FuJET Fuji Trip

For centuries Mt. Fuji has been worshipped from afar, but every year a brave group of FuJETs decides to worship (or curse?) Mt. Fuji up close. For the brave souls out there who are ready to climb through the night to see a glorious sunrise from the summit of Japan's iconic mountain, the annual FuJET Fuji Climb is right up your alley!

The Basics
What: Climbing Mt. Fuji with a stop at an onsen afterward to relax your weary muscles

Date: Mid- to Late July

Cost: Approximately 7,000-8,000 yen, depending on the number of people who come on the trip and the cost of highway tolls

Sign-ups: About 2 months before the actual trip date, FuJET will announce a sign-up period. If you are interested in this trip, you MUST sign-up by emailing  after the sign-up period begins.

The Bus
We take a coach bus to and from the 5th Station on Mt. Fuji. The bus makes stops at JR stations around Fukushima (usually Fukushima Station, Koriyama Station, and Iwaki). Please note that the bus works on its own schedule. If you do not get on the bus at pickup, you will have to find alternate transportation. Also, if you pay a deposit to reserve a space on the bus, and if for any reason you are unable to take your spot on the bus, you will still be expected to pay your share. Please be aware of this and be at the bus on time.

The Climb
We arrive at the 5th Station around 6pm on a Saturday evening. You should begin climbing by 8pm at the latest, but we recommend leaving by 7pm. This gives you time to eat dinner at the rest station, get a climbing stick or other souvenir item, and use the restrooms before you head out on the trail. We have around 9 hours to get to the top, and the ascent takes between 5-8 hours for most people, depending on how crowded the trails are. We give ourselves time to go slowly and not have to rush. If you push yourself, it can lead to all sorts of issues that are pretty problematic on the side of a mountain.

Fuji is open to unexperienced hikers, and in fact, that's part of the appeal. All you have to do is be prepared and use common sense. People should always stay in pairs in case you come down the wrong way or otherwise get lost. We hike the Kawaguchiko route, which is the most popular and leads up the side of the mountain that faces the sunrise. The trail is well-mark even at night.

Your Equipment
Here is a list of the bare minimum items you should bring. If you are interested in coming on the FuJET Fuji Climb, we recommend you keep these items in mind.

◊ Sturdy, supportive shoes (hiking boots would be best, but anything with a good grip that can support the ankle is acceptable)

◊ Rain-proof clothing (to go over your other clothes if needed)

◊ Warm layers (even in the summer, temperatures toward the top can sink below freezing at night)

◊ Sunglasses/Sunscreen (there is no tree cover and thus, lots of sun on the climb down from the summit)

◊ Gloves (you may have to use your hands on steeper sections, plus they'll keep you warm)

◊ An extra pair or two of socks

◊ A few litres of water

◊ Food (or you can buy some at the stations along the way at a huge markup. CalorieMate and the like are good choices)

◊ 100 yen coins for pay toilets (don't pee on Fuji-san!)

◊ Toilet paper or baby wipes

◊ A few plastic bags for garbage, and also to sit your butt on

◊ Flashlight or headlamp (we recommend a headlamp so you'll have your hands free)

◊ Camera/Cell phone (if there isn't photographic proof you climbed Fuji, then it didn't happen!)