Why and how to hike Mt. Fuji in the off season
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- The Official Japanese Government's page on hiking Mt. Fuji: www.fujisan223.com/en/
The rules for hiking in the off season: www.fujisan223.com/docs/guide...
When I guide groups up Mt. Fuji, I'm working for Japan Adventures (Kanto Adventures). Dave, who runs the company, is the best in the business. I'm happy and proud to work with and for him at various times through the year.
www.kantoadventures.com/mt-fu...
If you're interested in hiring me to guide you either on a hike or around town, send me an email through this channel or message me on Instagram or Twitter.
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Music used in video was licensed from Artlist (artlist.io/William-1544013).
#HikingInJapan #MTFUJI #Fuji
I filmed this video about 7 hours into a 20km+ (1750m ascent) hike of one of the longest routes up Mt. Iwate, so forgive me stumbling over my words a bit. I could have done it with notes in my house, but somehow it seemed "right" to do it out in the mountains on a hike.
I'll work on editing and publishing some casual vlogs of one or two of the hikes I guided up Fuji next.
the shirt blending in with the background is a trip
It's to fool the bears...
It's simply crazy with all the crowds now in Japan, almost everywhere! I climbed Mt. Fuji in the mid 1990s and there was none of this. I shared a beautifully orange and tranquil sunrise with a scattering of other hikers at the summit. Now it certainly does pay to plan a trip and even opt to do it "out of season" to avoid the crowds.
Oooh, the 90s must have been amazing! My first climb of Mt. Fuji was 2003 and it was already really crowded.
Your positivity and enthusiasm are very much appreciated. You help me discover Japan from far away. Thank you.
Thanks so much!! I really appreciate that!
When my great grandfather hiked when he was posted to Japan during the Korean War his hole reasoning to do it was and I quote. “I was working in the marine corps offices doing paperwork staring at that mountain day after day and I figured I’d just go up it while on leave.” One of the things he mentioned seeing which I cant verify is seeing those older and younger men carrying their mothers and grandmothers up the mountain.
One of these years I’d love to visit and do that hike with his globe and anchor now that he has passed as well as visit the village my Japanese grandaunt was from.
Love your shirt and backdrop combo today! 💚🌱😎 Thank you as always! A hike with you is on our family goals list.
Thanks!! And that sounds great!!
I was going to say this too! green on green, great combo :)
Im so glad I hiked it last year. This year my friends tried to book a hut and they were fully booked within a couple hours.
Hi Quinlan, I agree with you, definitely ‘right’ to do this video out in nature. While I’d like to have the honour of climbing Fuji, I’m not sure I could manage it over 2000 times, what an achievement! Thank you for this great video and best wishes to you.
Thanks! Yeah- I'm jealous that he has the freedom to go hiking almost every day! I do a lot of hiking, but nowhere near that much! I think if you add up all my mountains summits together I'd still have nowhere near 2,000.
Nice to hear more info about Mt. Fuji in the off-season. Looking forward to your vlogs from Fuji!
On it!
You’re right! - I should have watched this brilliant video earlier in the week - thanks for your patience.
Great Info! I hope to go in September; I have climbing Mt Fuji as one of my goals!
Nice! You can do it!
Great information! I hope your company has a lot of success!
Thanks! The Fuji hikes are just me doing contract work for a friend! His company is doing great! Love working with him. My little company up in Tohoku is busy now too, but I'm still just getting organized and setting things up...
It’s one of my dreams to summit Mt. Fuji in the off season… Thanks for all the info and sharing your experiences 😊
Hope it was helpful! It's very doable, just definitely safer to go with an experienced group/guide!
Thank you for the thorough explanation
Thanks for watching!
Great info, and your shirt was stunning! I went up Mt Fuji one time, it was so hard!!
Ahaha, thanks! And nice one!
