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2024.02.09

Avoiding the "traffic jams"

Avoid congestion and enjoy a safe and comfortable climb

Many people visit Mt. Fuji every year. Especially on weekends and from early to mid-August, ascending trails close to the summit are congested with climbers who go for the sunrise. If you want to avoid crowded days and hours, check the Congestion Forecast Calendar when you make your climbing plan.

Movie

If you would like to see the sunrise at the summit, note that the trail close to the summit is crowded with many people, and you may not make it in time for the sunrise. See how crowded it is at the summit on YouTube.
It is recommended to see the sunrise from the mountain lodge where you stayed overnight, and then go to the summit. This way, you will get enough sleep and walk on a less crowded and bright trail, which will make your climb safer and more comfortable.

[Digest Ver. (2min 46sec)]

Avoid crowded days

Climbers tend to concentrate on weekends, holidays, and during the Obon holidays in August.
On particularly busy days on the calendar, you may not be able to proceed as planned due to traffic jams on the mountain trail just below the summit before the sunrise.
By planning your trip on weekdays when it's less crowded, you can safely walk at your own pace.
Crowd forecast calendar
2023 Crowd forecast calendar

Avoid crowded hours

Because many people aim to see the sunrise at the top of the mountain, the area from the 8th station to the top is the busiest from around 3:00 am to 5:00 am.
However, the crowded times and places are limited, so you can avoid crowds by planning at different times.

This is what happens when it gets crowded

On busy days, the following conditions are expected for each of the four climbing trails.

< Yoshida Trail> 

  • Depending on the time of day, there is a risk that the long section from the 7th station to the summit can become crowded.
  • In order to greet the sunrise at the summit, you must be prepared to climb the mountain in line at night.
  • At night, it is expected that it will take about twice as long to reach the summit from the 8th station as during the day.

< Subashiri Trail>
  • It won't be too crowded until the 8th station, where the Yoshida trail joins.
  • After joining the Yoshida trail, the number of people suddenly increases.

< Gotemba Trail>

  • Even on days when other trails are crowded, there are hardly any crowds of people.  

< Fujinomiya Trail>
  • Although it is not as bad as the Yoshida trail, there will be some congestion before the sunrise just below the summit.
  • There is concern that it will take approximately 1.5 times as long to reach the summit from the 8th station at night as during the day.

The traffic jam continues and it is difficult to move forward (traffic situation photographed in the past)
The traffic jam continues and it is difficult to move forward (traffic situation photographed in the past)
On the other hand, during the day on weekdays, you can climb at your own pace.

Crowded scene (taken on July 15, 2018)

Near the 9th station where Yoshida trail and Subashiri trail meet

The sunrise can be seen beautifully even if you are not at the top of the mountain!

”Since I'm going to climb Mt. Fuji, I want to see the sunrise from the top!''
I understand that feeling. However, you can see the beautiful sunrise from Mt. Fuji even if you are not at the summit.
 
In order to see the sunrise at the top, you must leave the mountain hut in the middle of the night and climb up the rocky area using the light of your headlights.
However, if you slowly welcome the sunrise at the mountain hut you're staying at, and then head for the summit once it's light, you'll be able to see your feet clearly and enjoy the climb in comfort with less traffic jams.
On weekends, it's hard to pass each other at the top of the mountain at sunrise time!
Even when the sun shines, it may be over the head of the person in front of you...
From a mountain hut, you can stay in a warm room until just before sunrise.
Even if you are not at the top of the mountain, you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise.
 Yoshida Trail With the exception of some forest areas,
you can see the sunrise from anywhere above the 5th station.
 Subashiri Trail
 Gotemba Trail You can see the sunrise from anywhere above the new 5th station.
 Fujinomiya Trail You can see the sunrise from anywhere above the new 7th station.

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