Great Hoei Eruption Guided Hiking Tour
Great Hoei Eruption Guided Hiking Tour
The largest and latest eruption in Mt. Fuji history. Be overwhelmed by the power of the eruption and experience the whole crater, the work of God.
Tour Description
The 5-hour private hiking tour visits the site of the great eruption in the Edo period that even revealed the strata of the old Mt. Fuji.
Access Mt. Hoei, the largest lateral volcano on Mt. Fuji, and its huge crater with the ocean and sea of clouds under your eyes. This tour allows you to experience Mt. Fuji as a volcano on a scale no less impressive than a summit climb.
The tour departs from Fujinomiyaguchi 5th Station, 2,400 meters above sea level. There are no trees, and you will climb through a sand and gravel zone where the alpine plant "ontade" extends toward the summit, aiming first at the sixth station. From the sixth station, a flat path traverses the mountainside, offering full views of Suruga Bay, the Izu Peninsula, and Sagami Bay.
After walking along the path for a while, a breathtaking view suddenly appears. Hoei Crater 1, which opens wide on the reddish-brown mountain surface, and Mt. Hoei, which rises before your eyes, make the view seem as if you have landed on another planet. The view like a mortar seen from the rim of Crater 1 is both spectacular and beautiful. Moreover, looking up at the sky, you can see the magnificent scenery of the summit of Mt. Fuji in the break of the accumulating clouds.
Hoei Crater is the most recent crater that erupted in 1707 (Hoei 4) and is a series of 3 craters. The Great Hoei Eruption was so large that ash fell continuously for more than 10 days in Edo (present-day Tokyo), 100 km away.
The maximum diameter of Hoei Crater 1 is 1.3 km, and the crater walls show strata on the surface. At the bottom of the crater, you will be overwhelmed by the power of the mortar-shaped rock walls, reminiscent of a Greek amphitheater. At the crater, where ontades and several species of plants grow sparsely, you can enjoy the dynamic volcanic features of Mt. Fuji.
The Mt. Hoei course traverses the Hoei Crater 1. After descending into the crater, you will climb a sand and gravel trail with an elevation gain of about 250 meters towards Mt. Hoei, and you will reach the Mt. Hoei Umanose Horseback and the summit of Mt. Hoei.
From the rim of Crater 1 to that of Crater 2, the view is like a corridor above the clouds. You can fully enjoy the magnificent view while closely observing the majestic appearance of Mt. Hoei, which changes every moment depending on the angle you look at it, and the crater 2 which opens at your feet.
After fully appreciating the power of the great eruption that occurred 300 years ago, you will walk from the rim of crater 2 through the forest zone at the tree line of Mt. Fuji to the starting point, Fujinomiyguchi 5th Station. This return trip is a refreshing change from the desolate landscape of the crater and will allow you to feel the fresh breath of trees such as larch, Erman's birch, Veitch's silver fir, as well as see rare alpine plants.
Highlights
Hoei Crater 1: larger than the summit crater and looks as if it was carved out by the hand of God
Mt. Hoei: enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the surroundings from the peak
"Akaiwa" Red Rock: the strata of the old Fuji volcano pushed up by the eruption
Mt. Hoei Umanose Horseback: a windy crossroads where hiking and climbing trails intersect
Tree-line zone on Mt. Fuji’s southern slope: a fascinating habitat at the edge where flora can grow
Photos
Tour Information
Private tour (single booking) for up to 6 persons
Season: Late April (spring ) through early November (autumn)
Price: From JPY 48,000/tour
Duration: From 5 hours
Starts/Ends: Fujisan (Mt. Fuji) Station in Fujiyoshida city, Yamanashi and/or Gotemba Station in Gotemba city, Shizuoka
Included:
Guiding
Roundtrip private transportation between tour start/end location, and start/end point of the hike
Not Included:
Miscellaneous personal expenses such as food, drink, and souvenirs
Suitable for those who:
Enjoy outdoor activities
Like to explore the natural environment and enjoy expansive views
Enjoy forests, flora and fauna
Photographers seeking the best shots
Interested in less-known areas and activities around Mt. Fuji
Have a good level of fitness and some hiking experience to manage the ascent to / descent from the ridge