[Japan] Mount Fuji Climbing Q&A (Transportation/Accommodation/Equipment)

[Japan] Mount Fuji Climbing Q&A (Transportation/Accommodation/Equipment)

Q&A regarding Mount Fuji climbing:

Transportation Q&A:

1. Choices of public transportation from Narita airport to Mount Fuji's 5th Station? What is the difference between highway bus and train?
2. Besides the most famous "Yoshida Trails", transportation options for other Mt Fuji trails?
3. How and where can I find luggage storage?
4. If I am driving up to the Mount Fuji's 5th Station, are there enough parking spaces?
5. Are there rest stops on the way down? How to arrange return transportation?

Accommodation Q&A:

1. If I can't arrive at a mountain hut before dinner (6 pm), can I still check-in?
2. Can I camp on the mountain?
3. Do the mountain huts provide hot meals?
4. Do the mountain huts have electricity?
5. What supplies can I buy on the mountain to lighten the load?
6. Do mountain huts sell souvenirs?
7. Are facilities similar between different mountain huts along the route? How to choose?
8. Accommodation recommendations near Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi the day before climbing?

Equipment Q&A:

1. Recommended basic climbing gear?
2. Is there free water source on the mountain?
3. Will there be altitude sickness at the summit? How to prevent?

Transportation Q&A:

1. Choices of public transportation from Narita airport to Mount Fuji's 5th Station?  What is the difference between highway bus and train?

Using public transportation travel from Narita to Mount Fuji

【Bus】 If you are departing from Haneda/Narita Airport, it would be more convenient to take a direct highway bus with fewer transfers. It is recommended to take a high-speed bus to JR Kawaguchiko Station, then transfer to a bus to the Yoshida Line 5th Station.

Highway buses operating between Tokyo Airport and Mt Fuji Station.

Highway bus from Haneda airport to Lake Kawaguchi (Transfer bus here to Mt. Fuji 5th station)
http://hnd-bus.hk/airport/h-kawaguchiko/

Highway bus from Narita airport to Lake Kawaguchi (Transfer bus here to Mt. Fuji 5th station)
http://www.keiseibus.co.jp/kousoku/nrt18.html

It is the most convenience way to start from Shinjuku, highway bus directly take you to the Mt. Fuji 5th station within 2.5 hours.
https://highway-buses.jp/chi/course/climb-mtfuji.php

【Train】 If it is departing from Narita Airport, take the "NEX Narita Express" to Shinjuku Station, transfer to the "JR Chuo Line" to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the "Fujikyu Line" to Kawaguchiko. From there, transfer to a bus to the Yoshida Line 5th Station.

Railway transportation from Tokyo Airports to Mt Fuji Station.

If you are departing from Haneda Airport, take the "MONORAIL" to Hamamatsucho Station, transfer to the "JR Yamanote Line" to Shinjuku Station, then take the JR limited express train "Fuji Excursion" to Kawaguchiko. From there, transfer to a bus to the Yoshida Line 5th Station. 

2. Besides the most famous "Yoshida Trail", transportation options for other Mt Fuji climbing trails?

Transportation guide to various Mount Fuji trails

There are total 4 trails leading to the summit of Mt Fuji, including the well-known (and easiest) "Yoshida Trail",

【Subashiri Entrance】 The Subashiri Entrance usually opens about a week later than the Yoshida Entrance. You can take the Odakyu Line to "Shin-Matsuda Station" or JR to "Gotemba Station", then transfer to a bus to the Subashiri 5th Station.

Gotemba Station - Subashiri Exit 5th Station
bus.fujikyu.co.jp/pdf/rosen/fujitozan/hiking_timetable_fare_202309.pdf

Subashiri Exit 5th Station (Oyama Town) *Summer limited service
fujikyumobility.com/rosen/k13tob0000000coz-att/02_11_timetable.pdf


【Gotemba Entrance】 There are also buses from Gotemba Station to the new 5th Station at the Gotemba Entrance. Take the JR Gotemba Line train to "Gotemba Station", then transfer to a bus to the new 5th Station at the Gotemba Entrance.

