Cveto, an IFMGA mountain guide, takes you on a 1-day climbing trip to the highest peak in Japan and a symbol of the country: Mount Fuji (3776 m).
Private
1 Day
Jun - Oct
High
Intermediate
Only 100 kilometers away from Tokyo, enjoy the beauty of the most iconic peak in Japan on a 1-day climbing trip.
The official climbing season for Mount Fuji (3776 m) goes from June to September: that is, during summer.
As this is a 1-day climbing trip, it will start really early, in the middle of the night! I will pick you up at your hotel in Kawaguchi-ko area. From there, we'll travel by car to Mount Fuji's ascent point.
However, if you have your own transfer, we can also meet at the car parking close to our trailhead (I will tell you the exact point).
It will take us between 4 and 6 hours to reach the summit. For the descent, we will take the same route, although that will depend on weather conditions. It will take us around 3 hours to descend. Along the way, we'll enjoy some stunning views!
We'll be back at the car parking around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. From there, I'll take you back to your hotel at Kawaguchi-ko.
Join me to climb the most iconic and beautiful peak in Japan on this 1-day climbing trip, when conditions are dry and without snow.
You can also consider this Mt Fuji ascent in the off season (mid April / May) depending on your travel dates.
More info
Skill level required: Beginner to intermediate. Fitness level required: FIT, able to climb minimum in 8 h, up and down 1500m (5000 feet).
There is usually no snow anymore on the trails and it is beginners level ascent. You’ll just need proper hiking shoes and some warmer clothing as it is a high mountain and could be windy and still cold at the summit. This is a volcano climbing trip and we really depend on weather which is very unpredictable, that is why we always need to be equipped with all the necessary.
Some tips: we usually ascent from the North, because you can rich the highest trailhead point by car. Hike up starts from parking at 2300m (7500ft); first, we climb on a sandy trail, following is the rocky ridge and last part before the summit is some mixed terrain (rock, sand, sometimes snow). Is there any technical component? The slope steepness is 30, partly 35 degrees. If the weather is nasty, often strong wind or afternoon storms, the guide will decide the route, regarding weather forecast. There are 3 different trails going up & down Mt.Fuji. Please note that some are longer as the starting point is lower like at 1900m.
The starting point of our adventure will be the Kawaguchi-ko area, a resort town with various tourist attractions, many kinds of accommodation facilities and great views of Mount Fuji. As this is a 1-day climbing trip, we will start really early morning, almost in the middle of the night! From there we’ll drive 45 min. to the 5th stage on the slopes of Mt.Fuji, to the nearest trailhead. If we use the toll road, opens at 3 am, I suggest a pickup time around 3 am. If you have your own means of transport, we can meet directly at the car parking close to our trailhead on the 5th stage (I will inform you the exact point).
Equipment: for this ascent, you will need to bring your own proper clothing and own mountaineering shoes. Some equipment rentals can be found in Tokyo. We can rent backpacks, walking poles etc. (1000 JPY/item, payable in cash direct to the guide after the climb). Please note we don’t rent shoes/boots.
Check it out as well; boots photo & equipment rental shops; http://lamont.jp/en/ or https://www.yamarent.com/en/shopinfo.html?language=en
Food and drinks: You should take 2L of water, also sometimes it is possible to buy drinks along the way at the mountain huts.
Insurance: please make sure you are individually insured appropriately with international travel insurance which specifically covers mountaineering.
Other: sometimes the trip itinerary may be altered and/or date change can be discussed, case by case, based on the weather forecast. I will try to modify my schedule and we’ll do our best to make our guests happy. I would advise you to make your schedule flexible as well. The guide may choose a different road approach and climbing route, the time of the early morning start, etc. Trouble while climbing: often people will get light altitude sickness (dizzy, headache etc.).
Special service: I can pick you up at your hotel in Tokyo, around 1:00 am, then it takes 1:30 to 2h to Kawaguchi-ko; for an additional cost of 24.000 JPY per group. Please inquire if you wish this optional service but please note, it is one way only, and you’ll need to return to Tokyo by train or bus, because of heavy traffic jams, usually every afternoon.
Meeting point
Can you organize the pickup in Tokyo?
I can pick you up at your hotel in Tokyo, around 1:00 am, then it takes 1:30 to 2h to Kawaguchi-ko; for an additional cost of 24,000 JPY per group. Please inquire if you wish this optional service, but please note, it is one way only, and you’ll need to return to Tokyo by train or bus, because of heavy traffic jams, usually every afternoon.
How hard is it to climb Mt Fuji between June & September? How fit do I need to be?
It is a beginner to intermediate level climb. You need to be fit and able to climb minimum in 8 hours, up and down 1500 m (5000 feet).
What equipment do I need to have?
