CLIMBING

Mt Fuji Climbing Season 2026 · 4 Routes & Summit Weather

Complete Mt Fuji climbing guide for 4 trails (Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, Gotemba) with A/B/C index, summit weather, and hourly forecasts for safe climbs.

Today's Good Hours

7

0时、3时、6时、9时、12时、15时、18时

Good Climbing Days

7

10/6、10/8、10/9、10/10、10/11、10/12、10/13

Updated

Oct 6, 12:30 PM

JST

Climbing Conditions Are Not the Same as Weather

The summit and the 5th Station can be two seasons apart. FujiVis reports the official climbing grade alongside summit temperature, wind, precipitation and cloud, because the factor that ends most attempts is not rain at the base — it is wind and temperature at 3,776 m, and the weather closing in after dark during the descent.

The climbing grade is A/B/C. A means conditions are broadly suitable, B means experienced hikers only with caution, C means conditions are poor enough that turning back is the sensible default. The grade comes from the Japan Weather Association's Tenkura forecast and is recalculated four times a day at 01:30, 07:30, 13:30 and 19:30 Japan time, with additional late-night (21:00) and midnight (00:05) refreshes so the number you see after midnight is not yesterday's. That is four times more often than the viewing index, which is produced once daily.

Route-level weather updates far more often: every 30 minutes, pulled for all four official trails. Compare that against the A/B/C grade and the summit observation, then confirm on a live camera near the 5th Station before you start the ascent.

Four trails are covered — Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba and Fujinomiya — each with its own start elevation, distance and ascent time. Yoshida is the most used and has the most hut support; Fujinomiya is the shortest way to the summit but steeper. Subashiri and Gotemba are longer and quieter. Trail status pages and official notices remain the authority on whether a route is open; check them on the day, because closures are issued at short notice.

A high visibility score does not mean it is a good day to climb, and a clear camera at Kawaguchiko does not describe the 5th Station. Read the A/B/C grade first, then the summit wind and temperature, then a camera near the trail you actually intend to start. If the grade is C, or summit wind is in the gale band, postponing is the decision — the viewing forecast is for people standing at the lakes, not for people walking at 3,000 m.

The Part Most Forecasts Leave Out

A green grade is not permission to skip preparation. Fuji's weather deteriorates faster than lowland forecasts can model, and most incidents are altitude, exhaustion and cold rather than technical climbing. Descend if the summit disappears and stays hidden; that single decision prevents most rescue call-outs on Fuji.

Wind is the number to watch. The climbing page uses a simplified five-level wind scale tuned for mountaineering: light under 5 m/s, moderate 5-10 m/s, strong 10-15 m/s, gale 15-20 m/s, storm above 20 m/s. Above roughly 15 m/s on the upper slopes, standing steadily becomes the difficulty rather than walking.

Mount Fuji Climbing Questions

When is the Mount Fuji climbing season?

The official climbing season runs from early July to early September. Outside this period, mountain huts are closed, trails are unmaintained, and conditions are extremely dangerous. Before climbing, always check the weather forecast and climbing index — when the index is C, climbing is not recommended.

What do the climbing index grades A/B/C mean?

A (Good) means weather conditions are suitable for climbing; B (Moderate) means some conditions are unfavorable — exercise caution and make conservative decisions; C (Dangerous) means conditions are hazardous and climbing is not recommended. The index is calculated from temperature, wind speed, precipitation, visibility, and other factors, for reference only.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Fuji?

In 2026, all trails require a ¥4,000 entry fee (payment via official website/app or on-site). Shizuoka-side trails (Fujinomiya, Subashiri, Gotemba) also require pre-registration, and the Yoshida Trail caps daily climbers at 4,000 with online reservations required.

How many climbing routes does Mount Fuji have?

Four main routes: the Yoshida Trail (most popular, most facilities), the Subashiri Trail (rich vegetation, fast sand-slide descent), the Gotemba Trail (longest distance, fewest people, quietest), and the Fujinomiya Trail (shortest distance, greatest elevation gain).

What gear should I prepare for climbing?

Essential gear includes waterproof hiking boots, warm layers (layering system), rain gear, a headlamp, enough water (at least 2 liters) and food, sunscreen, and a hat. Trekking poles and a supplemental oxygen canister are recommended to prevent altitude sickness — maintain a slow, steady climbing pace.

Can I climb Mount Fuji today?

If today's climbing index is A (good), climbing is possible. B (moderate) requires caution. C (dangerous) means avoid climbing. Always check summit wind speed and temperature.

When is the best time to climb Mount Fuji?

Mid-July to late August is the official climbing season. Weather is stable and mountain huts are open. Early September has fewer climbers but unstable weather.

How long does it take to climb Mount Fuji?

For the Yoshida Trail, ascent takes 5-7 hours and descent 3-4 hours. Elevation gain is about 1,450m. Beginners should allow 7 hours for a safe ascent.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Fuji?

Entry fee 4,000 JPY (conservation donation abolished, unified fee). Hut overnight 8,000-15,000 JPY, round-trip bus 5,000-8,000 JPY. Total budget about 17,000-27,000 JPY.

Is night climbing (bullet climbing) safe on Mount Fuji?

Bullet climbing (ascending in one push at night) is extremely dangerous and effectively prohibited on the Yoshida Trail in 2026. Always stay one night at a mountain hut and rest before watching sunrise (Goraiko).