Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji: The New Regulations and Why They Exist

Mount Fuji at 3,776 metres is an active stratovolcano, the highest peak in Japan, and one of the most climbed mountains in the world. It has been a sacred mountain since at least the 7th century, a pilgrimage site, and the subject of more Japanese art than any other natural feature – Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji established the mountain’s global image in the early 19th century.

Annual visitor numbers to the climbing trails exceeded 220,000 in recent peak years, with July and August bringing conditions that rangers described as overcrowded and dangerous. Climbers attempting the ascent in trainers and cotton clothing, “bullet climbing” in one continuous push without acclimatisation stops, a near-continuous line of headlamps from base to summit – the overcrowding had become a mountain safety and environmental problem of genuine seriousness.

In 2024, Yamanashi Prefecture closed the most popular trail section (the Yoshida Trail above the forest line) except to ticketed, properly equipped climbers and implemented a daily cap of 4,000 climbers on the Yoshida route. A barrier gate closes the trail when capacity is reached. This situation will continue to evolve; check current regulations with the Yamanashi and Shizuoka Fuji tourism authorities before planning any climb.

The Trails

The Yoshida Trail (north side, Yamanashi Prefecture) is the most popular and best serviced, with the most mountain huts. The 5th Station sits at 2,305 metres; the summit is at 3,776 metres. Total ascent roughly 1,400 metres, approximately 5 to 7 hours up and 3 to 4 hours down. Subject to the new daily cap.

The Subashiri Trail (east side) starts from a lower 5th Station at 2,000 metres, joins the Yoshida route above the 8th Station, and is less crowded. The sandy descent via the switchbacks is notably faster.

The Gotemba Trail (southeast side) is the longest, least used, and starts at 1,440 metres – genuinely solitary, genuinely arduous.

The official climbing season runs mid-July to early September. Outside this period the mountain huts are closed, trails are unmaintained, and snow conditions require winter mountaineering equipment. Off-season climbing is not illegal but is genuinely dangerous; people die on Fuji each year in off-season attempts.

What to Bring

Waterproof hiking boots (not trainers), waterproof jacket and trousers, insulating mid-layers (summit temperature can be well below zero even in summer), headlamp with spare batteries, at least 2 litres of water, high-energy food, sunscreen. The 5th Stations have gear shops but selection is limited. A night at a mountain hut at the 7th or 8th Station breaks the ascent and reduces altitude sickness significantly compared to the bullet approach.

Viewing Without Climbing

The most photographed Fuji view is from the Fuji Five Lakes area (Fujigoko), particularly Lake Kawaguchi in the early morning. The Chureito Pagoda above Fujiyoshida gives the other classic shot: red pagoda in the foreground, mountain behind. Hakone, accessible by Romancecar train from Shinjuku in 90 minutes, offers lake and ropeway views alongside excellent onsen. The mountain in morning light from Hakone’s Lake Ashi – when the clouds are not in the way – is a view that requires patience and some luck.