I'm thinking about hiking Fuji this August, so I want to know how other people went about doing it.
Do you take the shinkansen? Overnight bus? Hitchhike?
Where did you start your hike?
Did you stay in Hakone or something afterwards?
What are some must bring things?
Thanks a lot!!
I climbed Mt. Fuji a few years ago. it was a group thing so I didn't plan any of it, because of which I don't remember where i stayed the night before or how to get there, we all road in a bus together so I wasn't paying attention to where we were going. Anyway, I can say this, although Mt. Fuji is climbed by many old and frail looking Japanese folk, don't think that is is just another hill. We started half way up the mountain, at level 5, which is the highest level cars can go to. and it was pretty hard. If you know that the weather will be good I would definitely reccomend the sunrise climb, if planned properly you will reach the top right at sunrise and it's supposed to be beautiful. The time that I went there was a storm so we wouldn't able to see much. Anyway, this might sound redundant but, I would definitely recomend bringing a waterproof or water resistant coat, gloves and a warm hat. you will need it. Bring the best pair or hiking boots or water proof shoes you have, try to stay away from normal sneakers. Bring some food and water, There are places to purchase stuff on the way up but some of the levels are pretty far from each other and not every level sells supplies. If you do plan the sunrise climb, understand that you will not be allowed on the mountain with a regular flashlight. you will need either a headlamp or a light of some kind that attaches to your coat. These can be purchased there but they are rather expensive. Anyway I think thats about it, sorry I couldn't help you more but I hope you enjoy your trip.
Oh and if you want to take the midnight bus there is one that leaves from the prince hotel in Hikone every week, it'll drop you off close to Ikebukuro park if i remember correctly. it's pretty cheap, i think it leaves at 11 and arrives at 7:30 in tokyo.
Hey!
I am new to Otsu, but was an outdoor instructor in the US and am dying to find a person/group to do some hiking or climbing with. I'd be very interested in this climb, and will keep checking back. Thanks!
Sarah
If anyone is interested in equipment for the hike let me know.
I have Leki hiking poles see http://www.amazon.com/Super-Makalu-COR-TEC-Hiking-Poles/dp/B000BN9IMM and a sleeping bag
2000 yen each ono
Em
I did Fuji last summer through a tour company. It was rather cheap and really convenient. We left from Kyoto and it was less than 3man which included the bus ride, a hut, two meals, and an onsen or all-you-can-eat buffet after! The price varies depending on the weekend, but we went on one of the more expensive weekends and it was still that reasonable. They have 1 day and 2 day options, but I'd definitely recommend the two-day, making it a night hike! The sunrise is amazing!!! Here's the link:
http://gojapan.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=gojapan&cdn=travel&tm=18&gps=40_1154_1020_598&f=00&su=p531.31.152.ip_p531.29.420.ip_p284.8.150.ip_&tt=3&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.sunshinetour.co.jp/fuji/
The only down side was that I felt a bit rushed once we got to the top because we had to be back at the bus at a specific time. Then again, 4 of us took about 4 hours to get down, but 2 made it in only 2 hours!! So I guess it all depends on your pace!
Awesome! Thanks for the link! I'll check it out.
I've gone to Fuji 3 times, each time I got there by different means. The best way I've found is taking a day bus from Nagoya. It's cheaper and faster than going to Tokyo and backtracking. You'll get to Kawaguchiko station in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to chill out and wander around the area. There's a damned fine curry restaurant not too far from the station that is definately worth a visit.
I dunno what Ezekial was talking about with the no normal flashlights. I've brought and used regular flashlights and never heard complaint. That said, the only reason you would need flashlights is because some other dork with a flashlight ruined your night vision. I normally climb with: a hoodie for when it starts getting cold, a light-ish jacket for when it starts getting colder, a rain-jacket that can go over both, hat and gloves, suffiicient food and water. Each time I went I climbed in my Vans sneakers. I guess hiking boots would be cool if you had them, but if you're going to go down the Gotemba trail for maximum ash-sliding awesome you're gonna ruin your shoes. I wouldn't want to mess up nice hiking boots.
It's the only way to go down.
Did you just buy the tickets at the bus station near the JR station or did you prebook them online?
Loving the pictures btw ;)
I reserved tickets on highwaybus.com(for all your highway bus needs!). To look up info for Nagoya -> Fuji you'll want:
系統：名古屋系統
路線：名古屋富士五湖
乗るバス停：名鉄ＢＣ (that's the Meitetsu bus terminal in Nagoya)
降りるバス停：河口湖駅
Then just choose your day and you're good to go!
I climbed Fuji the first week of August last summer with 2 of my friends (girls).. It was a Thursday night to Friday, so the mountain was pretty much deserted. I planned the whole thing myself, which was kinda stressful but it turned out fine except for the massive typhoon that hit us mid-way and eventually stopped us from making it to the top! hahah
We took the Shinkansen from Maibara to Shin-Fuji. Then we took a bus to the 5th station of the Fujinomiya route. You just buy a ticket at the station. We started hiking at like 5pm. We didn't have a reservation for one of the huts, though, and that's one thing I would reccomend doing. We stopped at the 8th station cause of the pelting rain and wind... there was room but the guy almost didn't take us in because he said it was too late and they were closed... Anyway when we got down the next day we just packed up for Shiga. Originally we were going to hang around but then we realized Fuji City is ugly and there's nothing too interesting there as far as I could tell.
Stuff to bring: water, QUALITY rain gear, ziplock bags to keep stuff dry, hiking sticks, oxygen just in case??, headlamps!!, extra food, I also think I had kairo and a small towel
If you don't go in a planned group outing I would say just talk to a lot of people who have done it. Stein for example really helped me out with information.
Anyway I have some guides people sent me and some notes from my planning that I can e-mail you if you want. Let me know!
One other tip Stein gave me that I was really useful was not to wear cotton. Cotton has a negative heat index, so when you sweat, it actually makes you colder. The top of Fuji is a LOT colder than the bottom, so when you're waiting for sunrise, it's not a good idea to be wearing wet cotton. Especially cotton socks!! If you don't have any non-cotton stuff lying around, you can get really cheap 100% polyester or nylon clothes at Shimamura.
http://gojapan.about.com/gi
The only down side was that I felt a bit rushed once we got to the top because we had to be back at the bus at a specific time. Then again, 4 of us took about 4 hours to get down, but 2 made it in only 2 hours!! So I guess it all depends on your pace!
I dunno what Ezekial was talking about with the no normal flashlights. I've brought and used regular flashlights and never heard complaint. That said, the only reason you would need flashlights is because some other dork with a flashlight ruined your night vision. I normally climb with: a hoodie for when it starts getting cold, a light-ish jacket for when it starts getting colder, a rain-jacket that can go over both, hat and gloves, suffiicient food and water. Each time I went I climbed in my Vans sneakers. I guess hiking boots would be cool if you had them, but if you're going to go down the Gotemba trail for maximum ash-sliding awesome you're gonna ruin your shoes. I wouldn't want to mess up nice hiking boots.
It's the only way to go down.