Home to the iconic Mount Fuji and located just one hour by bullet train from Tokyo, the prefecture of Shizuoka is set to welcome the opening of the climbing season of Japan’s tallest mountain. 

There are a total of four climbing routes to Mt. Fuji’s summit – 3,776m above sea level – with Shizuoka boasting three. In 2023, the routes in Shizuoka are set to open from 10 July to 10 September.

All trails to the summit of Mt. Fuji start at different points boasting different conditions and difficulty levels:

Subashiri route

Starting at Subashiri 5th Station, this route heads to the summit from the east side with separate ascending and descending routes. The ascending distance is 6.9km and 6.2km for the descent. The topography of this route is relatively gentle, covered with trees up to approximately the seventh station and with rocky areas from the eighth station onwards. Hiking times are approximately six hours for the climb and three for the descent.

Gotemba route

This route starts at New Gotemba 5th Station located on the southeast side of the mountain. This is the longest trail with a large difference in elevation to the summit and tends to be the quietest and most suitable for experienced walkers. The ascending trail has a distance of 10.5km, with a volcanic gravel road up until the eighth station, and 8.4km for the descent. This hike would require approximately seven hours for the climb and three for the descent.

Fujinomiya route

Out of all the routes, this one is the shortest as it starts from the highest altitude, making it a popular option. It’s the same 4.3km trail for both ascent and descent, however it boasts many rocky areas. It would take approximately five hours for the climb and three for the descent to complete. 

Other activities 

For travellers looking to enjoy Mt. Fuji and its surrounding area, but looking for alternatives to hiking, there are many options including a suspension bridge, cycling experiences and paragliding.

Mishima Skywalk

Located in the city of Mishima, visitors will find the Mishima Skywalk, famous for being Japan’s longest walking suspension bridge, with a length of 400m, and for the unrivalled views it boasts. Travellers will not only be able to enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding lush mountains, including Mt. Fuji, but also of the shimmering blue waters of the Suruga Bay (Japan’s deepest). For extra adrenaline, there is also a “Long ZIP Slide” in the facility sliding towards Mt. Fuji along the suspension bridge, which can be enjoyed on its own or as part of an “Adventure Course” with various activities included. Access to the suspension bridge starts from JPY 1,100 per adult (£6) and the Adventure Course from JPY 3,900 (£21).

Mt. Fuji Paragliding Experience

The Mt. Fuji Paragliding Experience is perfect for travellers looking for a once in lifetime paragliding setting. Suitable for all ability levels, participants meet the instructors for a tandem experience enjoying views of the Asagiri Plateau and the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji. Visibility of Mt. Fuji cannot be guaranteed during the summer months as the air is hazier with late autumn and winter offering a better chance. Prices start from JPY 10,000 (approx £55) per person.

Cycling 

Shizuoka has a growing reputation as an unforgettable cycling destination for riders of all levels. The Mt. Fuji Nature E-bike Ecotour allows visitors not only to discover Shizuoka’s stunning scenery and Mt. Fuji foothills, but also its traditional life and local flavours enroute. The experience includes visiting Lake Tanuki, riding through a traditional Japanese village, trying fresh spring water from Mt. Fuji and fresh rainbow trout at a local farm, as well as riding to the World Heritage Shiraito Falls. After the action-packed day, visitors return to basecamp for a local craft beer surrounded by paddy fields in front of Mt. Fuji. The five-hour experience starts from ¥42,350 per person (approx. £233) and includes pick-up at Shin-Fuji Station.

About Shizuoka

Just one hour from Tokyo by bullet train, Shizuoka is home to Mt. Fuji and boasts a spectacular natural environment of coastline, mountains and lakes. It’s also home to the beautiful Izu Peninsula, which has been described as “Japan’s Riviera” and was designated as a Global Geopark by Unesco in April 2018. The region is steeped in history, has a huge choice of traditional ryokan inns and onsen hot springs, and is also a gourmet paradise.

Images: Explore Shizuoka