Complete Comparison of Mt. Fuji Climbing Route Difficulty:
Explaining the Four Routes from Beginner to Advanced Levels

2026-06-23

When you think, “I want to climb Mt. Fuji,” the first question you will face is: “Which route should I take?”

Mt. Fuji has four main climbing routes, and each differs greatly in difficulty, distance, crowd levels, and scenery. Choosing the wrong route may make the climb much harder than expected, or increase risks because there are fewer mountain huts.

Mt. Fuji Climbing in 2026: What You Should Know First

Climbing Season

The Yoshida Route and Subashiri Route are scheduled to open on July 1, 2026, while the Fujinomiya Route, Gotemba Route, and the summit crater walk are scheduled to open on July 10, 2026. Opening dates may be delayed depending on remaining snow conditions. The climbing season for all routes ends on September 10.

Entrance Fee / Trail Fee

For the 2026 season, a payment of 4,000 yen per person per climb is required on all four routes. On the Yoshida Route, this is collected as a “trail fee,” while on the three Shizuoka-side routes it is collected as an “entrance fee.” In all cases, it is mandatory, not optional.

Yoshida Route, Yamanashi side: Payment can be made on-site on the day of climbing in cash, or in advance online.
Three Shizuoka-side routes: As a general rule, climbers are encouraged to register in advance through the “Shizuoka Prefecture FUJI NAVI” app and obtain an entry certificate. If you do not have a smartphone, you can complete the procedure on-site, but advance registration is recommended because on-site procedures may take time.

Time Restrictions Common to All Routes

To prevent “bullet climbing,” entry to the trails from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. the following morning is restricted, except for those staying at mountain huts. On the Yoshida Route, the gate will be closed during this time. On the three Shizuoka-side routes, mountain hut reservations will also be checked at each trailhead. Even mountain hut guests must pay the 4,000 yen trail fee or entrance fee.

Visitor Limit on the Yoshida Route

Only on the Yoshida Route, the gate will be closed once the number of climbers reaches 4,000 per day, excluding mountain hut guests. On busy weekends, during the Obon holiday period, and around Mountain Day, it is safer to start early in the morning.

Essential Gear Check

On the Yoshida Route, gear checks are carried out at the Fifth Station gate. If you do not have the following three items, you will not be allowed to enter the trail: warm clothing, separate top-and-bottom rainwear, and shoes suitable for mountain climbing. Climbing in sneakers or a simple plastic rain poncho is not permitted.

Difficulty Comparison of the Four Mt. Fuji Climbing Routes

1. Yoshida Route
Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station, Yamanashi Side

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Recommended for beginners to intermediate climbers

This is the classic route used by the largest number of climbers among the four routes in most years. If this is your first time climbing Mt. Fuji, this is the route we recommend choosing first.

The ascent is about 6.8 km and takes around 6 hours. The descent is about 7.0 km and takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes.

The starting point, Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station, is located at an elevation of about 2,305 meters. It is the second-highest starting point among the four routes. Mountain huts, toilets, and shops are the most developed on this route, and the ascent and descent trails are separated, making it safer. Signage is also well maintained, and the route is clear and easy to understand, making it suitable for beginners.

After the Original Eighth Station area, the route merges with the Subashiri Route, so the area near the summit becomes crowded. Also, from the Ninth Station to the summit, the rocky sections become steeper, so physical strength and caution are required. During the descent, some climbers accidentally enter the Subashiri Route at the junction near the Eighth Station. From 2026, images of the junction will be shown in the reservation system, so be sure to check them in advance.

Access is convenient by highway bus from Shinjuku, specifically from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, taking about 2 hours and 35 minutes during the summer season.

For reservations for highway buses to Mt. Fuji Fifth Station, use highwaybus.com.

2. Subashiri Route
Subashiri Fifth Station, Shizuoka Side

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Recommended for intermediate climbers

This route is less crowded than the Yoshida Route and is popular among those who want a quieter climb. The ascent is about 6.9 km and takes around 6 hours and 25 minutes. The descent is about 6.2 km and takes around 3 hours and 20 minutes.

The starting point, Subashiri Fifth Station, is located at an elevation of about 2,000 meters. The first part of the trail passes through a forested area, allowing climbers to enjoy hiking through greenery. However, because the starting elevation is lower than the Yoshida Route, the elevation gain is about 1,700 meters, so good physical fitness is required.

The descent course known as the “Sunabashiri” is famous for allowing climbers to slide down deep volcanic sand. It is an exhilarating descent route, but the dust can be intense, so goggles and a balaclava or face covering are useful. This route merges with the Yoshida Route at the Original Eighth Station, so the area near the summit becomes crowded.

Because this is a Shizuoka-side route, climbers are generally encouraged to register in advance and obtain an entry certificate through “Shizuoka Prefecture FUJI NAVI.” If you do not have a smartphone, on-site procedures are also possible.

3. Fujinomiya Route
Fujinomiya Fifth Station, Shizuoka Side

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Recommended for intermediate to slightly advanced climbers

This is the shortest of the four routes. The ascent is about 4.3 km and takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes. The descent is also about 4.3 km and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. However, “shorter distance” does not mean “easier.”

The starting point, Fujinomiya Fifth Station, is located at an elevation of about 2,400 meters, making it the highest starting point among the four routes. Because the elevation is high, climbers are more prone to altitude sickness, and steep rocky sections begin soon after starting. From the Seventh Station onward, the slope becomes even steeper, and the climb can feel physically demanding. In addition, the same trail is used for both ascending and descending, so it can easily become congested, and passing other climbers may take time. On the descent, the steep rocky path places a heavy burden on the knees, and many climbers experience knee pain after descending this route.

