Mt. Fuji Long Trail Adventure – 6 Days ATS-004

Kawaguchi Lake & World Heritage Discovery

Begin your Mt. Fuji adventure at the iconic Fujisan Station, gateway to Japan’s most sacred mountain. Meet your expert guide and fellow adventurers before diving into the rich history and spiritual significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site at the state-of-the-art Fujisan World Heritage Centre.

Your cultural journey continues with a visit to a traditional Oshi house – historic lodgings that housed pilgrims for centuries. Walk through the sacred vermillion torii gate and explore the magnificent Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, the spiritual starting point for Mt. Fuji climbs since ancient times.

Discover the mysterious Funatsu Lava Tree Molds, natural caves formed by ancient volcanic activity, before settling into your lakeside accommodation with stunning Mt. Fuji views. Your first day perfectly balances cultural immersion with natural wonder.

Accommodation: Kaneyamaen – Traditional hot spring resort with panoramic Mt. Fuji views

*  Meet at Fujisan Station with through guide, join 8-day tour participants, private vehicle to Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre

*  Briefing at Centre

*  Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre tour

*  Private vehicle to Fujisan Station, then walk through Kanatorii gate to Oshi house

*  Oshi house tour (Oganmaru or Kikutanibo)

*  Lunch: Hoto noodles at Asama Chaya Honten

*  Worship at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

*  Private vehicle to Kawaguchi Lake Field Centre

*  Funatsu Lava Tree Molds exploration (optional cave entry)

*  Check-in at Kaneyamaen lakeside hotel

Mt. Fuji Long Trail NORTH Section

Experience authentic Japanese mountain culture with an overnight stay at a traditional mountain hut. Begin with a scenic bus journey to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, your starting point for the Mt. Fuji Long Trail’s Northern section.

Embark on a spectacular ridge hike through pristine mountain forests to the summit of Mitsutoge-yama, one of the finest viewpoints for Mt. Fuji. The trail leads through the mystical “Mother’s White Waterfall” and ancient pilgrimage paths that have been walked for centuries.

Your destination is Mitsutoge-yama Lodge, a traditional mountain hut perched on the ridge with unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji. Experience the unique camaraderie of Japanese mountain culture while enjoying hearty mountain cuisine and the simple pleasures of hut life.

Accommodation: Mitsutoge-yama Lodge – Traditional mountain hut with spectacular Mt. Fuji views

*  Depart hotel by local bus or private hire to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine (luggage deposited)

*  Kawaguchi Asama Shrine → Mother’s White Waterfall → Mitsutoge-yama Lodge hiking (3h20)

*  Mitsutoge-yama summit (Mt. Fuji Long Trail North area)

*  Check-in at Mitsutoge Sanso Lodge

Mt. Fuji Long Trail NORTH Completion

Complete the Northern section of the Mt. Fuji Long Trail with a memorable descent through traditional mountain villages and pilgrimage sites. The morning hike reveals changing perspectives of Mt. Fuji as you descend through terraced hillsides and ancient cedar forests.

Visit the photogenic Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, famous worldwide for its iconic view of Mt. Fuji framed by a five-story pagoda – one of the most photographed scenes in Japan. This spiritual site offers a moment of reflection on your mountain journey.

Enjoy a traditional seafood lunch in the historic town of Shimoyoshida before returning to your lakeside resort for a well-deserved rest. The afternoon is yours to explore or simply relax while gazing at Mt. Fuji’s majestic silhouette.

Accommodation: Kaneyamaen – Traditional hot spring resort with panoramic Mt. Fuji views

*  Depart mountain lodge toward Shimoyoshida Station (3h20)

*  Worship at Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine

*  Arrive Shimoyoshida Station, walk to nearby restaurant (10 min)

*  Lunch: Seafood at Uojyu

*   Private hire to hotel after meal

*  Check-in at lakeside hotel, free time for rest of day

Mt. Fuji Long Trail EAST Section

Discover the eastern face of Mt. Fuji with a challenging ridge traverse that showcases the mountain’s diverse ecosystems and geological features. The trail winds through ancient volcanic landscapes, offering intimate encounters with Mt. Fuji’s natural history.

Hike from Hirano through the peaks of Takashiyama and Myojinyama to reach the scenic Mikuni Pass. Each summit provides unique perspectives of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding five lakes region, with opportunities to understand the volcanic forces that shaped this landscape.

Your day culminates with the magical Diamond Fuji phenomenon at Lake Yamanaka – the precise moment when the sun appears to balance on Mt. Fuji’s summit. This rare natural spectacle, visible only at specific times and locations, creates an unforgettable highlight of your mountain adventure.

Accommodation: Fuji Matsuzono Hotel – Comfortable lakeside accommodation with Mt. Fuji views

*  Private vehicle to trailhead

*  Hirano → Takashiyama → Myojinyama → Mikuni Pass (3h)

*  Arrive Mikuni Pass parking area

*  Private vehicle to Lake Yamanaka Exchange Plaza, walk to Hirano Beach

*  Diamond Fuji viewing at Hirano Beach (Lake Yamanaka shore)

*  16:30 – Check-in at Fuji Matsuzono Hotel

Summit Crater Exploration & Cultural Discovery

Experience Mt. Fuji’s volcanic power up close with a unique crater rim hike at the Fujinomiya 5th Station. This special route takes you along the edge of ancient volcanic craters, offering rare insights into the geological forces that created Japan’s sacred mountain.

The crater trail reveals the raw, dramatic landscape of Mt. Fuji’s upper slopes, with views into volcanic formations rarely seen by casual visitors. Walk between the First and Second crater rims, understanding how repeated eruptions shaped this iconic silhouette over millennia.

Complement your volcanic adventure with a visit to Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery, where traditional brewing methods have been perfected over generations. Learn how Mt. Fuji’s pure snowmelt water creates some of Japan’s finest sake, and enjoy tastings of these artisanal spirits.

Accommodation: Kyukamura Fuji – Mountain resort with traditional Japanese hospitality

*  Private vehicle to Fujinomiya 5th Station

*  Arrive Fujinomiya 5th Station

*  ujinomiya 5th Station → First Crater Rim → First Crater → Second Crater Rim → Fujinomiya 5th Station (2h)

*  Private vehicle transfer, lunch at Sushi Taro

*  Fuji Takasago Sake Brewery tour

*  Check-in at Kyukamura Fuji

Mt. Fuji Long Trail WEST Completion

Complete your Mt. Fuji Long Trail journey with the pristine Western section, showcasing the mountain’s most untouched natural environments. Begin at the serene Lake Tanuki, a hidden gem offering perfect Mt. Fuji reflections and peaceful forest trails.

Explore the enchanting Kotanuki Wetlands, where unique alpine plants thrive in Mt. Fuji’s volcanic soil. Continue to the dramatic Jinba Falls, a powerful cascade flowing from Mt. Fuji’s slopes – perhaps with an optional visit to traditional wasabi farms that utilize the mountain’s pure spring water.

Your adventure concludes with a meaningful return to Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, where you began your spiritual journey. Offer gratitude for safe travels and memorable experiences at this sacred site, completing the traditional pilgrimage circle around Japan’s most revered mountain.

Tour Completion: Fujisan Station – End of Mt. Fuji Long Trail Adventure

*  Private vehicle to Lake Tanuki

*  Lake Tanuki → Kotanuki Wetlands → Jinba Falls (optional wasabi farm visit) (1h30)

*  Inotoshi Park parking area

*  Gratitude worship at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine (first shrine visited)

*  Tour dissolution at Fujisan Station