2024 Mountain Opening: Opening & Closing Dates by Trail
Mt Fuji has four main climbing trails, each with different opening and closing dates managed by either Yamanashi or Shizuoka Prefecture. The table below shows 2024 season actuals. Official 2025 dates are expected to be announced by the respective prefectures between November 2024 and May 2025.
| Trail | Prefecture | 2024 Opening | 2024 Closing | 5th Station Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoshida Trail | Yamanashi | July 1 | September 10 | approx. 2,305 m |
| Subashiri Trail | Shizuoka | July 10 | September 10 | approx. 2,000 m |
| Gotemba Trail | Shizuoka | July 10 | September 10 | approx. 1,440 m |
| Fujinomiya Trail | Shizuoka | July 10 | September 10 | approx. 2,380 m |
* Based on 2024 actuals. Confirm 2025 official dates at the official Mt Fuji climbing site.
The 10-day gap between the Yoshida Trail (July 1) and the three Shizuoka trails (July 10) reflects separate management by Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. The July 1 opening of the Yoshida Trail has been a long-standing tradition tied to the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine's annual mountain-opening ceremony. Barring unusual weather, 2025 is expected to follow the same schedule — but always check official announcements closer to the season.
— Editorial Team, Experienced Mountain GuideHistory and Tradition of Mt Fuji's Mountain Opening
"Yamabiraki" (mountain opening) is a centuries-old Japanese tradition rooted in mountain worship. For Mt Fuji, records of organized seasonal access date back at least to the mid-Edo period (18th century), when a religious movement known as "Fuji-ko" (富士講) drew pilgrims from across Japan to climb the sacred mountain.
Origins: Fuji-ko Pilgrimage Groups and Shugendo
During the Edo period, Mt Fuji was not merely a mountain — it was a deity's dwelling. Fuji-ko believers held that the mountain needed rest during winter months, and that permission to enter was only granted once the mountain deity had been formally "awakened" in summer. The ceremony marking this transition became the precursor to today's official administrative opening dates. This tradition continued through the Meiji era and eventually evolved into the modern regulatory framework governing seasonal access.
The Opening Ceremony at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine
To this day, every July 1, the solemn Yamabiraki ceremony is conducted at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Shinto priests perform ritual prayers (norito) and a ceremonial fire rite, with worshippers traveling from all over Japan to attend. Once the ceremony concludes, the Yoshida Trail is officially open for climbing. On the Shizuoka side, a parallel ceremony takes place at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha in Fujinomiya City around July 10.
Changes Since the 2013 UNESCO World Heritage Designation
After Mt Fuji was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013, visitor numbers surged dramatically, revealing serious issues around environmental impact and safety management. Problems such as "bullet climbing" (hasty, unplanned overnight ascents), littering, and extreme trail congestion prompted both Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures to introduce increasingly strict regulations. By the 2024 season, a mandatory trail access fee, an online reservation system, and a daily climber cap were all in effect. The meaning of Yamabiraki has evolved from a purely spiritual tradition into a modern institution balancing cultural heritage with environmental protection and visitor safety.
Opening Schedule & Trail Characteristics by Route
Each of the four main trails has distinct characteristics that pair with its opening timing. Here is a detailed breakdown to help you choose the right trail for opening-season climbing.
