Trip Length: 8 days • 7 nights
Activity Levels: Strenuous Hiking
Hotels: Traditional Machiya House, Premium Hotels, Mountain Hut
Elevation Reached
• 12,389 ft
• 12,389 ft
Historic Kyoto to the summit of Mount Fuji
Known as Fujisan, or 富士山, by the Japanese, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and is well known around the world for its picturesque symmetrical cone. The mountain is snow-capped for about five months of the year, but during the summer offers a moderate snow-free hike to its large crater and iconic summit. This tour brings an ascent of this great peak together with a truly once-in-a-lifetime tour experience through both traditional and modern Japan.
We begin our adventure in the historic and beautifully preserved city of Kyoto, overnighting in a traditional Japanese Machiya House. We immerse ourselves in its rich culture, exploring world heritage sites, visiting ancient temples and sampling exquisite local cuisine before setting our sights on Fuji. Our ascent of the legendary mountain takes two days, including a night in a high mountain hut, after which we descend to a scenic lakeside hotel at Lake Kawaguchiko to relax. The tour concludes in Tokyo, the capital of modern Japan.
Japan • Start Kyoto • End Tokyo Travel & Airport details »
Tour Highlights
- 8 days exploring Japan
- Led by an American mountain guide and Japanese tour guide
- Guided city tours in Kyoto and Lake Kawaguchi
- Welcome dinner in Kyoto
- 3 nights in a traditional Japanese home in Kyoto
- 2 day ascent of Mount Fuji
- Comfortable mountain hut during the climb
- 1 night in Ryokan Inn with Onsen Bath
- 2 nights hotels in Tokyo and Mishima
- 6 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 3 Dinner
“We really enjoyed this trip! Everything was great and besides hiking the mountain, learning about Japanese culture was awesome! I highly recommend this trip. Thanks!” ~ Jim A., August 2023
DAY 1
Arrive Japan
Arrive Tokyo at Haneda International Airport (HND), Narita International Airport (NRT), Kansai International Airport (KIX), or Osaka International Itami Airport (ITM) and transfer to Kyoto via train and taxi to the Machiya house on your own.
Japanese Machiya House in Kyoto (3 nights)
DAY 2-3
Hike and tour in Kyoto
We spend two full days taking in all Kyoto has to offer. We visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha (Red Gate Shrine), take a short hike up Inari Mountain, and delight in a traditional lunch and cultural dance performed by a Maiko, or Geisha (Geiko) in training. Our tour guide will lead us through zen gardens, beautiful parks and temples before we gather for a traditional Japanese welcome dinner along the Shirakawa “White River” Canal.
Japanese Machiya House in Kyoto (3 nights)
Activity Walking & Easy Hiking
DAY 4
Shinkansen to Mishima
As time allows, we may visit the Nishiki Market in Kyoto before boarding the famous Shinkansen bullet train, reaching speeds of 150-200 miles per hour. We arrive in Mishima where we prepare for the next day’s climb and enjoy dinner at a local Japanese restaurant.
Hotel Massimo in Mishima (1 night)
Activity Walking
DAY 5-6
Hike to the summit of Mount Fuji
After breakfast we transfer by van to the trailhead and begin our trek up Mount Fuji to a high hut where we spend the night. We wake early and begin our summit hike, reaching Mount Fuji’s crater as the sun crests the eastern horizon, a moment known by the Japanese as 御来光 or goraikō, “arrival of light.” After enjoying the summit, we descend and transfer to a hotel at Lake Kawaguchiko where guests may enjoy the Onsen, or natural hot spring baths.
Akaiwa Hut on Fujisan (1 night)
Hotel Route-Inn Kawaguchiko (1 night)
Activity Strenuous Hiking
DAY 7-8
Transfer to Tokyo & Depart (If not continuing on Tokyo tour)
Following a delicious breakfast, we explore Lake Kawaguchiko in the morning, visiting Oishi and Sengen Parks with spectacular views of Mt Fuji, and then transfer to Tokyo to check into our hotel, the luxurious InterContinental on Tokyo Bay.
The next day we depart for our flights home.
InterContinental Tokyo Bay Hotel (1 night)
Activity Walking
DAY 8-10
Extend your stay with a tour of Tokyo
We begin with a visit to the Meiji Jingu (Shrine) and exploring Harajuku, where kawaii (cute) culture began and where you’ll find a wide variety of cuisine and shopping. We conclude this day of our tour in Shibuya, with a visit to the Shibuya Sky rooftop observatory and tour of a vibrant youth culture epicenter.
