Mount Fuji 1-day Off-Season Climb, Private Guiding
Climb the iconic Mount Fuji (3766m), the highest peak in Japan, on this 1-day guided ascent led by JMGA-certified local guide Chikako.
Private
1 Day
Jun, Sep, Oct
High
Advanced
Highlights
- Climb Mount Fuji, a sacred mountain and the most iconic symbol of Japan.
- Experience a relaxed and peaceful ascent, away from the summer crowds.
- Enjoy beatufiul views along the way and from the top.
Description
Mount Fuji (3776m), the highest mountain in Japan, is a sacred mountain and one of the most iconic symbols of this fascinating country. I’d like to invite you to join me for a 1-day off-season climb, to enjoy all the natural beauty and peace Mount Fuji offers at this time of the year.
The ascent of Mount Fuji is a very popular trek during summer, so we would avoid the crowds. Climbing Mount Fuji during the off-season offers a more relaxed and peaceful approach, with fewer people on the trails. Furthermore, this is a privately guided tour, so you will have my undivided attention.
This tour is available from early June till June 27th, and from September 10th till the middle of October. Please note that in June, I can take up to 2 people on this tour, depending on how much snow is left on the trails. In September and October, the guide ratio is up to 4 people.
I will pick you up from your hotel around 5:00 am and we will begin to climb in the early morning, around 6:00 am. Once we reach the summit, we will be rewarded with amazing views. We will be back around 5:00 pm. Keep in mind that you need an advanced fitness level to join this tour.
If you would like to come with me on this 1-day climb to this symbolic mountain in Japan, just send me a request and we will start planning your Mount Fuji ascent. Or, if you prefer to come in the summer, you can also check out my Mount Fuji 2-day climbing tour.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide expenses
Price details
- PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Lunch: we will stop to buy lunch at a convenience store after picking you up early in the morning.
- NOTE: *more additional fees could be added for climbing gear rental if you need them (It might be necessary in late May to early June).
- * ice ax (JPY 1,000 )
- * helmet (JPY 2,000 )
- * trekking poles (JPY 1,000),
- * avalanche gears (JPY 2,000),
- * harness (JPY 1,000)
- !! Please bring enough cash with you
- Authorities are implementing a $13USD (£10) fee for climbers intending to ascend Mount Fuji via its popular route, in an effort to limit the number of individuals scaling the renowned volcano and address issues such as injuries and littering.
- The Yamanashi regional government has approved these new regulations, set to take effect on July 1st 2024.
Itinerary
Day 1: About 1,370m Vertical hike up
4:30-5:00 AM We meet at the hotel (Kawaguchiko area or Fujiyoshida city), check gear, sign the paperwork and drive to 5th station.
6:30AM We start hiking from 5th station.
9:30AM We get to 8th station.
13:00 PM We reach Summit.
17:00-18:00PM We go back to the 5th station.
Details
More info
You might need to have crampons and trekking poles (500 JYP) or Ice axe depending on snow conditions. Transportation to the start of the trip can be arranged, but you need to be in the Mt. Fuji area.
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Sunglasses
Rain jacket and pants, hiking boots, headlight, warm gloves, snacks, sunscreen,
FAQs
What experience do I need to have to climb Mt Fuji off-season? How fit do I need to be?
You need to have an advanced fitness level and be able to walk for 10 to 12 hours in one day. There will be around 1300 meters of altitude gain, and then the same to go down. If you inquire about climbing Mt Fuji in May, you'll need to have previous experience walking with crampons.
What is included in the price I need to pay here? What are the extra costs I'll have to cover?
The price you need to pay here to confirm the booking covers my guiding service and my expenses. On top of that price, you'll need to cover the following costs:
- Lunch: we will stop to buy lunch at a convenience store after picking you up early in the morning.
- The technical equipment if you need to rent it: ice ax (JPY 1,000), helmet (JPY 2,000 ), trekking poles (JPY 1,000), avalanche gears (JPY 2,000), and harness (JPY 1,000).
It is important that you bring enough cash with you!
What equipment should I need to take with me? How do I rent it if I don't have it?
- Climbing/hiking shoes that protect your ankles.
- Rain pants and jackets (GORE-TEX ), not a poncho! It is possible to rent some at Yamarent.com.
