Can you climb Mt Fuji in one day? Yes, it’s possible! Very possible, in fact. In preparation of our trip to Japan in late July, every article I read about climbing Mt Fuji recommended to stay in a mountain hut overnight to not only help altitude sickness, but to also have the best bet of submitting the mountain at sunrise.
If you’re like me and don’t need to see the sunrise, don’t want to carry the extra necessities it requires to stay the night, don’t want to pay the extra expense, don’t have the time to do so, and most importantly you want to climb the mountain without the insane crowds that come each night, then climbing Mt Fuji in one day is for you!
However, I can’t write this without cautioning that this isn’t for everyone. If you’re in decent shape (meaning you work out a few times a week) then you’re most likely good to go. If you’re not in good shape or get altitude sickness really easily, this is not for you and I would instead recommend staying in the mountain hut.
Ok, so how did we manage to climb Mt Fuji in one day? Here are all the details!
First, what should you bring?
I’ll keep this short and sweet. Wear hiking boots, bring plenty of water and snacks, and bring/wear layers. We got lucky with a nice day with no rain, so I wore my boots, leggings, a long sleeve shirt, and a light rain jacket. I wish I would have brought a hat for the sun and covers for my ankles so that sand and rocks didn’t get in my boots on the way down! In my bag was lots of water, an extra layer, sunscreen, snacks (snickers were my go to!), and coins. You’ll need the change to buy anything from the huts or to use the restroom on your hike.
Start as early as you can
We took a Willard bus from Shibuya, Tokyo to Kawaguchiko the day before we planned to hike and stayed at this AirBnB in Fujiyoshida. I LOVED this AirBnB and was my favorite we stayed at in Japan as it’s large, would be great for a group or family, and had constant A/C, however I really wish we booked something in Kawaguchiko instead being that’s the main transportation hub in the Mt Fuji area. Keep in mind that it would be possible to take a bus from Tokyo the morning of and bus back at night, but your day just might be a little more cramped AND you don’t get to see the Mr Fuji area which is awesome. All just a matter of personal preference!
Anyways, we took the first bus to the Subaru 5th Station from Fujisan in the morning at 6:20 am. This bus stopped at Kawaguchiko at 6:30 and was about 20 Yen per person round trip. Make sure to be at the station early because there will be a line! We arrived at the 5th station at 7:25, grabbed some breakfast and snacks for the day, and then set off on our hike.
Mt Fuji Yoshida Trail
Yoshida is the most popular trail to the top of Mt Fuji from the 5th station, and is the route I would recommend because it’s fun to see the mountain huts on your way up! Stop by the information center at the 5th station to get a map and get any questions answered. Then, follow the signs for Yoshida trail on the way up. You’ll share this trail with those climbing down for the very beginning, but the trails split, so just follow the signs for the Yoshida trail going up and you’ll be good to go. Signage is very good and easy to follow in English.
Things to keep in mind on your climb
It says to plan for 5-6 hours on the way up and 3-4 on the way down. We did the climb up in 4.5 hours and down in 3 hours. But the good news about climbing Mt Fuji in one day is that you are there at the opposite time of the crowds who stay overnight and can easily go at your own pace! Most of the mountain huts on the way up have benches to take a break, snacks and beverages for purchase, and bathrooms. They also offer stamps for your wooden hiking stick for 300-400 Yen if you want stamps as you go up. This makes for a super cool souvenir!
The top of Mt Fuji
Woohoo you made it! Once we got to the top we were absolutely exhausted and could definitely feel the altitude. We bought a pin where they stamped in the date of our summit for 600 Yen. It was really cloudy so we didn’t have much of a view, but we loved seeing the rim of the volcano! You can choose to walk around the rim which takes another 1 – 1.5 hours, but we weren’t feeling too great so we decided to make our way down as soon as possible.
The route down
You’ll still take the Yoshida trail on the way down, but it’s a different trail than the way up. It’s a pretty steep decline, and you don’t have access to the mountain huts or bathrooms on your way down so plan accordingly and go at the top before you start your descend! Like I said, this took us 3 hours. Also, make sure to follow signs to the Subaru 5th station if that’s where you started. The Yoshida trail splits on the way down and it can be easy to follow the signs to Yoshida trailhead instead. DO NOT DO THAT or you’ll end up at the base of the mountain!
Overall, I’m really glad we were able to climb Mt Fuji in one day. But holy cow, it was HARD! We saw lots of families and ages doing it along with us, but again, these people were all in good shape and have experience of climbing/hiking. Enjoy your hike and enjoy your time in Japan!
So proud of you and Cole! It is so fun to read your blog. I learn so much and in this case realize I may need to step up my exercise routine! 🙂
Hello Lindsey,
this is a really great and helpful blog post! I want to do the same with friends this year in August. 🙂
What I am wondering: At which time did you return to 5th station and were there still busses running? I am not able to find busses that go down later than 5pm which looks too early to manage it.
I think in total it took us about 8 hours so if I remember right we took the 3:50 bus back from 5th station. Check out the bus times here https://www.japan-guide.com/bus/fuji.html
Where did you get that coin! We just hiked Fuji last week and was looking for one.
Where did you stay the night before and will they store your luggage when you leave in the morning for the earliest bus. Or did you hike with all your stuff?
This was a VERY helpful post that inspired my 22 year old daughter and me to summit Fuji in one day last week instead of staying in a hut. Thank you! We followed your blue print and had a great time. We had good weather, but were prepared for Fuji’s unpredictable nature. We took periodic breaks and drank A LOT of water (much more than on a sea level hike), which one can easily buy at the huts. We did not use poles climbing up, but found a pole useful for the long and sleep downhill. Thanks again — we’re so glad we saw your post and did the hike!
Curious, how did you bring the walking stick home? Plane, shipped? And did you purchase from a hut? Thanks!