Gotemba Trail
The Gotemba Trail is the longest climbing route on Mt. Fuji, starting from the Gotemba New 5th Station (1,440m) with an elevation difference of approximately 2,336m. With limited mountain huts along the way, this route is more suitable for experienced climbers. The descent features a 5km "Osuna-bashiri" (great sand run) section through volcanic gravel, offering spectacular scenery.
Shizuoka Prefecture
Start Altitude
1,440m
Climb Distance
10.5km
Approx. 8 hours 40 minutes
Descent Distance
8.4km
Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty
AdvancedReal-time Weather
Ascent Route
From the New 5th Station to the 6th Station, the trail is a gentle volcanic gravel path with few landmarks. The slope gradually steepens from the 6th Station, and from the 7th Station, the climb becomes a rough rocky and gravelly path. Near the 8th Station, the terrain becomes even more rugged with lava rock formations, some requiring scrambling. Be cautious of falling rocks.
New 5th Station
1440m6th Station
2100m· 3.5km · çșŠ2ć°æ¶7th Station
2700m· 2.5km · çșŠ2ć°æ¶8th Station
3100m· 2.5km · çșŠ2ć°æ¶Summit
3776m· 2.0km · çșŠ1ć°æ¶40ćéDescent Route
With few mountain huts on the descent, check their locations in advance. The "Osuna-bashiri" (great sand run) is a 5km volcanic gravel descent where you can slide down quickly but speed control is difficult â descend at your own pace. Gaiters, a dust mask, and sunglasses are recommended to protect against sand. Some sections are steep and rocky; watch for falling rocks.
Summit
3776m8th Station
3100m· 2.0km · çșŠ40ćé7th Station (Osuna-bashiri start)
2700m· 1.0km · çșŠ20ćéGreat Sand Run
1900m· 5.0km · çșŠ1ć°æ¶30ćéNew 5th Station
1440m· 0.4km · çșŠ10ćéRoute Comparison
| Start Altitude | Climb Distance | Climb Time | Mountain Huts | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,305m | 6.8km | Approx. 5 hours | 18 | Beginner | |
| 2,400m | 4.3km | Approx. 5 hours 10 minutes | 9 | Intermediate | |
| 2,000m | 6.9km | Approx. 7 hours | 12 | Intermediate | |
| 1,440m | 10.5km | Approx. 8 hours 40 minutes | 5 | Advanced |
Mountain Hut Information
Gotemba New 5th Station Hut
6th Station Ishimuro
7th Station Hut
8th Station Hut
Recommended Itinerary
Standard Two-Day Itinerary (Mountain Hut Stay)
Essential Gear
Essential Gear
- âHiking boots
- âRain gear (top and bottom)
- âHeadlamp
- âWarm jacket
- âMoisture-wicking base layer
- âGloves
- âHat
- â3L+ drinking water
- âPlenty of energy food
- âCoins
- âTrash bags
- âMap/compass
Recommended Gear
- âTrekking poles
- âGaiters (essential for Osuna-bashiri)
- âSunscreen
- âSunglasses
- âDust mask (for sand)
- âTowel
- âInsulated bottle
- âPortable oxygen can
- âFirst aid kit
Transportation
Bus Routes
Parking Information
Parking is available at the Gotemba New 5th Station. During the private vehicle restriction period, park at designated lots and take the shuttle bus.
Vehicle Restrictions
The Gotemba Trail currently has no private vehicle restrictions, but check for the latest information.
2026 Climbing Regulations
Entry Fee
All trails require a mandatory „4,000 entry fee (cash only).
Time Restrictions
Between 2 PM and 3 AM, only climbers with a mountain hut reservation confirmation can pass through the gate.
Daily Climber Cap
Yoshida Trail: 4,000 climbers per day cap; online reservation is required.
Pre-Registration
Shizuoka-side trails (Fujinomiya, Subashiri, Gotemba) require pre-registration via FUJI NAVI.
Safety Tips
Altitude Sickness Prevention
About 30% of climbers experience altitude sickness. Maintain a slow pace, stay hydrated, and rest properly. If you experience headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulty, stop climbing and descend immediately.
Sudden Weather Changes
Mt. Fuji weather changes rapidly with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Even in midsummer, summit temperatures are only 5â8°C. Carry warm clothing and rain gear, and descend immediately in bad weather.
Emergency Contacts
Climbing Season
Opening Date
July 10 (tentative)
Closing Date
September 10
Outside the climbing season (mid-September to June), all mountain huts are closed, trails are unmaintained, weather is extreme, and the risk of rockfall and avalanche is high with no rescue system. Do not climb outside the official season.