How to Climb Mt. Fuji (….just not like me!)

One of the many Torii that surround the rim

 Mistakes were Made

1.) DO NOT start your climb at 8pm

2.) DO NOT climb without gloves

DO NOT Assume the camping stations will have food

Mountains were Climbed

 

We had to rock our Seahawks Jerseys!

Budget Tips

1.) Purchase bus tickets from Highway Buses.

They are cheap for a non-stop ticket to 5th station. Be sure to buy a round trip because they sell out quickly. Don’t get stranded at 5th station!

2.) Skip the Mountain Hut

I was on a tight budget to climb Fuji, and chose not to rent a mountain hut. They don’t really provide a quiet night anyway, since people come and go at every hour of the night in preparation for the sunrise.

3.) Rent your gear from Kobe.

They deliver it to your hotel. Simply drop it at a “Konbini” (Convenience Store) after. I.E. Family Mart, 711, Lawson, etc.

I personally think that if you can bring waterproof gear to Japan, do so. I rented boots and headlamps. The boots were worth it ($40 for 2 days). I skipped the “gaitors” and they really weren’t necessary to keep rocks out of my shoes.

Hiking Poles: I didn’t rent or bring them. They would have been useful to relieve stress on my knees on the way down, but I made it without them just fine.

4.) Bring an extra lunch.

Store it in with your clean clothes in a locker @ 5th station. Everything is pricey up on the mountain, you will be grateful that you don’t have to spend $15 on a bowl of ramen.

ETC, ETC

• Elevation sickness: THIS SUCKS. Don’t climb too fast, unless you like feeling like death. I stopped at every mountain hut for a water or snack break to try to prevent this.
• Pack your backpack with water and light-weight snacks: Everything is expensive one.I brought 6 bottles of water and a large Gatorade. Don’t bring heavy foods that will make your pack heavy on the climb. I was thankful for the protein powders I brought to mix with the water.
• Caffeinate Up!: Because you will climb over night, Bring some caffeine to take before you start, and another to dose up halfway up the mountain.
• Check the weather before you go. It will be cold, but you might want to bring some extra layers if the wind chill is extreme.
• Bring 3 pairs of socks. I wore 2 ended up needing to put the third on my hands

Additional Resources

Here is an informational post about climbing Fuji.

Be sure to check out the hot springs nearby Fuji-san. The bath houses are just as exciting as they are relaxing. Sher’s experience at a local Onsen will give you the FOMO you didn’t know you had about “amusement style” onsens.

ありがとうございました！

Have you climbed Mt. Fuji? How was your experience? Did I miss anything?

Join in the Adventure!

 

 

Pin me!