Climbing Mt. Fuji in 2026 | Fees, Reservations, and Local Tips

Hi, it’s Daichi from KOKO Journey.

I still remember my first time climbing Mt. Fuji, standing on the trail under a night sky packed with endless stars, enjoying a coffee at the summit and a bowl of instant noodles, watching the sunrise over a massive, glowing sea of clouds, and so on.. is an experience I will never forget.

Many travelers ask me, “Can I climb Mt. Fuji during?”

Yes, you can only in the summer time. But to protect the mountain, local authorities have introduced strict daily limits and mandatory fees. If you are planning your trek for the 2026 season, here is the essential information you need to know!

2026 Mt. Fuji Climbing Season

The official climbing season is limited to the summer months.

Outside of these dates, mountain huts close, public buses stop running, and the summit becomes extremely dangerous.

・The Yamanashi side is the area where the Fuji Five Lakes such as Lake Kawaguchiko are located.
・The Shizuoka side is the southern part of the mountain, closer to the Hakone area and Shinkansen train stations.

Check the latest info ⇒ Official Web for Mt. Fuji Climbing https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/

Mt. Fuji Climbing Fees

Here is a quick breakdown of the costs you need to budget for.

• Mandatory Hiking Fee: 4,000 yen per person ⇒Starting in 2026, this 4,000 yen fee applies to all four trails (including the Shizuoka side).
• Shuttle Bus: Around 3,900 yen round trip ⇒You will need to take a shuttle bus from Kawaguchiko Station or Mt. Fuji Station to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. Buying a round-trip ticket at the station saves you money (a single one-way ticket is 1,950 yen).
• Mountain Hut Stay: 14,000 – 17,000 yen per person ⇒This includes a basic shared sleeping space, dinner, and a simple breakfast. Need an advanced booking.

The Yoshida Trail Reservation System

The government now limits the Yoshida Trail to 4,000 climbers per day to prevent dangerous overcrowding. Once that number is hit, the gates close.

I highly recommend booking your climbing slot online well in advance. While a small number of slots are kept for same-day walk-ins, they can sell out very early on busy days.

Note: Booking your trail access is completely separate from booking a mountain hut. You must reserve both individually.

Mountain Huts and the “No Bullet Climbing” Rule

If you want to see the sunrise from the summit, you need to stay overnight in a hut.

Authorities have strictly banned “bullet climbing”, hiking from the base to the summit through the night without sleep—due to high risks of accidents and altitude sickness.

If you try to pass the 5th Station gates late at night without a valid mountain hut reservation, you may be turned away.

Huts are simple, shared spaces and fill up months in advance.

Secure Your Mountain Hut in Advance!

Here are lists of Mt.Fuji huts (all links are from the official Mt. Fuji climbing website) :
・Yoshida Trail (Yamanashi)⇒https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/mountainhut_yoshida/
・Fujinomiya Trail（Shizuoka）⇒https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/mountainhut_fujinomiya/
・Gotemba Trail（Shizuoka）⇒https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/mountainhut_gotemba/
・Subashiri Trail（Shizuoka）⇒https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/mountainhut_subashiri/

Please make sure to carefully check the official Mt. Fuji climbing website before making any reservations.

One common mistake is accidentally booking a mountain hut on a different trail from the one you plan to climb. Since each trail has separate huts, routes, and reservation systems, double-check everything in advance to avoid problems on the day of your hike!

Tips From a Local Guide

Mt. Fuji is not a technically difficult climb, but the high altitude is a serious challenge. Even fit hikers often experience headaches or nausea near the top.

• Avoid Weekends: If possible, climb between Monday and Thursday. Weekends and the mid-August Obon holidays are incredibly crowded. Yes, there even would be cues near the top.
• Rest at the 5th Station: Spend at least one hour at the 5th Station (2,305 meters) before walking to let your body adjust to the thinner air. This is super important.
• Pack for Winter: Summer at the base is hot and humid, but the summit before sunrise is often freezing (around 0-5 degrees). Bring quality layers, a windproof jacket, and gloves.

With the right preparation and early reservations, your 2026 climb will be smooth, safe, and unforgettable!

By the way, if you want to explore the beautiful spots around the Mt. Fuji area before/after your big climb, I offer private local tours—just let me know! See you around Fuji!
KOKO Journey Mt.Fuji Private Tours