"If you come to Japan and don't climb Mt. Fuji, you're a fool; but if you climb it more than once, you're an even BIGGER fool." - old Japanese proverb
Seeing the sunrise at the top of Mt Fuji (12,388') is something everyone should see in their lifetime...once :). The 400k+ people who climb Fuji every year make it the most visited mountain in the world. You'll want to take some time off hiking afterwards, but hiking Mt. Fuji will be one of the most memorable experiences you'll ever have - sunrise at the top is absolutely spectacualr.
The official "Climbing Season" starts July 1st and ends mid September - hiking outside the season is allowed and guarantees you'll have less of a crowd. My tip is to go in late June or late September, just outside the official climbing season.
Speaking of tips...
Here are my tips for hiking Mt. Fuji:
1. Rent a car
Why? ...
Trains run from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji but are very limited off-season. The fastest and most convenient way to get to the 5th station (where the most popular trailhead, Yoshida, starts) is by car.
How?...
You'll need an International Drivers License - obtaining one is as simple as spending 30 minutes at your local AAA office. Just bring your passport and you will be out of there with the permit in hand for <$40. Use Hertz to rent your car and set your pickup in Tokyo and your drop off at Shin Fuji Station / Shizuoka (the closest train station to Mt. Fuji). Warning: it is about $70 more to drop off the rental at a different location from where you rented it.
Concerns?...
Make sure you're confident in your driving abilities. While Japanese roads are very well kept and speed limits are low throughout Japan- you will be driving on the right side of the car as well as the left side of the road. You also won't be able to read the road signs (duh) - watch YouTube videos before your trip to learn the basic road signs and you'll be ok!
2. Bring a headlamp
A popular hike is the overnight hike (or "bullet hike") where you get to the top of Mt. Fuji at sunrise. It's DARK up there - we saw a few people without headlamps using their iPhones as lights and it didn't look pleasant.
If you're not about hiking in the dark, there are huts you can pay to stay in (you need to reserve them ahead of time). The closest hut to the top of the mountain is about a 30 minute hike away from the top. Hike during the day then crash here, set an early alarm, and only spend a small portion of your hike in the dark. Or, power through and save the $$....take your pick!
3. Dress as if you're going to the snow
It is COLD AF up there. It's literally below freezing and so windy. I look happy in this pic but in reality was pretty miserable (I only have myself to blame - I was wearing yoga pants and only 3 layers on top - YOU NEED WAY MORE THAN THAT). It will be very hot when you start your hike - don't let that fool you. Bring a backpack and pack layers, gloves, wool socks, scarves, etc. you'll thank me.
4. Plan your start-time accordingly
All of these people (including us) made it to the top for sunrise (which was 4:32am in late June). We did see quite a few people who didn't make it in time and they were not happy. If you are in decent shape, it should only take you 5 hours or less to get to the top. Plan accordingly, you'll have to wait in the cold (or pay per 15 minutes to sit in a semi-warm hut) if you need to kill time.
5. Enjoy the way down
The sun will be out, it will be warm, and you will be able to see all the beautiful views you couldn't see on the way up in the dark!
6. Relax at one of the 5 lakes surrounding Fuji post hike
Ok so this was my favorite part of the hike :)
There are 5 absolutely beautiful lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji where you can get a glimpse of the mountain from afar. Top left picture is as good of a view as we got...it's pretty common for clouds to be covering in the summer.
Lake Kawaguchi had a lavender festival going on which was very cool to experience. I could have chilled at the lakes for at least an entire day and stayed at one of the adorable Inn's along the lakes had I known how pleasant that area was going to be.
Enjoy the rest of Japan - the hard part is over after climbing Mt. Fuji and all you have left to do is eat sushi & ramen and drink sapporo and sake :)
Cheers!