This is very interesting. I actually know of someone who climbed it in January. He was very lucky with weather though. Despite the crowds I´d still prefer to do it in the summer to have more amenities available, such as shops or a place to sleep , and to feel safer because I am not in the greatest of the greatest shapes. Anyways, very good video, thank you
Thanks for this Qunlin!, this video was a big help in answering questions I have had in my mind for some time regarding climbing Mt Fuji. The mountain has been on my list for a long while and am hoping to be ready to try it someday soon, maybe next year.😉 I like the idea of lesser crowds so I would for sure look at your off-season tour guiding option when the time comes to plan for trying it.😎
So glad that it was helpful! Definitely check out Kanto Adventures. Dave is the man. I'm proud that he hired me to guide some of the Fuji hikes he operates. Such a pro!
Danke!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it always!!
I hope to go in late November
Awesome video! Yeah, climbing off season is the best thing, I after go for photography shoots in mountains like Hakkoda and Tateyama, and it’s great to shoot without a lot of people around! I’ve been around Iwate-san quite a lot, but still haven’t been in the mountain! Cheers, man!
You've been around Mt Iwate a lot? And we haven't bumped into each other yet!? I'm down guiding on Mt. Fuji right now actually..
@@GoNorthJapan I just came back from Tateyama now, had amazing photography shoot at 3000m!
About Iwate-san just been enjoying its view from around, and it’s on my list to go to! Good luck at Fuji! Cheers from Kobe!
very interesting video!
So glad that you liked it! Thanks!!
Thanks for the helpful video!
I'll be arriving in Nagoya on Sep 24 next year... and I'm hoping to climb Mt Fuji the next day. If there's a group I could join, I'd appreciate it. Many thanks!
Well, there are trees on Mt Fuji if you count the bottom half of the mountain that hardly anyone hikes year round. It's glorious down there and, I think, an essential part of the climb. I recommend climbing in late September, between any typhoons and before the snow. When I did it years ago, (2007) some huts were still open at Stage 7 and I just walked in and got a sleeping space. Don't know about these days though, best to check all the rules. AND, as you said, always check the weather and be ready for altitude sickness.
Yeah- I have yet to explore the bottom areas. I've heard there are some fun spots!
About 10 years ago I saw an interview with a young Japanese man who had recently scaled Everest. He had climbed Mt Fuji in the winter as part of his build up and he said something to the effect that it was more dangerous or challenging than Everest.
Wow! That's quite the assertion! Definitely would be dangerous when completely hard-frozen!
I have seen similar crowds on Mt. Everest in May.
thanks for this. i will be coming to japan soon. are you available to guide this month? how should i contact you?
Hi! Awesome video on hiking Mt. Fuji in the off season. Its hard to find info….I appreciate the flyers and website. I did have a few questions i was hoping you could help me with.
1. Do you have any recommendations on which of the 4 routes for hiking Nov 24/25th timeframe?
2. Do you know what hut is open in the off season, if any?
Thanks so much!
Definitely the Fujinomiya route! And none of the huts are "open" at all, but you can kind of shelter in the 8th station hut on that route, but no one is there and there's nothing in there but a place to get out of the elements.
That is already a dangerous season, so be sure to submit your info to the police in advance, and hiring a guiding company also best!
Thank you for sharing this helpful information. Could you discuss climbing Mt Fuji post season in September? I would be interested in climbing with you then as well as Mt iawate. BTW Great video!!
I think I'm going to be doing guiding in Iwate this September (so Mt. Iwate- yeah!) and won't do any Fuji hikes post-season until November.. but you should hit Dave up at Kanto Adventures. He's the guy that runs the Mt. Fuji stuff. Such a pro!
Thank you kindly
What about post-season. Sept thru Oct. any advice or info to share. Thank you
Hey I am living here in Tokyo for the next few years and before I go back home I wanted to climb Mt. Fuji during the off season myself. What are some good mountains in the Kanto region to build experience and stamina for climbing in preperation? thank you! love the content
Thanks! I think Mt. Kumotori in Saitama is pretty close to Tokyo. It's not particularly beautiful, but there's a long traverse you can do, and it will definitely build stamina!