Gotemba Station - Gotemba Exit New 5th Station - Mizugatsuka Park
bus.fujikyu.co.jp/pdf/rosen/fujitozan/hiking_timetable_fare_202309.pdf

【Fujinomiya Entrance】 If starting from the Izu Peninsula, there are buses from "Mishima Station" to the Fujinomiya 5th Station. If departing from Shizuoka, there are also highway buses from JR "Shizuoka Station" or "Fujinomiya Station" to the Fujinomiya 5th Station.How to handle accompanying lugcgage?

Mishima Station - Fujinomiya Exit 5th Station Mountain Climbing Bus

Fuji Climbing Bus (Mishima Station - Fujinomiya Exit 5th Station) | Route Bus | Fuji-Q City Bus (fujikyucitybus.com)


3. How and where can I find luggage storage?

You can store luggage overnight at the 5th Station visitor centre.

There are also luggage storage services at Kawaguchiko Station, available from 9:00 to 17:00 and charge for 700 yen per day. There are also lockers outside the station, but they are limited in number.

There are lockers at the Yoshida Line 5th Station where you can store luggage for a day and retrieve it the next day. Most hotels and inns will also store luggage if you plan to stay with them again later.

4.  If I am driving up to the Mount Fuji's 5th Station, are there enough parking spaces?

During the climbing season, vehicles are prohibited to enter the 5th Station. Climbers must park their vehicles at the base of the mountain.

Period of private vehicle restriction on Mount Fuji 5th station during summer climbing season

【Yoshida Entrance】 During the Mount Fuji climbing season (from July to the end of August/beginning of September), there are restrictions on vehicles at the 5th Station. Vehicles are not allowed to drive to the 5th Station at the Yoshida Entrance. Self-driving vehicles can park at the Fuji North Parking Lot for 1000 yen. Shuttle buses to the Yoshida Entrance depart every hour and cost 1860 yen round trip per person.

【Subashiri Entrance】 Park at the Multi-Purpose Plaza and take a shuttle bus to the Subashiri 5th Station.

For more details, visit: Private Vehicle Restrictions | 5. Access | Official Web Site for Mt. Fuji Climbing (fujisan-climb.jp)

5. Are there rest stops on the way down? How to arrange return transportation?

The descending path is very long, plan your return time carefully.

The descent path for the Yoshida and Subashiri Lines are the same, it's not recommended using the climbing trail as descending path. This can help to avoid congestion in the climbing route, in addition, the specially designed descending path can help to reduce pressure on knees. You'll pass through some mountain huts along the descending path, take some rest, foods and drinks there. There are no free public toilets until you have reached the 6th Station downhill.

Also, please pay special attention to the last bus departure time:
Last departure to Shinjuku: 17:00 Last departure to Kawaguchiko: 17:50


Accommodation Q&A:

1. If I can't arrive at a mountain hut before dinner (6 PM), can I still check-in?

Reserve mountain hut for accommodation, you can take rest even you arrived late at the mountain hut.

Mountain huts usually operate throughout the night, visitors can check-in even arriving late, if that happens it would be best to notify them in advance.

2. Can I camp on the mountain?

There are no designated camping areas on Mount Fuji, and camping is strictly prohibited. If staying overnight on the mountain, there is only one option to stay in mountain hut. Please make reservation for accommodation before climbing.

3. Do the mountain huts provide hot meals?

In addition to accommodation, mountain huts also provide meal services.

When making a reservation, you can choose meal services, typically including breakfast and dinner. Hot drinks and meals not only satisfy hunger but also provide a sense of comfort in the cold mountain environment. Additional meals can be purchased on-site, but at a higher price. Note that all facilities on the mountain only accept cash, electronic wallets, and credit cards are not accepted.

4. Do the mountain huts have electricity?

Mountain huts only provide electricity for basic facilities and do not supply power to guests. If you need to charge your mobile devices or cameras, you'll need to bring your own portable chargers.

5. What supplies can I buy on the mountain to lighten the load?

The mountain hut's convenience store can supplement climbers.

Beverages: soda/water/sports drinks/beer/Japanese sake/hot coffee/hot chocolate Light snacks: cup noodles/miso soup/corn soup/pork miso soup/Japanese red bean paste rice cakes (Japanese dessert) Meals: ramen/curry rice/udon Equipment: trekking poles/compressed oxygen/raincoats/windbreakers *Prices for all items increase with altitude.

