Can you do a day trip and hike up Mt. Fuji in one day from Tokyo?
There are multiple Reddit threads about hiking Mt. Fuji that make it seem very difficult. In 2023 July, I did Mt. Fuji as a day trip from Tokyo. Below are the steps to repeat. It was an amazing day trip!
The most convenient way to get to Mt. Fuji is by bus from Shinjuku Station. Direct highway buses operate between the Busta Shinjuku bus terminal in Tokyo and Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station from spring to autumn. During the off-season, there are two round-trip buses per day, while during the climbing season from July to September, buses run hourly. The one-way ride takes about 150 minutes and costs 2950 yen, with seat reservations required. The first bus at 6:45 am gets you to Mt. Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station just before 10 am, leaving you a generous 7 hours for the mountain climb.
While most resources suggest a 7-10-hour round trip from Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, my journey took just over 5 hours. This included climbing, stopping to admire the stunning scenery, enjoying a quick lunch at the summit, and descending. Now, as an average 45-year-old endurance hobbyist, I can assure you that the climb is achievable for many.
If you encounter altitude sickness or need to slow down and risk missing the last bus, don't worry. A taxi back to town can get you on a bus or train back to Tokyo, although it might cost you around $100 (14,000 yen).
After reaching the summit, I was greeted with the mesmerizing sight of the caldera - a mile-wide crater loop that you can walk around. Despite feeling the effects of the altitude during the short climbs, the dramatic vistas were well worth it. It's an experience that's not to be missed when you climb Mt. Fuji.
While the journey to the top is exhilarating, the descent down Mt. Fuji provides its own set of challenges and rewards. The path back is a never-ending zigzag alongside the Yoshida trail, steep and tough on the knees. Thankfully, my knees held up through the demanding trek down. As I descended, I was treated to some of the most fantastic views of volcanic rock formations, scattered patches of snow, and a green oasis that brought to mind the landscapes of New Zealand's Rotorua walk and Maui's Haleakalā hike.
Once back at the Mt. Fuji Subaru Line Station, I had a good 60 minutes before the 5pm bus, and I treated myself to an early Soba dinner, topped off with a well-deserved Asahi Dry. I was back in Tokyo for a second late dinner.
Looking back, it was one of my best solo hiking experiences ever. Listening to my favorite book, Musashi, during the hike added an authentic touch to the experience. It's rare to find a bucket-list hike or mountain that can be accomplished in a day from a major city. Sure, there are people who do Mt. Whitney in a day from LA, but that requires superhuman endurance. As for Mt. Fuji, it was an unforgettable day trip that I highly recommend for any travel and adventure enthusiast.