here as a tourist base. The pride of the ryokan, its observation bath, offers magnificent views of Mt. Fuji that are simply outstanding. I lost track of time and ended up soaking longer than planned. The relaxing bath experience while gazing directly at Mt. Fuji was truly a blissful moment!
The in-house restaurant serves local cuisine using carefully selected ingredients and local sake. Dinner includes traditional Japanese dishes such as sashimi, tempura, simmered dishes, and chawanmushi (steamed egg custard).
Address: 23-6 Omiya-cho, Fujinomiya-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0544-27-5566
Official Website: https://mtfuji-kameyaryokan.com/
Fuji Speedway Hotel (Fuji Speedway Area)
Source: PR TIMES
Fuji Speedway Hotel is a luxury hotel adjacent to the international Fuji Speedway circuit. The hotel is renowned for its unique views that combine the "stillness" of nature, including Mt. Fuji, with the "motion" of the circuit views. Its location offers convenient access to the Subashiri climbing route of Mt. Fuji.
The wellness-focused wing features four facilities:
- Fuji Daijingu Onsen
- Indoor Pool
- Spa Treatment
- 24-hour Gym
I've personally used the gym's professional driving simulator. You can choose from over 180 vehicle types, and experience realistic vibrations, sounds, and speed sensations for an authentic driving experience! The 30-minute time limit flew by quickly.
Address: 645 Okami, Oyama-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0550-20-1234
Official Website: https://www.hyatt.com/ja-JP/hotel/japan/fuji-speedway-hotel/fswub
HOTEL CLAD (Gotemba Area)
Source: Official website
HOTEL CLAD (Gotemba Area) is a hot spring resort hotel located within the Gotemba Premium Outlets complex.
The bath facility I recommend, "Konohana no Yu," features an open-air bath with views of Mt. Fuji, indoor baths, and a sauna where you can refresh both body and mind. There are 19 private open-air baths available, making it particularly popular among first-time hot spring visitors. The sauna offers attractive services such as Löyly (a relaxing sauna experience with aromatic scents).
You can spend a fulfilling day experiencing various activities, including panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, natural hot springs from their own source, restaurant dining, and outlet shopping.
Address: 2839-1 Fukasawa, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 0550-81-0321
Official Website: https://www.gotemba-hotelclad.jp/
2. Choosing Tourist Spots
Let's look at tourist spots next. I recommend locations that are easily accessible from the hotel.
This area offers attractions enjoyable for visitors of all ages, not just Mt. Fuji. The facilities include unique amusement parks offering one-of-a-kind experiences and expansive outlet malls that provide enough entertainment for a full day!
Fuji-Q Highland (Fujiyoshida Area)
Source: Official website
Fuji-Q Highland is a long-established amusement park that opened in 1969, known for its vast grounds. The park features over 40 attractions, including some recognized by Guinness World Records.
I have experienced "FUJIYAMA," which holds Guinness World Records for height, drop, and speed. It provided an unforgettable experience with unparalleled thrills and speed that I've never encountered at other amusement parks.
The park attracts visitors of all ages with attractions like the world's longest haunted house "Super Scary Labyrinth," the roller coaster with the most rotations globally "Eejanaika," and "Thomas Land," an outdoor theme park featuring Thomas the Tank Engine.
It's also highly recommended for families with children.
Address: 5-5-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: 9:00-19:00 (varies by season)
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0555-23-2111
Official Website: https://www.fujiq.jp/
Asagiri Highland (Fujinomiya Area)
Asagiri Highland, located in the Fujinomiya area, is characterized by its lush green grasslands spreading across the western foothills of Mt. Fuji. The name "Asagiri" (meaning morning mist) was given due to the frequent occurrence of fog during mornings and evenings from May to August.
The main attraction is the dynamic view of Mt. Fuji, as the highland is situated at its base near one of the Mt. Fuji climbing routes. I've visited to take photos myself, and the contrast between the green grassland and Mt. Fuji's blue silhouette creates a picture-perfect scene that you'll want to gaze at endlessly. Nearby, there's a Michi-no-eki (roadside station where you can learn about local information and enjoy meals), making it an ideal spot for a tourism break.
Located at an elevation of 700-1,000 meters, Asagiri Highland is known as a summer retreat due to its cool climate. However, winters can be quite severe, so it's recommended to bring thick outerwear when visiting during the cold season.