⛰ Yoshida Trail (Yamanashi)
Opens: July 1
- Most popular trail (approx. 55% of all climbers)
- Most mountain huts — ideal for sunrise climbing
- Starts at 5th Station (2,305 m)
- Mandatory ¥2,000 trail access fee + online reservation from 2024
- Daily climber cap: 4,000 people
- Night gate closure: 4 pm – 3 am (from 2024)
⛰ Fujinomiya Trail (Shizuoka)
Opens: July 10
- Highest starting altitude (2,380 m)
- Shortest but steepest route — for fit climbers
- Quickest path to the summit
- Fewer mountain huts than Yoshida
- 2024: ¥1,000 access fee (voluntary; mandatory status under review)
- No daily cap as of 2024
⛰ Subashiri Trail (Shizuoka)
Opens: July 10
- Third most popular trail
- Merges with Yoshida Trail above 8th station
- Long forested section — lush natural scenery
- Famous "sand run" descent
- 5th Station altitude: approx. 2,000 m
- Relatively quiet; suitable for beginner to intermediate hikers
⛰ Gotemba Trail (Shizuoka)
Opens: July 10
- Longest distance and greatest elevation gain of all four trails
- Lowest 5th Station starting point (approx. 1,440 m)
- Very few mountain huts — advanced climbers only
- Least busy trail — perfect for solitude seekers
- Spectacular "Great Sand Run" descent
- Ideally planned over two nights
For first-timers planning to climb right at the mountain opening, the Yoshida Trail is the top recommendation. Mountain huts begin operations on July 1 alongside the trail opening, and trail markers and guide ropes are fully in place. That said, the 4,000-person daily cap means you must book your entry permit without delay if targeting opening day. The Fujinomiya Trail opens 10 days later but has the advantage of being completely prepped when you arrive.
— Editorial Team, Experienced Mountain Guide2024 Regulations: Trail Fees, Reservations & Night Gate Closure
The 2024 season marked a watershed moment for Mt Fuji climbing regulations. To address the longstanding problems of "bullet climbing" and overtourism, both prefectures introduced significant new measures. Every climber must understand these before arriving at the mountain.
Trail Access Fee — Yoshida Trail (Yamanashi)
| Item | Up to 2023 | 2024 onwards |
|---|---|---|
| Trail access fee | Voluntary (¥1,000 conservation donation) | Mandatory: ¥2,000 per person |
| Payment method | On-site gate only | Online advance booking or on-site |
| Reservation required? | No | Online reservation strongly recommended (mandatory on busy days) |
| Daily climber cap | None | 4,000 people per day |
| Night gate closure | None | 4 pm – 3 am (gate locked) |
Night Gate Closure & Anti-Bullet-Climbing Measures
From July 2024, a physical climbing gate was installed at the Yoshida Trail 5th Station. The gate is locked from 4 pm to 3 am the following morning, physically preventing the dangerous practice of ascending from the base to the summit non-stop overnight (so-called "bullet climbing"). Climbers who departed before the 4 pm gate closure — for example, those staying in mountain huts — are not affected.
Shizuoka Trails (Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya) in 2024
For the three Shizuoka-managed trails, the 2024 season kept the access fee at ¥1,000 (voluntary). However, Shizuoka Prefecture has been actively evaluating mandatory fees and daily caps for 2025 and beyond. Always check the latest rules at the official climbing site (fujisan-climb.jp) before your trip.
Outlook for 2025 Regulations
The 2024 reforms were broadly well-received — climber quality improved and rescue incidents decreased. Both prefectures have signaled they will continue and expand the measures in 2025. Mandatory fees and reservations on the three Shizuoka trails are under active consideration. Watch for official announcements between November 2024 and March 2025.
5 Things to Prepare Before the Mountain Opens
If you want to climb on July 1 or during opening week, preparation needs to start in April or May. Work through the following checklist well ahead of your planned climb date.
➀ Secure Your Trail Access Reservation
For the Yoshida Trail, reserve your entry permit and pay the ¥2,000 fee at the official Yamanashi Prefecture site (fujisan5go.jp). Slots for July 1 start filling immediately when the booking window opens. Monitor the site in April and book as soon as your desired date becomes available.
➁ Book Your Mountain Hut
Even in the first week or two after opening, popular huts around the 8th station — such as Taishikan, Gansoumuro, and Fujisan Hotel — can sell out quickly. If you are planning a two-day climb with an overnight stay, target a mountain hut booking 2–3 months in advance (April–May). Huts accept bookings via their individual websites or by phone.
➂ Book a Guided Tour
The same timeline applies to guided climbing tours. Opening-day and opening-week tours can sell out in April or May. Packages that bundle transportation, mountain hut accommodation, and entry permits eliminate the need for multiple separate bookings — a major advantage for international visitors.
➃ Prepare and Check Your Gear
Early July is significantly colder than August on Mt Fuji. Near the summit, temperatures can drop to -3°C to +5°C, and residual snow may still cover portions of the trail above the 8th station, especially on the Yoshida route. Compared to a mid-August trip, opening-season climbers should add: a down jacket, waterproof over-trousers, and lightweight microspikes (chain crampons) to their kit. Do not rely on August-spec gear alone.
