2-Day Mt. Fuji Climbing Private Tour - Gotemba Trail (Prince Route)

Footsteps of the Emperor. Experience the majestic scale of Mt. Fuji through the stunning Hoei Crater.

 

Tour Description

Experience Mt. Fuji like a Royal. Guided by a local Fujisan expert, take a private journey to the sacred summit of Mt. Fuji, climbing the same path as the Crown Prince who has acceded to the throne of the Emperor of Japan on 1 May 2019.

The Gotemba Trail is unique in its own right. While reaching the summit is the ultimate goal, the journey is what makes the experience so exceptional. Along the way, you will find a stark wild landscape that is unique to the Gotemba trail, be awed by the magnificent Hoei Crater, and lose yourself in the beauty of a Mt. Fuji sunrise.

Indulge in the charms of Mt. Fuji at your own pace. The private Mt. Fuji tour allows you to personalize your experience, with the knowledge and security of a local tour guide.
Having Mt. Fuji in the center of your consciousness, experience the spirituality and culture of Mt. Fuji in an integrated manner.

 

Highlights

  • Follow in the footsteps of the Crown Prince (current Emperor), who climbed this route back in August 2008

  • Experience the magnificent scale of the Hoei Crater - the largest lateral volcano in Mt. Fuji

  • Enjoy a quiet and peaceful climb - Gotemba is the least climbed among Mt. Fuji’s 4 trails

  • Marvel at the stunning sunrise from your hut on day 2 of this overnight Mt. Fuji tour

 

Itinerary

Remember, this is a private tour. While following itinerary of two-day journey is designed by a specialized local Mt. Fuji guide, it can be customized to your personal interests and needs.

Day 1: Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station – Gotemba Trail 7th Station

The day starts when you are greeted by your local Mt. Fuji guide at the Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station, located at an altitude of 2,380 meters. Here, you will begin with a short briefing and a little bit of history of Mt. Fuji. At around 1:30PM you will start the ascent of Mt. Fuji.
About an hour after leaving, you will reach the Hoei Crater. Formed by an eruption in 1707, the crater is part of a range of three craters. These create an earthenware mortar shape, which is a dynamic and beautiful spectacle viewed from the hiking trail.
Next, a flat path leads to a mountain hut at the 6th station. From here, you can enjoy the view of Suruga Bay, Sagami Bay, and the Izu Peninsula.

To allow acclimatization to the high altitude, the hike for the first day is limited to the 7th Station on the Gotemba climbing trail. It takes about 4 hours by walking slowly at a constant pace. If you are in luck, you may witness the rare sight of Kage Fuji, the unusual phenomenon of Mt. Fuji's shadow being cast out far toward east in the late afternoon.
Upon arrival at the 7th Station, you will check-in to your mountain hut, located at approximately 3,300 meters. Here, you will enjoy dinner and stay overnight. Spend some time enjoying night views of the vast world below and the sky before resting for the second day.

Day 2: Gotemba Trail 7th Station – Summit – Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station

The second day begins just before dawn, so that you can enjoy the spectacular sunrise, which can be viewed from anywhere on the Gotemba climbing trail. Enjoy the stunning views, along with a light breakfast, before continuing your ascent.
At 6:00AM, we will continue to climb Mt. Fuji for about 2.5 hours to reach the summit.
Upon reaching the top, take your time to feel the thrill of those that complete the arduous climb.

Following a 1-hour stay at the summit, begin your descent back to the 5th Station at 9:30AM. The landscape here is particularly stark due to the effects of the great Hoei eruption, allowing for a truly unique experience. On your way down the descending trail, you will have the chance to marvel at the Hoei Crater once more.
Arrive at the 5th Station at approximately 1:00PM. After relaxing for a while, the tour ends here.

Optional Add-On

On Day 2, after reaching the summit, you may want to extend your time at the top of Mt. Fuji and continue to Ohachimeguri. The sacred route takes about 2 hours making a full circle in a clockwise direction around the huge crater at the summit. This is a pilgrimage route in a sacred area called Naiin.
There are eight peaks that circle the summit, so it is often called Hachiyo (eight petals) to symbolize the lotus flower, or the seat upon which the Buddha sits. For ancient pilgrimages, Ohachimeguri was the ultimate goal, and today, you can follow in their steps in experiencing this stunning and spiritual climb.

 

Photos

 

Tour Information

Private tour (single booking) for up to 6 persons

Season:　July (early summer) through September (early autumn)

Price:　From JPY 180,000/tour

Duration:　2 days

Starts/Ends:　Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station in Fujinomiya city, Shizuoka

Included:

  • Guiding by a local Mt. Fuji guide

Not Included:

  • Lodging and meals charges (Fujisan Curator will book a mountain hut for you on your behalf)

  • Public transportation between the foot of Mt. Fuji and the 5th Station

  • Mountain climbing fee

  • Miscellaneous personal expenses such as food, drink and souvenirs

 

Additional Information

Personal tour/travel planning and consultation is provided in each stage: pre-, in-, post-tour.

Adequate physical strength and fitness are essential to enjoy this mountain climbing tour.
Climbing Mt. Fuji is a strenuous activity.

 

Meeting Place