Know Before You Go: Visiting Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is around 62 miles (100 kilometers) west of Tokyo. There are several ways to get there, but the direct highway bus from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal to the Subaru Fifth Station is the easiest. The direct bus takes 2.5 hours. You can also visit Mt. Fuji via bullet train on a guided day trip from Tokyo. Mt. Fuji tours typically include visits to hot springs or cruises on Lake Ashi.

Insider tip: Note that bus tickets often sell out even before the climbing season begins, so try to reserve well in advance.

If you're planning to climb Mt. Fuji, you should know that the climbing season runs from early July until mid-September. All hiking trails are open during this time. Outside of the climbing season, trails and mountain huts will be closed, making it dangerous to attempt an ascent. If you’re not planning to climb, spring provides the best and clearest views of Mt. Fuji, especially when the cherry trees bloom, providing a picture-perfect frame for your photos.

Related: 11 of the Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan

Mt. Fuji is one of Japan's most popular attractions and, as a result, tour options for Mt. Fuji abound. From 1-day quick hits that often include transport from Tokyo, to longer and more involved multi-day excursions that feature other Japanese destination, such as Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, there's a Fuji tour to suit most. Even the briefest of Mt. Fuji tours tend to include stops at nearby attractions like the lakes and mountain villages, for a well-rounded experience. And getting an English-speaking guide will be a happy bonus for most.

It typically takes 5–7 hours to climb Mt. Fuji from the Subaru Fifth Station to the summit via the Yoshida Trail and 3–5 hours to descend. Tackling the entire hike in one day can be punishing and is not recommended for inexperienced climbers. Many people spend the night at a mountain hut and wake up very early to reach the summit in time to see the sunrise.

Insider tip: Mountain huts must be reserved in advance. If you want to take a short break in a hut, you can pay to enter without a reservation.

If you have plenty of climbing experience, you shouldn’t find it difficult to summit Mt. Fuji. However, steep inclines and long switchbacks present challenges for those who aren't used to such activities. Unless you're a serious climber, you should plan to take it slowly and take lots of breaks on the ascent.

To visit Mt. Fuji, wear sturdy walking boots that you've already broken in to save your feet from the stress of the climb. You should be prepared for very cold conditions, even in the summer, and the possibility of changing weather conditions, strong wind, and rain—pack layers, including waterproof outer layers, a hat, and gloves.

Bring plenty of food and water—hydration is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Mountain huts sell food and drinks, but they can be few and far between, and prices are typically high. You should also pack a flashlight or headlamp, even if you plan to hike during the day: plans change, and you could find yourself on the mountain in the dark. You should also bring some cash to pay for mountain huts and restrooms.

Japan in general can be a tough spot to navigate as a wheelchair user, what with its penchant for steep and narrow streets, as well as stairs and crowded sidewalks. While summitting Mt. Fuji in a wheelchair is not possible thanks to tough, rocky terrain and steep inclines, seeing this famed Japanese mountain up close(r) certainly is, though. Opt for taxi services adapted for wheelchair users or tours that cater to people with mobility issues and other diverse needs, and you can visit the Fifth Station or admire the views of Mt. Fuji from top spots like Lake Tanuki, which is ringed by a 1.8 mile (3 kilometer) wheelchair-friendly trail.

Related: How To Get the Best Views of Mt. Fuji

You can get excellent views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko, the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, the lake resort region at the mountain's base. Attractions around Lake Kawaguchiko include the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park and the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, which climbs Mount Tenjō from the lake’s shore. Many travelers view Fuji from the resort town of Hakone, part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hakone’s main draws are its serene onsen (hot springs) and world-class art museums, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

You don't need to step foot on Mt. Fuji to enjoy this popular Japanese attraction. In fact, some would say that the views of Mt. Fuji from afar—framed by cherry blossom trees in spring and golden foliage in autumn—are actually better than getting up close and personal with the mountain itself.

The Five Lakes region is one of the best places to get great Mt. Fuji views. As mentioned above, Lake Kawaguchiko is arguably the most accessible, but you might also want to consider the Akakurayama Sengen Park (known for its picturesque pagoda). And if you're traveling on the bullet train from Tokyo, sit on the right side of the train for unobscured Fuji vistas.

Insider tip: Clear, cool days are more likely in the winter period, although fall and spring are also solid bets. Summer is probably when cloud cover is most likely to thwart your Fuji viewing opportunities. Either way, early mornings are the time to admire the mountain.

• How tall is Mt. Fuji? Mt. Fuji is 12,389 feet (3,776 meters) high, which makes it the tallest mountain in Japan.
• Can you see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo? Yes, you can see Mt. Fuji from Tokyo on a clear day. A good spot is the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s South Tower, which offers 360-degree views of Tokyo and its surroundings.
• Is Mt. Fuji a volcano? Yes, but it's not a single volcano. Mt. Fuji is the top part of three overlapping volcanoes. Although officially classified as active, it has a very low eruption risk and was last active in 1707.