- Based on the conditions (especially in May/June and late October), you might need an ice axe, a helmet, trekking poles, avalanche gears, and a harness. It is possible to rent them at Yamarent.com
The equipment you rent at Yamarent.com will be delivered to your hotel. After the climb, I will take care of sending it back to them.
Where should I stay the day before? In which area?
You need to stay in the Fujikawaguchiko / Fujiyoshida city area. I'll pick you up from your hotel, and drive you back there or to one of these 3 train stations: Fujisan Eki, Kawaguchiko, Gotemba, after the climb.
At what time do we start? When will we be back? What's the program of the day?
Here is the program of this one-day ascent of Mt Fuji. The mentioned hours are approximate.
- 4:30- 5:00 am. I'll pick you up at your hotel (You should stay in the Kawaguchiko area or in Fujiyoshida).
We'll check together your gear, sign the paperwork and drive to the 5th station.
- 6.30am. We'll start hiking, from the 5th station.
- 9.30am. We should be at the 8th station.
- 1pm. Summit
- 5-6pm. We'll be back at the 5th station. From there, I can drive you back to your hotel or to one of these 3 train stations: Fujisan Eki, Kawaguchiko or Gotemba.
I'm alone, can I join a group?
No, I only accept private requests with people alone or groups of people already formed. I don't mix people together that don't know each other.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Chikako
5.0
(77)
Mountain Guide
I am a Mt Fuji guide and a backcountry ski guide, certified by the JMGA. I was born in Tokyo but currently live in Fuji-Yoshida city, located at the foot of Mt Fuji. Teaching was something that interested me since my school years, and thus chose to join a specialized college for coaching, instructorship, and sports biology, where I also started climbing and skiing in the mountains. After my graduation, I worked as a ski patrol for 10 years, 5 of which I worked through the year - Hakuba in the winter (of northern hemisphere) and in Methven, New Zealand in the summer (of northern hemisphere), and a backcountry ski guide for 10 years.
My main and favourite field of guiding is on and around Mt Fuji, but backcountry skiing is my favourite mountain sports! I guide backcountry skiing mainly around Hakuba areas but also have been a guide in Hokkaido for 2 years, and know Furano and Niseko areas very well. I also currently teach Japan Avalanche Network level 1 courses on avalanche risks and safety. I also enjoy rock climbing in my free time and love to share with you the beauty of the Japanese mountains through my favourite guiding routes, let it to be in trekking the mountains, snowshoeing with an onsen stay or backcountry skiing in Hakuba areas!
For me, mountains are a part of my life. It teaches me upsides and downsides of life, and I want guests to join me in this environment to realize the conveniences that surround us in our ordinary life and to be grateful of everything that lets us live.
I guide visitors from abroad quite frequently. Contact me if you’re also up for fun mountain adventures!!
Languages
Japanese | English
Certificates
JMGA
Reviews with photos
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5What people are saying about this trip
Gerard
The trip was extremely well organised. Chika contacted us with advice on what we would be doing and what clothing and equipment we would need. She emailed us regularly until the night before our climb. When Chika collected us she was so professional and friendly. We immediately felt that we were in good hands and that we had gained a friend as well as a guide. She guided us to the summit of Mt Fuji which was challenging but she encouraged us and kept us going at a safe pace supplying advice, information and treats along the way. When we reached the summit she even made us a welcome hot drink. After guiding us safely down the mountain and taking us back to the hotel we were sad to say goodbye.
Frank
We were a group of five who had the pleasure of having Chika as our guide for an off season day tour. Chika was extremely knowledgeable of Mt Fuji and spoke very good English. She set the climbing pace for the group to reduce energy expenditure and to acclimate to the altitude. She also provided emotional and mental support to a member of our group which gave her the push to reach the summit. Overall, we would recommend Chika to anyone willing to climb Mt Fuji and hope to have her as a guide again for future Japan hikes. Arigato gozaimashita!
Eric
Max
Guy
Chika was an excellent guide and I can't recommend her enough. The hike was fantastic, and Chika was so knowledgeable, attentive and, importantly, was very enjoyable to spend the day with. She set a great pace from the start and shared lots of cultural and historical information about Fuji and Japan in general. The day was the highlight of my trip.
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