Stride and Seek

This one-day climb of Mount Fuji took us completely by surprise with its intensity and beauty. It was a challenging hike, and if you’re not an experienced hiker or don’t consider yourself fairly active, I highly recommend opting for the camping option instead. We completed this hike in September 2024.

Planning and Booking

We booked our tickets a few months in advance using this link. From Kyoto, we took a bullet train to Mishima Station South Gate, where we waited for a bus to Kawaguchiko Station. Stepping off the bus, we were greeted by the majestic sight of Mount Fuji herself. As we gazed up at the towering peak, we couldn\u2019t help but feel a wave of apprehension. Were we really ready to conquer this mountain in just one day?

Where to Stay

We stayed at the brilliant TOCORO Mt.Fuji Station Hostel, located just a one-minute walk from the bus station. The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the breathtaking view of Mount Fuji from our bedroom window. Waking up to such a sight was both awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking, knowing the epic challenge that lay ahead. I would suggest staying somewhere close to the bus station to avoid the stress in the morning!

Early Start to the Yoshida Trail

After a restful night, we set out early for the day\u2019s adventure. From Kawaguchiko Station, we caught the bus to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, the starting point of the Yoshida Trail.

Tip: Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station by 7:00 am and book your bus tickets in advance here. We arrived in time for the 7:30 am bus, but even then, the queue quickly became very busy. Being early ensured we got seats on the first bus of the day.

Starting the Climb

The bus ride to the 5th Station took us to an altitude where the anticipation truly began to build. Upon arrival, we found a small shop and toilet facilities were a perfect chance to refresh and stock up before starting the climb. At the entrance to the trail, we received our climb tickets and were handed a small wooden plaque to commemorate the experience. With that, it was time to begin our ascent.

From Gentle Trails to Steep Challenges

The trail started off flat and easy for the first 15 minutes. All of a sudden, it became very steep and much harder to climb. Before long, we realised this hike was turning into more of a rock climb, really testing our leg strength.

As we went higher, the climb got even tougher, and I felt more like a mountain goat with every step! It also got quite chilly, so our jumpers and hoodies came in handy. One of the great things about this trail is that there are plenty of stops/stations where you can buy water, snacks and use the restroom. We stopped at a few stations to refuel and take a short rest.

By the halfway point, we were almost above the clouds. We were fortunate to be hiking on a fairly clear day, and the view was absolutely breathtaking! It gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward, eager to see the incredible panorama waiting at the summit. Unfortunately, I have to warn you that the higher you climb, the steps become more frequent and much steeper. After the halfway mark we had more frequent, short stops to catch our breaths and quick water breaks.

Mt. Fuji’s peak!

Finally, we reached the top—and it was absolutely worth it. The sense of accomplishment was incredible, almost like experiencing a runner’s high. When reaching the top, we took lots of pictures and explored around the peak. It was stunning. It almost resembled a small, abandoned village. The view was incredibly clear for us and we were extremely lucky. We enjoyed the stunning views as we ate our lunch, taking a moment to relax before starting the trek back down.

The Descent

Without a doubt, the hardest part of the climb was the descent. The trail was mostly covered in dark volcanic ash, making it slippery and tough on the knees. The trail down was a consistent meander and became mentally tedious. It was faster, but I found it more taxing on my legs and knees. When we finally reached the end, the sense of accomplishment was incredible—an unforgettable moment of relief and triumph. It was an extraordinary experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting this part of Japan!