Climbing Mount Fuji Advice

timthetoolman on 07/05/2018 - 20:34

Yes, just another Japan related thread.
My partner and I are looking to climb Mt Fuji early July, but am really struggling to find much information on how to book a room.
I've found a lot of recommendations that suggest staying on the 7th or 8th station, what to wear etc, however the couple of I've found sites seem to be in Japanese only or booking by phone only, and the big accommodation websites have got the places off mountain.

If anyone has climbed and stayed I would love to hear from you on where you booked and any tips, as this is our first hike ever really.
TIA

Tim

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • do-ob on 07/05/2018 - 21:19
    +2

    https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/travel/practical/pdf/Mt.H…

    Pretty exhaustive list but it's quite accurate. You may have to use google translate on some of the registration pages but it can all be done online (including payment) and you can type in English, provided they are a hut that speaks English (E in the Online Booking column). I have stayed at Goraikoukan, almost all the huts will be packed like sardines, don't expect any 5 star hotels. The only saving grace is warmth and food. Some people take a space bag and camp up top, if you are brave enough with the weather and temps it'd be an experience.

    Staying at a higher station will ensure you won't have as far to go in the morning (roughly 3-4am) when pretty much everyone ups and leaves for the top in order to catch the sunrise on the summit. It's not far from the top 2 stations, but the trip is made longer by the sheer volume of people.

    Take care to time it well, if you haven't ascended to that altitude before you may experience some mild altitude sickness and probably won't want to spend too long at 3000+.

    Happy to share more about my trip, feel free to PM.

    • timthetoolman on 07/05/2018 - 21:52

      Thanks so much for that list, very in depth and helpful!
      I will likely PM you for a coupe of things.
      Thanks again

  • altomic on 07/05/2018 - 21:32
    +4

    I've only climbed. try to get accomodation at the 8th station. it's pure hell from there on up.

    booking site

    how climbing mt fuji goes:

    start at station 5.
    walk, run, jump - this is easy. arrive at station 6 "we'll be be up there in 2 hours max"
    walk, run, climb - arrive at station 7. "not bad, station 8 here we come"
    slowly walk, climb climb , -arrive at station 8 "oh dear, oh my ok, whew, thought I was fitter, ha ha, only 2 stations left"
    walk, rest, climb, walk, rest, climb, climb - arrive at station 9 - "oh god, please give me the strength to continue" head is spinning - legs are burning/
    crawl, rest, climb, crawl, cry, crawl, scream at your partner for taking you to hell, crawl - arrive at station 10 - oh…. my….. god. I'm here, never again.

    then the walk down is a struggle as it is on scoria (small loose stone) and just zig zags down. you virtually shuffle down.

    top tip. take lots of coins for the vending machines that are at each station and keep hydrated. - take at least 2 litres of water and then buy sugar drinks as you go. take a broad brim hat and wear sunscreen. I experienced mild altitude sickness. unpleasant.

    I thought I was pretty fit with cycling every where, every day. it was pretty strenuous hiking mt fuji. the next day my legs were sore as [profanity] even after going to an onsen for a 2 hour soak afterwards.

    good luck. I really recommend doing. I still have a piece of scoria from the top of Mt Fuji on my bookshelf.

    • timthetoolman on 07/05/2018 - 21:53

      Haha that bad hey? Surely worth it from what I've heard though.
      What trail did you take?
      Already checked a couple of places that are free on our dates which is so helpful, thanks a lot.

      • altomic on 07/05/2018 - 23:33
        +1

        it is totally worth it.

        it's an achieve 3776 metres. you see tokyo. you see planes fly past.

        I did the Yoshida-guchi course.

  • HardQuiz on 07/05/2018 - 21:43
    +2

    Worth it

  • Randxyz123 on 07/05/2018 - 22:27
    +1

    https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2686509&… is excellent for Japan advise.

  • ShannonN on 08/05/2018 - 05:11
    +1

    Found this online writer climbed it 2009 says you have to pay to use toilet at higher levels, pay to have a brand put on a walking stick as a souvenier, pay for water etc interesting read.

  • twww on 08/05/2018 - 06:15

    Done it twice.

    Once in winter, solo. The other in summer with my wife.

    Winter: over a 3 day period, camping at the base and then up at the 8th station. Followed the yoshidaguchi route from the base. Loved it. Not for the average person!
    Hope to do it again…

    Summer: bus from Shinjuku to the fifth station like what most people would do.

