Seasons on Fuji

Fuji is a different mountain in every season. The official season is short and crowded. The shoulder seasons are colder and riskier. Winter is serious alpine climbing. Pick your window wisely.

Official Season
July 1 — September 10

Official Season

Summit Temp
-5°C to -15°C at summit
Routes
Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya
What Works
  • ✓All 4 trails open and maintained
  • ✓Mountain huts operational (8 on Yoshida)
  • ✓Buses to 5th Station running
  • ✓Toilets and facilities open
  • ✓Rescue services active
What Doesn't
  • ✗No solitude — 3,000+ people/day on Yoshida weekends
  • ✗Higher prices for huts and transport
  • ✗Traffic jams near the summit between 4-6am
  • ✗Weather still unpredictable — afternoon thunderstorms common

We avoid weekends and start at 8-9pm instead of 7pm to miss the worst crowds. July 10-20 and late August are the sweet spots.

Shoulder Season
Mid-June, Late September

Shoulder Season

Summit Temp
-10°C to -20°C at summit
Routes
Yoshida (with caveats), Subashiri
What Works
  • ✓Trails technically open (no gates, no enforcement)
  • ✓No crowds — you might see 10 people all day
  • ✓Cheaper transport and accommodation in Kawaguchiko
  • ✓Autumn colors in late September
What Doesn't
  • ✗Most huts closed — we carry tents or bivy
  • ✗No bus service to 5th Station — taxi or private transport
  • ✗No rescue services — self-sufficiency required
  • ✗Snow possible at summit in late September
  • ✗Shorter daylight hours

This is for experienced hikers who know what they're doing. No huts means carrying more gear and dealing with colder nights. The silence is worth it for some.

Winter Summit
December — April

Winter Summit

Summit Temp
-20°C to -35°C with wind chill
Routes
Gotemba (winter route) — technical only
What Works
  • ✓The mountain is yours — zero crowds
  • ✓Stable weather windows in January-March
  • ✓Best snow conditions for crampon and ice axe work
  • ✓Permits available through local authorities
What Doesn't
  • ✗All trails closed to public access
  • ✗Zero huts — winter camping or snow caves only
  • ✗No rescue services — satellite communication required
  • ✗Complex permit process (we handle this)
  • ✗Shorter weather windows — patience required

Winter Fuji is not a hike. It's alpine climbing. If you haven't used crampons before, we'll teach you. But it's serious. We turn back if conditions aren't safe — no exceptions.