the viewing deck: Mt. Fuji Yoshida Solo Trek 1st Part; from Nagoya to 5th Station

Saturday, March 07, 2015

Mt. Fuji Yoshida Solo Trek 1st Part; from Nagoya to 5th Station

6-days Revisiting Summer Japan for Mt. Fuji (3,776masl) Solo Trek
August 07-13, 2014

Nagoya Tour last Part; evening at Sakae

This mountain adventure is considered as my 3rd major hike abroad.

How to go to Mt. Fuji Yoshida Trail 5th Station from Central Nagoya;
The best, easiest and cheapest way to Mt. Fuji 5th Station coming from Nagoya is through Meitetsu Highway Bus. From Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Station Stop #8, departure bound to Kawaguchiko has every 1.5 hr interval, 4,110JPY($41.52) fare on a 4 hours travel time. Then, there's an every hour bus departure going to 5th station for a roundtrip fare of 2,100JPY($21.21). Total travel time from Nagoya to 5th Station is around 6 hours. Upon arrival to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, you can go directly to your booked accommodation, NO REGISTRATION FEE REQUIRED, no local guide required (trail is very well sign-posted) and entrance to Mt. Fuji is FREE. Photography and video taking is permitted along the trail.

IMPORTANT FACTS BEFORE CLIMBING MT. FUJI YOSHIDA-GUCHI TRAIL

1. Mt. Fuji climbing season is from JULY TO AUGUST ONLY. The government urge all Hikers to refrain from climbing out of season, as it is UNSAFE.
2. The most popular way to the summit is on Yoshida-guchi Trail, which begins partway up at Kawaguchiko 5th Station on the east side of Fuji-san. It takes eight to twelve hours for the round-trip hike from here. This is the best trail for beginner climbers.
3. The best way is to climb to a hut near the 7th or 8th station on your first day. Sleep, rest, and eat, and then climb to the summit early on the second day. Others begin hiking in the evening from the 5th Station, trekking through the night so the summit is reached at sunrise.
4. The weather conditions atop Mt. Fuji are equivalent to those of a mountain of more than 4,000masl. However, Mt. Fuji's 5th station at 2,305masl can easily reached by car. The Mt. Fuji climbing path is well-equipped, but there are various rocky stretches and it is no easy hike. All climbers are advised to use the proper equipment and clothing.
5. Be aware of the danger of altitude sickness after passing an altitude of 2,500masl. Remember to walk slowly, drink plenty of fluids and take a deep breath in order to prevent altitude sickness.