Address: 492-14 Nehara, Fujinomiya City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Hours: Open 24/7
Closed: Never
Phone: 0544-22-1155
Official Website: https://fujinomiya.gr.jp/guide/164/
Fuji Speedway (Fuji Speedway Area)
Source: Official website
Fuji Speedway is a circuit with over 50 years of history, hosting both domestic and international top races. Visitors can enjoy racing experiences while viewing Mt. Fuji, which is visible from the Mt. Fuji climbing route in the distance.
Racing experiences are available to anyone with a driver's license. I've driven my own car on the international racing course. Though nervous at first, I gradually felt the exhilaration and experienced what it's like to be a Super Formula or Super GT racing driver.
The facility also offers a circuit taxi service where you can ride in an official car on the Fuji Speedway international racing course. This is perfect for those who want to experience a genuine racing car or those who aren't confident in their driving abilities.
Address: 694 Nakahinata, Oyama-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: Varies by day
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0550-78-1234
Official Website: https://www.fsw.tv/
Gotemba Premium Outlets (Gotemba Area)
Source: Yamanakako Lake
Gotemba Premium Outlets, situated in the Gotemba area, is Japan's largest outlet shopping center with views of Mt. Fuji, which can be accessed via the nearby Mt. Fuji climbing route.
The facility features a wide range of stores including fashion, cosmetics, outdoor gear, household items, gourmet food, and limited-time shops, making it possible to enjoy a full day of shopping. The complex also includes the resort hotel "Hotel Clad," the accessible hot spring "Kinohana-no-Yu," and a mini amusement park for children, making it a highly convenient facility.
With an area equivalent to nine Tokyo Domes, it's recommended to check store locations in advance for efficient shopping.
Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0550-81-3122
Official Website: https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/
3. Choosing Restaurants
Finally, let's talk about choosing restaurants. The area around Mt. Fuji features various restaurants that focus on local production for local consumption, using locally sourced ingredients. You can choose from a wide range of establishments, from high-end restaurants perfect for special occasions to casual spots popular for daily dining.
Firewood Cooking Restaurant "Incense" (Fujiyoshida Area)
Source: PR TIMES
The firewood cooking restaurant "Incense" (located along the Mt. Fuji climbing route in the Fujiyoshida area) is situated within the BLANC FUJI accommodation facility, offering dishes prepared with local ingredients over an open fire. Through the large windows in the restaurant, you can feel close to nature, creating an experience similar to dining on a terrace while staying indoors.
I ordered the firewood dinner course. The appealing point is how they cook each ingredient using firewood, which combines the benefits of charcoal grilling and smoking. The creative dishes with smoky aromas are extraordinary and unique to this establishment! The house-grown herbs used as toppings are exceptional, adding both fresh color to the presentation and distinctive flavors to the taste.
After dinner, I tried the s'mores set, roasting marshmallows around the fire. The crackling sounds and flickering flames of the fire created a healing atmosphere, allowing for a relaxing time. It's highly recommended for its excellent relaxation effects!
Address: 9-6-25 Kamiyoshida Higashi, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi
Hours: 18:30-21:30
Closed: Never
Phone: 0555-28-6299
Official Website: https://blanc-fuji.com/meal/
Slow Food Restaurant "Roku" (Fujiyoshida Area)
Source: PR TIMES
Slow Food Restaurant "Roku" (near the Mt. Fuji climbing route in the Fujiyoshida area) prides itself on serving meals using local organic and pesticide-free ingredients while offering views of Mt. Fuji. The menu is supervised by Chef Maruhara, who has worked at famous restaurants in Tokyo.
I ordered the volcanic stone bomb shabu-shabu, which features Yamanashi Prefecture's branded meats (Kai AK Pork, Koshu Beef, Koshu Chicken, and Mt. Fuji venison) and locally grown vegetables, cooked in a kelp broth with heated volcanic stones in an iron pot. The shabu-shabu style cooking allows the meat's excess fat to blend into the kelp broth, making it light and easy to eat.
For service, they've implemented a mobile ordering and payment system supporting five languages, making it particularly accessible and popular among international visitors.
Address: 2F, 3-6-38 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi
Hours: 10:00-21:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 0555-28-4625
Official Website: https://fujixgate.jp/roku/
Aged Yakiniku 10 (Fujinomiya)
Source: Hot Pepper Gourmet
Aged Yakiniku 10 (Fujinomiya) is a yakiniku restaurant where you can savor Omi beef (one of Japan's top three Wagyu brands) and aged meat. Aged meat is prepared by aging the meat at low temperatures for a specific period, resulting in tender texture and concentrated umami flavors.
The must-try menu item is the aged meat platter. It features a selection of their signature aged meats including kalbi (ribs) and rosu (loin), allowing you to compare different flavors. Since aged meat has less moisture content, the flavors are more intense. When I first tried aged meat, even a single slice left me feeling incredibly satisfied.