➄ Build Physical Fitness
Mt Fuji is a demanding physical challenge regardless of season. Start aerobic conditioning 3–4 months before your target date: running, hiking, or stair climbing 2–3 times a week. For those based near Tokyo, practice hikes on Takao-san, Jinba-san, or Tanzawa-Tonodake are ideal acclimatisation runs. Even on a guided tour, poor fitness significantly increases altitude sickness risk.
Opening-Season Gear Checklist
| Item | Why You Need It | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Microspikes / chain crampons | Residual snow possible above 8th station in early July | ★★★★★ |
| Down jacket | Summit temps can hit -3°C in early July; even August rarely exceeds 5°C | ★★★★★ |
| Waterproof rain jacket & trousers | Afternoon storms are common; wind-driven rain is severe | ★★★★★ |
| Headlamp + spare batteries | Mandatory for sunrise climbs; darkness arrives fast above the clouds | ★★★★★ |
| High-ankle hiking boots | Must handle snow, volcanic rock, and loose scree | ★★★★★ |
| Sunglasses & balaclava | UV intensity at altitude + cold wind exposure | ★★★★☆ |
| 2 L+ water | Mountain huts may have limited stock in the first days after opening | ★★★★☆ |
| Cash ¥10,000+ | Many huts and toilets are cash-only; card readers are rare above 5th Station | ★★★★★ |
Opening Week (Early July) vs Peak Season (August): Full Comparison
Is it better to climb right at the mountain opening, or wait for the busy but fully-operational peak of August? Both windows have genuine pros and cons. Use the table below to match your priorities.
| Factor | Opening Week (July 1–10) | Peak Season (Aug 1–20) |
|---|---|---|
| Crowding | ✓ Light (especially weekdays) | Very crowded; trail queues common |
| Mountain hut availability | ✓ Relatively easy to book | Can sell out 2–3 months in advance |
| Summit temperature | -3°C to 5°C (residual snow) | ✓ 2°C to 8°C (milder) |
| Weather stability | Unstable (late rainy season) | ✓ More stable post-rainy season (typhoon risk) |
| Residual snow | Possible above 8th station | ✓ Essentially none |
| Mountain hut services | Some limitations in first days | ✓ Fully operational |
| Tour availability | Fewer options | ✓ Widest selection |
| Scenery & photography | ✓ Snow-and-greenery contrast; pristine trails | Lush and clear; high sunshine rate |
| Sunrise queue | ✓ Short | Large crowds near summit at dawn |
The sweet spot for first-time summit seekers is typically a weekday in late July to the first week of August. The rainy season has ended, conditions are stable, and the Obon holiday rush has not yet arrived. If you have already summited and want a quieter, more spiritual experience, opening week weekdays or the first week of September offer the most solitude on the trails.
— Editorial Team, Experienced Mountain GuideBooking Timeline: When to Arrange What
Climbing Mt Fuji — especially during the opening period — is not something you can arrange at the last minute. Use the timeline below as your planning backbone.
| Timeframe | What to Do | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| April – May |
Compare and book guided tours (move fast for opening week slots) Book mountain hut accommodation (top huts fill from April) Monitor the Yamanashi reservation portal for entry permit availability |
★★★★★ |
| May – June |
Purchase or rent gear Practice hikes for acclimatisation Pay trail access fee online once booking window opens Book transport (shinkansen / highway bus) and nearby accommodation |
★★★★☆ |
| 2–3 weeks before |
Begin tracking the summit weather forecast Final gear check File your climbing plan (tozan keikaku-sho) — legally required Reconfirm cancellation policies for huts and tours |
★★★★☆ |
| Day before / Day of |
Check 48-hour summit weather and wind speed alerts Share your climbing plan with family or friends Allow at least 60 minutes at the 5th Station for altitude acclimatisation Confirm phone charge and cash on hand |
★★★★★ |
Mountain Closing (Yamajimae): End-of-Season Traditions
Just as the season begins with a formal opening, it ends with an equally significant "Yamajimae" (mountain closing). This is not merely an administrative end date — it carries deep meaning within Japan's mountain-worship culture.