The next day we visit Tsukiji Fish Market before diving deep into old Tokyo with a tour of Asakusa. We board one of the iconic water buses for the voyage to the Hamarikyu Japanese garden and wrap up the second day of our tour in Ginza, where opportunities for shopping and dining abound.
InterContinental Tokyo Bay Hotel (2 nights)
Activity Walking
Traditional Machiya House, Premium Hotels, Mountain Hut
Our hand-selected hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.*
NIGHTS 1-3
Japanese Machiya House in Kyoto
During our three nights In Kyoto, we stay in a Machiya, 町家, a kind of traditional, wooden townhouse found throughout Japan. These accommodations are simply and elegantly restored, the living spaces, kitchen and bathrooms offering a blend of historic style and modern conveniences. When sleeping in the Machiya homes, you may choose between traditional futon bedding or western-style beds.
NIGHT 4
Hotel Massimo in Mishima
Before heading to Mount Fuji, we’ll overnight at the Hotel Massimo in Mishima. Chosen for it’s ideal location and comfortable appointments, this will be our launch point to begin the ascent of the mountain.
NIGHT 5
Akaiwa Hut on Mount Fuji
The Akaiwa Hut is our favorite of the many mountain huts which dot the slopes of Mount Fuji and which make a climb of this mountain so unique. We’ll overnight here after ascending part of the route, perfectly positioned to climb the rest of the way to the summit for sunrise the next morning.
NIGHT 6
Hotel Route-Inn Kawaguchiko
After descending Mount Fuji, we’ll transfer to the Route-Inn Kawaguchiko on the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, famed for its views of Mount Fuji. Guests may choose to enjoy the traditional Onsen, which are natural hot spring baths, while they rest and recover from the climb.
NIGHT 7
Intercontinental Tokyo Bay
Our journey concludes at the Intercontinental Tokyo Bay, a modern five-star hotel overlooking the Tokyo Bay waterfront. Relax and unwind in luxury after an exciting journey.
*Hotels may vary based on departure.
Your adventure will take you from the historic city of Kyoto to the top of Japan’s highest mountain, and then to fast-paced, contemporary Tokyo. Mountain Gurus’ Kyoto & Mt Fuji Hiking Tour offers a seamless, eight-day adventure through the diverse landscapes, cultures and communities of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan
• Start Kyoto • End Tokyo
International Destinations
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in-country in the destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Entry/Visa
A valid passport is required for American citizens to enter Japan. American citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism.
Meals
All meals are provided as per meal schedule.
Gear
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in a pre-departure information packet upon booking. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list. Request a detailed itinerary.
Things you should know about this trip
What will the weather be during the summer?
In July, August and early September, the weather on Mount Fuji is typically hot, but cold temperatures can prevail at higher elevations in the early morning hours. Our route up the mountain is free of snow, following a well-maintained trail. We will ascend with trekking poles and a day pack. Ice axe, crampons, and other special equipment are not needed.
What are the accommodations like?
During our three nights in Kyoto we stay in traditional, wooden Japanese homes known as Machiya. These homes are simply and elegantly restored. They operate like private hotels, with housekeeping staff, and offer a choice between Japanese futon bedding or western-style beds. Single accommodations are not available in the Machiya as this is a shared living environment. We spend one night on Mount Fuji in bunks in a mountainside hut with sleeping blankets provided by the caretakers. After our climb, we spend one night at a Ryokan with Onsen hot spring bath. On the other two hotel nights of our tour, we stay in comfortable hotels in Mishima and Tokyo.
Do I need mountaineering experience?
Mountaineering experience is not required. We welcome anyone with strong physical fitness to join the trek. The trail is snow free during the summer hiking season and only requires trekking poles.
What is Mountain Gurus' summit success rate?
Our Mount Fuji ascents see very high success rates. Over many years, we have led more than 90% of our climbers to the summit.
Although the route we take to the summit of Mount Fuji is less steep and challenging than climbing routes on the other major volcanoes we guide, good fitness is still required. For more information, read our resource on Goals and Fitness.
Our local trek leaders have summited Fuji many times, speak English fluently and are trained in Wilderness First Aid. Mountain Gurus will see you safely to the summit and ensure your adventure is enjoyable, memorable and safe!
How much will my pack weigh?
For your comfort, we trek to the summit of Mount Fuji with a 26- to 30-liter day pack, ideally weighing no more than 20 to 25 pounds. Clean bedding is provided by the mountain hut where we spend one night before summitting. During our climb, we leave our wheeled travel duffel, extra travel clothes and other items at our hotel or in storage lockers.
Learn more about this tour? Request a detailed itinerary.
Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, gear list, and more. Let us help you plan your adventure.