There is usually no snow anymore on the trails and it is beginners level ascent. You’ll just need proper hiking shoes and some warmer clothing as it is a high mountain and could be windy and still cold at the summit. This is a volcano climbing trip, and we really depend on weather which is very unpredictable, that is why we always need to be equipped with all the necessary. You'll need to bring your own proper clothing and own mountaineering shoes. Some equipment rentals can be found in Tokyo. I can rent you backpacks, walking poles etc. (1000 JPY/item, payable in cash direct to me after the climb). You can rent equipment here http://lamont.jp/en/ or here https://www.yamarent.com/en/
Which route are we going to take? What's the program?
We usually do the ascent from the North, because you can reach the highest trailhead point by car. Hike up starts from parking at 2300 m (7500ft); first, we climb on a sandy trail, following is the rocky ridge and last part before the summit is some mixed terrain (rock, sand, sometimes snow). Is there any technical component? The slope steepness is 30, partly 35 degrees. If the weather is nasty, often strong wind or afternoon storms, the guide will decide the route, regarding weather forecast. There are 3 different trails going up & down Mont Fuji. Please note that some are longer as the starting point is lower, like at 1900 m.
The starting point of our adventure will be the Kawaguchi-ko area, a resort town with various tourist attractions, many kinds of accommodation facilities and great views of Mount Fuji. As this is a 1-day climbing trip, we will start really early morning, almost in the middle of the night! From there we’ll drive 45 min. to the 5th stage on the slopes of Mont Fuji, to the nearest trailhead. If we use the toll road, opens at 3 am, I suggest a pickup time around 3 am. If you have your own means of transport, we can meet directly at the car parking close to our trailhead on the 5th stage (I will inform you the exact point).
Do I need special insurance?
Yes, please make sure you are individually insured with international travel insurance which covers mountaineering.
For your information, Explore-Share partners with Global Rescue, which offers comprehensive coverage including cancellation, rescue, and medical insurance. This ensures that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances, giving you peace of mind during your climbing adventure on Fuji. To learn more about Global Rescue and to purchase your insurance, please visit: https://partner.globalrescue.com/exploreshare/
Feel free to explore the link for detailed information about their coverage options and benefits.
What happens if the conditions are not good?
Sometimes the itinerary may be altered and/or a date change can be discussed, case by case, based on the weather forecast. I will try to modify my schedule, and we’ll do our best to make you happy. I would advise you to make your schedule flexible as well. Furthermore, I may choose a different road approach and climbing route, the time of the early morning start, etc.
Where is the meeting point?
At Kawaguchi-ko town, which is Fuji five lakes area, easily accessible by trains or direct buses from Tokyo. We will start really early morning, almost in the middle of the night!
Can I bring children with me?
Climbing with children aged less than 10 years old is not recommended.
What is included and not in the price I'm paying here.
My guiding service is included in the price. Please note that during weekends and holidays, this program is 15.000 JPY higher per group.
On top, you'll need to buy your insurance, your food and cover for the use of Mt. Fuji toll road if needed (payable at the spot, around 2240 JPY).
Can I join a group?
Sorry, no!
I only do private guiding.
This allows my clients and I to have a much better experience and a high success rate of making to the summit and back down safely.
How many climbers can you guide?
The maximum climbers I can have with me to climb Mt Fuji is 4. If you come with a larger group, I'll ask a colleague of mine to join us.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
5.0
(21)
Mountain Guide
I’m an international IFMGA mountain guide; also the first non-Japanese mountain guide certified by the JMGA (Japan Mountain Guide Association); born in Slovenia.
My country is small but well known in the world as strong in sports and mountaineering. I use to compete as Olympic team member and on World Cup competitions as a Cross-country skier. After I left Slovenia and traveled all over the world, I ended up in Japan. I married beautiful native lady, and have lived here for 30 years. I love Japanese mountains and feel privileged to be able to enjoy these mountains trough the entire four seasons.
I’m based at the foot of Japan Alps; convenient place in winter for ski touring from Nagano to Hokkaido, winter mountaineering or ice climbing at Yatsugatake, and of course ascending the symbol of Japan Mt.Fuji.
In summer Japan is a great place for hiking, alpine climbing or popular shower-climbing and some fine sport/free climbing year around.
Since 2013, I’m working on NHK (Japanese national TV) programs, introducing Japan culture and outdoor activities, climbing skiing etc. Check it out at the link below the recent one about BC skiing.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/2007412/
It is my absolute pleasure also to take and guide you in my home country Slovenia. In addition to guide in the mountains, I also enjoy having the opportunity to teach mountain climbing skills to every level of climbers, here in Japan. This is because I wish everybody to be SAFE on the mountains.
Please contact me on E&S if you would love to have great experience, as well as a tailor-made plan for other mountains and sport climbing all over SE Asia, EU, South America....in any season!
Languages
Slovenian | Japanese | English
Man
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