The menu features a wide range of items including gyutan (beef tongue), horumon (beef and pork intestines), salads, bibimbap, and ramen. Located conveniently near the Fujinomiya Fifth Station Mt. Fuji climbing route, this restaurant is perfect for rejuvenating your body after a day of hiking!
Address: 7-10 Hikari-cho, Fujinomiya-shi, Shizuoka
Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Sat & Sun additional hours 11:00-14:00)
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 0544-26-6520
Official Page: https://www.instagram.com/jukuseiyakiniku_10/
Robata OYAMA (Fuji Speedway Area)
Source: Tripadvisor
Robata OYAMA, situated near the Gotemba Mt. Fuji climbing route, offers dishes featuring abundant seafood from Suruga Bay, Gotemba chicken, and fresh local vegetables. The main counter displays recommended ingredients, where you can watch the chef's impressive cooking techniques up close.
I tried the OYAMA course, which includes:
- Salad
- Sashimi
- Appetizers
- Grilled fish
- Grilled meat and vegetables
- Rice dish
- Dessert
The ingredients, carefully grilled over charcoal by skilled chefs, perfectly showcase their natural flavors and are absolutely exquisite! The elegant Japanese tableware adds sophistication and enhances the presentation.
The restaurant offers more than 15 varieties of carefully selected local sake, as well as tea from the established tea specialist Marunana Seicha, allowing you to enjoy perfect food pairings. The combination with drinks will enhance your dining experience even further.
Address: 645 Omigami, Oyama-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka
Hours: 17:00-22:00
Closed: None
Phone: 0550-20-1234
Official Page: https://www.hyatt.com/ja-JP/hotel/japan/fuji-speedway-hotel/fswub/dining/robata-oyama
Dining Hanai (Gotemba Area)
Source: Japan Hotel Association
Dining Hanai, located inside HOTEL CLAD, is an all-time buffet restaurant where you can enjoy meals while taking in the grand panorama of Mt. Fuji. You can savor approximately 50 different Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, including Shizuoka's local specialties (meals prepared using ingredients and cooking methods that highlight the region's characteristics).
Popular menu items include Fujinomiya Yakisoba, Shizuoka Oden, and Hamamatsu Gyoza. Among these, the highly recommended Shizuoka Oden (a simmered dish with various processed fish cakes) features a distinctive black soup made by combining beef tendon (gyutsuji: mainly the Achilles tendon part of beef) broth and soy sauce (shoyu: Japanese condiment). The daikon radish, slowly simmered until tender, absorbs the soup's flavors so well that I found myself going back for multiple servings.
Address: 2839-1 Fukasawa, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: 7:00-9:30, 12:00-15:00, 17:00-21:30
Closed: Never
Phone: 0550-81-0330
Official Website: https://www.gotemba-konohananoyu.jp/restaurant/
Sawayaka Gotemba Premium Outlets Store (Gotemba Area)
Source: Shizuoka Shimbun
Sawayaka Gotemba Premium Outlets Store is a famous steak and hamburger chain restaurant in Shizuoka Prefecture. Located within the outlet mall, it's conveniently accessible during shopping breaks.
Their signature menu item is the 100% beef "Genkotsu" Hamburg steak. The inside is served rare, and you can cook it to your preferred doneness on a hot iron plate. Despite its substantial 250g size, the juicy and tender meat quality makes it easy to finish. You can choose between onion sauce and demi-glace sauce – I recommend the onion sauce. The sweetness of onions combined with a subtle hint of soy sauce creates a refreshing Japanese-style flavor that makes the dish even more enjoyable.
The restaurant chain is exclusive to Shizuoka Prefecture and always has long queues of tourists, but it's definitely worth the wait.
Address: Hillside Area, Gotemba Premium Outlets, 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Hours: 10:30-20:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 0550-82-6311
Official Website: https://www.genkotsu-hb.com/shop/gotenba_outlet.php
Summary
Mt. Fuji, one of Japan's premier tourist destinations, offers four climbing routes suitable for beginners to advanced climbers. For beginners, the Yoshida Route is recommended as it features gentle slopes and numerous mountain huts and first-aid stations. Even with my limited climbing experience, I successfully reached the summit via the Yoshida Route!
The surrounding area boasts a variety of accommodations, tourist attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the day, and restaurants supervised by renowned chefs. The area is always bustling with domestic and international tourists, offering unique experiences that can only be found here.
Why not visit the Mt. Fuji area and create your own memorable travel experiences?
