Day 1
We travel to the city of Fuji Yoshida to start our ascent of this iconic mountain. It’s estimated that
200,000 people climb the mountain every year but almost all of them begin at the fifth station after
taking a bus half way up the mountain. Instead we take the Fuji Yoshida route, the oldest
pilgrimage route up the sacred mountain and have the lower slopes of the mountain almost to
ourselves. The climb starts from Sengen Jinja, a Shinto shrine founded in 788 and dedicated to
the gods of the mountain before passing through lush forests.
Pilgrims used to come to the shrine to pray for their safe return and make offerings to placate the
gods and avoid eruptions. There are many of these shrines surrounding the mountain but this
one is the most important due to its age. The main shrine building dates to a 1615 rebuilding of
the structures and has been designated as important cultural property. Nearby are several
pilgrims’ inns, lodging houses where the faithful used to stay before climbing the mountain.
Our walk today takes us from an altitude of 550m to 3,200 and will take about 6 - 7 hours
depending on walking speeds. In the past there were rest houses and places serving food along
this route but now everything is boarded up as there are not enough customers.
At 3776 metres high Mt Fuji is Japan's tallest mountain and a national symbol. Snow-capped
throughout most of the year, views of its majestic volcanic cone are breath-taking. Often shrouded
by clouds, you are most likely to get a clear view outside of climbing season in the late autumn,
winter and early spring when the air is fairly clear.
We sleep in one of the mountain huts that are dotted around the path to the summit. The
accommodation is very simple, with mattresses arranged on the floor, at times there could be
very little personal space but it is a great way to meet the many Japanese climbing the famous
mountain. Communal sleeping and a hearty meal (usually curry and rice) await us as we spend
an evening relaxing with the other climbers before an early night. Sleeping at a higher altitude will
help your body acclimatise to the thinner air at high altitudes.
Day 2
Starting very early we get up and continue the climb toward the summit. Our aim is to be at the
summit by sunrise and witness the sun rising over a sea of clouds. This is also the best time for
a clear view because during the early morning it is least likely to be shrouded in cloud. Weather
permitting, you have time to hike the crater for an hour or two and check out the spectacular views
of Mt Fuji's different sides. You also have the opportunity to send some post cards to your friends
and family from the post office on the summit!
We walk back down to the 5th station before picking up mountain bikes, white-water rafts and
sledges to make the rest of the descent. Sledges? River sledging (also known as hydrospeed or
river boarding) is a new sport that is a close cousin of white water rafting but instead of a raft you
have a modified body board/sled which provides flotation as you go head to head with the river.
Swimming along wearing fins and steering with your own body weight, this is white water
adventure as you've never before experienced!
Having washed off in the cool mountain water we head back to Tokyo for a good night's sleep
after our amazing 2 day adventure.
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Departure dates
Private tour - departure dates to suit you
Highlights
Stay in traditional Japanese inns, Climb
iconic Mt. Fuji, Mountain bike,
white-water rafting and sledging.
Trip code
TFA
Group size
min 2 (private tour)
Meals included
1 breakfast, 1 dinner.
Transport
Bus, hiking, mountain biking,
white-water rafting..
Accommodation
Mountain hut (1 nt)
Important notes
1. Mt. Fuji is a rewarding but difficult
climb. We do offer the option to do
guided day walks of the area instead.
There is not any change in the trip price.
Please advise your preference at time of
booking. Unless otherwise advised the
itinerary including the Mt. Fuji climb will
be booked.
2. Although the official climbing season
is from 1 July to 31 August conditions at
the summit vary greatly. If you are
climbing a month either side of the
season, please contact Intrepid about
chances of reaching the summit.
3. It is important to come prepared with
clothing for cold and wet weather.
4. In the event that you are not able to
climb Mt Fuji due to weather conditions
you will participate in hikes of the
surrounding area.
more information and booking
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