2024 Closing Dates
In 2024, all four trails — Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya — closed on September 10 (Tuesday). From this date, mountain huts, portable toilets, safety ropes, and signage are dismantled and removed. Trail conditions deteriorate rapidly after closure, with rockfall and weather risks rising significantly.
The Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony for the Yoshida Trail is held at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine in early September. Shinto priests offer gratitude to the mountain deity and pray for the mountain's safe "sleep" until the following season. A parallel ceremony takes place at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha for the Fujinomiya side. In recent years, both ceremonies have been open to public observation.
Is It Worth Climbing in the Final Week of the Season?
The first two weeks of September are actually a hidden gem for experienced climbers. August crowds have dispersed, temperatures are manageable, and the trails are refreshingly quiet. The major caveat is weather: September marks the start of typhoon season in Japan, and conditions can turn dangerous quickly. If planning a September climb, monitor typhoon forecasts and weather warnings closely right up to your departure day.
Off-Season (September – June): Experiencing Mt Fuji Without Climbing
The climbing season represents only about 70 days out of the year. For the remaining ten months, there are still many excellent ways to experience and enjoy Mt Fuji.
🚌 5th Station Sightseeing Bus Tours (Year-Round)
The Yoshida 5th Station (Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station) is accessible year-round except during brief winter road closures. Day tours offering panoramic views from 2,305 m altitude — along with souvenir shops and restaurants at the 5th Station — run from Tokyo all year. No hiking required, but the mountain atmosphere is fully present.
🏔 Lake Views from Kawaguchiko & Fuji Five Lakes
Autumn foliage (October–November) and the snow-capped winter mountain are arguably the most photogenic seasons to view Mt Fuji from below. Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, and Shojiko offer iconic reflection shots. Photographers and Instagram creators often consider winter the true "prime season" for Fuji photography.
☃ Winter Scenery and Snow Coverage
The first snowfall on the summit typically arrives in early to mid-October. By December through February, snow covers from the peak down to the mid-slopes. February is particularly famed for "kasa-gumo" (lenticular cap clouds) and lens clouds — a photographer's dream. Off-season day trips combining Oshino Hakkai, Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine, and Mt Fuji viewpoints are popular throughout winter.
🌆 Trekking Around Mt Fuji's Foothills (Year-Round)
You don't have to climb to experience the mountain up close. The "Ochudo" mid-mountain trail, Okuniwa Natural Park, Aokigahara lava tree forest, and trails around Oshino Hakkai are all accessible outside the climbing season. Guided Aokigahara forest tours run year-round and offer a completely different and memorable Fuji experience far from the summer crowds.
Fuji Subaru Line Winter Closure Schedule (Reference)
The Fuji Subaru Line — the primary vehicle access road to the Yoshida 5th Station — typically closes for winter from early December to mid-April. For exact closure and reopening dates, check the official Yamanashi Prefecture Road Corporation site. Note that bus tours to the Fuji Five Lakes area, Oshino Hakkai, and Fujikyu Highland continue to operate year-round even when the Subaru Line is closed.
10 Expert Tips for Climbing During Opening Week
Planning to climb Mt Fuji in the very first week after opening? You will need a step-up from standard summer preparation. Here are ten actionable insights from experienced guides and returning climbers.
- Book the moment reservations open: The Yoshida Trail entry permit system has a hard cap. Bookmark fujisan5go.jp in April and be ready to complete your reservation the instant opening-day slots become available.
- Always pack microspikes: Snow above the 8th station is a real possibility in the first week of July — particularly on the Yoshida Trail. Lightweight microspikes (chain crampons) are mandatory, not optional.
- Upgrade your insulation by one layer: Gear calibrated for August will leave you shivering near the summit in early July. Add a heavier down layer, a neck warmer, and a wind shell on top of your standard kit.
- Account for mountain hut "run-up" days: In the first two to three days after opening, huts are still restocking supplies and onboarding staff. Bring more energy snacks and emergency food than you think you need — the vending machines and food stalls may not be at full capacity yet.