You look a lot like Jason Bateman! Thanks for the tips :)
Ahaha, I have heard that once or twice before! Thanks!
Definitely need crampons and ice axe!
Everytime someone goes off-season hiking, I just can't help but remember the streamer who tragically slipped off the face of Mt. Fuji...
Shiohara Tetsu, his name. RIP 🙏
We are hoping to climb in mid June and are experienced mountaineers. My one question is what time do the gates open. I seem to read everywhere that there are gates blocking the trails but can’t find information on when they open during off season. Thank you!
For Fujinomiya at least you can start anytime you want after April 28th.
Thanks for this informative video.. One Question.. Can one hike it without filling the "Hiking plan"? And not getting in trouble
Last year I was never asked to present or show it, but this year they may be stricter. It's hard to say. Are you willing to risk going all the way out there and getting turned away?
My friends and I are planing a ski touring trip a few weeks from now. We would like to do a winter Fuji summit attempt and I’m just curious if sking/splitboarding is allowed?
Sure, I've seen people skinning up and then skiing down Mt. Fuji. But- in January or February that's going to be incredibly dangerous and I really wouldn't recommend it. I see people doing that in April and May, not this early in the season. Road access is shut off now, and you'd have trouble even getting close enough to any entry points.
I can't run but I can hike. Even though I say that i understand that the snow makes it alot harder
I’ve climbed before in September with little to no snow and looking to do so again this September but it’ll be after the official season as I have a work trip that can’t be changed. What would you recommend for people hiking post-season as opposed to pre-season? It seems like snow might not be an issue for a while or maybe I’m wrong. Would be looking to climb between 14-20 September 😊
Yeah, this year snow might be late. Hard to tell. I haven't done any post-season hikes there myself, but probably a year like this one wouldn't be hard. Basically- if there is no snow then it would be easy for an experienced hiker with proper layers, etc.
I'm climbing it in the morning!
Mount Fuji is a beautiful mountain to look at but I do think the mountains in your neck of the woods look a lot nicer to hike and explore - not specifically because of fewer people, but because the landscapes look a lot more varied. Other than the altitude sickness aspect, does the summit of Fuji feel a lot higher than the mountains you are used to climbing?
Yeah- I really prefer the mountains up here for that exact reason. There is so much variation and so many different landscapes to experience!
I do feel the altitude on Fuji, but that's the only way it really feels higher. You can be above the clouds on Mt. Iwate or Chokai as well, even if they are 1600 meters shorter.
When does the preseason start ? I’m planning a trip to Japan for next year
The road opens on April 28th, but most of these preseason hikes are done from around mid May.
Its Wednesday November 8. What are the chances of me being able to get access through a guide to climb mt fuji on Saturday November 11th or Sunday November 12th?
If I wanted to plan a trip to Japan and do some hikes with you what would be the ideal time of the year (Iwate, Hachimanti)? I dont have much in terms of winter gear, but could get some if needed. My wife and I are pretty physically fit and love hiking but have only really done it on the Appalachian mountains, while I have done some hiking in the Rockies.
I haven't done it personally, but Iwate and Tohoku more generally are very popular during Autumn for the Fall Colors.
Good question! I think September through maybe October 10th would be best! You wouldn't need any special winter stuff then, and the colors would be starting!
If you wanted to go see snow monsters then January or February, but you'd have to invest in some winter clothing for that (good wool thermals, fleece layer, down layer, outer hard shell, etc.).
Very true on the fall colors! Both Akita Komagatake and Mitsuishi get really crowded on weekends during the peak season for colors!
How does one mentally and physically begin to prepare for this adventure? Especially from scratch pretty much. I've always wondered what it's like to hike a mountain. I do love to hike. I've just never been up a whole mountain.
I'd say to get out and start walking up and down slopes near where you are. Stairs will work if you don't have any good hills nearby.
