Depending on the trail one chooses to ascend Mt. Fuji, the climb can take between 5-10 hours. The majority of climbers will begin from the Subaru Line 5th station which is on average a 5-6 hour climb to the summit.

Hiking Mt. Fuji in 2026 typically takes between 10 and 16 hours for a round trip, depending on the trail and your fitness level. The most popular route, the Yoshida Trail, generally requires 6 hours for the ascent and 4 hours for the descent. The shortest but steepest route, the Fujinomiya Trail, can be climbed in about 5 hours with a 3-hour descent. Conversely, the Gotemba Trail is the most grueling, often taking 7+ hours to ascend and 3+ hours to descend due to the massive elevation gain. Most hikers choose to start in the late evening to reach the summit for the "Goraiko" (sunrise), often staying overnight in a mountain hut at the 7th or 8th station. In 2026, strict new regulations—including a daily hiker cap of 4,000 and a mandatory entry fee—mean you must book your climb well in advance. "Pro-tip": The descent is often harder on the knees than the ascent due to the loose volcanic gravel, so using trekking poles and allowing for frequent breaks is essential to avoid injuries on the long trek down.