6. Do the mountain huts sell souvenirs?

All mountain huts provide hiking pole mark-burning service.

Staying in a mountain hut is a special experience of climbing, besides branding your mountaineering poles, some mountain huts also sell limited edition souvenirs. Don't miss out if you enjoy collecting souvenirs.

7. Are facilities similar between different mountain huts along the route? How to choose?

The size of each mountain hut varies slightly, with accommodation space getting smaller the closer to the summit.

Many websites recommend climbers stay at the "Goraikoukan," but those with experience staying there often give negative feedback: some describe it as crowded like a concentration camp, making it impossible to rest. In fact, there are many mountain huts to choose from, and the highly popular "Goraikoukan" isn't necessarily the wisest choice.

All mountain huts along the Yoshida Line offer views of the sunrise, so staying one night allows you to avoid climbing in the dark.

The only reason to choose "Goraikoukan" is its proximity to the summit. If you prefer a more comfortable stay, you can choose "Tomoe-kan" or "Fuji Mountain Hotel" at a lower 8th Station. It's less crowded and quieter due to its slightly greater distance from the summit. If you don't plan to reach the summit before sunrise, staying at a lower altitude like the 8th Station is more comfortable.

8. Any accommodation recommendations near Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi?

Kawaguchiko Country Cottage Ban（河口湖カントリーコテージBan）

http://www.c-ban.com/

Weekend Shuffle 

http://www.weekend-shuffle.com

Station Inn, across from Kawaguchiko Station, facing Mount Fuji, with a bus stop across the street to the Yoshida 5th Station. 

http://www.st-inn.com/english/

Urban Resort Villa （アーバンリゾートヴィラ）
http://www.tokyowest-hotel.co.jp

Dreaming Kawaguchiko Cottage Tozawa Center （夢見る河口湖コテージ戸沢センター）
http://www.k-tozawa.com

Minshuku Yamato（民宿やまと）
http://www.kawaguchiko.ne.jp

Kagelow Mt.Fuji Hostel Kawaguchiko

https://www.facebook.com/kagelowmt.fujihostelkawaguchiko/


Equipment Q&A:

1. What basic climbing gear do you recommend?

A windproof and waterproof warm jacket is essential.

Because the climbing route involves staying overnight on the mountain, and there's a significant temperature difference between day and night, it's recommended to prepare at least two sets of clothing: a lightweight, breathable top suitable for daytime heat, and a windproof and waterproof warm jacket.

Most of the climbing trails are rocky, so shorts are not suitable. It's best to choose waterproof long pants with good elasticity and breathability.

High-cut climbing boots help protect your feet. If you're wearing regular sports shoes, it's recommended to use shoe covers to prevent rocks from getting in.

Gloves can be used for warmth and for climbing steep sections. 

2. Is there free water source on the mountain?

All supplies on Mount Fuji must be purchased.

All supplies on Mount Fuji are transported by workers, and there are no free water sources on the mountain. Everything must be purchased.

3. Will there be altitude sickness at the summit?

Although the challenge of climbing Mount Fuji's 3776 meters may seem daunting, it's not difficult with adequate preparation.

Mount Fuji is 3776 meters high, and most people do not feel discomfort due to altitude. However, everyone's body is different, and the onset of altitude sickness varies from person to person. Even those who are not very active may not necessarily experience altitude sickness. To reduce the risk of discomfort, ensure you get enough rest before climbing. There's no need to take altitude sickness prevention medicine (Ginkgo Biloba) before climbing Mount Fuji.

If you're concerned about adapting to the thin air at high altitudes, although mountain huts also provide oxygen cylinders, they are more expensive. You can purchase oxygen cylinders (oxygen) at Lawson in front of Kawaguchiko Station before climbing, which cost around 500 yen.


The Q&A set should cover most questions. If there's a need for additional information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading, and I wish you all a successful climbing journey.

For more information on Mount Fuji trips, you can refer to the following links: 

https://bglifejourney.blogspot.com/p/all-about-fujiyama.html

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