Preparation

Fuji will punish poor preparation. The right gear, the right fitness, and the right mindset are non-negotiable. Here's exactly what you need — and what we provide.

Gear Checklist

Required

Hiking boots (waterproof)
No sneakers. No trail runners. Boots with ankle support.
Rain jacket & pants
Mountain weather changes fast. Non-negotiable.
Warm layer (down or synthetic)
Summit can be -15°C even in July.
Headlamp
We rent if needed. Bring fresh batteries.
2L water minimum
3L recommended for Gotemba. No water sources on trail.
Gloves
Warm gloves + thin liner pair.
Hat
Warm beanie + sun hat or cap.

Recommended

Trekking poles
We provide. Save 30% energy on knees.
Gaiters
Essential for Subashiri sand. Nice-to-have on other routes.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
UV at 3,000m is intense.
Snacks (calorie-dense)
Nuts, chocolate, energy bars. 1,500+ kcal recommended.

We Provide

Trekking poles
Headlamp (if needed)
First aid kit
Emergency shelter / bivy

Winter Adds

Crampons
We provide and train. Must fit your boots.
Ice axe
We provide. Training session included.
Harness
We provide. Roped sections on summit ridge.

Fitness Test

Can you walk 10km with 1,000m gain in under 4 hours?

If yes, you're ready for Yoshida, Subashiri, and Fujinomiya.

For Gotemba: 15km with 1,500m gain in under 5 hours.

For Winter Summit: previous crampon experience + ability to carry 15kg for 8+ hours.

Minimum Fitness

Regular walking habit. Can handle 5+ hours on feet. No chronic knee or ankle issues. Comfortable with stairs and uneven terrain.

Recommended Training

6-8 weeks before: weekly hikes with elevation. Stair climbing with a loaded backpack. Core and leg strength work. Test your boots on long walks to avoid blisters.

Altitude Prep

If possible, spend a night at 2,000m+ before the climb. The 5th Station is 2,300m — some people feel it immediately. Hydrate heavily starting 2 days before.

What to Expect on the Mountain

The Trail

Volcanic rock, loose scree, and switchbacks. Steeper than you expect. The altitude makes every step harder than at sea level.

The Weather

Can change in minutes. Clear skies at 5th Station, fog at 7th, rain at 8th, clear again at summit. Layers are essential.

The Huts

Basic shelter, shared sleeping, expensive food. ¥500 for a cup of water. No showers. No wifi. But it's warm(ish) and dry.

The Summit

Cold, windy, and the best view in Japan if the weather holds. Sunrise is around 4:30-5:00am in summer. Worth every step.

The Descent

Harder on the knees than the ascent. Loose rock, long distances. Trekking poles help enormously. The onsen in Kawaguchiko is waiting.

Ready? Let's climb.

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