We finally got to climb Mt. Fuji, which is something we have wanted to do forever! We will let you know what it was like.

We have written the basic facts about climbing Mt. Fuji in a separate document so please read that as well.

This time, we reserved a 1 night 2 days package tour stay at a Mountain hut as our way of transportation. The fee is about 12000yen. And we added an extra 500yen fee in choosing a plan where you can stay overnight at a Mountain hut above the level number 8. We had heard that in order to see the sunrise, the climbing roads becomes very crowded on the day beforehand, and we felt that we wanted to start climbing from the highest location possible. In the end paying the extra fee was worth it, and we want to recommend it to you.

We met at Shinjuku and made our way towards Kawaguchi lake number 5 on a tour bus. The meeting time was 7:30am at Shinjuku station’s west exit.

When arriving at the area there were many people in Mountain gear gathering together. There were many foreigners present as well.

From Shinjuku we went to Fuji number 5 by tour bus. There was one break on the way at a service area, so it is possible to stock up on food and use the bathroom.

Also, you can receive your overnight ticket for the Mountain hut at the bus. Be careful that you don’t lose your ticket because it is necessary if you want to stay at the Mountain hut.
The hut is at the number 8 “Mountain Fuji Hotel”.
We arrived at the Fuji Subaru line 5th at 11am.

After getting off of the bus we made our way towards Fujikyu Unjyokaku next to the rotary. This is a facility that is a base for the Mt. Fuji climbers, and a place where you can take breaks or prepare before climbing.

Coin lockers are also available, so come in light, fitted clothing and then change into your Mountain climbing clothes here. You can place everything else you don’t need in the coin lockers and head towards the Mountain. Also do a last minute check if you have everything you need. You can buy goods you forgot at the shops.

The bathrooms at the Unjyokaku are 50yen per usage.

After preparing our equipment on the 3rd floor, we had lunch, and then headed towards the Mountain.

The Mt. Fuji 5th is at 2305 meters in height, and the oxygen density already becomes thinner. After getting enough rest at the 5th, it is recommended that you resume climbing after letting your body get used to the air pressure. In fact if you do not get enough rest here it will affect you later on.

The Kongozue (cane) can be bought at the 5th. Have stamps burned in at Mountain huts or at the top of the Mountain.

■Walking on a calming, nature enriched road (5th to 6th)

11:45am. We start at the Mountain Fuji 5th.
At first we walk on a flat road.
When it is clear out you could probably see Kawaguchi lake and Fuji Yoshida city land on your left, but because it was cloudy we could not see it.

After about 10 minutes, we arrive at Sengaryu. There is a waterfall with little water on the edge of the climbing route.
From the Sengaryu a loose uphill starts, that’s where we felt the climbing had started to become more challenging.

Other than the influences of strong wins, we continued through the trees that grow at a very strange angle. Look at how their trunks re bent.

12:20pm. we arrive at the 6th (2390 meters).
Suddenly things have become less green, and the area becomes an open space with little stones and pebbles.

In the 6th there is a safety control center, where you can retrieve a climbing route map. You can also confirm the weather information. Tomorrow will be sunny so it should be a perfect day for climbing.

■We continue climbing a consistent zig zagging street (6th to 7th)

From the 6th you are to climb a zig zagged street where safety fences are placed.
From the 6th there is a sudden fork in the road with the descent path so be sure not to go that way.

On the zig zagged road, there is a wooden panel which has been placed to create a step to help prevent the sand from collapsing. The roads are wider, and properly placed that it is easy to walk on, but is consistent so can be difficult in that sense. Each and every step we take is important.

A climbing path where there is sand mixed

When looking up towards the top of the Mountain, you can already see the Mountain huts above the 7th, but it has already been covered by the fog. The speed of the wind must be very fast.

Finally, going up a steep rocky area, we arrive at 1:20 pm for the first time at a floral hut which is a famous Mountain hut. From the 6th it took an hour.

The floral hut is placed at the 7th (2700 meters).

■While climbing a steep rocky area we wander about into the Mountain huts (7th to 8th)

From beyond the floral hut, it is a very steep rocky area that is different that the roads that have been facilitated all along.
When running into big groups it becomes crowded.
The Mountain huts are built adjacently in rows and we climb by looping through the Mountain huts up the rocky areas.

Gloves are necessary because you will be climbing will grabbing the bumpy rocks.

Above our heads you can see more Mountain huts, so that as a goal you gradually increase the height.
In front of the Mountain hut there is a resting space, so climbers can progress while taking breaks.

We began to see a red torii above.

After crossing under the tori there is the torii-sou. It is at the 7th, of 2900 meters.

A part is over from exploring the 7th until the Mountain hut, the Toyo-kan. It is a hut at the height of 3000 meters that was rebuilt in 2005, a beautiful hut.

■Related Post
*Mt. Fuji experience report (Yoshida route) Part2
*Mt. Fuji experience report (Yoshida route) Part3
*Mt. Fuji experience report (Yoshida route) Part4