A complete guide to the rules and regulations for climbing Mt. Fuji!
Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan and a World Cultural Heritage site, attracts many visitors from both within Japan and abroad. Reservations for 2026 are now open, marking its evolution into a sustainable and safe mountain resort.
The Yoshida Route on the Yamanashi Prefecture side will continue the strict entry management implemented since 2024, with reservations already being accepted and limited to 4,000 people per day. Furthermore, for the 2026 season, the three routes on the Shizuoka Prefecture side (Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and Subashiri) will also fully implement a 4,000 yen entry fee, nighttime restrictions, and mandatory pre-climbing preparations. The full scope of measures to deter lightly equipped “bullet climbs” and protect the environment has been revealed.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of all the information needed for a successful 2026 climb of Mount Fuji, from the original wooden tag given to those who make reservations on the Yamanashi side, to the three essential pieces of equipment required to pass through the gates, and the registration schedule for the Shizuoka side app, “FUJI NAVI.”
Mount Fuji can be reached from four different trailheads.
Mount Fuji is located on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, but the summit is not marked by a prefectural border and is home to the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine. There are four climbing routes to Mount Fuji: one on the Yamanashi Prefecture side and three on the Shizuoka Prefecture side.
Each trailhead has a different location, elevation, route characteristics, and access method, so you should choose the trailhead that is most convenient for you. In 2026, the Yoshida and Subashiri trailheads are scheduled to open on July 1st, while the Fujinomiya, Gotemba, and summit (crater rim) trailheads are scheduled to open on July 10th.
Characteristics and access to each route
・Fujinomiya Route：From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the blue Suruga Bay and the beautiful Izu Peninsula, and depending on the weather, you can witness a magnificent sea of clouds. This is the shortest route to the summit. You can access it by bus from JR Mishima Station, Shin-Fuji Station, Fuji Station, and Fujinomiya Station. Depending on the season, there may be “private car restrictions,” and those traveling by private car will need to transfer to a shuttle bus from a parking lot along the way.
・Gotemba Route：A quiet and vast volcanic gravel area stretches out before you, offering views of Mt. Hoei, Lake Yamanaka, and the mountains of Hakone and Izu. The Gotemba entrance can be accessed by bus from Gotemba Station on the JR Gotemba Line, and since there are no restrictions on private cars, you can drive your own car to the parking lot at the new fifth station even during the summer climbing season.
・Subashiri Route：Starting from the Subashiri 5th Station, this route ascends to the summit from the eastern side of Mt. Fuji (within Oyama Town, Shizuoka Prefecture), offering an exhilarating hiking trail where you can fully enjoy the rich natural scenery. There are bus routes to the Subashiri 5th Station from Gotemba Station and Shin-Matsuda Station. Please note that private car restrictions may apply depending on the season.
・Yoshida Route：The Yoshida Route, located on the Yamanashi Prefecture side, is the most popular climbing route, starting from the 5th station of the Fuji Subaru Line. The ascent and descent routes are separate, and it boasts the largest number of mountain huts among all the Mt. Fuji climbing routes.
Access to this route is convenient. In addition to regular bus routes from Fujikawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station, there are also shuttle buses from Fujisan Parking (Fuji North Foothills Parking), and express buses from the Tokyo metropolitan area (Shinjuku, Yokohama), Nagoya, Osaka, and other cities. For those traveling by private car, private vehicle restrictions may apply during certain periods, requiring access via shuttle bus from Fujisan Parking.