    Overnight it at the 8th station. What can I say about the accom…crap! Overpriced! Same with the food; basic. You will share a bunk with others and get very little rest.

    Wake up at about 2am for a push to the summit. The aim, to see 'goraiko', sunrise. Lots of people snake up the mountain at this time, so bottlenecks occur. An experience for sure.

    Bring your own water, snacks, headlamp…on-mountain prices are silly.

    It's cold at the top even during summer! Be prepared. surprised that a lot of people are not.

    We went down another route, fujiyoshida trail to catch the bus…

    • orourke on 08/05/2018 - 07:23

      Hey, climbed and skied Fuji in March this year, including into the crater, from the Gotemba route. Really funny seeing all the infrastructure for the summer but there being <5 people on that side of the mountain. Blog post - http://skidescent.com/mount-fuji-japans-highest-and-most-fam…

      Did you have a blog post about your three day trip, by chance? Would like to read about it.

      • twww on 08/05/2018 - 07:38
        +1

        Winter climb:

        http://fujiclimb2010.blogspot.com.au/?m=1

        Oops, have to correct a mistake: it was the fujinomiya route for our descent during the summer.

        Nice. Rondonee set up. Look forward to reading it. Thanks for sharing.

        • robbo135 on 10/06/2018 - 20:47

          Very ballsy climbing in winter.

          Definitely not for the average joe. Without proper experience and gear, you're goneski's..

    • timthetoolman on 08/05/2018 - 12:53

      Ahhh man I am the average person!
      I checked out the accommodation last night which look terrible, but it's better staying there than wasting a night in Tokyo and camping outside.
      Thanks for the advice

  • coxjon on 08/05/2018 - 08:03
    +1

    We got our Tokyo hotel to call and book a bunk on the 8th station they day we left for Fuji. This was the simplest for us as the hotel staff had a lot more English :)

    It was a pretty painless arrival at the 8th station, told them our names, had a small meal and a sleepless night crammed in with snorers, smelly feet and a thin mattress. Everyone gets up super early and then there’s this beautiful head-torch lit pilgrimage to the summit for sunrise. Amazing, I would definitely do it again.

    Another option is get there early and do the entire trek in one day. Besides the high altitude ascent taking your breath quickly, it’s an easy walk. The downhill section is very fast but DON’T TAKE THE WRONG TURN ON THE WAY DOWN! They hand out maps for the return trip but my group got separated as no one but my dad followed the instructions and 4 of us had to take a taxi back to the train station and hope he turned up.

  • Wystri Warrick on 08/05/2018 - 23:44
    +1

    You'll need an Ozbargain t-shirt and flag, don't forget to share the photos with us.

  • happy bargain fox on 08/06/2018 - 18:48

    Did it in July 2014
    Started climbing (from the 5th station) at 9.30am and reached the summit at 4:45pm in time for the sunset. Climbed back down and stayed at a hut at the 8th station (but keep in mind that it's still 3400m up) and I had pretty bad altitude sickness. Had a pretty restless night, but was pleasantly surprised to find an electric and heated toilet seat that high up on the mountain. Woke up early and trekked up with the rest of the climbers to see the sunrise and trekked down afterwards.

    Do:
    - bring lots of layers - it's quite warm and comfortable near the start, but the further up you go and after the sun sets - it gets quite cold, so as mentioned before be prepared.
    - bring lots of food, snacks, water and money for using toilets, etc…
    - bring a headlamp torch, it really helps when you're hiking before/after the sun has risen/set
    - consider writing a few postcards that you can send from the world's highest post office (located at the summit)
    - consider investing in a pair of gaiters and/or good hiking boots - the gaiters will stop all the ash on the mountain from getting into your shoes as you head down the mountain

    Don't:
    - forget to listen to your body and force yourself or your partner to reach the summit. If you get severe altitude sickness, whilst it might be a 'one time' opportunity to climb Mt Fuji, there's no shame in not reaching the top. Altitude sickness affects everyone differently and pushing through the pain might not be worth it
    - expect too much from the on mountain accommodation, as mentioned before it's super basic and just a place to crash for the night.
    - forget to look out for fellow climbers - you'll find most people are super friendly and just as excited as you to journey to the top

    I hope you both have a safe trip and an amazing experience :D

    • timthetoolman on 13/06/2018 - 08:44

      Hey mate, sorry for the late reply, didn't have auto notifications on.

      Great advice all around! Didn't realise there was the world's highest post office, that's very cool.
      We have the rest of the stuff suggested aside gaitors.
      Appreciate the input

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join