Overview
The Yoshida Trail is Fuji’s busiest route, and since 2024 Yamanashi Prefecture has capped it at roughly 4,000 climbers per day and required an advance online reservation with a fee — currently around ¥4,000 per climber. The gate at the 5th Station checks it.
The other half of the rule is about safety. Overnight climbing without a confirmed mountain hut booking is restricted, aimed at the exhausted “bullet climbers” who used to walk through the night for sunrise. The official season runs roughly July 1 to September 10; outside it the huts close, the trail is unpatrolled, and climbing is officially discouraged.
How the permit works
- 1Reserve online through the official Yamanashi climbing system before you travel; a limited number of same-day slots may be sold at the gate.
- 2Pay the per-climber fee — expect roughly ¥4,000 — and save the QR code or wristband confirmation.
- 3If you plan to be on the trail overnight, book a mountain hut; without one, night entry through the gate is restricted.
- 4Show your reservation at the 5th Station gate; it also has time-of-day restrictions.
- 5Climb inside the official season. Outside it, huts, toilets and first aid are closed.
Missed the window? Book a guided visit with entry included
Licensed operators hold their own allocation of tickets. A guided visit is the realistic way in when the official release is gone — and you skip the queue.
See guided visits & pricesBooking partner: Civitatis. Free cancellation on most tours. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Required documents
- Online climbing reservation confirmation (QR code or wristband)
- Mountain hut booking if you’ll be above the 5th Station overnight
- Photo ID and proof of payment for the climbing fee
Insider tips
- Weekday mid-August is the peak crush; early July and the first week of September are far calmer and still fully serviced.
- A hut booking is worth it beyond the rules — a few hours of sleep at the 8th Station transforms both the summit push and the altitude.
- Rules and fees have changed twice in recent years and differ between the Yamanashi and Shizuoka routes. Confirm the current year on the official climbing site.
Sold-out alternatives
If your dates are gone, these get you a comparable experience.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to climb Mount Fuji?
On the Yoshida Trail, yes — a paid online reservation under a daily cap of about 4,000 climbers. Confirm current rules for your route and year.
Can I climb through the night for sunrise?
Not without a hut reservation. Night access past the gate is restricted specifically to discourage non-stop overnight climbs.
What happens outside the official season?
Huts, toilets and first-aid posts close and the trail is not patrolled. Off-season climbing is officially discouraged and much more serious.