Sure! Here’s how to get to Mount Fuji from Haneda Airport in English.
1. Train + Bus (Most Common Route)
Time Required: Around 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Step 1: Take a Train to Shinjuku
- From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail to Shinagawa Station or Hamamatsucho Station (about 15-25 minutes).
- Then, take the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station (about 15-20 minutes).
Step 2: From Shinjuku to Mount Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station
- From Shinjuku, take a highway bus directly to the Mount Fuji area.
- Fujikyu Bus operates direct buses from Shinjuku Station (Busta Shinjuku) to Mount Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station. The bus ride takes about 2 hours.
Step 3: If Needed, Continue to the Fifth Station
- Once you reach Mount Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station, take a local bus to the Fifth Station on Mount Fuji (about 50 minutes).
2. Direct Highway Bus (Simpler Option)
Time Required: Around 2.5 to 3.5 hours
There are direct highway buses from Haneda Airport to the Mount Fuji area. For example, Fujikyu Bus and Keio Bus offer services that go directly from Haneda Airport to Mount Fuji Station or Kawaguchiko Station. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance.
- Time Required: About 2.5 to 3 hours
- Cost: Around 2,000 to 3,000 yen
3. Rental Car (For More Flexibility)
Time Required: Around 2.5 to 3 hours
You can also rent a car at Haneda Airport and drive to Mount Fuji. This gives you the freedom to stop at various sightseeing spots along the way. The route typically involves taking the Shuto Expressway or Chuo Expressway and then driving up the Fuji Subaru Line to reach the Fifth Station of Mount Fuji.
- Toll Fees: You’ll need to pay tolls for using the expressways, but having an ETC card makes this easier.
Which option you choose depends on your schedule and budget!
Guide to Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture
https://www.pref.yamanashi.jp/ebook/fujisan_guide2023/English/index.html#page=1
How to get to and climb Mount Fuji
Climbing Mount Fuji is an exciting adventure, and there are several routes you can take to reach the summit. Here’s a guide to help you understand the different aspects of climbing Mount Fuji.
Climbing Season
- Official Season: The official climbing season is from early July to early September. During this time, the trails are open, weather conditions are generally safer, and mountain huts are operational.
- Off-season: Climbing outside the official season is highly discouraged due to extreme weather conditions, including snow and ice.
Routes to the Summit
There are four main routes to the summit, each with its own starting point and level of difficulty.
1. Yoshida Trail (Yellow Trail)
- Starting Point: Fuji Subaru Line Fifth Station (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Elevation: Starts at 2,305 meters, summit is 3,776 meters
- Duration:
- Ascent: 5-7 hours
- Descent: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Popularity: This is the most popular route, offering plenty of mountain huts and rest stops. It also has stunning sunrise views, making it a favorite for night climbs.
2. Subashiri Trail (Red Trail)
- Starting Point: Subashiri Fifth Station (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Elevation: Starts at 2,000 meters, summit is 3,776 meters
- Duration:
- Ascent: 6-8 hours
- Descent: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: This trail is less crowded than the Yoshida Trail and offers more greenery at the lower altitudes. It’s a quieter, more nature-focused route, but it merges with the Yoshida Trail at the Eighth Station.
3. Gotemba Trail (Green Trail)
- Starting Point: Gotemba Fifth Station (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Elevation: Starts at 1,440 meters, summit is 3,776 meters
- Duration:
- Ascent: 7-10 hours
- Descent: 3-6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Features: This is the longest and least crowded route. The trail is challenging, with long stretches of volcanic sand, but the descent is faster due to the same sandy paths.
4. Fujinomiya Trail (Blue Trail)
- Starting Point: Fujinomiya Fifth Station (Shizuoka Prefecture)
- Elevation: Starts at 2,400 meters, summit is 3,776 meters
- Duration:
- Ascent: 4-7 hours
- Descent: 2-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Features: This is the shortest and steepest trail. It’s popular for those looking to ascend quickly, but the steep inclines can be tough.
Mountain Huts
- Along the trails, particularly on the Yoshida Trail, there are mountain huts where you can rest, eat, and sleep. It’s highly recommended to reserve a spot in advance if you plan to stay overnight.
- Cost: Around 5,000 to 10,000 yen per night, depending on the hut and whether you need meals.
Climbing Tips
- Altitude Sickness: Mount Fuji is very high, and many climbers experience altitude sickness. It’s best to ascend slowly, spend time acclimating at the Fifth Station, and stay hydrated.
- Equipment:
- Clothing: Bring layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Temperatures at the summit can be near freezing, even in summer.
- Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots are essential.
- Flashlight/Headlamp: If you’re climbing at night to see the sunrise, make sure to bring a headlamp.
- Water and Food: Bring enough water (around 2 liters) and energy-rich snacks. Mountain huts offer food but it can be expensive and limited.
- Climbing Fee: A voluntary fee of around 1,000 yen is collected to support the conservation of Mount Fuji and its environment.
https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/index.html
Timing Your Climb
Many people choose to do a night climb to reach the summit in time for the sunrise (known as “Goraiko”). If you prefer, you can also climb during the day and stay overnight at a mountain hut to reach the summit in the early morning.
With good preparation and respect for the mountain’s challenges, climbing Mount Fuji can be an unforgettable experience!
