5 Things To Know For Your Trip To Mt.Fuji

A trip to Mount Fuji

Whether you want to climb to the top or just view the mountain from your hostel close by, a trip to Mount Fuji is an amazing experience for every tourist in Japan. The 7th highest peak in the world and the highest volcano in Japan, Mount Fuji is a 3776m-high mountain which is visited by around one million people every year to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Ashi, Owakudani Valley, and Hakone mountains.

Planning a trip to Mount Fuji? Below is everything that you need to know, don’t be like me, who was ill prepared!

1. Where to Stay

If you are looking for an affordable place near Mount Fuji region with basic amenities, check out the following list:

• K’s House Mount Fuji – K’s House Mount Fuji is an affordable backpacker hostel with low prices and enough accommodation to keep you at ease. They offer simple, mixed, and private Japanese-style rooms, fully-equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, lounge, and computers. They also have rental bikes that guests can use to explore the surrounding area.
• Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko – Conveniently located, Kawaguchiko Hotel is an inexpensive place across the street from Kawaguchiko Station. It provides mixed and female-only dorm rooms, futons for sleeping, tatami mats, and access to the outdoor onsen. The hotel offers complete ryokan experience and Wifi is also available there. Also, people can use their free shuttle service to the Kawaguchiko Station.
• Capsule Inn Fujisan – Located close to the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, Capsule Inn Fuji offers private sleeping capsule rooms with a shared lounge and a library. Wi-Fi service is available throughout the entire property. Luggage storage and personal lockers are also available for the guests. Guests can find drink vending machines and a special smoking area. A convenience store is located at an 8-minute walking distance from the property.
• Hostel Fujisan YOU – Hostel Fujisan YOU is a new hostel located on the north entrance of Mount Fuji. It is a cheap hostel that offers cozy and clean dormitory rooms, a shared lounge, and a kitchen with cooking appliances, a fridge, a toaster, and a microwave. Free tea and coffee are also available. The hostel also has bike hire and luggage storage facilities for the guests.

2. Things to Pack

Have Mount Fuji on your list and don’t know what to pack? The Following are essential items that you should take on your trip to Mount Fuji:

• Warm sweater
• Waterproof windbreaker
• Walking stick
• Hat
• Flashlight
• Gloves
• Shoes
• Backpack
• Sanitizer
• Tissues
• Water bottle
• Portable charger
• Hand Towel
• Plastic Bags
• small change
• Sunscreen
• Trail map
• Snacks

3. Getting there from Tokyo

Whether you want to climb the mountain, explore the beautiful surrounding lakes, or simply soak in a hot spring, you have different options to get to your destination. Here is an overview of how you can get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji using different kinds of transportation:

• Regular Bus – The easiest and best way to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo is to travel by bus. You can take the bus from Tokyo Station, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport International Terminal, or Shibuya Mark City. This journey will take around 2-2.5 hours and cost between 1500 JPY-3000 JPY. Take the Keio or Fujikyu Bus from the Shinjuku Bus Terminal from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station. Or take the Fujikyu or JR Kanto Bus from Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit) to Kawaguchiko Station. This journey takes approximately two hours and JR Pass is not valid on these buses.
• Special Bus – During the climbing season (July to mid-September), travelers can take the bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to 5th Station (Fuji Subaru Line), the starting point for the famous summer hike following the Yoshida Trail. This trip takes around 2.5 hours to complete and its ticket costs 2900 JPY one way.
• Train – Getting to Mount Fuji by train is easy and comfortable. Many trains directly connect to the Mount Fuji region departing twice a day around 6-7 PM from Tokyo Station. You can take the Chuo Line from Tokyo Station and then, switch the train to the Fujikyuko Line at Otsuki Station. Or take the Fuji Excursion Limited Express train to Kawaguchiko Station from Shinjuku Station. This journey takes around 2 hours and costs 4000 JPY (one-way).

4. What to wear

Even if the lower region is sunny, there is still a chance of running into bad weather. It is recommended to be fully prepared against the cold and rain before hiking all the way to the top of Mount Fuji. Carry rain gear to protect your upper and lower body. On top of Mount Fuji, you should wear a warm fleece over a long-sleeved T-shirt. Go for long pants to help your knees move easily and avoid wearing jeans as they are less flexible. Wear shoes that not only support your ankles but also protect your feet from the pebbles such as high cut hiking boots. Carry a hat to protect your face from the sunlight and also, avoid using an umbrella as it can be dangerous. Another important thing is gloves, not only does it get super cold on the summit but sometimes you need to use your hands to climb over rocks. When I made the trek I wasn’t prepared, and it was one of the scariest moments of my life. 

5. When to visit

Japan is a country whose climate can be separated into four different seasons (Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring). Nothing could be more frustrating than planning a trip to climb Mount Fuji when there are clouds and less visibility. The official climbing season for Mount Fuji is from July to early September when there is no snow over the mountain. This is basically the hiking season that guarantees pleasant weather, gorgeous views, and nice sunshine. Another great time to climb Mount Fuji is the Winter season from October and February when the visibility is at its best.

Note: When I went a storm was beginning, I didn’t have the proper gear and ended up tearing up my shoes and being completely soaked by the time I made it down. Be safe out there!