Hi, we're going to climb Fuji in March. Will you be our guide? :)
How though? The roads are closed for Fujinomiya and Yoshida is the north face.. icy and super dangerous... I wouldn't do it in March.
I think I'd just get some pictures of Mt. Fuji. As interesting as it would be to climb, I'd be more interested in the more scenic spots. Certainly the less crowded and more relaxed.
I think this is a better idea, yeah!
Interesting video! Thank you. How to contact you for more details? I would be looking to climb Mt. Fuji in May 1st week.
I think you may have reached out via Instagram. But as I say in the video description, you have to contact Kanto Adventures. All the Mt. Fuji guiding that I do is through that company.
５月上旬は、山頂付近は氷結および烈風により命の危険があります。実際、何人もお亡くなりになられてます。私の目の前で死んだ事もあります。５月下旬になると、落石が頻発しますが氷結が無くなります。命を落とすリスクを理解の上で、富士山登拝をしてください。
Camo Q dawg !!!!
Ahahaha, I do kind of blend in, yeah.
Hey! We’re coming to Mount Fuji in mid -late May! Could we join you guys? Thanks in advance :)
Sorry- totally booked during that period.
I’ll be in Japan on 12-19 April is it open for climbing ? Would love to join a group! ;)
Sadly, that's too early! The road to this route isn't even open until April 28th, and the north face is still too dangerous then!
Do you know if taxis will drive up to the 5th station trailheads on the offseason (November 2nd)? Or any other preferred mode of transport, like renting a car?
Taxis would be prohibitively expensive I think. Probably better to rent a car!
@@GoNorthJapan Good point, thanks. I was looking at Yamanakoko->Subashiri 5th station, so not that far, but likely still very expensive.
Hi, I live in US and plan to be in Japan for only 5 days at the beginning of April ‘24
I would love to hike Mt Fuji, and wanted to do it on my own, but just find out it would be off season
I know I need an “adventure facilitator”
Reply please
Hello!
April is pretty early in the pre-season. I really wouldn't recommend doing it alone. I definitely recommend going through Kanto Adventures. (Link in the video description.)
As someone who's a European mountain guide. Would it be legal to climb it alone without a local guide? And I so could you borrow the required mountain gear somewhere so that i don't have to carry my own on the plane.
Well, it would be quasi-legal. You aren't likely to have any sort of penalty.. but if you got into trouble and needed rescue you'd be yelled at..
The gear is the thing. I don't know of anywhere that will rent you that gear except places that are doing that WITH a guide.
Hello, we are planning to climb this coming December in Mt. Fuji and looking for a guide. Can you send me your rates please.
The Fuji Guiding that I do is mostly via Kanto Adventures. Please ask them - link in the video description.
I probably waited too long to do that hike 😢
You say at least one person dies every year... Is this in the off season specifically? I'm wondering what the distribution of injuries per hiker is between seasons. Higher in the off season because it's more dangerous? Or lower, because they tend to be more experienced?
I haven't been able to find detailed data on this just yet. I'm also interested to know that... sorry but not sure!
Just wandering what kind of license recognized by Japanese authorities you have to guide Mt.Fuji off season? Cveto
Hello fellow guide! As you know, when working with Japanese clients the JMGA certifications, while not required, are generally recommended. I personally have WMA WFR certification among others. You know Dave?
How about Mount Fuji in October?
Doable with a guide!
You may or may not find it interesting to know that the correct term is to gain elevation. Gaining altitude means getting farther away from the earths surface, so you can actually summit a mountain and not gain any altitude. As soon as both your feet leave the earths surface at the same time then you have gained altitude. Not really that important in reality but the correct terminology in geography is in fact to gain elevation.
Thank you!
I really appreciate that! I've been in Japan maybe too long..
It wouldn’t be cool climbing Fuji in both off season and on, just to get a different perspective.
With my health I think I’ll climb in my head 😂😂😂.
Always a good option! (Internal climbing?)
ludwig