Tokyo Mt. Fuji Hiking: Subashiri & Fujinomiya Routes – An Honest Look

Mount Fuji. Just that name kinda makes you think of that iconic, snow-capped peak, right? For years, I thought about standing on its summit, and this past summer, I finally had that chance. This, then, is my rundown on the two-day, one-night hike using the Subashiri and Fujinomiya trails. Hopefully it gives you a better view of what’s ahead if you decide to make that hike, too.

Choosing Your Ascent: Subashiri or Fujinomiya?

Deciding which trail to use is kinda your opening act to climbing Mount Fuji. There are four official trails up the mountain: Subashiri, Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Yoshida. We opted for a combo of Subashiri going up and Fujinomiya for our descent. Subashiri’s kinda well-known for its forested areas near the base, giving you, like, that nice shaded start. The Fujinomiya trail is, I believe, known as the shortest route, but what’s shortest going up could just mean steeper.

Subashiri’s forested start can be a bit of a blessing on a sunny day. You start climbing pretty quickly after leaving the fifth station, and that forest part is kind of calming and pretty, too. That feeling kinda fades, of course, when you start to get above the treeline and the climbing gets more, you know, like, actual climbing. Also, the huts along the Subashiri trail seem a little more spread out, which could mean planning ahead for rest stops is necessary.

Fujinomiya, well, the most popular bit about that trail is definitely that it’s the shortest to the summit, apparently. But, shortest often translates to steeper, very. There are fewer switchbacks and, more or less, you’re climbing straight up a lot of the time. Keep in mind that descending that same steep path can be quite hard on the knees, so, you know, good hiking poles could actually be your knees’ new best pal. Also, this path is more exposed to the sun, making it potentially harsher during the hottest times.

Day 1: Up the Subashiri Trail

The climb on the Subashiri Trail really begins with this peaceful walk into a dense forest. I sort of felt as if I’d walked into an entirely different landscape. It was almost like an entrance hall to a grand adventure. Sunlight filters kind of softly through the trees, and, too it’s almost like nature is turning down the volume before the big show.

Past the forest line, that terrain alters fairly noticeably. The path becomes far more rugged and is that exposed volcanic rock all the time. So, the sun beating down can really get very intense here. Actually, pacing yourself is key. We took quite a few small breaks, partly just to drink something, partly to simply savor how amazing the landscape seems.

Mountain huts on the Subashiri Trail, that are really there for more than simply offering shelter, apparently. Most supply meals and a place simply to lie down and get a bit of sleep. We pre-booked our spot at one of the huts (which is generally highly recommended) – that place was kinda cramped, really. Everyone ends up snuggled in like a bunch of penguins huddling for warmth. What really sticks with me isn’t that uncomfortable closeness, but all the really cheerful chat and that sense of shared purpose between everyone there.

Day 2: Summit Dreams and Fujinomiya Descent

Getting up early is actually an understatement – think rising in the pitch dark around, I believe, 2 AM. The goal, naturally, is seeing the sunrise from the top. As you’re climbing in the dark, very, with that line of other hikers that stretches far ahead (resembling some kind of human train, perhaps), the cold definitely bites. Be certain you are layering up properly!

Touching the peak is something that, really, hits you with waves of, very, accomplishment, probably. Looking all around, that vista is utterly amazing – that, golden sunlight spread out across the lands below. The volcano’s crater seems grand and otherworldly, too.

The descent using the Fujinomiya path provides very contrasting experiences. Initially, its steepness appears intimidating, frankly. It may stress joints noticeably more, especially those knees! However, since it goes straight down and is well marked, there is a sense in which you make faster work of it, actually. Plenty of grit and dirt got inside the hiking shoes, so, gaiters could really have prevented this slight bother. Anyway, one noteworthy bit is the more dense array of facilities along this pathway that include aid stations and also places to purchase something, and this really can prove beneficial.

What to Pack for a Two-Day Fuji Hike

When climbing Mount Fuji, what’s inside your pack that truly makes all that difference. This isn’t simply tossing in several snacks – it’s really being thoroughly set up, or, I believe, you run into discomfort.

Appropriate Clothing: That includes moisture-wicking base layers, insulation (a fleece or lightweight down jacket works), and then that outer waterproof layer that acts as shield coming up. Actually, Mount Fuji likes shifting climates!
Strong Hiking Boots: Ensure they’re actually broken in, that’s really key, that. I’d very much advocate waterproof versions, more or less.
Hiking Poles: Seriously, those poles definitely decrease that strain put on knees considerably, particularly when heading downhill!
Headlamp: When hiking before dawn (which’s typical when climbing for that sunrise). Hands need actually to be kept clear to assist yourself whilst climbing.
Adequate Water & Sustenance: Carry at least 2-3 liters of water. Pack plenty high-energy snacks such as trail mix, protein bars, and such.
Sunscreen & Hat: The ultraviolet ray radiation tends actually to be intense at those elevations! Defend both faces along, also, your heads.
First-Aid Kit: Include simple things like plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers. Blisters would typically be quite common here.
Portable Charger: Ensure your gadgets stay powered especially as, should anything come up, this lets other folk remain in communication.
Cash: Whilst quite a few stations accept card payment. Its helpful being sure one is holding certain sums by cash especially concerning certain mountain restrooms whereby charge applied toward usages, possibly.
Plastic Bags: Hold that trash. Always practice ‘leave absolutely zero effect’ policies.

Tips for a More Enjoyable Climb

Having the appropriate stuff is something, but being truly set up, that also assists that entire hike in general seeming simply far less strenuous, more or less.

Pace Yourself: Move bit by bit, steadily; breaks could generally enable anyone to hold on whilst conserving electricity whilst on inclines typically sharper plus higher elevation portions there.
Stay Hydrated: Begin consuming much extra volume out water even commencing hiking and carrying, likewise, drink fairly many instances moving, for sure!
Use Rest Stops: Mountain lodges don’t typically merely give protection; yet often, serve refreshments plus lets relax whilst ready get on-coming climb bit, also, afterwards bit more vigor.
Acclimatize: Try stay possibly on station, perhaps level five with station possibly near several duration formerly hiking beginning and aid that one bodies that adapts somewhat possibly lesser amounts from the air present, especially
Check the Weather: Look frequently in meteorological service ahead duration going and arrange suitably according likely forecasts. Weather patterns frequently change almost Fuji summit quite readily plus with not even alert probably it takes everyone with unpleasant shocks often.
Respect Mountain: Stay inside paths and retain everything neat when going; hold your noises low down so preserving calm atmosphere! Adopting simple manners really aids continue our place perfect just where folks that go to adore climbing on our mountains!

Is Climbing Mt. Fuji Worth It?

The most straightforward solution definitely can just be – entirely. Truly that physical stress combined having preparing for that climb both were seriously justified through amazing vista along using great emotional feeling accomplishing on those mountain height levels, too. Those experience has really remained possibly quite memorable within personally, for sure!

Yet there could also often, indeed, become few parts worth consideration on possibly just even a couple. Actually climbing itself poses quite harshness – the high inclination paths or possibly, just with sometimes crowded courses combined and furthermore conditions frequently change fast maybe that may become actually demanding when, I believe.

And, possibly, if truly seeking tranquility and solitude or probably a hill escapade not really almost frequently busy really places Mount Fuji would not usually match completely almost those wishes truly! Those achievement on the summit after having beaten oneself there through the problems – with just, so you know, those panoramic, far landscapes truly create that entirely worth even individual step taken through all of myself at least!!