Climbing Mt. Fuji FAQ

■ Q: Which route is the best to take?
■ A: The most accessible trail from Nagoya is the Fujinomiya-guchi route. This is the oldest, shortest, rockiest, and most crowded route. From the entrance of the walking trail you can see your goal, the white dome of the weather station at the summit. From the fifth station is only 1376m to the top. On average, depending on your state of health, physique, crowds, and the pace of the person infront of you, it takes 6 hours to the top and 3 hours to descend back down. On a clear day, there are not many, a panoramic view of Suruga Bay and the Pacific Ocean is available. Compared to the other routes the trail is relatively sheltered from the wind enabling an easier climb.

■ Q: Are there any toilets?
■ A: Yes, above the fifth station there are toilets at each subsequent station, including the summit, but don’t expect luxury, and don’t expect any toilet paper either.

■ Q: What happens if I fall ill or injure myself?
■ A: From late July to mid-August a free emergency medical facility, staffed with a doctor, will be available at the eighth station. There is also a temporary police station at the fifth station in case of emergency.

■ Q: What is the best time to climb?
■ A: Many people begin climbing in the early evening, and arrive at the summit before dawn to watch the sunrise. During climbing season sunrise varies between 04:30 in early July and 05:15 towards the end of August.

■ Q: What should I wear?
■ A: Despite being the height of summer, temperatures at the summit average around 5ºC during the day, and drops below freezing at night. Rain gear and winter clothing including gloves & a woolly hat are essential. Sturdy footwear, thick socks, and sunscreen are also a pre-requisite.
There are coin lockers at the fifth station, so you don’t have to carry everything up the mountain.

■ Q: What about food and drink?
■ A: Food and snacks like bottled water is available on the mountain for a price - however the higher up the mountain you go, the more expensive things become. It is highly recommended that you pack and bring your own food and water. A minimum of two liters of water is recommended.

■ Q: How do I get there from Nagoya?
■ A1: The fast, expensive route- Take the Kodama Shinkansen to Shin-Fuji 新富士(7,530 Yen one-way) and from Shin-Fuji Station take the special designated coach to Fujinomiya-gogome 富士宮五合目. Buses depart on the half hour between 08:30 & 16:30 on weekends and holidays until August 16. There are also daily departures at 08:30 & 14:30 until August 31. Takes 2 hours one way and costs 3000 Yen return for adults, 1500 Yen for children. For more information call: Fujikyu City Bus 055-975-9123

■ A2: The slow, cheap route - Take the JR Tokaido Line from Nagoya to Fuji Station (4~5hr. 3,800 Yen) and then the JR Minobe Line 身延線 to Fujinomiya Station 富士宮 (17min, 230 Yen). From Fujinomiya Station take the special designated coach to Fujinomiya-gogome 富士宮五合目.Buses depart 5 past the hour between 09:05 & 17:05 on weekends and holidays until August 16. There are also daily departures at 09:05 & 15:05 until August 31. Takes 90 minutes one way and costs 3000 Yen return for adults, 1500 Yen for children. For more information call: Fujikyu City Bus 055-975-9123

For both routes return buses depart the Fifth Station on the half hour between 09:30 and 16:30 on weekends and holidays until August 16; daily departures at 09:30 & 12:00 until August 31.

■ Q: Are there any special travel deals?
■ A: The Mt.Fuji Climbing season also coincides with the availability of the “JR Seishun ju-hachi (18) Kippu 青春18きっぷ. The “JR Seishun ju-hachi kippu”, is a seasonal ticket available only during holiday seasons. The ticket costs 11,500 Yen (same price for adults and children, no age limit) and can be used on all local JR trains (futsu = 普通), JR Rapid Express (kaisoku = 快速), and JR ferries for over five consecutive or non-consecutive days. However, it cannot be used on express trains, buses, and the Shinkansen. It allows you to travel as far as you like in a day (from midnight to midnight) for only 2,300 Yen.
The ticket is good for any five days during the travel period. It is good for 1 person to travel on 5 separate days, 5 people to travel together on the same day or any type of combination between. For example a couple can travel together on 2 non-consecutive days then the ticket can be used on another day by a friend. If you travel on an over night train or ferry it will be considered “2 days” worth of travel. If you get on a train at 11:55pm at night and get off at 12:05 am the next morning (10 minutes later) it is still considered the same day and you will not be penalized for travelling on these trains.Tickets are available at all “Midori no Madoguchi” ticket counters in JR Stations, and are on sale between July 1 to August 31 for use between July 20 & September 10.

■ Q: Where can I get more information?
■ A: For more information about this, other routes, and other travel options, the Nagoya International Center Information Counter has detailed Mt. Fuji climbing guides, bus and train information, and local tourist information available. Call or visit us Tel 052-581-0100. There is also a tourist information office located at Kawaguchiko Station (Open: 09:00 - 17:00; Tel: 0555-72-6700).