#152 Mt Fuji 2025 Season
Important points travelers should keep in mind before this year's climbing season.
Over the past month, I have been unable to write Japan A to Z weekly. I spent two weeks working on a charity project in Madagascar, an island nation in southeastern Africa. I apologize for the irregularity of my posts.
With just one month remaining until this year's Fuji climbing season, the number of foreign visitors to Japan in April 2025 reached approximately 3.9 million, marking the highest monthly figure on record and approaching the 4 million mark. As the number of foreign tourists increases, the number of travelers aiming to climb Mt Fuji will also rise. Given that you can only climb Mt Fuji for a limited period, it is inevitable that the mountain will become bustling with foreign visitors. This week, I will summarize the key points for Mt Fuji climbing, focusing on what has changed this season.
Necessary Tips for Climbing Mt. Fuji
Can Be A Dangerous Mountain
Mt. Fuji, with an elevation of 3,776 meters, can be reached by shuttle bus to the 5th station at 2,305 meters via the Fujiyoshida route, and the elevation difference to the summit is about 1,500 meters, which at first glance does not seem to be very difficult. However, from the 5th station onwards, you immediately reach the tree line, and as Mt. Fuji is an isolated peak, the only shelter from strong winds is a mountain hut. Please prepare with the understanding that adverse weather conditions can create harsh environments.
Temperature Difference from Tokyo
Generally, the temperature drops by 0.5 to 0.6 degrees Celsius for every 100 meters of elevation gain. Using an average of 0.55 degrees, even if it is 30 degrees Celsius in Tokyo, the temperature at the summit of Mount Fuji would be approximately 20.7 degrees Celsius—a drop of nearly 10 degrees. With strong winds, the perceived temperature would drop even further. Therefore, please understand that under adverse conditions such as nighttime, strong winds, and rain, hypothermia can easily pose a life-threatening risk. Please do not misunderstand this mountain as an easy one to climb.
Mountaineering Season
Mount Fuji has a climbing season, and mountain huts are only open during that period. Outside of that period, there were no water sources or toilets, and there was no rescue system in place in case of an emergency, making it a perilous mountain where any trouble could lead to life-threatening situations. Therefore, I strongly suggest that travelers only climb during the season. The Yamanashi Prefecture side opens on July 1, the Shizuoka Prefecture side begins on July 10, and the mountain closes on September 10. In addition, congestion forecasts are available on the official website, so I strongly recommend avoiding congested days and climbing on weekdays. If you pick up the busiest time, you will stay in the long queue up to the summit.
Basic Rules
Even on the Shizuoka Prefecture side, where there was no entrance fee until last year, a 4,000 yen entrance fee is now charged, so Mt Fuji is no longer a mountain you can climb for free. On the Yamanashi Prefecture side, where many climbers gather on the Yoshida Route, mountain hut reservations are now mandatory to prevent bullet climbing, and the gate is closed from 2:00 PM to 3:00 AM the next day, preventing entry. The Fuji-Subaru Line, used for access to the fifth station, has strict private vehicle restrictions, and shuttle buses are mandatory.
Significant Changes for the 2025 Season
Last year, an entrance fee became mandatory on the Yoshida route on the Yamanashi side, and in 2025, the entrance fee was doubled to 4,000 yen as appropriate. On the Shizuoka side, the same mountain has the same entry fee conditions, and collection of 4,000 yen has begun. Additionally, the time restrictions have been tightened, with the closure time moved up by two hours from 2:00 PM to 3:00 AM the next day. Since the gate closure time has been earlier, you should be careful if you start the climb in the afternoon. It would be best to book your place since they only allow 4,000 climbers daily on Yoshida Route in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Rescue Issues Before the Season
Every year before the opening of the mountain season on Mt Fuji, where rescue facilities are sparse, there are a series of accidents, and local governments that bear the costs are crying out in protest. In response to this situation, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures will begin discussions on charging for rescue costs as early as early June. When a serious mountain accident occurs in Japan, a rescue operation by a helicopter will be carried out, and the cost easily exceeds one million yen. Can you afford such much money when you are involved in accidents? I always make sure to purchase insurance before departure. Insurance plans are available even for those traveling in Japan, so I strongly recommend purchasing insurance before climbing a mountain. Please don’t hesitate to check some of the plans as follows.
For Safe Climbing
Due to the environment and regulations surrounding Mt Fuji, good preparation is necessary to gather information thoroughly and submit a "climbing notification" detailing your itinerary to the local government in case of an emergency. It is also essential to take out insurance in case of an accident. Please thoroughly prepare to ensure a safe and memorable climb up Mt Fuji. Especially for a "bullet climb" without using mountain huts, the risk of accidents increases, so please plan your schedule with ample time. To witness the sunrise from the summit of Mt Fuji, you must stay at a mountain hut the previous night and make the final ascent in the middle of the night. However, it is possible to see the sunrise without reaching the summit, so there is no need to take unnecessary risks.
Finally
Many travelers view climbing Mount Fuji as a symbolic event of their visit to Japan. Still, rather than treating it as an extension of sightseeing in Tokyo or Kyoto, it should be approached as a serious climb that requires mountaineering experience. If you are inexperienced and feel uneasy, you should choose a tour with a guide.
Useful Links
Here are some helpful links to help you plan. Please read the Mt Fuji Climbing site carefully. It provides you with some essential information.