What are the four main climbing routes for Mount Fuji? Which one is the most popular for beginners?

Hello! Getting ready to tackle Mount Fuji? That's an absolutely amazing decision! As the symbol of Japan, climbing it with your own feet offers a sense of accomplishment like nothing else.

Regarding the climbing routes, you're right, there are four main ones. Each route has completely different scenery, difficulty, and "personality." Let me break them down for you so you can choose the right one.

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Detailed Guide to Mount Fuji's Four Main Climbing Routes

1. Yoshida Trail - ⭐ Top Choice for Beginners, The Classic & Busiest Route

This is the most popular and widely used route. Almost everyone climbing Mt. Fuji for the first time chooses this one.

• Features:
  • Best Facilities: Starting from the 5th Station, it has the highest number of mountain huts (lodges for resting, sleeping, buying supplies) and toilets of any route. Essential for beginners needing frequent breaks and supplies.
  • Best Trail Condition: Well-maintained paths, clear signposts. The crowds make it hard to get lost.
  • Best for Sunrise: Located on the eastern side, it offers one of the best vantage points for viewing the "Goraiko" (the summit sunrise).
• Disadvantages:
  • Super Crowded! Especially on weekends and holidays. Ascents and descents during peak times feel like walking in a queue, slowing you down.
• Best For: First-time climbers, hikers of average fitness, families.

Quick Summary: If it's your first time or you lack confidence in your stamina, this is the route for you!

2. Subashiri Trail - 🌲 Fun with Forests & "Sunabashiri"

This route is unique early on, avoiding the bare volcanic rock seen on others.

• Features:
  • Diverse Scenery: Hike through forested areas at lower elevations, enjoying a "forest bath" and gentler conditions.
  • Thrilling Descent: Features a famous "Sunabashiri" section – a long slope of loose volcanic sand. You can literally run/slide down, saving energy and having fun.
• Disadvantages:
  • Merges with the crowded Yoshida Trail around the 8th Station, making the upper section very busy.
• Best For: Hikers seeking varied scenery, avoiding monotony, with some experience.

Quick Summary: Choose this to experience the thrill of "skiing" down volcanic sand on the descent.

3. Gotemba Trail - 💪 For the "Hardcore," A Long & Arduous Journey

The longest, most challenging route, truly demanding.

• Features:
  • Fewest People: A paradise if you dislike crowds and seek solitude in nature.
  • Highly Demanding: Longest distance, greatest elevation gain. Requires exceptional fitness and endurance.
  • Long Sunabashiri: Features an even longer and more impressive "Great Sunabashiri" descent than Subashiri.
• Disadvantages:
  • Very few mountain huts and toilets. Difficult to resupply. Requires meticulous preparation. Not for beginners.
• Best For: Highly experienced hikers, hardcore enthusiasts seeking extreme challenge and solitude.

Quick Summary: Beginners should skip this unless you want a crash course in exhaustion and despair.

4. Fujinomiya Trail - 🚀 Shortest but Steepest "Shortcut"

The shortest route to the summit, but don't confuse short with easy.

• Features:
  • Shortest Distance: Starts at the highest 5th Station, requiring the least vertical ascent.
  • Unique Views: Positioned on the south side. Offers panoramic views of Suruga Bay and the Izu Peninsula on clear days.
• Disadvantages:
  • Very Steep: Consistently steep inclines, rocky sections, tough on the knees.
  • Same Path Up & Down: Single trail for ascent and descent becomes extremely crowded during peaks, requiring maneuvering.
  • Altitude Sickness Risk: Quick gain to high altitude leaves little time to acclimate, increasing risk of altitude sickness.
• Best For: Experienced hikers with good stamina seeking the fastest possible summit.

Quick Summary: Short distance, but steepness and altitude sickness risk are serious concerns. Not ideal for pure beginners.

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Conclusion: Which Route for Beginners?

Without a doubt, the Yoshida Trail is the best choice for beginners.

Reason: Safety First!

For newcomers, the priorities are safety and successfully completing the climb, not speed or extreme difficulty. The Yoshida Trail's excellent facilities, clear markings, and numerous fellow hikers provide maximum security. While crowds are a drawback, they also mean help is readily available if needed.

Treat your first Fuji ascent as an experience. Take the reliable Yoshida route to appreciate the mountain's allure. Gain that experience first, then come back later to tackle the other, more distinctive routes!

Hope this information helps! Wishing you a safe and successful climb to witness a breathtaking sunrise!