- An early start is non-negotiable: In early July, sunrise comes before 5 am. Staying near the 5th Station the evening before and departing in the early hours significantly reduces exposure to afternoon weather deterioration.
- Use a summit-specific weather forecast: Standard city forecasts are useless for Mt Fuji summit planning. Use Yahoo! Weather Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency's summit forecast, or Windy.com. If the summit wind speed is forecast at 20 m/s or above, postpone your climb.
- File your climbing plan (tozan届) without fail: A climbing plan (tozan keikaku-sho) is legally required for Mt Fuji. Submit via the Compass app, the submission box at the trailhead, or online. Share a copy with someone not on the mountain.
- Slow and steady is not a cliché — it is the rule: The urge to be "first to the summit" in opening week is understandable but dangerous. Spend a minimum of 60 minutes at the 5th Station before starting. Climb slowly, breathe deeply, and take short steps. Altitude sickness is the leading reason climbers are turned back.
- Witness the opening ceremony before you climb: The Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine ceremony on July 1 begins in the early morning hours. It is open to the public and deeply moving. If you plan to climb on July 1, factor in travel time from the shrine to the 5th Station — typically 40–60 minutes by bus or car.
- Pre-book your post-descent hot spring: Even with lighter crowds in opening week, the descent after summiting is physically exhausting. Research and pre-book a sento or onsen in Fujiyoshida or Fujinomiya before you leave. A hot bath after the climb will make the journey home infinitely more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official 2025 opening dates will be announced by Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, typically around November of the prior year. Based on 2024 data, the Yoshida Trail opened July 1 and the Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya trails opened July 10. This page will be updated as soon as 2025 dates are confirmed. For the most current information, check the official Mt Fuji climbing site (fujisan-climb.jp).
Opening week (first week of July) is manageable for experienced, well-equipped hikers. However, cooler temperatures (-3°C to 5°C near the summit), possible residual snow, and some huts not yet at full capacity make it more demanding than August. If you are a first-timer, late July to early August offers the best balance of safety and facilities. For opening week specifically, always use a certified guide service if you lack high-altitude experience.
From 2024, the Yoshida Trail requires an online entry permit purchased through the official Yamanashi Prefecture site (fujisan5go.jp). Pay the ¥2,000 per-person trail access fee to secure your permit. With a daily cap of 4,000 climbers, peak days and weekends can sell out weeks in advance. The 2025 reservation system is expected to continue and potentially expand the 2024 framework. No reservation = no entry once the cap is hit.
The Yoshida Trail ceremony is held at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi, in the early morning hours of July 1 (typically starting around midnight). The Fujinomiya ceremony takes place at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka, around July 10. Both are open to the public. Attending requires overnight travel to the respective town — plan accommodation well in advance as rooms sell out around these dates.
In 2024, all four trails closed on September 10. After closing, mountain huts, portable toilets, and all safety infrastructure are removed. Rescue operations become extremely difficult after closure. The 2025 season closing date is expected to fall in early to mid-September, but confirm via official announcements.
Off-season climbing is officially prohibited or strongly discouraged. From 2024, a locked gate on the Yoshida Trail physically blocks entry after the closing date. Off-season conditions include no huts, no toilets, no safety ropes, severe weather, ice, and avalanche risk. Rescue services are frequently unable to respond. Do not attempt off-season climbs. For winter mountaineering experience, only go with a certified high-alpine guide.
Opening week is a step up in difficulty from August for beginners. Lower temperatures, possible snow, and wind conditions require more specialised gear. If you are a first-time climber determined to go in early July, book a guided tour — your guide will handle route decisions, gear checks, and emergency protocols. Solo, unguided opening-week climbs without proper experience and equipment carry meaningful risk.
Book Your Mt Fuji Climb This Season
From mountain opening to closing, Mt Fuji welcomes climbers from every corner of the world across roughly 70 days each summer. With a guided tour, your trail access reservation, mountain hut, and equipment rental are handled by experts — leaving you free to focus on the climb. Book early for the best availability.
Browse Mt Fuji Tours ➔* Prices and availability are subject to change. Always confirm on the provider's website.