4. Gotemba Route
Gotemba New Fifth Station, Shizuoka Side

Difficulty: ★★★★★
Recommended for advanced climbers and very fit hikers

This is the most challenging of the four routes and is suitable for experienced climbers. The ascent is about 10.5 km and takes around 8 hours and 40 minutes. The descent is about 8.4 km and takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The starting point, Gotemba New Fifth Station, is located at an elevation of about 1,440 meters, the lowest among the four routes. The elevation gain to the summit reaches about 2,300 meters. Both the distance and elevation gain are by far the greatest, and the physical demand is considerable. There are few mountain huts and no first-aid stations, so poor physical condition or insufficient equipment can directly lead to serious risks.

On the other hand, this route has very few climbers, allowing for a quiet climbing experience. The “Osunabashiri” is a large-scale volcanic sand descent course even more impressive than the one on the Subashiri Route, and its exhilaration is unique. The overwhelming views and sense of solitude are the greatest attractions of this route.

Because this is a Shizuoka-side route, climbers are generally encouraged to register in advance and obtain an entry certificate through “Shizuoka Prefecture FUJI NAVI.” The Gotemba Route is not subject to private car restrictions even during the summer climbing season, so you can access the trailhead by private car.

Which Route Should You Choose?
If this is your first time climbing Mt. Fuji, choose the Yoshida Route without hesitation. It has well-developed mountain huts, toilets, and signs, and it is easier to receive support in case of an emergency.

If you are physically fit and want to avoid crowds, the Subashiri Route is a good choice. You can enjoy the natural forested area and the exhilarating Sunabashiri descent.

If you want to climb in a shorter amount of time and have the physical strength to handle rocky terrain and steep slopes, the Fujinomiya Route may be an option. However, keep in mind the burden on your knees and the risk of altitude sickness.

If you have extensive climbing experience and can handle long distances and an environment with few mountain huts, the Gotemba Route offers quiet, spectacular scenery.

Important Notes for Climbing Mt. Fuji

Altitude Sickness

Mt. Fuji’s Fifth Stations are already above 2,000 meters in elevation. If you go up quickly by bus or car and start climbing immediately, you may experience altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, or dizziness. Rest at the Fifth Station for 30 minutes to 1 hour before starting your climb. Drinking water frequently and maintaining a slow pace will help prevent altitude sickness.

Sudden Weather Changes

The weather on Mt. Fuji changes quickly. Even if it is sunny, rain or strong winds may suddenly occur. Near the summit, temperatures can drop close to freezing even in midsummer. Check the weather forecast before departure, and if bad weather is expected, it is important to decide not to climb.

Never Attempt Bullet Climbing

“Bullet climbing,” which means starting from the Fifth Station late at night and heading directly to the summit, carries a very high risk of altitude sickness, hypothermia, and accidents. In the 2026 season, entry to all main routes from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. the following morning is restricted, except for mountain hut guests. Staying one night at a mountain hut and climbing while allowing your body to adjust to the altitude is safer and more enjoyable.

Equipment

At minimum, you need warm clothing, such as a down jacket, separate top-and-bottom rainwear, and shoes suitable for mountain climbing. Without these items, you cannot pass through the gate on the Yoshida Route. Be sure to also bring a headlamp, water, snacks or energy food, sunscreen, and gloves.

Advance Procedures for 2026

For the Yoshida Route, trail reservations can be made through the official Mt. Fuji climbing website, fujisan-climb.jp. During busy periods, early reservations are recommended.

For the three Shizuoka-side routes, Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri, climbers are generally encouraged to register in advance and obtain an entry certificate through the “Shizuoka Prefecture FUJI NAVI” app. If you do not have a smartphone, on-site procedures are possible on the day, but advance registration is recommended because waiting times may occur during busy periods.

Access to the Yoshida Route is convenient by highway bus from Shinjuku, specifically from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. During the climbing season, direct buses to Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station are also operated.

For reservations for highway buses to Mt. Fuji Fifth Station, use highwaybus.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I climb Mt. Fuji without any climbing experience?
If you take the Yoshida Route and have enough physical fitness, it is possible to reach the summit even without climbing experience. However, people who do not exercise regularly or who are uncomfortable at high elevations face risks such as altitude sickness, fatigue, and sudden weather changes. We recommend training on lower mountains in advance.

Q. Which is better, a day trip or staying at a mountain hut?
Staying at a mountain hut is strongly recommended. A day trip can easily become bullet climbing, which increases the risk of altitude sickness and hypothermia. By staying at a mountain hut, you can climb while allowing your body to adjust to the altitude, greatly improving both safety and comfort.

Q. Is the 4,000 yen entrance fee required on all routes?
Yes. For the 2026 season, 4,000 yen per person per climb is required on all four routes: Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri. It is mandatory, not optional, and you cannot use the climbing trails without paying.

Q. Which route is best for beginners?
The Yoshida Route, starting from Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station, is the best route for beginners. It has many mountain huts and toilets, the trail is well maintained and easy to follow, and support is more readily available in case of an emergency.

Q. Where can I board a highway bus to Mt. Fuji?
You can board the bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in Shinjuku. During the climbing season, direct buses to Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station are available.
For reservations for highway buses to Mt. Fuji Fifth Station, use highwaybus.com.

前の記事へ

Complete Comparison of Mt. Fuji Climbing Route Difficulty:Explaining the Four Routes from Beginner to Advanced Levels