2026 update · All trails now charge a ¥4,000 entry fee. Advance booking is optional but recommended. Read the rules →
Home · Routes
Every climber starts here. Your choice of trail shapes everything — time, cost, crowds, scenery, and which bus you'll be taking from Tokyo.
TL;DR · quick pick
First-timer from Tokyo →
Yoshida Trail. Easiest access, most huts.
Want the shortest climb →
Fujinomiya. Starts highest, 5h up.
Avoiding crowds →
Subashiri or Gotemba. Quieter, harder.
All trails begin at a "5th Station" partway up. Starting altitude varies — higher means shorter.
| YoshidaPopular | Subashiri | Fujinomiya | Gotemba | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Time up / down | 6h / 3h | 7h / 3h | 5h / 3h | 8h / 3h |
| Starting altitude | 2,305 m | 2,000 m | 2,400 m | 1,440 m |
| Mountain huts | 16 | 8 | 10 | 4 |
| Crowd level | ●●●●● Very high | ●●○○○ Low | ●●●○○ Medium | ●○○○○ Very low |
| Scenery highlight | Classic sunrise views | Forest then volcanic | Wildflower meadows | Raw, wild, empty |
| Access from | Tokyo · bus 2.5h | Tokyo · bus 3h | Shinkansen + bus | Tokyo · bus 2.5h |
The north-side trail, starting from Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. About 60% of all climbers pick this one — hut density, bus access from Tokyo, and well-marked paths make it the obvious choice for first-timers.
Best for
First-timers
Avoid if
You hate crowds
Daily cap
4,000 people
Entry fee
¥4,000
Starts lower than Yoshida but offers a beautiful forested approach before merging with Yoshida at the 8th station for sunrise. A favorite of repeat climbers.
Best for
Those who want quieter paths
Avoid if
You're short on time
Daily cap
No cap
Entry fee
¥4,000
The shortest route, thanks to the highest starting altitude. Best for travelers coming from Kyoto or Osaka. Wildflower meadows in midsummer are spectacular.
Best for
Travelers based in Kansai
Avoid if
You want gradual acclimatization
Daily cap
No cap
Entry fee
¥4,000
The longest and lowest-starting trail, with few huts and raw volcanic scenery. Only for experienced hikers who can handle altitude gain and self-sufficiency.
Best for
Experienced hikers seeking solitude
Avoid if
You're a first-time climber
Daily cap
No cap
Entry fee
¥4,000
Still unsure?
Let a guide handle the decision.
English-speaking guides pick the right trail for your fitness, include transport from Tokyo, and handle hut bookings.