Make it to the Top of Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is a unanimous icon of Japan for its elegant shape. The elevation is nothing surprising comparing to those in the Rockies, but since Mt. Fuji is an isolated mountain located in the rather flat land, the 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) seems very high. Still, the mountain’s symmetric shape fits to the traditional Japanese sense of beauty that cherishes balance and harmony, and this mountain is one of the top summer destinations in the country as well.
THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
In spite of the highest elevation in the country, Mt. Fuji is relatively easy to climb, and the Associated Press reported that they marked a record number of 247,066 visitors to the mountain top in the official 2008 season. The mountain trail to the summit is opened to the public only from July 1 through August 31, and the hillsides are divided into ten levels, each of which is marked as a station, and 19 huts serve hikers accommodation and meals. During the season, buses and cars are allowed up to the fifth station. The real hike starts above the fifth: The hillside spread of Mt. Fuji opens the trails to the summit in four routes, each of which has different characteristics and hiking levels.
Yoshida-guchi Trail
The most popular trail starts from the fifth station at 7,562 feet high, and it takes about 6 hours to the top passing 18 huts.
Access from Tokyo: Take JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, and switch to Fuji Kyuko Line to Fuji Yoshida Station, which is only a few blocks from Yoshida-guchi Tozando (Yoshida-guchi trail entrance).
Gotemba-guchi Trail
This trail takes the longest time to the summit since the fifth station is at the lowest elevation (4,724 feet). However, the access from the Tokyo area is still very easy: JR Gotemba Line takes you to the closest train station to this trail entrance, Gotemba station, and a bus takes you another 45 minutes to the fifth station of the trail. The trail traverses on layers of volcanic ash, sand and pebbles that may catch your step, however, the panoramic view of Gotemba City is fascinating.
Access from Tokyo: Take Odakyu Line Express from Shinjuku to Shin-Matsuda, then switch to JR Gotemba Line to Gotemba Station.
Subashiri-guchi Trail
For those who’d like an easier hike to the summit from Gotemba Station, take the bus for 30 minutes to the Subashiri-guchi trail entrance. There is even another bus that goes up to the fifth station, but this trail is easy enough for children and senior hikers. Sengen Shrine stands still with 65 feet cedar trees at the trail entrance, guarding everybody passing the trail to the highest summit point. Past the fifth station on this trail is Sho-Fuji (Small Fuji) at the elevation of 6,233 feet, with a stunning view of Mt. Fuji and a few lakes at the bottom.
Fujinomiya-guchi Trail
The bus ride from the closest train station seems a little long; 2.5 hours. But this is because the beginning of this trail is at the highest elevation among all four (7,874 feet). The bus runs from Mishima station of the JR Line to Fujinomiya trail entrance.
Access from Tokyo: To Mishima station, take JR Tokaido-Honsen Line from Tokyo.
AT THE SUMMIT:
Most climb overnight to see the sunrise from the summit of this world famous mountain. Some regular hikers to Mt. Fuji say that the sunrise from the top is not particularly picture perfect: The sunrise looks much better from lower elevations, but what is special on the summit is the dawn at the highest point in the country after such a great accomplishment.
The top of Mt. Fuji is a flat crater: After the sunrise, a lot of people walk around the rim of the crater, which takes 80 to 90 minutes. The view from the rim is also magnificent with other mountain ranges when the air is clear. However, hikers should pay caution to the weather conditions on the summit because the rim walk is not recommended in a strong wind.
——– Nori Akashi : Public Relations Manager at the New York Office of JNTO
For more detailed information about Mt. Fuji climbing, go to
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/featuredarticles/mtfuji/fuji_05.html
There are hiking tours to Mt. Fuji during the season as well. Go to the tour information and registration links at: http://www.japantravelinfo.com/news/news_item.php?newsid=91
Mt. Fuji’s “Ten Commandments”
Compared to other tall mountains in Japan, Mt. Fuji is rather easy and appropriate for casual hikers. However, Mother Nature can be tough with weather. Mt. Fuji should never be taken too casually, and always be prepared for descent mountaineering as follows:
(1) Secure enough time for ascending and descending. A safe time estimation is 8 hours for ascending and 4 hours for descending.
(2) Altitude sickness and light injuries are very common afflictions if pushing yourself too hard.
(3) Get enough rest and nutrition before climbing, and take breaks along the way and at the peak. Pack light. You will be happy that your load is light as you ascend more.
(4) A summer day at the base town is a winter day at the peak: the temperature at the peak during the season is below 42 degrees Fahrenheit, and rain, wind and sudden snowfall can lower the temperature at any time.
(5) Be prepared for weather changes. Layered clothing is crucial with tee shirts, sweaters, heavy jackets and rain jackets.
(6) Wear the right shoes for mountain climbing: Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes are important.
(7) When climbing at night, pack a flashlight and some drinking water. Food is available to purchase at some huts, but it is always nice to keep your own food available.
(8) Huts are open throughout the season, but it is recommended to make a reservation if you plan to stay. The huts are not large and they have to accommodate as many people as possible and you may be asked to share a room with others.
(9) Litter is a very serious problem in recent years in Mt. Fuji. Be responsible for your own trash by carrying garbage bags. Carry out whatever you carry in. Simple makeshift bathrooms are available along the trail.
(10) Use only designated trails. Climbing sticks can be helpful, and sticks are sold at some places along the trail.
Japan National Tourism Organization
New York Office
One Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1250, New York, NY 10020
TEL: 212-757-5640 www.japantravelinfo.com
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